Thanks to Heritage Victoria, the Courthouse precinct now boasts four big, bright and informative signs which tell the history and stories of the site. The signs are located in prominent positions and encourage people to meander through the grounds, take in the spectacular views, and learn all about the site.

Already more people are coming to visit the precinct, and the folk at the Visitor Information Centre report being asked frequently about where to find the signs. They've even been incorporated into a Ballarat-based weekly "murder tour" for visitors!

The objective of the signs was to encourage interest in the significance of the site, and it seems that this objective is being realised. Even long-term locals report finding items of interest in the text. The level of curiosity has been such that we are planning to hold open days, where volunteers will staff the buildings and let people have a damn good sticky-beak. At this stage we are planning on four open days, each coinciding with one of our "new residents" sessions.

The sign project was overseen by a subcommittee of DNC committee of management, as well as using the advice of Chris Smith, from Parks Victoria. Peter Lambert was engaged to design and produce the signs, and a team of happy volunteers did the grunt work.