Ballarat postcards encourage residents to invite a friend this autumn

Four Ballarat creatives have brought to life their interpretation of the magic that is Ballarat in autumn, as part of a new initiative to encourage locals to invite their friends and family to the region.

The City of Ballarat initiative leverages the newly launched We Are Ballarat campaign, which recognises the important role residents play in the city’s pandemic recovery.

The tourism industry has been particularly affected by COVID-19, with an economy which was worth approximately $553m before the pandemic contracting to around $330m as at September 2020, according to Tourism Research Australia data.

“Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Ballarat. You only have to look down our tree-lined boulevards like Sturt and Webster Street to see that,” Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said.

“This season the events and experiences we know and love are coming back in re-imagined ways, the nature and space in and around Ballarat offer a fresh escape from the city and, our eat and drink scene is buzzing with talented chefs and fresh local produce. It makes Ballarat such an inviting place to visit and we want to make sure our biggest advocates – our locals – are helping spread the word.

“If everyone invites a friend or relative to Ballarat it goes a long way in boosting our economy. From the fuel they purchase from local petrol stations, to shopping locally, visiting our attractions and dining out at cafes and restaurants, it’s money spent in our community.”

The autumn-inspired postcards, which have been designed by local creatives Peter Townsend, Caroline Keys, Jacinta Weyers and Jen Lesley, will be available at the Ballarat Information Centre and from a selection of cafes and businesses in the CBD.

You can also pick up a postcard in your copy of The Courier on Tuesday 30 March.

Local creatives design Ballarat postcards to encourage residents to invite a friend this autumn Webster’s Market and Cafe, photography of golden hour on Sturt Street, vibrant graphics of Mount Buninyong and illustrations from an emerging designer.

Renowned Ballarat illustrator, Caroline Keys, took inspiration from the Webster Street streetscape and mural by Travis Price, sunny afternoons and warming drinks.

“This has been a fabulous opportunity to showcase what makes Ballarat so special in autumn and is a welcome support of local artists,” she said.

To coincide with the roll out of the postcards, the City of Ballarat will also launch a new “invite a friend” button on the Visit Ballarat website, allowing website users to email details about an event or business direct to a friend or relative.

To encourage take up, anyone who invites someone to Ballarat in autumn will go in the draw to win the Ultimate Ballarat Experience for them and their friend.

“This autumn We Are Inviting You to experience Ballarat at its best with those you love. With your support, we can all help Ballarat take the right steps towards recovery,” Cr Moloney said.

For more information visit visitballarat.com.au/autumn