New program of activities for 26 January

A new intercultural community event will take the place of 26 January fireworks from 2022, following a vote of City of Ballarat Council.

At an ordinary council meeting on Wednesday night, Councillors resolved to move the fireworks or fireworks funding to another significant day, such as New Year’s Eve, or another public event such as the Ballarat Begonia Festival.

The Survival Day Dawn Ceremony, as well as a citizenship ceremony, will be held on 26 January 2021, subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

From 2022, a new intercultural community event will be developed for 26 January to promote understanding, respect and reconciliation, featuring live music and performances and profiling indigenous culture.

Ballarat Mayor Councillor Daniel Moloney said the resolution was an important one for both Ballarat’s Aboriginal community and the wider community.

“Moving the fireworks from 26 January is about supporting a community that’s hurting, and I’m proud that this decision is one of the first acts of this new council.”

“After the year we’ve had, we all want and deserve the opportunity to celebrate together– at the right time.”

“We look forward to having that celebration as a city, and also to a renewed program of activities for 26 January going forward.”