Mayor's Message - Thursday 25 August

As everyone may be noticing the first hints of a change in season are starting to appear. Trees are budding, some are blossoming, daffodils are up, and young cygnets are out and about around the lake. As we slowly start to emerge from winter, this week we also see three emerging local opportunities for organisations and individuals. 

The first is the City of Ballarat Community Impact Grants for the 2022/23 financial year. Applications are now open for local not-for-profit incorporated organisations, groups, or associations. This program can provide up to $20,000 in funding to support community groups and organisations to run projects, programs, events and other activities or purchase necessary equipment. The Community Impact Grants are made available to assist the promotion of community outcomes in environmental sustainability, health, connected and inclusive communities and community capacity building.  

The second opportunity is Nature Stewards; a local program where the City of Ballarat has partnered with Outdoors Victoria to teach adults more about our diverse local natural environment. The ten-week program provides the opportunity to learn from some leading local environmental experts. Nature Stewards does have limited positions so I would encourage people to visit www.naturestewards.org.au for more information.  

Lastly this week, entries are now open for applications for funding from community groups for the iconic 2023 Power FM Ballarat Begonia Festival Parade. This funding is to help boost parade ideas with multicultural groups, sporting groups, musical groups, performing arts groups, schools and business and all are encouraged to apply for the funding.  

The top two submissions that meet the set selection criteria will be awarded $2000 each to support bringing their parade float idea to life.  

All the above provide great opportunities as we head towards spring, and I would certainly encourage you to find out more about each, by visiting the City of Ballarat website.  

Mayor  

Daniel Moloney