LATEST NEWS - City of Ballarat
Transcription
LATEST NEWS - City of Ballarat
LATEST NEWS Around Ballarat A new half-court basketball court has been installed at the Invermay Recreation Reserve. The City of Ballarat and the Reserve Management Committee continue work to further develop the site. Minor works were recently completed at the Buninyong soccer ground. A fence has been installed to provide a barrier between the playing surface and the nearby drain, and the driveway entrance has been improved. Looking for a place to sit and eat your lunch? There are 35 new seats in Ballarat's CBD as part of the 2014/15 Street Furniture Renewal Program. No change? Forty-nine parking machines in Ballarat's CBD now have credit card facilities. The former Wendouree Kindergarten building in Norman Street has been demolished. The site has been cleared and the area will be restored as open parkland. The upgrade to the Wendouree Kindergarten on the opposite side of Gillies Street was completed earlier this year. New LED lighting has been added to the Ballarat Town Hall making the main flag more visible at night. Works teams recently finished facility maintenance works in Buninyong. At the Buninyong Botanic Gardens, the Old Court House and Queen Victoria Rotunda have been painted and at De Soza Park the toilet building and rotunda have also had a fresh coat of paint. A new bench seat in memory of Ballarat resident Michael Adams has been installed at the Yarrowee River. Michael was instrumental in recognising the importance of the Yarrowee River and started the process of getting the area cleaned up. Works are now complete on the new retaining wall along the Redan Creek between Cooke Street and Leith Street, Redan. The works provide greater stability to the ground above the formed concrete water channel, which in turn provides better stability to residents' fences. There are also water quality benefits downstream resulting from lower levels of soil erosion in the runoff from the Redan Creek which drains into the Yarrowee River. The Facility Maintenance team completed works at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, including replacing sections of plaster due to general wear and tear and painting the Skewes and Crouch Galleries, public toilets and stairwell. The City of Ballarat is changing the colour of all waste rubbish bin lids from green to red to meet Australian standards. The transition has commenced and will occur as new bins are distributed, when repairs are carried out or damaged lids are replaced. Redan netballers will have a new change facility to enjoy next season. Our works team have restored the former Croquet Club building at the City Oval. 2 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Our works team has improved the walking track at the Doug Dean Reserve in Delacombe recently. The section of path behind the kindergarten car park has a new drainage pipe and granite sand. Works to improve the sawtooth sky lighting on the Main Pavilion at the Ballarat Showgrounds are complete.The upgrade improves the amenity and safety of the pavilion. A new set of stairs and bike ramp have been installed at the Sebastopol BMX Club at Marty Busch. The stairs and ramp lead to the starting blocks and provide a safer riding opportunity for users. In the Works ON THE ROAD LATEST NEWS •Taylor Street, Sebastopol Completed Roadworks , •Otway Street South, Ballarat East ets Stre n etou Hop and oria Vict een betw Skipton •Darling Street, Redan, between ets Stre ere derm Win and , • Brittain Street, Mount Pleasant Streets orth Elsw and pie between Mag New footpaths New footpaths are now complete in: Roadworks are currently underway in Cuthberts Road, Alfredton. The road reconstruction works between Lawrie Drive and Towong Street are expected to be complete in mid-December. • Kenny Street, Ballarat East Perfect day for a bike ride! Identified in the City of Ballarat's Bicycle Strategy as a missing link, a new section of path has been constructed in Sturt Street, in front of Ballarat High School. The new path links the existing service road in front of the school with the shared path at the Gillies Street intersection. A section of Doveton Street North, between Norman Street and Heinz Lane, will be reconstructed, with works expected to be finished before Christmas. The median strip along Geelong Road, near the Canadian Lakes roundabout, has been improved. Vegetation has been removed and replaced with Tuscan stone to improve visibility for motorists. • Grevillea Road, Wendouree (south side) • Lawrence Street, Alfredton (north side) • Peel Street, Black Hill (east side) Pedestrian crossings at Coltman Plaza in Lucas are now complete and provide a safe pedestrian pathway between businesses. Roadworks were completed in Howard Street, Sebastopol, between Edwards and Grant Streets. The project includes full reconstruction of the road along with kerb and channel works. Kerb and channel works are also complete in Brittain Street, Mount Pleasant, at the intersection of McManus Drive. City of Ballarat Civil Works The following construction projects are in the works: Location Description of works Project duration Wendouree Parade, entrance to Tramway Museum Road pavement realignment, drainage, kerb and channel construction To December Lydiard Street North and Landsborough Street Roundabout construction, drainage works, kerb and channel construction January to February Heinz Lane, Midlands Golf Club to railway line Road reconstruction, drainage improvement works February Middlin Street, Brown Hill - Water Street to Ryan Street Road reconstruction, and kerb and channel construction February High Street, Learmonth - service road south of Queen Street Road reconstruction, drainage works, kerb and channel construction January to February Residents and businesses directly affected by these projects will receive letters from the City of Ballarat with details of the location and impact of the works. Remember to approach works areas with caution and keep an eye out for speed restriction signs. Want more info? Call the City of Ballarat’s Customer Service Centre at 5320 5500 or visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 3 l a r u Nat B a l l a rat Our City Entrance Edging Program was in full swing in Spring. Entrances at Sturt, Victoria, Albert, Gillies and Howitt Streets were edged and followed up with the street sweeper. New trees were planted around the new Buninyong youth space, corner of Inglis and Forest streets. English Oak and Maple varieties have been planted to provide shade for visitors to the facility. Four new rose beds were planted at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens recently. Each 'wedge' has a different variety- Bourbon, Rugosa, China and Tea roses. New 'David Austen's' and 'Alastair Clarke's' have also been added to the cross bed, as well as modern hybrid teas and floribundas. Altogether 110 new rose bushes were planted. Works crews removed areas of undergrowth on the Mount Helen to Buninyong walking track to improve user safety and visibility. Four new trees have been planted at the intersection of Armstrong Street South and Skipton Street, Ballarat. This planting continues the row of trees that were planted along Skipton Street earlier this year. Congratulations to all involved with the "Breathing life back into the Yarrowee" project tree planting day in September. Forty volunteers planted 200 shrubs and 60 grasses. Fifteen new trees were planted in Miners Rest along the Soldiers Memorial and Avenue of Honour section of the Community Park. A new garden bed has being created on the corner of Sturt and Drummond Streets to commemorate 100 years of the Red Cross in Ballarat. The bed has been planted with Red Cross roses. The latest stage of the Sturt Street irrigation project including sub-surface irrigation was installed across two blocks, from Talbot to Pleasant Street, delivering a green oasis in the Ballarat CBD all year round. The City of Ballarat has a new weapon in weed control and it's coming to a footpath or gutter near you! The new steam spray unit is environmentally friendly and can be used rain, hail or shine. AT LAK E WE N DO UREE The Steve Moneghetti Track signs at Lake Wendouree were updated recently. The signs tell walkers and runners how far they have travelled, as well as featuring historical info and the distance to the next drink station! 