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What do I need to know?
This search is not intended to identify all records relating to Ballarat or the Ballarat region. The search only lists records that are physically held in Ballarat. Many more records relating to Ballarat are held in North Melbourne at the Victorian Archives Centre. You can search for these using the simple catalogue search.
Use keywords that will allow you to find a particular series - this does not search for individual records in each series. It is designed to let you know whether there are records with series titles held at Ballarat Archives Centre that match your keyword.
Once you find a series that you are interested in you can select any records that you wish to order from that series to view at the Ballarat Archives Centre reading room at the Eureka Centre.
How do I search?
You can search by using a keyword. If no keyword is used you will be directed to a search result which lists all record series held at Ballarat which you can browse.
Your keyword(s) should be relevant to the title of the record series. For example: council minutes, rates, or court.
About these records
These records generally cover a range of local administration functions, whether relating to the work of local government, courts, hospitals, mining or water and sewerage provision.
Who created these records?
These records were largely created by agencies that were located in Ballarat or in towns in the surrounding region, including municipalities, courts, hospitals, mining offices, and sewerage and water authorities. A small number of records may have been created by other types of agencies.
Next Steps
Browse the results and identify records that might be of interest for viewing at the Ballarat Archives Centre reading room at the Eureka Centre.
What are in these records?
The records that can be searched by keyword using this search will all be held in Ballarat. They will be records generally related to Ballarat and its surrounding region, that were created by local:
- government authorities
- courts
- mining offices
- water and sewerage authorities
- health services
Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples