Let's Chat Ballarat will provide community members with an opportunity to provide in-person feedback, engage with Councillors and staff and learn more about local services and the city's priorities.
When: Two sessions over two days
The following sessions with Councillors are available:
Thursday 20 March
| Time | Councillor | Ward |
| 4-5pm | Cr Jay Morrison | Wendouree |
| 5-6pm | Cr Des Hudson OAM | Sebastopol |
| 6-7pm | Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves | Delacombe |
| 7-8pm | Cr Damon Saunders | Alfredton |
Friday 21 March
| Time | Councillor | Ward |
| 9-10am | Cr Samantha McIntosh | Central |
| 10-11am | Cr Ted Lapkin | Brown Hill |
| 11am-12pm | Cr Jim Rinaldi | North |
| 12-1pm | Cr Tess Morgan | Golden Point |
To learn more about your Councillors go to Councillors and Wards
Staff from the following departments will be available at the expo:
View or download the Let's Chat Ballarat Stallholder map, to see the location at the expo.
| Ageing Well |
| Arts and Events |
| Art Gallery of Ballarat |
| Ballarat Animal Shelter |
| Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre |
| Ballarat Botanical Gardens |
| Ballarat Libraries |
| Business Services |
| City Design / Open Space |
| Communications and Design |
| Cultural Venues |
| Customer Service |
| Development Facilitation |
| Economic Growth |
| Engaged Communities |
| Eureka Centre |
| Events |
| Executive and Civic Services |
| Family and Children’s Services |
| Financial Services and Rates |
| Graffiti Response |
| Governance |
| Infrastructure |
| Libraries and Lifelong Learning |
| Major Projects |
| Operations |
| People and Culture |
| Property and Facilities Management |
| Recreation Services - Animal Services |
| Regulatory Services - Parking, Health and Building |
| Visitor Economy |
| Waste and Environment |
| Youth Services |
There are a range of parking and transport options for visitors attending the Let’s Chat Ballarat Community Expo.
Parking
There will be three designated 5-minute parking spaces at the front of the venue to support quick drop-off and pick-up, including for those requiring accessible access.
Public Transport
Ballarat Station is a 5-minute walk from the venue at Civic Hall. Plan your journey using Public Transport Victoria’s Journey Planner at ptv.vic.gov.au
Drop off zone: There are 3 car parks directly in front of Civic Hall that may be used to drop off and pick up visitors.
Accessible car parks: Civic Hall is directly adjacent to Ballarat Library. There are 2 accessible parks located in the Ballarat Library carpark off Doveton St North and there are 3 carparks located in Market St behind the library.
Entry: Entry is via Mair St. There are no steps at the entry and there are large double doors. Staff will be available at the entry to respond to any questions.
Wheelchair/mobility aid/pram access: Civic Hall is accessible for people using wheelchairs, mobility aids or prams. There are no steps on the ground floor and the upstairs Quiet Space is accessible by lift.
Quiet space: There is a quiet space with seating upstairs. This space can be accessed by stairs or lift.
Toilets: There are accessible toilets on site. Entry is from the downstairs foyer.
Changing Places facility: Ballarat Library is equipped with an accredited Changing Places facility available during library opening hours. Access requires a MLAK key. The library closes at 6pm on Thursday and opens at 9.30am on Friday.
Assistance dog relief: There are grassed spaces immediately beside the Civic Hall and between the Civic Hall and Ballarat Library that can be used as assistance dog relief spaces.
View or download the Let's Chat Ballarat Community Expo - Social Story
A social story is a short story that depicts a social situation that you may encounter. It uses written information with pictures to help to lower anxiety and help with a comfortable experience.
This social story will help to familiarise you with our Let' Chat Ballarat Community Expo. We hope that it will help you and your child to feel more confident if you would like to attend.
City of Ballarat has installed a guide and assistance dog toileting area in central Ballarat. Increasing awareness about the needs of people with guide and assistance dogs is also a key feature of this project.
The City of Ballarat is proud to partner with Regional Development Victoria, through support from the Living Local Fund, for this project.
The City of Ballarat plays an important role in ensuring that everyone who lives in the municipality can participate in all aspects of community life and to fulfil their own aspirations. The City of Ballarat also has responsibility for both local government service delivery and as an employer.
Read the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
Read the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Easy-Read Summary
The City of Ballarat Disability Advisory Committee provides advice and support to us about how we can create a more accessible and inclusive city. The Committee also supports the development, implementation and evaluation of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.
In addition to Cr Damon Saunders who is the appointed Councillor and Chair for the Committee, membership comprises of 12 community members who reflect a breadth of access and inclusion perspectives of people with a disability, their families and carers.
During 2023, the Disability Advisory Committee was nominated for a National Disability Award for Excellence in Regional and Remote Support. They also supported two community projects – the Sensory Friendly Stay and Play Zone and the Accessibility, Arts and Assistance Dogs in the Ballarat CBD Project.
Do you need an accessible parking permit?
Visit our Accessible Parking Permits page
Do you need toilet facilities?
Visit the National Public Toilet Map
Changing Places (CP) and/ or Adult Changing Facilities (ACF) are available:
Please note that most are not available at night-time or outside of business hours.
Sensory Gardens
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens features Sensory Gardens.
Read the Sensory Gardens Plant Species Guide
