Mayor's Message - Friday 20 January

20 January 2023 2:17pm

Mayor Des Hudson's first citizenship ceremony after his election

As we continue to enjoy a summer full of events, we remember that none of it would be possible without the support of our wonderful Ballarat community. The fact that we are such a diverse community with so many interests, life experiences, skillsets and different cultural backgrounds brings a great depth and richness to our everyday lives.

Over the coming week we see two distinct and importantly influential events that celebrate exactly what builds and strengthens our community; our welcome to new Australian citizens through our Citizenship Ceremony and our recognition for the contribution to our community by local individuals and organisations through our Community Awards evening.

On Wednesday 25 January, the City of Ballarat Community Awards will recognise its 2023 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year at a special ceremony at the Town Hall.

It is always a humbling and inspirational occasion to hear the stories of each of the nominees and to recognise the outstanding contribution so many members and organisations within our community are making for our benefit.

Following on from the Community Awards, Thursday 26 January will see the first of 2023’s Citizenship Ceremonies at the Ballarat Civic Hall. This is an incredibly important event for the 80 or so new residents from countries including Britain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Cambodia, China, India, Iraq, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republics of South Sudan, Singapore, Slomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States and Zimbabwe.

It is a fantastic cultural representation and a proud moment for not only these citizens marking their final step in becoming an Australian Citizen, but also a very proud moment for people in Ballarat to welcome all that such diversity brings to our community.

Community is everything and it is great to see this week’s two events both welcoming so many new Australian Citizens and acknowledging those that have contributed so much to their community.

Mayor Des Hudson