Ballarat & District Irish Association (BDIA) is seeking Irish family stories from in and around Ballarat to collate into a family history database.

Building on the success of the Lost Irish Women of Eureka project, which showcased 18 stories of Irish women connected to the Eureka rebellion, BDIA is building a database of Irish ancestry in the hope of bringing more Irish stories to the surface.

Do you have an Irish ancestor who tried their luck on the goldfields? Maybe they came out as an assisted migrant working as a domestic servant. Or maybe as a convict who earned their ticket of leave. Or perhaps they were more fortunate and paid their own way, seeking a new life and adventure in Australia.

Whatever the story, we would love to add their voice to our collection.

Come along to our community drop-in session and share your story.

If you can’t make it in person, fill out this short online survey here or send us an email to find out more about the project: history@waybackwhen.com.au

Date: Wednesday 25th November 2026
Time: Drop in anytime between 10am - 2pm

Venue: Ballarat Library - 178 Doveton Street N, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350