Mayor's Message - Friday 2 December

Well, this is Christmas, our streets are adorned with festive decorations and installations, and I think if Santa took his sled down Sturt Street, he would be impressed. I know already that there have been many excited children checking out the floral reindeer and Santa’s sleigh, the Christmas tree and giant bauble in the Bridge Mall.  

After a busy year, Christmas will be a good opportunity to take some time out, hit the pause button and enjoy with family and friends. 

Recently one could be forgiven for thinking that a white Christmas was not out of the question, but with the weather finally warming and the promise of a bumper ‘Christmas in Ballarat’ program there is plenty happening that will be equally exciting. 

This year the CBD will absolutely come alive with a mass of Christmas things to do across a host of sumptuous food and drink opportunities, activities for the kids, markets and shopping, Christmas art and craft workshops, live music and entertainment, exhibitions and a host of Insta-worthy locations. There is even the chance to win a $500 Ballarat hamper through the Christmas in Ballarat Art Trail. To see all the activities available just go to visitballarat.com.au  

I would really encourage people to invite their friends and family to enjoy Christmas in Ballarat, to take advantage of the many things that are on offer locally in our beautiful city and to support our many local businesses at this important time of year.  

We sometimes forget how nice and convenient it is to have good local cafes, restaurants, good retail shops and local services. Christmas is a great time to thank and support them so that they can continue supporting us.  

May I take this opportunity to thank those City of Ballarat staff, the community and our local businesses that have worked so hard to make sure our Christmas calendar is looking so full and festive.  

It’s a great time to enjoy Christmas in Ballarat as well as look forward to the many other events starting to take shape for summer. 

Mayor

Des Hudson