Mayor’s Message - Friday 12 January 2024

Ballarat’s Summer of events continues into January with something for everyone.  

Our city is a hive of activity during January, with many people staying in our city for the summer holidays to enjoy what Ballarat has to offer and the many exceptional events we host.  

Last week we saw the last instalment of Ballarat’s RoadNats (for now!), with thousands of cyclists, their teams and supporters spending most of the week in our wonderful city. It was fabulous to see so many locals and visitors converging at the various courses to watch the elite sporting competition.  

We are proud to celebrate this year’s championships. This has been an event that Ballarat has helped grow over the past 21 years to be a grand spectacle on the world stage.  

And the 2024 edition of Summer Sundays has also kicked off, with the first weekend showcasing some excellent local talent and household names for hundreds of spectators to enjoy in the stunning Ballarat Botanical Gardens.  

So, whether you’re into jazz, country, blues, pop, soul or folk, there is something for almost everyone in the gardens.  

If you missed last week, don’t worry, it is on every Sunday in January from 4pm – 8pm.  

This Sunday (14 January 2024), the concert will be capped off with the spectacular fireworks display over Lake Wendouree at 9.30pm – subject to weather.  

So, pack the chairs and picnic rug and end your Sunday in the beautiful gardens enjoying the free live music, and stay for the fireworks over Lake Wendouree.  

But the events don’t end here in January, Picnic in the Park is a great family friendly way to celebrate Australia Day at Victoria Park from 11.30am – 3.30pm, with a relaxed atmosphere including food trucks, live music and children’s activities.  

And to commemorate Sovereign First Peoples who fought in the frontier wars and those who died in widespread massacres across Australia during colonisation, everyone is invited to attend the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony, at Viewpoint Lake Wendouree from 5.30am on January 26.  

Don’t forget you can check out ballaratintheknow.com.au for a great list of events, openings, itineraries and places to eat and drink in Ballarat, so you don’t miss a thing!

- Mayor Cr Des Hudson