4 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Two new boating jetties have been installed at Lake Wendouree recently. Funded by the Department of Environment & Primary Industries and Fisheries Victoria, the jetties are installed at Durham Point and at the Yacht Club precinct. The new jetties increase the safety of boat users and can also be moved for events. Maintenance works to the granite path at sections of the Moneghetti Track were completed in Spring. Beaching works at Lake Wendouree continue. Works at the end of the rowing course are now complete and provide better access for Loreto College students to undertake rowing training. Earlier this year, beaching works were completed on the west side of the Lake. Design the new Civic Hall Do you have a great plan for the Civic Hall site? Got a design idea that would revitalise the space for the Ballarat community? Ballarat City Council is designing the vision for the regeneration of the Civic Hall site and we want the community to get involved. Local residents have shared their passion and enthusiasm for the project at past community engagement workshops and the new design process is the next exciting step for the site. The Open Door Studio Civic Hall foyer, Mair Street Share your idea Drop by the Open Door Studio in the Civic Hall foyer and engage one-on-one with the design team. Bring your ideas to the studio or pick up a pen and sketch out your vision for the site. The studio team will listen to the community and assist in a co-design process that will lead to the development of options for the revitalisation of the Civic Hall site. The process builds on previous consultation, taking the visioning for the site to the next level by allowing the community to participate in creating tangible design concepts from their vision for the Civic Hall site. Beyond the studio, this process will also involve events, workshops, an interactive website and presentations to open up the conversation to as many people as possible and encourage contributions in many different forms. Open to the community The new design process for the Civic Hall site was launched on 25 October. Mayor Cr John Philips and seven-year-old Leela Sweet, the winner of the Keys to the Civic Hall competition, ceremonially opened the doors to the foyer of the Civic Hall. 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 12 to 7pm, Thursday 9am to 12pm, First Saturday of each month Everyone is encouraged to drop in to the studio to help design the vision for the regeneration of the Civic Hall site. Community members wandered through the studio, viewed the main hall, asked about the process and posted their thoughts and visions for the future of the Civic Hall site. www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 5 SPORTS AND RECREATION IN BALLARAT Pictured: Learmonth Football Oval IN THE WORKS Doug Dean Reserve The project: : Underground irrigation to the main oval at Doug Dean Recreation Reserve. Works will provide a better playing surface for local cricket, rugby, gridiron and surrounding school groups. It will be the new home ground for the Ballarat Rugby Club and the Ballarat Falcons Gridiron Club. Status: Works to begin in November 2014. Expected completion date: January 2015 C.E Brown Reserve PROJECT 1: Main oval redevelopment. Includes new irrigation and drainage system, oval fencing, profiling of the oval, sand base and new turf. Status: Works have commenced with the removal of the existing fence and stripping of the playing surface. Expected completion date: April 2015. Ready for the 2015 Ballarat Football League Season. PROJECT 2: Netball courts. Three netball courts to be built – two for the Lake Wendouree Netball Club juniors and seniors and one for North Ballarat juniors. Russell Square PROJECT 1: Extension of the existing pavilion at Russell Square. Complete with larger change rooms which can be divided and expanded for large or small teams. Status: Works have commenced. Expected completion date: March 2015 PROJECT 2: Netball court for East Ballarat Junior Netball Status: Works have commenced. Expected completion date: March 2015. Ready for 2015 netball season. Status: Works have commenced. Expected completion date: March, 2015. Ready for the 2015 netball season. Pictured: Doug Doug Reserve Prince of Wales Park - Hockey and Tennis PROJECT 3: Instalment of a hard cricket wicket on the south oval at Russell Square. The project: Extending the original building to construct a newly-combined hockey and tennis social facilities. Includes shared social rooms, offices and storage. Expected completion date: Beginning of the 2014/15 cricket season Status: Works begin in Summer, 2014 Expected completion date: March 2015 Status: Works have commenced. Learmonth Football Oval The project: Resurfacing of the Learmonth Football Oval. Taking 70mm off the surface, installing drainage and irrigation, and sowing summer grasses. The project: Electrical upgrades at local sporting grounds to provide longevity and flexibility of facilities. Designs include upgrade in lighting and future additional facility development at these sites. Status: Works have commenced. Expected completition date: Mt Clear Recreation Reserve: February 2015 Russell Square: February 2015 C.E. Brown: April 2015 Expected completion date: November 2014. Ready for the 2015 football season. New Playspaces Completed: Four new playspaces at Shaw Avenue, Wendouree; Walton Street, Wendouree; Jack Toohey Reserve, Invermay Park; and Hearn Road Reserve, Brown Hill. 6 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Electric Upgrades COMPLETED LATEST NEWS PLANNING OUR FUTURE Recreation Strategy Buninyong Bowls Club The project: Construction of new clubrooms including a social space, kitchen, bar, office and amenities. Funding: $500,000. Major investment by City of Ballarat, supported by club contribution. Completed and open to the public. Official opening by the City of Ballarat and the Buninyong Bowls Club on 26 September, 2014. The project: An overarching strategic document for the recreation areas of City of Ballarat. It encourages the development of other strategies including the Bike Strategy and the Aquatic Strategy. Status: The Recreation Strategy has been passed by Council and is now an official City of Ballarat plan. Lawn Bowls Strategy The project: A five-year strategic plan for Ballarat and regional bowls associations/clubs. It features a capital investment for the clubs involved and an outline of prior works conducted at those clubs. The strategy will also include recommendations of resources and funding. Status: Early stages of strategic development. Western Oval - Before Western Oval - After Mt Clear - Before Mt Clear - After Completed: New interchange benches and steward boxes at Western Oval and Mount Clear Recreation Reserve. Skating Strategy The project: Developing capital for skate parks of Ballarat. This five-year strategy will detail current skating resources and possibilities for the future. Status: Early stages of strategic development. Playspace Planning Framework Completed: Demonstrative signs at new Parkour youth activity centres at C.E.Brown and Buninyong. Olympic Precinct At Lake Wendouree Completed: Installation of flag poles, engraved bluestone paving (engraved with ‘Olympic Precinct’), landscaping, Olympic rings and irrigation works of the Olympic Precinct area. Recently instant turf was laid in preparation for the World Rowing Masters Regatta. Completed: New bleacher seating for spectators and players at the Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre. The project: The City of Ballarat has more than 250 parks, reserves, creek corridors and urban spaces. There are 110 playgrounds with traditional play equipment within the City of Ballarat’s open space network, with a further 31 locations designated as places for playful activity, five skate and youth activity spaces, five BMX tracks and others providing the community with aquatic play and fitness activities. The City of Ballarat recently reviewed the Play Space Planning Framework which provides guidance for the provision of integrated play opportunities for people of all ages, interests and abilities throughout the municipality. Status: The Framework has been passed by Council and is now an official City of Ballarat plan. Black Hill Reserve The project: Creating a design for new mountain bike tracks and infrastructure. Status: Awaiting development of the Black Hill Reserve Master Plan. Expected completion date: Design to commence early 2015. Works in a staged approach, beginning in 2015/2016. Completed: New 500-seat grandstand at Morshead Park www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 7 LATEST NEWS A new face on the Avenue The Prime Ministers Avenue has a new resident. The Honorable Julia Gillard, the 27th Prime Minister of Australia, unveiled her likeness at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on 9 October. Hundreds of residents and visitors welcomed the former Prime Minister, with Mayor Cr John Philips and sculptor Peter Nicholson joining Ms Gillard in speaking to the crowd. Ms Gillard spoke of enjoying visits to Ballarat and her pride in joining the historic Prime Ministers Avenue. What’s happening at the … …50m Indoor Pool BOOM! The new 50 metre pool at the Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre continues to take shape. The pool boom, the biggest single component of the project at 25 metres long and weighing in at 8 tonne, is now in place. The boom is designed to allow the 50 metre pool to be divided into two independent, competition standard 25 metre pools. Hydrostatic testing is now complete on the pool, ensuring a watertight pool. …Ballarat West Employment Zone On 18 October, an Expression of Interest was released for land within Stage 1 of the Ballarat West Employment Zone (BWEZ). The 438-hectare Zone is the biggest investment development project in the region – forecast to deliver thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in annual economic activity when fully developed by 2035. …Saleyards The formal planning scheme amendment application for the new proposed Saleyards has now been lodged with Council. RLX Investment Company Pty Ltd and their operating agent – Regional Infrastructure Pty Ltd (RIPL) submitted the application in September. Detox your Home Food Registration Love Food, Hate Waste 10am to 4pm, Saturday 6 December Ballarat Transfer Station, Gillies Street Does your Food Registration expire in the December period? Did you know that Victorians throw out $4 billion worth of food and drink each year? The Love Food, Hate Waste campaign encourages residents to shop wisely and adopt easy, money saving measures to reduce the amount of food that ends up in the bin. For household hints including recipes using leftovers, storage ideas and meal planning and shopping, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.vic.gov.au Safely dispose of household chemical products at the FREE Detox your Home collection. 