Mayor’s Message - Thursday 15 September 

It was with great sadness that we learnt last week of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of our community, we offer our sincerest condolences to The Royal Family. Ballarat has hosted many royal visits in its history, including two by Queen Elizabeth II. The first of these being on 6 March 1954 and the second in March 2000.  

A condolence book will be available at Catherine King’s office for Ballarat community members who wish to write a condolence message and we are also welcoming people to lay a floral tribute at Queen Victoria Square if they wish to. 

On a happier note, this week as we come out of winter there is a great opportunity for women to get back into exercise through participating in the ‘This Girl Can Week’ program held across Victoria from 12-18 September.  

Ballarat loves its sport and recreational activities and yet sometimes life or the weather gets in the way of doing them. This Girl Can Week provides some great opportunities to get back into exercise through a host of activities including some fun and more unusual ones such as Strongwoman fitness class, dragon boating, pickleball and soccer. There is something of interest for all women regardless of age, ability or background.   

There is also another important opportunity this week for the Ballarat community to have their say on the mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au site about the ‘2022-2023 Small Parks Improvement Program’.  

The City of Ballarat has identified twelve open spaces across the city for upgrade as part of the Program. Works are intended to improve amenities, attractiveness, usability, provide natural shade and habitat as well as increase pedestrian access and connections.   

I would encourage people to get online and check out where the twelve spaces are and please submit your suggestions, particularly as these spaces are such an important part of not only our surrounds but also our health and wellbeing.  

Mayor 

Daniel Moloney