Spotlight on the Yuille homestead site in Sebastopol

Spotlight on the Yuille homestead site in Sebastopol  Main Image

20 August 2021

Sebastopol’s transformation accelerates with initial designs for the Yuille Homestead site completed.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle confirmed that improvements to the historic Yuille Homestead site will be part of the $1.2 million investment to upgrade connections to the Yarrowee Trail, funded as part of the $5 million Spotlight on Sebastopol commitment.

The Yarrowee Trail project covers three areas along the trail including improving the amenity and visual connections to the Yarrowee Valley from Orion Street, upgrading the Yuille Homestead site and developing a welcoming gateway to the Yarrowee Trail Head at Dowcra Street.

City of Ballarat has appointed Urban Initiatives to undertake the detailed design works for the three sites. The works proposed include new pathways and connections, carpark upgrades, shelters and street furniture, fencing and bollards, new lookout along Orion Street and new wetland area for Docwra Street.

The initial designs for the Yuille Homestead site in Sebastopol include improving the carpark, upgrading existing walking tacks and the installation of new park furniture and shelter. Now that detailed design for the project has commenced works are expected to begin in 2022.

The Wadawurrung are being consulted with and a Cultural Heritage Management Plan is currently being progressed.

Yuille Homestead site is important as it marks the site of the first resident of Ballarat, 19-year-old Scottish settler William Cross Yuille, who established his home station on the Yarrawee in 1838.

The Yarrowee Trail project will see this important site revitalised for future generations to enjoy.

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“I am incredibly passionate about this revitalisation of Sebastopol and look forward to seeing the Yuille Homestead receiving the treatment deserving of an important historic site.”

“Sebastopol is a vibrant community and the $1.2m investment along the Yarrowee River will help to put the spotlight back on this proud neighbourhood.”

“This project has been identified by locals and people on the ground - the Victorian Government is listening to communities and delivering to ensure we can make Sebastopol and Ballarat an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.”

Quotes attributable to Cr Daniel Moloney Mayor City of Ballarat

"Council is delighted to be working with the State government and alongside the Sebastopol community to deliver projects that will revitalise one of the oldest suburbs in our municipality and upgrade community spaces that are important to residents.”