8 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Renewal forms and payments are due by close of business, Monday 15 December. Not received your renewal? Call 5320 5702. FREE public Wi-Fi Now available in the Ballarat CBD Planning Ballarat’s Building a Smarter City Preliminary Ballarat Strategy The City of Ballarat hosted a team of five IBM experts in October, as part of an IBM Smarter Cities Challenge Grant, awarded to Ballarat in March 2014. future Following Ballarat Imagine and the 10 Game Changing Questions, the next stage in developing a shared strategic vision for Ballarat in 2040 is now available for comment. The Preliminary Ballarat Strategy outlines for the first time the key concepts which are being considered to underpin land use decision-making in Ballarat over the next 30 years, including: • A new approach to managing change in our historic city; • A new hierarchy of ‘Regional Capital Precincts’ and the infrastructure needed to support their growth; • The ‘10 Minute City’ to guide decision-making; • A new approach to manage our environment and connect our neighbourhoods; • A future spine network of frequent, logical and convenient public transport, and the land use decisions needed to make it happen; • Guidance on the future of infill development; and • Guidance on the future of greenfield development for housing. The concepts seek to highlight what the community said they want to see in Ballarat in 2040, and how that might be achieved. Want to have your say? The Preliminary Strategy is available for comment to 31 December, however ideas for the future of Ballarat are welcome at any time. Visit the City of Ballarat website: www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay, email [email protected] or like Ballarat Council on Facebook. During the three-week engagement, the IBM team partnered with local stakeholders to focus on increasing the City’s waste management capabilities, with a view to support economic development and contribute towards positive environmental outcomes. As part of the pro bono work, the team met in person with a diverse range of government, citizen and business stakeholders, and spoke with residents at an open public session. IBM delivered a comprehensive list of recommendations to minimise reliance on landfill and to better support the innovation and management of local waste resources in the City of Ballarat. Ballarat was one of only 16 worldwide recipients of this year’s IBM Smarter Cities Challenge, and one of only two Australian cities to be awarded the grant in 2014. Have a healthy, happy summer Control the noise Be considerate and be reasonable with your noise this summer. Talk to you neighbours when a problem arises and negotiate a fair solution. Want advice on managing a noise concern? Call the City of Ballarat’s Environmental Health Unit at 5320 5702. Keep food safe Food poisoning is a serious health problem. Follow the Department of Health’s 10 steps to safer food over summer to protect yourself and your family and friends. 1. Buy from reputable suppliers with clean premises. 2. Avoid spoiled foods, foods past their use-by dates or foods in damaged containers or packaging. 3. Take chilled, frozen or hot foods straight home in insulated containers. 4. Keep raw foods and ready-to-eat foods separate. 5. Keep high-risk foods out of the Temperature Danger Zone. Keep chilled foods cold at 5°C or colder and hot food hot at 60°C or hotter. 6. Avoid high-risk foods left in the Temperature Danger Zone for more than 4 hours. (between 5 and 60°C) 7. Thoroughly wash and dry hands when preparing food. 8. Use separate and clean utensils for raw foods and ready-to-eat foods. 9. Cook minced meats, poultry, fish and sausages thoroughly. 10.When in doubt, throw it out. Want to know more? Visit www.health.vic.gov.au Finding it hard to hear? Did you know that captions – the text version of speech and other sound - are available on all television programs aired from 6 to 10.30pm, and all news and current affairs programs on the primary channels of all free-to-air networks? Many programs are also captioned outside of prime time. All televisions in the City of Ballarat Customer Service areas display captions. www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 9 LATEST NEWS STAY FIRE READY THIS SUMMER Whether you own or lease, you are legally required to manage fire risks on your property. You must ensure it is clean and free of any debris, long grass or other vegetation that could pose a fire hazard. FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION CHECKLIST Cut any long grass so that it is no higher than 10cm and maintain it at that height throughout the fire season. Remove any noxious and environmental weeds from your property, including highly flammable gorse infestations. Remove flammable material on or around your home, including cleaning out gutters and spouting. Trim excess vegetation, including overhanging branches, along driveways and firebreaks to ensure easy access for firefighting appliances. As a guide, the CFA requires minimum clearance of 4 metres wide x 4 metres high. Clear away dead undergrowth and fallen branches, and ensure that any firewood or timber is stored well away from your home and outbuildings. As a general rule, the on-ground mulch or leaf layer should be no more than 2cm thick. Make sure your property is clearly numbered so that it can be found quickly and easily by emergency services. The City of Ballarat, under the CFA Act, must regularly inspect all properties within the municipality for potential fire risks. Residents in violation will receive a Fire Prevention Notice. A Fire Prevention Notice is a legally enforceable directive under the CFA Act. Failure to comply could lead to substantial fines or, in serious cases, imprisonment. Fines start at $1,476 and legal proceedings may occur resulting in fines up to $17,713 and/or 12 months imprisonment. These penalties are declared in the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 (Section 41) Want to know more about Fire Prevention Notices? Call the City of Ballarat’s Fire Prevention Officer at 5320 5568. City of Ballarat takes action The City of Ballarat is busy getting preparing for the fire season. A variety of teams work together to make sure residents are best placed in the event of an emergency. Fire season preparations • Strategic fire control lines cut and maintained during the Fire Danger Period These roads are strategically identified by the Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee to assist with stopping the spread of a fire. • Rural roadside slashing Primarily for road safety but also assists in fire prevention. • Reserves and open spaces slashed where practical • Monitor and maintain all City of Ballarat-managed fire access tracks 10 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Before undertaking a controlled burn, check to see if you need a permit. Within the declared Fire Restriction Period Protecting the City of Ballarat What if I receive a Fire Prevention Notice? Act quickly to remove the fire hazard in the timeframe specified on the Notice. Controlled Burns • Designate and maintain strategically-placed static water supplies to assist the fire agencies • Under the Electrical Safety Act, the City inspects for hazardous trees Making a plan The City of Ballarat works closely with all emergency services in the preparation for the fire season and maintains the Municipal Fire and Emergency Management Plans. The City conducts community education in conjunction with the CFA and has supported the development and implementation of Community Information Guides in high fire risk areas. Permits will only be issued for broad acre burning during the Fire Restriction Period. Permits are issued by the City of Ballarat’s Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA. Outside of the Fire Restriction Period A Permit to Burn must be obtained to light a fire or allow one to remain alight in the open air or in an incinerator on any land less than half an acre or 0.2 hectare in size within an urban residential area or township residential area. Summer Sundays Returning to the tranquil setting of the Botanical Gardens, Summer Sundays features a new and exciting line-up of musical talent. Every Sunday in January, pack a picnic and enjoy the FREE entertainment. Sunday 4 January Sunday 11 January Sunday 18 January Sunday 25 January 5 to 6.15pm Alanna & Alicia Egan 5 to 6.15pm Matt Dwyer & the Magnatones 5 to 6.15pm Amie Brûlée 5 to 6.15pm Month of Sundays 6.45 to 8pm Tom West 6.45 to 8pm Quarter St Orquestra 6.45 to 8pm Tek Tek Ensemble 6.45 to 8pm Ballarat Symphony Orchestra Alanna & Alicia Egan Matt Dwyer & the Magnatones Amie Brûlée Month of Sundays Escape to France with Amie Brûlée as she takes you for a