Mayor's Message - Friday 27 January

*Survival Day Dawn Service Image by Jeremy Bannister

As an incredibly busy January draws to a close, we have enjoyed massive exposure for Ballarat. The 2023 Federation University Road National Championships kicked it off with an estimated $4 million boost to the Ballarat economy with many thousands of competitors, entourage, and spectators as well as a television broadcast audience of over 6 million people enjoying the event.  

Summer Sundays has also enjoyed stunning weather and big crowds with some great music in the Botanical Gardens. The 29 January is the last in this series and I would encourage everyone to get along with family and friends to enjoy a fantastic free event.  

We have also recently enjoyed hosting over 1000 young girls for the 2023 Australian Girl Guide Jamboree, known as Kani-Karrung. With great weather for camping, I am sure all involved will take away plenty of newfound friendships and fond memories of their adventure here in Ballarat. 

In the last week of January 79 new Ballarat residents received their Australian Citizenship certificates and to each of them we say well done and thank you for choosing Ballarat as your home in finding a new life.  

Survival Day has been and gone for another year and as each year goes by, our respect and understanding of First Nation’s people’s past increases, playing a crucial role in further reconciliation, and helping our Ballarat community move forward together.  

Australia Day saw many free activities around the city with the picnic in the park being enjoyed by many families from across Ballarat and the region. 

This week also saw the Year of the Rabbit commence, signifying the start of the Chinese New Year for one of Ballarat’s most historic cultural communities.  

Such events bring massive benefits to our community socially, recreationally, culturally and economically, and in closing this week, I would like to reach out and thank everyone involved for their time and expertise in making such events happen. 

Mayor

Cr Des Hudson