The Ballan courthouse is a state treasure – built in 1872, it is one of the oldest remaining small courthouses in country Victoria.
The courthouse was closed in 1983 and reopened seven years later as a local history records and resource centre.
A $300,000 restoration project was completed late last year, ensuring the building will be used long into the future.
It’s currently occupied by the Ballan Shire Historical Society, which will fling open the doors of the courthouse to the public next month. History buffs and Ballan enthusiasts are being invited to tour the facility and examine records collected by the society.
Society secretary Richard Biden said the courthouse had always been a big part of the town’s fabric but that not many people knew its history.
“Ballan’s grown tremendously,” Mr Biden said. “It’s becoming a commuter town – a lot of people live here and work in Melbourne or Ballarat … it’s very important people know the history of the place.”
The open day will be held on Saturday, October 8, from 10am-1pm at 45 Steiglitz Street.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/1742382529358362/.