musical stroll through French villages and the streets of Paris. Performing a melange of classic French songs by artists including Edith Piaf, Charles Trenet, and Serge Gainsbourg, with some modern tunes and a touch of Cole Porter. Chilled out alternative folk pop with lush harmonies, beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics complimented by acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion and keys. Genre: Folk/Jazz/Roots Twin sisters, Alanna and Alicia blend folk, jazz and roots in their original, acoustic songs. Known for their sweet, sibling harmonies and fine song-writing, the sisters have charmed crowds across the country. Tom West Genre: Folk Tom West is a songwriter and fingerpicker. His songs are inspired by lost love and getting lost; they traverse from very simple folk tunes to grand and moody soundscapes. Genre: Blues/Jazz/Rockabilly Matt Dwyer has been wowing audiences across Australia and overseas for close to two decades with his unique hybrid of blues, jazz, rockabilly, swing and surf music. With an emphasis on sharp looks and showmanship with original songs, Matt Dwyer is an artist in a class all his own. The Quarter St Orquestra Genre: Salsa A dynamic live band with a driving rhythm section and all-trombone horn section, The Quarter St Orquestra takes the audience back to the heart of classic salsa. Inspired by the passion of salsa luminaries such as Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barreto and Hector Lavoe, and emphasising the raw sounds of New York in the 1970's. Scrumptious Sundays Available at all Summer Sundays Red Door Pizzeria: Wood-Fired Pizza Bean Me Up Espresso: Hot Drinks Ice Indulgence: Crepes, Ice Cream, Poffertjes, Shakes and Sundaes Genre: French Cabaret Tek Tek Ensemble Genre: World Music A festive international mini-orchestra experimenting and creating new compositions with inspiration from exotic and festive music from across the globe including Mexican mariachi, Kenyan benga, Indonesian dangdut, Colombian gaita, surf, swing, calypso, klezmer, Ethiopian jazz and doo wop. Genre: Folk/Pop Ballarat Symphony Orchestra Genre: Symphonic/Orchestral Established in 1987, The Ballarat Symphony Orchestra is part of a continuous tradition of community orchestras in Ballarat dating back to the late 1800’s. Summer Sundays When: 5 to 8pm - 4, 11, 18 and 25 January Where: Ballarat Botanical Gardens Want to know more? Follow Summer Sundays and the City of Ballarat on Facebook. (enter via Wendouree Parade or Gillies Street) All Summer Sundays are FREE Bring a picnic, rug and low chairs. Arrive early for a beanbag (limited number available). www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 11 The Conservatory and Adam Lindsay Gordon Craft Cottage will be open during all Summer Sundays. Celebrate Christmas in the CBD 6 to 24 December Take a free ride on the Ferris Wheel and see Ballarat like you’ve never seen it before. The Ferris Wheel will operate at the Sturt Street end of the Bridge Mall, 10am to 5pm, every day from 6 to 24 December. A Christmas event featuring fun, family activities and entertainment including a live broadcast by Power FM, will be held on Saturday 6 December and children are encouraged to dress up in their favourite festive outfits to win prizes. While in town shopping for gifts, check out the new floral decorations along Sturt Street and don’t miss the spectacle of the tree lights in the evening. Music, entertainment and those mischievous merry elves will feature at various times throughout the December period. Be entertained by classic choirs and roaming entertainers in the CBD, 11am to 2pm, Fridays and Saturdays. Merry Memories Take a selfie at the top of the Ferris Wheel and upload your photo to the online gallery at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au. Enter the draw to win a great prize! From 10am to 5pm, 13 to 20 December, visit the Ferris Wheel and step inside the giant TAC inflatable gift box, as part of its ‘Be Present this Christmas’ road safety campaign. You will be wrapped up and photographed as a present and a Christmas card made for you to take home share with your loved ones. City of Ballarat Holiday Closures The City of Ballarat services and operations have altered operational hours during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. City of Ballarat office departments will shut down at 5pm, Wednesday 24 December, 2014 and will reopen on Monday 5 January, 2015. The City of Ballarat operations rapid response team, street cleansing/sanitation unit and waste collection unit will continue to operate during the holiday period. Community Care and Access will also continue to provide essential services to clients during the holiday period. Waste Collection There will be no waste or recycling collection on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Bins will be picked up the following day. Her Majesty’s Theatre including the MajesTix Box Office, closes end of business, Friday 19 December, 2014 and reopens Monday, 5 January, 2015. Purchase tickets, memberships and gift certificates online at www.hermaj.com The altered schedule is: Friday 26 December – usual Thursday collection Saturday 27 December – usual Friday collection Sunday 28 December - usual Saturday collection The Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard St Nth, is closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Open 10am to 5pm all other days. Entry is free for the permanent exhibition. Friday 2 January - usual Thursday collection Saturday 3 January - usual Friday collection Sunday 4 January -usual Saturday collection City Services The Ballarat Botanical Gardens is open every day. The Robert Clark Conservatory and Nursery is closed Christmas Day. Open 9am to 5pm all other days. Entry is free. The City of Ballarat Libraries Ballarat Library, 178 Doveton St Nth Monday 22 December: 9.30am to 6pm Tuesday 23 December: 9.30am to 6pm Wednesday 24 December: 9.30am to 1pm Christmas Day: Closed Boxing Day: Closed Saturday 27 December: 9.30am to 1pm Sunday 28 December: 1.15 to 4pm Monday 29 December: 9.30am to 6pm Tuesday 30 December: 9.30am to 6pm Wednesday 31 December: 9.30am to 6pm New Year Day: Closed Normal opening hours from Friday 2 January, 2015 Wendouree Library, Stockland Shopping Centre Closes: 1pm, Wednesday 24 December. Normal opening hours from Saturday 3 January, 2015. Sebastopol Library, 181 Albert Street Closes: 1pm, Wednesday 24 December. Normal opening hours from Saturday 3 January, 2015. Library Outreach Services Closes: Wednesday 24 December 2013. Normal opening hours from Friday 2 January, 2015 Want to know more? Call the City of Ballarat Customer Service at 5320 5500. More Christmas fun... ChristmasFest by the Lake 2014 5 to 9pm, Friday 5 December Pleasant Street Primary School Lake Wendouree ChristmasFest is a perfect way to start the Christmas season. It’s guaranteed to be a family evening of fun, beautiful produce, original creations, and squeal-worthy excitement for the kids. Rain, hail or shine, people of all ages will enjoy Santa’s Cave, a petting zoo, show-bags and special activities. There will be plenty of mouth-watering food, boutique beer and wine, market stalls and non-stop stage entertainment. Want to know more? Visit www.christmasfestballarat.com.au Ballarat Carols 7:30pm, Sunday 14 December North Gardens Reserve Lake Wendouree Ballarat Carols, formally known as Eureka Carols, is a free community event presented by Ballarat Churches and supported by the City of Ballarat. Local performers will lead the audience in signing traditional Christmas songs. Want to know more? www.facebook.com/ballaratcarols The True Spirit of Christmas This Christmas season, please give generously to Ballarat’s worthy appeals. 3BA Christmas Appeal The 2014 3BA Christmas Appeal will again support Ballarat’s four major welfare agencies and charities: Uniting Care, the Salvation Army, Anglicare and St Vincent de Paul Society. Hoping to raise $250,000 this year, the Appeal will deliver much-needed cash, food and toys to help more than 4,500 disadvantaged Ballarat area families celebrate Christmas. The Appeal runs to Wednesday 24 December. Donations of presents, non-perishable food items and money are collected at 3BA Radio, 56 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat or mailed to PO Box 360, Ballarat 3353. Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal is Australia’s largest Christmas gift appeal and this year hope to collect more than 500,000 gifts nationwide for charity partner, The Salvation Army. The Appeal runs to Wednesday 24 December and the local Gift Tree is at Ballarat Kmart, Stockland Wendouree. Target and UnitingCare Giving Box The Giving Box appeal (formerly Operation Santa), UnitingCare’s annual gift drive, collects presents for thousands of Australian families in need. The Appeal runs to Wednesday 24 December and the local Giving Box is at Ballarat Target, Central Square, Sturt Street. Myer Christmas Gift Wrap Too busy to wrap presents this year? All funds raised from the volunteer Myer Gift Wrap campaign go directly to the local Vision Australia centre to support people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose in the local community. The Myer Gift Wrap campaign runs 11 to 24 December at Ballarat Myer, Sturt Street. Centacare Christmas Appeal Centacare’s annual toy drive collects gifts for every child in its local program. Gift Trees are located at Toyworld Ballarat, Howitt Street, and Curves Sebastopol and Wendouree. Donations accepted to 14 December. Shop Ballarat this Christmas Make your money count this holiday season and shop at local retailers and businesses. Enjoy beautiful Christmas decorations and great bargains in Ballarat. Find the b2b Christmas Bunyip Join Commerce Ballarat’s fun competition and find the 10 bunyips hidden at local hospitality venues in Ballarat, for your chance to win $1,000 worth of restaurant vouchers. Lodge your entry at www.commerceballarat.com.au or pick up an entry form at the Commerce Ballarat office, 27 Doveton Street North. Entries close Tuesday 9 December. One-of-a-kind The Pop Up Shop Ballarat is open 10am to 9pm, Friday, and 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, from 21 to 30 November. Showcasing the region’s best quality designer and art gifts at the Backspace Gallery, Alfred Deakin Place. EUREKA 160 1854 - 2014 EUREKA DAY Wednesday 3 December All events at M.A.D.E. Free entry 6:00am - Welcome to country and smoking ceremony Led by Wathaurung elder, Uncle Bryon Powell 6:20am - Raising of the recreated Eureka Flag 6:30am - Memorial Service 7am – Pikeman’s Dog Memorial Unveiling of the reimagined memorial at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park. 7:30am – Launch of Digital Stories Created for the M.A.D.E permanent exhibition about descendants and others involved in the Eureka events. Graves Ceremony Noon at the Ballaarat Old Cemetery, Macarthur Street Commemorate the 160th anniversary at the graves of diggers and soldiers. All welcome. 1pm – Tales of the forgotten Eureka Three filmmakers discuss Digital Stories. 2pm – Demanding Democracy with Eureka’s Children Explore the lead up to the Eureka Stockade and subsequent trials. Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka, 102 Stawell Street South, is open 10am to 5pm. Website: www.made.org Entry to M.A.D.E is free to all Ballarat residents. 3:30pm – Speaker Series Three thought-leaders debate issues surrounding the impact of Eureka Stockade and contemporary democracy. Free event, with M.A.D.E admission. Bookings essential. Phone 1800 287 113 or email [email protected] 5.20 to 7pm – Outdoor concerts FREE premiere of music created for 160th and Shane, Marcia & Damian Howard in concert. Saturday 6 December 7 to 10pm – Indoor film screenings FREE. The 1949 movie 'Eureka Stockade' followed by the ABC’s ‘Australia on Trial: Eureka 13.’ 11am – Clare Wright in Conversation Talk about contemporary democracy with Eureka expert Clare Wright. 9:15 & 10:30pm – Blood on the Southern Cross Sound and light show at Sovereign Hill. To buy tickets, visit sovereignhill.com.au or call 5337 1199. All events at M.A.D.E unless stated Noon to 5pm – Family Fun Fair FREE activities and live music. Antique appraisals available. Bring a picnic or food available. Noon – Historical walk to locations significant to Eureka Sunday 7 December All events at M.A.D.E 11am – Peter Tobin Oration About Eureka ideals and their contemporary relevance. Presented by the Hon. Rob Knowles AO. Artwork: Marlene Gilson, Mount Warrenheip and Eureka Stockade (detail), 2013, acrylic on canvas. Collection: Art Gallery of Ballarat. Purchased with funds from The Sir Wilfred Brookes Charitable Foundation, 2014 AUSTRALIA DAY EUREKA AT THE GALLERY Eureka Hall of Debate 1, 3, 4 and 5 December Debate the social, moral and political issues surrounding the Eureka events and subsequent treason trials, under the expert guidance of a ‘judge’. Suitable for groups of 25 to 30. Bookings essential. The Sounds of Eureka 6pm, Tuesday 2 December Performances by senior music students from local schools and professional musicians. Bookings essential. Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, is open 10am to 5pm. Phone: 5320 5858. all sorts of mischief with lots of singing, dancing and some great messages for children about the environment. Monday 26 January 7 to 7.30pm Back in Black Celebrate Australia Day at Lake Wendouree with FREE live entertainment followed by the 3BA Fireworks Spectacular. Pack a picnic, chairs and rugs and join the fun at Windmill Drive, next to the Adventure Playground. This is a City of Ballarat alcohol-free event. 7.30 to 7.45pm Mayor’s welcome address 5 to 5.45pm City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band The band was originally formed in 1886 as Bulch’s Model Brass Band and became the City of Ballarat Brass Band in late 1900. Proudly entertaining the people of Ballarat for more than 125 years. 6 to 6.45pm The Magical Mountains Adventure Time Show Come on a journey full of adventure, singing and dancing with Wozza, his Australian animal friends and a gum tree named Breanna! The furry Magical Mountain folk get up to Australians of the Year 2pm – Film screenings New digital stories about the Eureka Stockade. Remember the days when pubs had a Ladies Lounge and the ladies only drank lemonade? Well, the ladies are ‘Back in Black,’ guitars in hand, ready to rock out to a cool selection of classic Aussie rock/pop tunes to warm up the evening. 7.45 to 9pm The Big Fish Cast your eyes and ears on The Big Fish - they’ll hook you right in with top music from recent chart hits to well-known rock classics. 9pm The 3BA Fireworks Spectacular Snacks & Munchies Ballarat East Community Men’s (BECS) Shed - Community BBQ Red Door Pizzeria – Wood-Fired Pizza Just Chips – Hot Chips Kool Cones - Snow Cones, Hot Drinks, Hot Dogs and Nachos Mike Pearce – Ice cream, Hot Drinks and Donuts The 2015 Australia Day Awards and Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will be held on Australia Day eve, Sunday 25 January. The City of Ballarat Awards will be presented in three categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year. Want to know more? Visit www.ballarat.gov.vic.au 14 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au EVENTS Want more information? Visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au or www.roadnationals.org.au Follow the City of Ballarat on Facebook and Twitter. Pictured: Simon Gerrans won the 2014 National Road Championships, with Cadel Evans, left, taking second place, and Richie Porte, right, in third place. 2015 Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships 7 to 11 January The Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships brings the best of world cycling to the streets of Ballarat, from 7 to 11 January, 2015. Criterium Sturt Street from Lyons Street to Lydiard Street Wednesday 7 January Held in the heart of Ballarat’s CBD, this is cycling’s answer to Twenty20 cricket, riding up to 40 laps of the 1.1km course. For the first time on a Wednesday, this event is held in the early evening culminating with live music and a festival atmosphere. Individual Time Trial Buninyong Thursday 8 January Set amongst Buninyong’s rolling hills, the time trial is a real test of a rider’s physical and mental strength. Affectionately known as the “race of truth,” it’s each rider against the clock and the fastest rider wins. Road Race Buninyong Saturday and Sunday, 10 & 11 January The road race will be held on the iconic 10.2km circuit around Mount Buninyong. This is the blue ribbon event of the Road Nationals, with the U23 men racing over 132km on Saturday morning, the women covering 102km on Saturday afternoon and the elite men tackling 183km around the circuit on the Sunday. Get involved – Volunteer With many of the Australians that feature in the Tour de France, Olympic Games and World Championships, spectators are encouraged to experience what millions of people get to do each year when they line the roads of Europe for the world’s biggest bike races. For the safety of all road users, there will be road closures and traffic diversions throughout the Road National Championships. To minimise disruption, the City of Ballarat will liaise directly with residents and business owners in the affected areas through letter drops and community meetings. Ride Nationals Buninyong Sunday 11 January Just hours before Australia’s best do battle for the coveted green and gold jersey at the Road National Championships, you can put yourself to the test on the famous Mount Buninyong circuit. BALLARAT BEER FESTIVAL Saturday 24 January Boutique beer, gourmet food and world-class entertainment: it’s the perfect way to spend a summer Saturday. The Ballarat Beer Festival will once again draw a crowd of beer experts, summer festival lovers and families to the City Oval for a fun day out and the opportunity to taste more than 20 different Australian craft brews, including two local to Ballarat. New in 2015: > Brewers Big Backyard – Specially created area for craft beer aficionados keen to sample from an eclectic range of breweries. > Games Garden - Challenge friends to a friendly game of Jenga, bocce or croquet. > Cider Orchard – Cider fans rejoice! Sample from a wide range of refreshing ciders in the vintage-themed orchard. Want to know more? 16 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au On fully closed roads, under the same conditions as Australia’s best, Ride Nationals is a recreational ride that gives cyclists of all levels the chance to live the dream of riding Australia’s most prestigious one-day race. Visit: www.ballaratbeerfestival.com.au To experience the event up close, volunteer for the Cycling Australia event team. For more information, visit www.roadnationals.org.au Traffic alterations Details of the road closures and traffic diversions will be available at the City of Ballarat’s website: www.ballarat.vic.gov.au in early January, 2015. For more information, contact the City of Ballarat at 5320 5730 or email [email protected]. EVENTS MARS CYCLING AUSTRALIA ROAD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 7 to 11 January, Ballarat CBD and Buninyong www.roadnationals.org.au. See page 16 Ballarat Fresh Produce Market 9am to 1pm Bridge Mall New Years Day PUBLIC HOLIDAY Summer Sundays Ballarat Botanical Gardens See page 11 Organs of the Goldfields 9 to 18 January www.ballarat.com/organs See page 18 27 Dec to 7 Jan Welcome Bahrain! Smart Living Farmers Market 9am to 1pm Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree Under 18 National Female Cricket Championships 14 to 20 January www.ballaratcricket.com The Bahrain National Football team will call Ballarat home in the lead up to AFC Asian Cup 2015, with training sessions and practise match at its base: Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility at Morshead Park. www.ballarat.vic.gov.au or follow Ballarat Council on facebook. 