It was a very cold foggy morning when we left Ballarat for our outing to Ararat to visit the “J Ward” that catered for people who were already in gaol who now appeared to be insane. It operated between 1887 and 1991 and was a ward of Aradale Mental Hospital. It was very gloomy place for people held there.
After a very informative visit with the Tour Guide, John, we headed down to The Ararat RSL Club where we all enjoyed a delicious lunch. We then went to Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre.
The Centre was built over 20 years ago by Ararat residents in conjunction with Ararat Rural City Council to commemorate Ararat’s rich gold heritage.
The Centre tells the story of Chinese miners travelling by sea to Australia and the hardships and prejudices they had to endure as they made their way to Victoria’s rich goldfields.
