Buninyong

Buninyong, 1862. Federation University Historical Collection (Cat. No. 18400)

Ballarat Reform League Inc. Monument at Buninyong, 2012. Photograph: Clare Gervasoni

Plaque on the Ballarat Reform League Inc. Monument at Buninyong, 2012. After the discovery of gold at Buninyong in August 1851 the government announced that the diggers would be charged a large licence fee. The injustice of that decision sparked a public protest here at the diggings. 'Buninyong 26 August - Tonight for the first time since Australia rose from the bossum of the ocean, were men strong in their sense of right, lifting up a protest against an impending wrong, and protesting against the Government. (Melbourne Argus, 20 August 1851) Photograph: Clare Gervasoni