Mayor's Message - Thursday 19 May

As the end of the first half of 2022 starts to come into sight, it is not without seeing a flurry of activity with a City of Ballarat program that includes everything from Council’s annual budget development to significant tourism and recreational events.  

Friday 20 May at 5pm will see consultation close on our Draft Budget 2022/23 and I would urge anyone that has not done so already to jump on MySay and have a look.  

On 21 May through to the 29, we again get to enjoy the Ballarat Heritage Festival. Winner of the ‘Festival and Events’ category at both the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards and the 2021 Victorian Tourism Awards. This really is a brilliant opportunity to get a thoroughly entertaining local heritage experience. With plenty of family activities, music, food, shows, exhibitions and talks, it is an immersive experience that everyone can enjoy.   

Saturday 21 May will also see the Western Bulldogs back at Mars Stadium to take on the Gold Coast Suns in what promises to be a terrific clash between 9th and 12th on the AFL ladder.  

Also, from Thursday 19 May through to 22 May, Lake Wendouree will play host to the 2022 Australian Masters Rowing Championships. This magnificent event will bring hundreds of participants to Ballarat with many more in support as family, friends, administrators, and coaches. It truly will be a spectacular rowing event with the opportunity to see Australia’s best in their class.  

The City of Ballarat continues to work very hard at ensuring we can continue to promote and support such events to attract and increase visitation to Ballarat. The value to local business economically and our community socially is immeasurable and certainly this week we all have a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some fantastic entertainment.