For over 100 years, the Observatory has served the Ballarat community and for the last 50 years it has been managed by the Ballaarat Astronomical Society. This is a unique situation; a municipal observatory, run by an amateur group. Apart from its astronomical use, the Observatory buildings and telescopes are of great historical interest, and were classified by the National Trust in 1989, and added to the Historic Buildings Register in 1992.

Establishment

When James Oddie established the Observatory, he invited Captain Baker, a retired sea captain to become the first Superintendent. Captain Baker built a workshop and foundry, and constructed a number of telescopes on site. He also gave astronomy lectures and provided viewing opportunities. He was an expert telescope maker, and his greatest instrument, the 26-inch "Great Equatorial Telescope", is still in use. After Captain Baker's death in 1890 and the financial depression of the '90s which bankrupted Oddie, the Observatory suffered a period of neglect. John Brittain, a lecturer in astronomy at the School of Mines, rekindled public interest in the Observatory and persuaded the Town of Ballaarat East to take responsibility for it.

Consolidation

Brittain raised considerable community support enabling the buildings to be completely renovated in 1914-15, when the spectacular stained-glass windows were fitted. Other donations included furniture, furnishings and scientific instruments. Brittain was appointed Superintendent, a position he held until his death in 1943. The next major addition to the Observatory came in 1916 when the Jelbart Brothers, a prominent Ballarat engineering firm, donated an exceptionally fine 5 -inch brass refractor. Generous and widespread community support made possible the erection of a brick dome to house the instrument. This telescope remains a favorite for many people.

Alex Caird

After a period in which there was no supervision, Alex Caird was appointed in 1947 and immediately set about the rehabilitation of the buildings and instruments.An outgoing and popular figure, he welcomed many to the Observatory. After his death in 1957, a further period of neglect followed. However, in 1958, following the initiative of members of the Astronomical Society of Victoria, the Ballaarat Astronomical Society was formed.

Today

The Observatory was re-established as a thriving centre for astronomical activities.This included the formation of a very keen radio astronomy section which was active for a number of years when radio astronomy was making great progress in Australia and overseas. In 1995 a six person Observatory Management Committee was formed under the auspices of the Ballarat City Council, which provides two members. The Ballaarat Astronomical Society also has two members and another two members provide historical and tourism perspectives.