Mayor’s Message - Friday 5 January 2024

I would like the opportunity to wish all our residents a happy and healthy new year.  

January is now upon us, and the holiday vibes keep on coming with the wonderful Summer Sundays kicking off this weekend.  

Why not spend your Sunday afternoons this month soaking up the sun in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, with live music – featuring household names and emerging talent – food trucks and a pop-up Garden Bar.

Make sure you check out www.summersundaysballarat.com.au for more information on the line-ups for each week.  

The 21st year of RoadNats is also here, and the city and Buninyong is now a buzz with the prestigious cycling event. I encourage you to get along and enjoy the atmosphere of the events on Sturt Street, Mount Helen and Buninyong and witness the spectacular road races.  

Looking ahead in January, on Australia Day the city will host a Citizenship Ceremony and Picnic in the Park. On the eve of Australia Day, the annual Community Awards will be held.  

For the fifth year Ballarat will host the Survival Day Dawn Ceremony, where the community can come together at Lake Wendouree on 26 January 2024.  

There is also a range of sporting events to enjoy, such as the Cricket Australia under 17s national championships and Bowls Victoria 2024 Regions Sides Championships all coming in January.  

Our city is returning to normal opening hours, and our Customer Service, Libraries, Pools and more are all back and refreshed for 2024.  

If you and the family need refreshing, why not visit one of the city’s pools or splash parks, you can find them all at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/pools  

For those happier dry, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Eureka Centre and Botanical Gardens are all open and have some great attractions to enjoy.  

For more inspiration, check out all Ballarat has to offer at www.ballaratintheknow.com.au