About
Sovereign Hill is one of Victoria’s premier tourist attractions driven by a mission to explore and explain as well as entertain visitors entering our 1850s goldfields site.
When visiting you will see, hear and feel what it was like to be in the streets, in the mines, on the diggings, browsing shops, factories and the schools to soak in the atmosphere when the discovery of one precious metal changed the world.
Since its beginning in 1970, Sovereign Hill has given people from across Australia and from around the globe, a reason to visit Ballarat adding $260 million to the Victorian economy each year.
We have outlasted the original gold rush to create a dynamic and growing series of experiences which are delivered by a staff and volunteer team of nearly 350.
Sovereign Hill is a registered charity and not-for-profit living museum evolving to constantly create new features that connect our past to a shared future.
Our bold new adventures are the Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades, a national home dedicated to preserving and protecting skills of the past for new generations.
And, the Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections which showcases our archives of more than 150,000 pieces of which bring history into a modern focus.
We are one place filled with many stories.
The Sovereign Hill Charter
What's our purpose?
Connecting people through our history to adapt for a better future.
What's our mission?
Providing meaningful immersive experiences that tell stories of our humanity.
What are our values?
- We have a responsibility to yesterday, today & tomorrow
- We are accountable
- We are curious
- We are one team
- We do amazing things
Our Foundation Story
We were born in 1970 with a rebellious spirit and an innovative vision. We have a sharp eye for history and want to ensure that Ballarat’s vibrant gold rush heritage and the story of its impact on our nation can inspire future generations.
Founded by locals as a not-for-profit organisation, we are connected to our community and dedicated to the growth and success of the people and businesses in our part of the world.
We are passionate believers and advocates for adaptation and change, and we bring the people of the goldfields to life through stories of resilience, opportunity, curiosity, change, connection and conflict.
It has taken many cultures, many people and more than 60,000 years to build a country like Australia, and while the story of our nation is still being written, we tell an important part of it like no one else can.
Sovereign Hill is the story of us.
Sovereign Hill Board
Sovereign Hill is a not-for-profit, community-based, cultural tourism organisation administered by The Sovereign Hill Museums Association. The Association is controlled by a Board, which is elected by members of the Association, and serves in a voluntary capacity.
The Board’s responsibilities include the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for managing Sovereign Hill. Board members meet regularly to monitor Sovereign Hill’s progress against the goals and objectives set out in the Corporate Strategic Plan and report to Members at the Annual General Meeting of the Association. They also assist the CEO with the task of capital fundraising to underpin the Association’s long-term financial viability.
Board President
Angela Carey
Elected to the Board in 2015 and appointed President in 2024. Angela is a member of the Narmbool Committee and ex-officio member of all other board Committees. She has extensive experience in media, communications, emergency management and government relations, and has served on numerous community-based boards. Angela is currently a senior executive with Emergency Recovery Victoria and was formerly the Editor and General Manager of the Ballarat Courier. She is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
More infoVice-President
David Mackay
Elected to the Board in 2021 and appointed Vice President in 2024. He serves on the Narmbool Committee and brings over 30 years’ experience advising government, education, and commercial sectors on strategy, operations, and governance. David is a Partner at Strategic Project Partners (SPP), leading the Consumer practice across retail, consumer goods, entertainment, leisure, and tourism. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Chris Alizzi
Elected to the Board in 2017. Chris serves as Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee. He has extensive knowledge of business operations and financial oversight, gained through his role as an Automotive Dealer Principal. Chris currently works as an Automotive Dealer Principal.
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Chris Brooks
Elected to the Board in 2021. He is a board representative on the Sovereign Hill Master Plan Steering Committee. Chris has extensive experience from his previous CEO and Senior Executive roles across various sectors in Australia and New Zealand. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Catherine Brown
Elected to the Board in 2023 and previously served from 2020 to 2022. She is the Chair of the Nominations Committee. Catherine has had an extensive career in People and Culture. She is currently an Executive Search Consultant and Coach, and she manages the Mentoring Program for Women on Boards, mentoring women seeking their first Board or CEO role. Catherine is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Carolyn Chong
Elected to the Board in 2022. She is a member of the Narmbool Committee. Carolyn has extensive experience in partnership development and strategy for growth. She is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Engagement and Quality) at Federation University Australia and is a member of the International Education Advisory Council for the Victorian Government. Carolyn is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Lynley Crosswell
Elected to the Board in 2023. She is a member of both the Finance and Risk Committee and the Nominations Committee. Lynley brings extensive experience as a senior executive leader in the cultural sector across Australia and New Zealand, with a professional background in international media and digital business. She is currently the CEO and Director of Museums Victoria.
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Marie Jackson
Elected to the Board in 2020. She is a member of the Nominations Committee and a board representative on the Master Plan Steering Committee. Marie has extensive experience in the tourism, events and communications industries, and has served as a board member of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and the Indigenous Art Code.
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Josie Rizza
Elected to the Board in 2021. Josie is a member of the Finance & Risk Committee and the Narmbool Committee. She has extensive experience in accounting, risk management, and governance. Josie manages her own consulting practice and sits on several other boards. She is a Chartered Accountant and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Scott Williams
Elected to the Board in 2022. He is the Chair of the Narmbool Committee. Scott has a 30-year career in veterinary science and agriculture, with roles in farm consulting and R&D management. He runs his own consulting business providing advisory services and is a director at Central Highlands Water. Scott is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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