Picnic in the Park to headline Australia Day events in Ballarat

The City of Ballarat’s third annual Picnic in the Park event will lead the celebrations on the Australia Day public holiday, which will also include a traditional citizenship ceremony and Community Awards the previous night.

Picnic in the Park will return to Victoria Park next to the Inclusive Play Space on Oak Avenue, on Friday 26 January 2024 from 11.30am-3.30pm for a relaxed afternoon of fun and entertainment.

The free community event will feature great food, market stalls, kids’ activities and entertainment. 

Some of the highlights include more than 15 food and drink vendors, mini golf, face painting, lawn games and a bean bag lounge area. Entertainment will include a DJ and acoustic artists.

Families may also wish to bring their own food to make a picnic. Please note, this event is strictly alcohol free and the barbecues near the play space will not be operational. Dogs are also welcomed, however must be kept on a lead.

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Peter Eddy said the event had gathered momentum in its first two years of running, with thousands gathering in 2022 and 2023.

“Picnic in the Park is a family-friendly event in one of our city’s greatest locations – the beautiful Victoria Park. It is designed to be an extremely relaxing day, one that takes place in a respectful manner of everyone,” Cr Eddy said.

“We had so much positive feedback after the first two year’s of the event, so we encourage families to come along and make a day of it.

“There will be live music, lawn games, food trucks and market stalls – something to entertain everybody.

“We acknowledge there are differing views around Australia Day being on 26 January, but we ask that people be respectful of other’s opinions – that is what makes our country such a great country to live.”

Earlier on Australia Day, more than 60 community members will become new Australian citizens at a special ceremony.

The conferees are from 20 countries, including South Africa, India, Netherlands, UK and USA.

On the evening of Thursday, 25 January, the City of Ballarat will celebrate some of the city’s outstanding achievers over the past year with the Australia Day Community Awards 2024.

The annual event celebrates nominated community members across three categories – Ballarat Citizen of the Year, Ballarat Young Citizen of the Year and Community Activity of the Year.

The awards are provided by the Australia Day Committee (Victoria) and are administered by Local Government Authorities throughout Australia, on behalf of each council.