BGM_Defacing Batman-History Reckoning, and the Queen Victoria Market

John Batman-the so-called founder of Naarm (Melbourne) or the villain of it’s First Nations people? His name is etched into the city’s history, but it’s also a lightning rod for controversy. Recently, his marker at the Queen Victoria Market was vandalised once again, reigniting debates about his legacy and the deeper stories buried beneath the market itself. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we dive into Batman’s complex history, the significance of the Queen Vic Market as the former old Melbourne Cemetery, and why Melbourne continues to wrestle with its colonial past. Plus, a teaser for our next episode on the market’s future-will its rich history be preserved, or paved over? Listen now for a journey into the past, present, and reckoning of one of Naarm (Melbourne)’s most storied locations.