We’re looking forward to reopening

The City of Ballarat is looking forward to reopening our libraries, gym and fitness areas, pools and arts and culture venues to increased patronage this weekend. 

In line with Victoria’s Roadmap: Delivering the National Plan, Ballarat Libraries, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC), the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Eureka Centre, Ballarat Information Centre, Customer Service at The Phoenix and Her Majesty’s Ballarat will reopen to greater numbers of fully vaccinated residents and visitors from Saturday 30 October. 

City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Evan King says this is an exciting time for Ballarat and our region. 

“The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for our community. Thanks to the great work of our residents who have turned out in large numbers to get vaccinated, we are able to reopen our facilities and our city to more residents and visitors as we reach this week’s 80 per cent double dose vaccination milestone. 

“This is a fantastic achievement and means we can get back to many of the things we enjoyed in pre-pandemic life – from catching up with friends and family to going out for meals, supporting local businesses, getting back to the gym and going for a swim. 

“We’re also looking forward to welcoming more residents and visitors back to enjoying some of our outstanding arts and cultural venues, including the Art Gallery of Ballarat and Her Majesty’s Ballarat.” 

Mr King says the COVID-19 vaccination is the key to reopening our city while also protecting the health and safety of our community. 

In line with Victoria’s Roadmap, visitors aged 16 and above to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC), Ballarat Libraries, Eureka Centre, Ballarat Information Centre, Customer Service at The Phoenix and Her Majesty’s Ballarat will need to have received both COVID-19 vaccinations and provide verification of their vaccination status or have a valid medical exemption. 

“The wellbeing of our residents, visitors, staff and volunteers is our priority. As we continue to provide essential services and support to our community, residents and visitors to our facilities will need to demonstrate their fully vaccinated status and wear a mask.”  

Residents and visitors can show they are fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 digital certificate displayed through the Service Victoria app, Medicare app or equivalent smartphone wallet, or present a printed version of their certificate or immunisation history statement, or provide evidence of a valid medical exemption. 

Residents and visitors can add their COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service Victoria app through MyGov or the Express Medicare Plus App. For further instructions on how to do this, click here.