The Eureka Stockade in the Ballarat goldfields is one of the most famous events from the 1850s gold rush in Victoria. The Diggers at Ballarat protested the government tax, which was called the miner’s license — every miner had to pay it, regardless of their success on the field. Petitions, demonstrations and letters had little impact on Governor Hotham, and a small group of members took up arms. 30 diggers and five soldiers were killed.