Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

Eureka Flag signed by descendents of original Flag makers

VTHC Secretary receives a Eureka flag signed by the great- great grandaughters of the original Eureka flag makers of 1854!

In support of the ongoing trade union campaign against John Howard’s IR Laws, Eureka rebellion descendant, Paul Murphy presented the VTHC on Monday 26th June with a Eureka flag signed by Anne Hall, Dorothy Brennan and Val D’Angri – the great – great – granddaughters of the three women who made the original Eureka flag.

Photo: Danielle Atkinson   

VTHC Secretary, Brian Boyd, told a formal handover ceremony in front of Trades Hall: “I am pleased and honoured to receive a Eureka flag signed by the descendants of the original makers of the great Eureka flag made over 150 years ago.

“Today, the Eureka flag is often used by the trade union movement as a symbol of rebellion against the harsh I.R. laws of conservative governments.

“In other words nothing has really changed since our early colonial days”.

“Even though the Eureka flag is owned by all Australians, the trade union movement identifies with this great Australian symbol in the current fight against the unjust IR laws, being foisted on us by the Howard government.

The ceremony also included the sprinkling of some sacred soil from the original location of the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat.

Mr Paul Murphy also spoke at the handover ceremony and gave a history of the original women behind the making of the flag. He said as a descendant of an original Eureka rebel miner, he felt it was only appropriate Trades Hall possessed such a flag and acknowledged the role trade unions maintaining a democratic society.


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