Mayor’s Message - Friday 17 January 2025

With families starting to return home to Ballarat to see out the remainder of the school holidays, the City of Ballarat is pleased to offer a range of local, free activities for children and families to participate in.

A new Public Art Walk has been designed to inspire the younger members of our community.  Ballarat already has several art walks that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors at any time, however this latest offering has been tailored to engage the vibrant minds of children.

If your child prefers something more hands-on, the Art Space Gallery is hosting free workshops from 18 January to 2 February. There are also three unique installations on display, designed to foster imaginative play, creativity and test everyone's memory. Information about workshop session times can be found on the Creative Ballarat website.

The Summer Sundays series is off and running each week in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Bring your picnic rug or chairs and sit back to enjoy four different live music acts. On-site food trucks, the Garden Bar and beanbags make these events the ideal way to wind up your weekend.

On Sunday 26 January, the Australia Day Picnic in the Park event will once again be a hive of activity for all community members to come together for a relaxed afternoon of food, fun and entertainment. Enjoy over 30 market stalls brimming with locally made products and produce, as you take in the surrounds of Victoria Park.  It’s a lovely time to share with family, friends and even your furry pals, open from 11am to 3pm.

The City of Ballarat also acknowledges and respects that there are differing community views and experiences around 26 January/Australia Day. The sixth annual Survival Day Dawn Ceremony will take place at Lake Wendouree, from 5.30-6.30am. It is an inclusive event, welcoming all to join in solidarity for reflection and healing. Attendees will have the option to stay afterwards for a cuppa and join in a yarning circle.

For more details on all of our events in January, be sure to visit ballarat.vic.gov.au.

- Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves