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History of Sebastopol

History of First Nations Peoples

The Wadawurrung name of the Sebastopol locality was Yuran Yuran or Wuran Wuran. Yuran Yuran was an area in which Wadawurrung people frequently camped, particularly along the banks of the Yarrowee River, or Yaramlok as it was traditionally known. Another encampment was located near what was then a small lake to the east of Vickers Street.

Yaramlok functioned as a link to trade and travel routes across Wadawurrung Country. Following the discovery of gold in Ballaarat in 1851, miners flocked to the banks of the Yaramlok in their search for alluvial gold. As they dug up and panned the banks of the river and surrounding area, the river began to turn to a yellow slurry. Pollution from human waste and chemicals that were later used in the gold extraction process left the water undrinkable, and caused bouts of disease throughout Ballaarat, killing not just Wadawurrung people but also many settlers.

The demise of the Wadawurrung population in the wider Ballaarat area brought about the movement of neighbouring Dja Dja Wurrung and Djab Wurrung people to Carngham, located to the west of Sebastopol. By 1859, a number were reported to be destitute and famished. From 1860 a ration depot was operated at Stockyard Hill. A Ceremonial gathering was reported to have taken place near the junction of Victoria and Grant Streets, in Sebastopol, around this time.

By 1873, there were few Wadawurrung people left in the area. A few were forcibly moved to the Aboriginal stations at Framlingham and Corranderk. In 1874, the ration depot at Stockyard Hill was closed.

Today, the Yaramlok remains a place of many stories and memories for Wadawurrung people.

Thank you to Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for this information. https://www.wadawurrung.org.au/ 

Early Borough History

Sebastopol was a long, thin, little township, strung out along the gold mines between Buninyong in the south and Ballarat, the bustling town just over Rubicon Street, in the north.  Shops and houses shared the township with mines and mullock heaps.

In the twentieth century the borough provided a pool, a war memorial, an infant welfare centre and a kindergarten for its residents. Albert Street was a major shopping centre, with a Mechanics Institute and Free Library, but residents could also rattle into Ballarat on the tram for the theatre, botanical gardens and the art gallery.

Early trams showing the change over from the Sebastopol horse-drawn tram to continue into Ballarat on the electric tram. (Source: Ballarat Tramway Museum).

With a only a small number of rate-payers the borough was often strapped for cash. In 1873, with rate revenue disappearing in front of his eyes, the Mayor instructed the Town Clerk to go out and count the miners’ cottages being lifted off their suburban blocks and carted away to towns with jobs. Many homes in Sebastopol were built on blocks for which they paid a yearly fee to the Mines Department. People often carted their houses away with them when they moved to another town.

Interesting records giving glimpses of everyday life in Sebastopol over the last two centuries include a register from the local Sebastopol court. Many of Sebastopol's residents came from mining districts in Cornwall and Wales with Welsh names common among the names of rate-payers, miners, and Borough councilors.

South Star Mine, with caption ‘South Star Mine, Sebastopol. (Source: Sebastopol Historical Society)

Article written by Elizabeth Denny and originally published by Public Record Office Victoria in 2014. https://prov.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-blog/sebastopol-victoria


Discover Historic Sebastopol

After two years of hard work and dedication, the Discover Historic Sebastopol project is almost complete. Members of the Sebastopol Historical Society, together with project coordinator Kate Owen from Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre and other local organisations, have been extremely busy researching, gathering photographs and collating stories about Sebastopol’s proud and unique history. Over the next couple of months, residents can expect to see ten interpretive signs installed at significant sites around Sebastopol, featuring stories and photos from the Borough’s fascinating history. The signs featured in the project are:

The Sebastopol Town Hall sign will be erected in the little reserve behind the Sebastopol Library in Wilson Street

  • Former Sebastopol Town Hall
  • Former Sebastopol State School
  • Holy Trinity Church
  • Carmel Welsh Presbyterian Church
  • Royal Mail Hotel and the Sebastopol Tram Line
  • St James’ Parish School
  • Sebastopol Fire Brigade
  • Blythewood Grange
  • Phoenix P-12 Community College
  • Sebastopol Primary School

The project group is also creating a high-quality 32-page brochure featuring 27 Sebastopol historic sites and a walking trail to be available in 2024. Stay tuned to find out where and when you can pick up your copy to get out and about, exploring the history of the Borough of Sebastopol!

The Tram Mural Public Art Project and Discover Historic Sebastopol are supported through Spotlight on Sebastopol, the City of Ballarat and funded by Regional Development Victoria.

Did you know?

Sebastopol was originally its own Borough. From 1864 to 1994, the Borough of Sebastopol Council managed the Sebastopol’s affairs until amalgamated within the City of Ballarat.

In 1869 a Town Hall was erected and used for many years for council meetings, as well as community events such as film screenings, dances, fairs and Mayoral balls.

Royal blue and yellow were the colours of the Borough of Sebastopol, and Discover Historic Sebastopol has maintained this tradition in their project.