11am to 8pm, 24 January City Oval, Ballarat See page 16 Smart Living Farmers Market 9am to 1pm Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree Buninyong Village Market 10am to 2pm Buninyong Town Hall precinct & Masonic Hall Australia Day PUBLIC HOLIDAY Buninyong Marvellous Marmalade Fair 1 to 4pm Buninyong Town Hall 7pm, Town Hall Ordinary Council Meeting Town Hall, Sturt Street, Ballarat ballarat.vic.gov.au buninyong.vic.au/marmalade ballaratbeerfestival.com.au www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 17 EVENTS Ballarat Cycle Classic Sunday 15 February Get into top gear and help raise valuable dollars for cancer research by signing up for the Ballarat Cycle Classic. Ride for research on the infamous Cycling Australia Road National Championships course at Mount Buninyong. Choose to ride the 50km, 60km, 85km or 100km circuits, join the relay ride around Lake Wendouree, or cycle the 25km or 50km mountain bike events. For the first time in 2015, the Classic includes a walking event: the Lap of the Lake Celebration Walk around Lake Wendouree. Enjoy fun, family activities at the finish line. One hundred percent of all registration fees support the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. Last year, 1600 participants raised $213,600 for FECRI, bringing the total collected to more than $1 million. Want to know more? Visit www.ballaratcycleclassic.com.au Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival 12 to 15 February The Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival is a three day event celebrating all things rockabilly including music, fashion, cars, dancing and nostalgia. The Ballarat CBD will come alive with the colour, life, movement and music of the Festival. Day events will be family friendly and include a market, live music, all-day dance floor and classic car show – all free. In the evening, music and dance events will be held at various venues in Camp and Lydiard Streets. Want to know more? Visit ballaratbeat.com.au Ballarat Gift Want to know more? ballaratgift.com 7 & 8 February The nation’s best sprinters will converge on the city to race the $20,000 Ballarat Gift at the Eastern Oval. Watch Australia’s best compete on grass over 120 metres in the iconic Gift, part of two days of great racing with mens, womens, veterans and juniors events. All athletes race in a handicapped system with distances ranging from 70 to 3200 metres. Organs of the Goldfields 9 to 18 January Celebrate a remarkable 20 years of this iconic summer festival with 10 busy days of fine music in historic venues. Popular with locals as well as attracting large visiting crowds, the Organs of the Goldfields features 24 recitals on organ, strings, brass, woodwind and voice in Ballarat and the region. Enjoy demonstrations on heritage church organs, visits to historic and tourist sites, and social functions and dinners. The first and final Festival performances are at the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral in the heart of Ballarat. Want to know more? Visit www.ballarat.com/organs. For bookings, call 0429 327 097. For program information, call 5333 1195. 18 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au EVENTS Starring BALLARAT The Doctor Blake Mysteries return to ABC 1 in February Ballarat Fresh Produce Market 9am to 1pm Bridge Mall BALLARAT WENDOUREE ROWING REGATTA 7 & 8 February, Lake Wendouree 2015 Kumpoo Oceania Badminton Championships 9 to 15 February Ken Kay Badminton Stadium ballaratbadminton.com 7pm, Town Hall Ordinary Council Meeting Town Hall, Sturt Street, Ballarat ballarat.vic.gov.au Ballarat Beat Rockabilly Festival 12 to 15 February See page 18 ballaratbeat.com.au Chinese New Year 13 February to 1 March 2015 is the Year of the Sheep Next Gen 2015 7 February to 22 March Art Gallery of Ballarat Senior secondary visual art and design awards exhibition Ballarat Gift 7 & 8 February Eastern Oval See page 18 ballaratgift.com Smart Living Farmers Market 9am to 1pm Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree Valentine's Day Ballarat Cycle Classic See page 18 ballaratcycleclassic.com.au BALLARAT RELAY FOR LIFE Ballarat Swap Meet 19 to 21 February Ballarat Airport 28 February to 1 March Llanberris Athletics Reserve Legally Blonde – the musical 20 February to 8 March Presented by ballaratswapmeet.com.au Ballarat Lyric Theatre Her Majesty’s Theatre For tickets, call 5333 5888 or visit www.hermaj.com ballaratlyrictheatre.com.au Money raised for Cancer Council Register. Participate. Donate. www.relayforlife.org.au 7pm, Town Hall Ordinary Council Meeting Town Hall, Sturt Street, Ballarat ballarat.vic.gov.au Ballarat Highland Gathering 22 February Lake Wendouree Buninyong Village Market 10am to 2pm Buninyong Town Hall precinct & Masonic Hall Smart Living Farmers Market 9am to 1pm Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 19 ARTS & CULTURE Ballarat Backyard Tasters community cake stall and quality beverages from Sweet Decadence Catering – or BYO picnic. Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your visitors to enjoy the best of Ballarat. Coming to Ballarat for a third great year: Ballarat Backyard Tasters! Uniting the community in a free celebration of the very best of Ballarat, Backyard Tasters offers exhilarating entertainment, arresting artistry, fabulous food and delicious company. At a Backyard Taster, enjoy a relaxed segue into the weekend with a showcase of up-and-coming and established musical groups and local performers, as well as catching up with the latest Backspace Gallery exhibition. Fuel up for dancing with scrumptious delights from select local vendors, yummy sweets from the Ballarat Backyard Tasters 5:30 to 8:30pm Friday 13, 20, 27 February Alfred Deakin Place, Ballarat CBD Friday 6 March Ballarat Municipal Observatory, Mount Pleasant In addition to all the Backyard Tasters fun, there is something unique each week: 13 Feb: ReFashion Show Catwalk 20 Feb: Community Market 27 Feb: Backspace Gallery opening of Faces & Places: Photographs by Iam Kemp & Catalie Saldumbide 6 March: Star Gazing at the Ballarat Observatory AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE EVENT Ballarat Begonia Festival 7 to 9 March, 2015 The Ballarat Begonia Festival is officially Australia’s Favourite Event. Thank you to all the festival supporters who voted in the People’s Choice category. Recently named Australia’s Favourite Event and the Best Regional Event in Victoria, save the date and invite your friends and family to the City of Ballarat’s Ballarat Begonia Festival. The award was announced at the Australian Event Awards in Sydney in November. In 2015, experience an adventure in the gardens with the Begonia Display, Begonia Parade, live entertainment, Central Highlands Water ‘Grow Your Own Food’ program, and schools scarecrow display. Other popular attractions returning to the festival are The Tea House, Mitchell Harris Wine Garden, APEX Art Show, NEW kids’ activities, delicious food and much more. The Ballarat Begonia Festival took out the award against stiff competition from the following events: • • • • Australian Billy Cart Championships Bendigo Easter Festival Blues on Broadbeach Blues Festival Byron Bay Bluesfest • • • • • Club Marine Southern 80 Water Ski Race Grace Gala 2014 Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review Santos Tour Down Under 2014 Vivid Sydney The Australian Event Awards are considered the pinnacle awards program for the events industry in Australia. The awards are an opportunity for all Australian events to be acknowledged on a level playing field, across the entire national events industry. The Ballarat Begonia Festival attracted record crowds in 2014, with 45,000 people attending the event over three days. re? Want to knowtivamo l on Facebook 20 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Fes Follow the Ballarat Begonia festival.com or visit www.ballaratbegonia ARTS Celebrate Ballarat’s heritage Heritage Grants – now open This year, $100,000 in Heritage Grants is available to assist Ballarat’s not-for-profit, commercial and private heritage property owners. The City of Ballarat and the Victoria Heritage Restoration Fund (VHRF) have joined together to boost funding, increasing the grant total by $45,000. The first round of grants is now open, to 26 January, 2015. The second round will be available later in 2015. All grant applications are made online. 