ourballarat Winter 2021 Mayor's Message

Welcome to the winter edition of ourballarat magazine.

We are excited that improved community engagement will be a key feature of the new Council era.

As part of Council’s formal commitment, we will be providing meaningful engagement opportunities for the entire community that will lead to better informed decision-making and better outcomes for all of our residents.

After an extensive community consultation process, Council will develop our Community Vision as well as our Council Plan 2021–2025 to help shape the plans for our city’s future.

As Council seeks to achieve sustainable growth, we are focusing our broader government advocacy efforts on once-in-a-generation priority projects which will increase sustainability, improve transport connections and breathe new life into key sites and facilities.

One of these priority projects is a purpose-built facility to replace our Ballarat Animal Shelter, featured on the front cover, which is designed to meet community expectations of quality care for vulnerable animals.

Also in this edition, we share stories about how our community works together and cares for each other, featuring community members who are making a positive contribution to help make Ballarat a better place for all.

Our story about Ballarat’s best ideas celebrates an entrepreneurial initiative that draws on the energy of our supportive community and the power of collaboration.

The ‘community lounge’ at the Sebastopol Library provides a welcoming and safe place for everyone in our community with free activities on Thursday evenings – I encourage you to read about the huge range of activities on offer.

Together, the stories in this edition paint a vivid and clear picture of a city that is made wonderful by a community that truly cares for each other.

Mayor
Cr Daniel Moloney