Boer War Statue Returns to Sturt Street Gardens
A celebration has been held to mark the return of an icon in the Sturt Street Gardens boulevard.
On Friday, City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves and Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison proudly announced the completion and reinstatement of the Boer War Memorial Statue, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of the city’s heritage.
The newly cast bronze statue, a like-for-like replacement of the original 117-year-old sculpture, has now returned to its rightful place in the heart of Ballarat after an eight-month hiatus.
The original statue, which depicted a soldier on horseback rescuing a fellow soldier, was removed in October 2024 after extensive investigations revealed severe internal corrosion that rendered it beyond repair.
Cr Hargreaves said the project was a vital investment in preserving Ballarat’s historical legacy.
“This memorial has stood as a powerful tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Boer War and has been a landmark of Sturt Street for more than a century,” she said.
“We are proud to see it restored in a way that honours the original craftsmanship while ensuring it will endure for generations to come.”
The replacement statue was expertly crafted by Meridian Sculpture using the traditional ‘lost wax’ technique, ensuring every detail of the original was faithfully replicated.
Unlike the original, which was made from beaten copper with a hessian and plaster core, the new statue is cast in bronze, offering greater durability and resilience.
The $318,000 project was supported by a $50,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour program.
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said she was thrilled to see the Boer War Memorial Statue return to Sturt Street.
“The reinstatement of the Boer War Memorial Statue is a testament to Ballarat’s commitment to preserving history for future generations,” she said.
“The Allan Labor Government is proud to invest in projects that pay lasting tribute to veterans’ service and sacrifice”.
The City of Ballarat invites the community to visit the newly reinstated statue and reflect on the legacy of those who served in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902.
https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/boer-war-memorial-statue-returns-sturt-street-gardens