301 Grant Stre et, Golden Poi nt To register and apply, visit www.vhrf.com.au. For more information, call the VHRF at 9656 9870 or email [email protected]. Ballarat Heritage Awards 2015 Put your thinking caps on! Who will you nominate for a Ballarat Heritage Award in 2015? Nominations for the Heritage Awards open early February 2015. Categories include: Adaptive Reuse of a Heritage Place, New Works/Development within a Heritage Area, Special Heritage Skills and Heritage Innovation. Application forms will be available at Town Hall, the Phoenix Building and at the City of Ballarat website: www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Revitalising Historic Ballarat The Revitalising Historic Cities Symposium Saturday 21 February, 2015 Art Gallery of Ballarat Ballarat Imagine told us how much residents love Ballarat’s heritage and history and that the community wants the City of Ballarat to carefully manage growth. The City’s heritage team is taking an innovative view to managing change in historic cities: the UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape approach. The Centre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness (FedUni) and the City of Ballarat will host its second international symposium, ‘Revitalising Historic Cities: Ballarat and the Historic Urban Landscape approach,’ in February. The Symposium will be open to the public and feature an interesting list of international Love the live music scene? Expressions of Interest are now invited for the City of Ballarat Live Music Strategy Advisory Committee. guest speakers. It will present Ballarat’s role in a global Historic Urban Landscape pilot program, launch a new Historic Urban Landscape website and provide a platform for discussion on Ballarat’s distinctiveness and the future development of the city. Event details and program will be released soon. For more information on the Historic Urban Landscape pilot program, visit www. historicurbanlandscape.com Want to stay up-to-date with the Symposium? Follow the City of Ballarat on Facebook or visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au The Archies come to Ballarat The role of the Committee is to keep Council informed of the current and potential barriers to developing the local live music scene and assist in the development a draft Live Music Strategy. The Art Gallery of Ballarat will be the next Victorian regional gallery to host one of the country’s most popular touring exhibitions, the Archibald Prize. The Committee will comprise of Council representatives and 10 community spokespersons representing industry areas including venues, tertiary and higher education, musicians, production/event management and transport. The Gallery will present the touring version of Australia’s most famous art prize in Spring, 2015 and 2016. Want to know more? Email the City of Ballarat’s Community Arts & Culture Coordinator: [email protected]. Applications close at 5pm, Monday 29 December. Meetings begin in February 2015. The Archies are an exciting exhibition for Victoria’s oldest and largest regional gallery. www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 21 COMMUNITY Parent Place Corner of Sturt and Albert Streets Open: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday The new Parent Place is now open. The bright new CBD location is a larger facility with new furniture and equipment, longer opening hours and more great activities. Parent Place will continue to provide a safe, welcoming and child friendly space with change and feed facilities. Visit Parent Place to access information about a range of City of Ballarat Family and Children’s Services including: Childcare Kindergarten Playgroups Family Day Care Immunisation Maternal and Child Health Nurses Parent Place is run by the City of Ballarat and a dedicated group of volunteers. City of Ballarat Family and Children’s Services staff have also moved to the new location. Parent Place is supported by an energetic and passionate team of volunteers. To join this great team, contact Michelle Kirkpatrick at 5320 5165 or email [email protected] Winner! Parent Place recently won a Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Early Years Award. IT'S TIME TO PLAY! Playgroups are a great opportunity to meet other families and carers with young children and make connections. You can also enjoy new experiences and activities with your children which you can try at home. 22 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Parent Place won the award in the ‘Improvements in parents’ capacity, confidence and enjoyment of family life’ category, and received $15,000 for the ongoing development of the project. The City of Ballarat’s KinderGARDEN – “Putting the garden back into kindergartens” A Community Playgroup is usually run by parents or carers. Meeting times and frequency, and the structure of the playgroup is decided by the group. Expressions of Interest are now being taken for a new community playgroup in Lucas, to begin at the start of 2015. project, was also a finalist in the category ‘Communities that are more family and child friendly.' The installation of natural play spaces in local kindergartens was a partnership initiative between the City of Ballarat, ECKA, UnitingCare Ballarat, Deakin University and Flemings Nurseries. Want to start a new playgroup in Lucas or somewhere else in the City of Ballarat? Call Amy Marnica, Playgroup Victoria Playgroup Development Consultant, at 0456 869 515 or email [email protected]. Interested in existing community playgroups? Contact Meghan, City of Ballarat Playgroup Coordinator, at 5320 5682 or email [email protected] Ballarat’s young citizens Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 School Citizenship Awards: • Isaac Baker: Ballarat Christian College • Jasmine Dickinson: Ballarat Grammar • Leah Martin: Ballarat Secondary College – East Campus • Samantha Harbridge: Phoenix P-12 Community College • Flynn Jamieson: Damascus College • Grace Mulcahy: Loreto College • Madeleine Merzvinskis: Ballarat Secondary College – Wendouree • Amy Tadgell - Ballarat Clarendon College WE WANT YOU! • Brayden Ward: St Patrick’s College • Nicholas Withers: Ballarat High School Exceptional students from local private and public high schools were recognised for their commitment to community service and citizenship at Town Hall on 2 October. In its third year, the Awards are presented by the Ballarat group of the Order of Australia Association. 2015 Youth Council 2015 FReeZA Crew Are you passionate about being a voice for young people in Ballarat? Apply for the 2015 City of Ballart Youth Council and be part of a fun team that creates projects and campaigns, develops leadership skills, and represents local youth. Join the FReeZA Crew and enjoy producing and promoting live music events, event management and developing music industry skills. Apply to be part of the dedicated and enthusiastic 10-member team. Want to know more? Applications are now open to young people aged 12 to 25 years. Visit www.youthservicesballarat.com.au or call 5320 5140. JOIN THE GALLERY GUIDES Do you enjoy looking at, and learning about, art? Do you feel comfortable talking to people about art? The Art Gallery of Ballarat guiding group are looking for new members to join its team of 41 enthusiastic volunteers who show visitors around the Gallery’s fantastic collection of Australian art, and some special exhibitions. Trainee guides are offered a comprehensive education program to study the development of Australian art, art history and the Gallery collection. Social opportunities include regular visits to other galleries, exhibition openings and presentations by artists, curators and other guest speakers. Potential guides must be available for regular training sessions from February to November, 2015. Congratulations Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 City of Ballarat Japanese Speech and Cultural Contest. Year 10 students Scott Walker from Mount Clear College and Anita Craggs from Ballarat Clarendon College were presented with a two-week trip to Ballarat’s Sister City, Inagawa in Japan to practise their language skills and experience Japanese culture. Well done to all students involved. Want to get involved? Register interest by Friday 12 December. Applications in writing, with contact details, should be sent to Veronica Stott, Guides Convener; Art Gallery of Ballarat; 40 Lydiard St Nth; Ballarat 3350 or email [email protected]. For more information, call Veronica at 0438 290 544 or 5334 2985. www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 23 FAMILY & CHILD SERVICES YOUTH AWARDS The winners and nominees of the 10th Annual City of Ballarat Youth Awards gathered with their family and friends for the big announcement at the Regent Cinema on 17 October. YOUTH AWARDS The City of Ballarat Youth Awards celebrate and recognise Ballarat’s many young people who make a positive contribution to our city. Sam Griffin Josh Muir Katelyn Stares Christopher Saunders (right) Tim Lomax The 2014 Youth Award winners are: Performing Arts Award Sam Griffin Leukemia Foundation. She juggles this community work with full-time study and casual work. For more