Mayor's Message - Thursday 1 September

The August Council Meeting saw the City of Ballarat Inclusion Framework and plans unanimously passed for public viewing and feedback online at mySay and available in hardcopy through our Customer Service and Libraries information desks.  

Being inclusive is a word we hear a lot in everyday life, but there is often only a vague understanding of what it really means. Inclusion is essentially the act of including everyone and valuing and welcoming them just the way they are. Being inclusive is about broadening our understanding and outlook of how we can be inclusive in everyday life and the workplace and in turn benefit from the rewards that come with that. 

When the City of Ballarat developed the Community Vision in 2021 the Ballarat community made it clear that being an inclusive city was particularly important. Local governments are also required by law to protect, improve, and promote the health and wellbeing of their communities. 

In April we asked for the community’s input to a range of inclusive plans, and it is now with your help and our input we can present six documents that address inclusivity moving forward.  

These are:   

• Inclusion Framework 2022–2026  
• Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2022–2026  
• LGBYIQA+ Inclusion Plan 2022–2026  
• Reconciliation Action Plan 2022–2024 
• Intercultural Plan 2022–2026 
• Ageing Well in Ballarat Strategy 2022–2026 

This suite of plans provides a comprehensive coverage of inclusivity within our community, and I am sure everyone can relate to one if not more of them for either themselves, family members or friends.  

I would encourage you to visit the mySay site or obtain a copy of the plans and make any comments. Each of the detailed plans has a special two-page summary to provide a quick and easy overview.  

When you start to understand inclusivity, you can easily see how it impacts so many, across all areas of life. Thanks to the extensive community input I believe we have taken great steps to helping Ballarat value everyone.   

Mayor 

Daniel Moloney