Mayors Message Thursday 2 December 2021

As we head into December there is a busy calendar ahead, with several significant events and milestones.

Last week Council endorsed concept plans for the Bridge Mall redevelopment and we look forward to progressing this exciting project over coming months.

We also welcomed back crowds to the Ballarat Civic Hall following the completion of the City of Ballarat-funded capital works upgrade. The new upgrades with a commercial kitchen, stage access lift, roofing works and on-stage elements provide a fit-for-purpose facility that will make a valuable venue addition for the city.

The City of Ballarat is showing its support to the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’, a global campaign dedicated to ending gender-based violence.

The 16-day campaign commenced on 25 November and runs through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December. It is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the key role gender inequality plays in driving violence against women and calling for action to prevent it.

Just this week the City of Ballarat signed a three-year partnership extension between the Western Bulldogs and the State Government. We can look forward to two AFL home and away games played at MARS Stadium each season until the end of 2024. The City of Ballarat also entered a separate funding arrangement to secure an annual AFLW home and away match as well. These are significant wins in further strengthening Ballarat’s reputation for hosting significant sporting events.

With all the festive decorations in the Ballarat CBD it certainly is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. This week we launched the Christmas in Ballarat program with a host of events including art trails, Santa’s workshop, live music, storytelling, roving entertainment and more.

This is a great time of year to enjoy being back with family and friends and there is a summer of fun ahead for Ballarat.

Mayor

Cr Daniel Moloney