than nine months Sam Griffin has run his own business, Soul Studio. Sam is passionate and dedicated to teaching hip-hop all around Victoria. He believes dance can break down barriers and encourage young people to engage and express themselves. Youth Leader Award Christopher Saunders Josh is a passionate freelance artist - some of his works confront significant issues, while others celebrate hope, opportunity and strength. Josh uses his experience and talent to inspire other young people to step up and he is a strong leader in the local Aboriginal community. A Year 11 student at St Patrick’s College, Chris created the Ballarat Aboriginal Student Engagement Day (BASED) program. He united more than 65 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people from local secondary schools to come together and share information on local organisations/services and opportunities to get involved in the community. Chris takes every opportunity to develop his leadership skills, including volunteering, guest speaking, attending leadership camps and forums and co-leading campaigns raising awareness of the issues of mental health in Aboriginal communities. Challenge and Change Award Katelyn Stares Sporting Award Tim Lomax Visual and Design Award Josh Muir Katelyn is a volunteer at two CFA brigades and is involved in fundraising efforts for the CFA and the Royal Children’s Hospital. Katelyn recently raised $600 by shaving her head for the Will Austin 24 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Tony Lovett Tim is a committed young member of the Buninyong Cricket Club. He has coached the junior under-16 team, helping more than 30 players achieve their best and preparing them to play senior Tyarna Brookes (left) Group Project RadioActive Voice FM FAMILY & CHILD SERVICES cricket. Tim also captains his side, plays on-field leadership roles, and has contributed to the management of the Club. Adult Ally – Volunteer Award Libby Bemrose Libby is a long-time volunteer of the LARF mentoring program with the Salvation Army. She has been an enthusiastic and supportive role model, not only for her mentee but for all the young people in the program. She is a great listener and young people love to be around her. Libby also manages and supports students living on residence at Federation University. Positive Youth Award Will Austin Will is a young Gunditjmara man living in Ballarat, passionate about football, family and community. Will is currently completing Year 12 as well as a community services traineeship with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association (VACSAL). In the past year, Will has volunteered with the local fire brigade, served as a Headspace board member, attended the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy, coordinated a local initiative to foster community conversations about youth suicide and attended the Garma Festival in the Northern Territory on behalf of R U OK Day. Most recently, Will spent 10 days in East Timor working on community development projects. reflecting her personal motivation and inspiring attitude. Passionate about ensuring the program is sustainable, Tyarna has sought corporate sponsorship and is currently training other leaders to continue the program. Youth Volunteer Award Chandler Pearce Chandler Pearce is an impressive young man who volunteers on the Headspace Ballarat Youth Reference Group. He is an excellent role model, always positive and happy to help. Chandler is the vice-captain of his mini school and a leader to other students. He is an International Buddy for international students and was a leader for the Be The Change anti-bullying project. Group Project Award Radioactive Voice FM The Radioactive Voice FM team is Donald, Neil, Matt, David and Andrew, supported by Narelle. The team presents its own radio show at Voice FM 99.9 on Monday nights, 10 to 11pm. The program incorporates interviews with disability services and engages with diverse people and groups within the Ballarat community. There is a strong focus on supporting Australian artists and the team report on many concerts, events and functions. The group began in 2008 and developed with the support of the community and Voice FM. Adult Ally: Worker Award Tony Lovett Tony makes things happen for Koorie youth in Ballarat, connecting them with culture, identity, education, employment, sport, music, the arts and the community as a whole. Tony was instrumental in the establishment of the KHub - a "hub" of services specifically for young indigenous community members. Tony coordinates the participation of young people in the VACSAL football and netball carnival and the Blues Brothers Murray Marathon Ballarat Crew. Tony empowers young people to step up and lead, and works tirelessly and passionately for the community, keeping culture alive and caring for future generations. Young Carer Award Peter Benson At 19 years of age, Peter works full-time and cared for his terminally ill father. Peter assisted his father as his needs grew over the past five years, and has been a strong support for his mother. He would drive his dad to the Ballarat Airport to watch the planes come in, attend mobile train expeditions and sit down to watch footy together. Unfortunately, Peter’s father passed away in October so he and his sister Katie were not present at the Youth Awards Presentation. Our thoughts and condolences are with Peter and his family. Youth Community Safety Award Tyarna Brookes Tyarna has been the face of the Be The Change program for the past three years. Be The Change is an anti-bullying program Tyarna developed and delivered to all Year 7 students at Mount Clear College. The program incorporates Tyarna’s personal story and how she has overcome a challenging and difficult situation, City of Ballarat Award (Aged 12 to 17 years) Chelsea Burgess Over the past 12 months, Chelsea has devoted herself to making a positive difference in her community and the lives of others. This year, Chelsea has: raised funds for The Cambodian Kids Foundation; become an active member of Zaque; volunteered to perform in Toto, an anti-bullying presentation at several Ballarat schools; volunteered at Ballarat Grammar junior music performances; and marched at the marriage equality rally in Melbourne. At 14 years of age, Chelsea is an outstanding member of our young community, striving to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community and around the world. City of Ballarat Award (Aged 18 to 25 years) Hayley Mah Hayley is a mum of three (and a half) who identified a need in Ballarat and developed a positive network of local mums to support each other through what is sometimes a “rough path” of motherhood. She has created a wonderful Facebook support group and has weekly catch ups in her own home, giving mums the opportunity to meet new people and develop friendships with like-minded people. The purpose of the group is: A place to come, chat, hang out, cry, laugh and grow together as mums! A place for mums in need of support. A place to make lifelong friends. A place for your children to play and have fun. Hayley Mah and Chelsea Burgess www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 25 YOUTH SENIOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS SENIOR OF THE YEAR The 2014 Ballarat Senior Award-winners were announced at Town Hall by City of Ballarat Mayor Cr John Philips on 26 September. The Senior of the Year Awards recognise seniors who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community and whose achievements inspire others into action. The 2014 Senior of the Year Award-winners are: Ballarat Senior of the Year Award William Moy Bill was nominated for all four categories - Volunteer, Mentor, Healthy and Active Living, and Workplace. A fourth-generation Ballarat Chinese descendent, Bill has demonstrated incredible passion and commitment in his bid to strengthen Ballarat's Chinese community. A founding member of the Ballarat Chinese Community Association and the first president of the Chinese Australian Cultural Society Ballarat, Bill's dedication has been instrumental in creating an organisation that now boasts more than 200 members. Bill, who will reach his 80th birthday milestone in December, has also made a significant contribution to the Ballarat East (Eureka) Athletics Club, the Ballarat East Rowing Club and the Ballarat Harness Racing Association. Ballarat Senior Mentor Award Alice and Bert Van Der Heyden Ballarat Volunteer of the Year Award Marjorie Pepper Marjorie was nominated for two categories - Volunteer and Mentor. At 83, Marjorie has been a generous contributor to the volunteer program at Sovereign Hill for more than 16 years. Whether she's teaching huckaback sewing to visiting school children or playing the role of 'Grandma Gerty' for kindergarten children, Marjorie is an inspiration to people of all ages. Nominated for two categories - Volunteer and Mentor - Alice and Bert have helped foster a brighter future for more than 200 babies and children in Ballarat. As foster carers, they have opened their home and their arms to children in need of a cheerful, safe and stable environment. Together, they have inspired many others to become foster carers while also giving the gift of hope to the young lives who need it most. Ballarat Senior Healthy and Active Living Award Susan Jeffrey Nominated for two categories - Volunteer and Healthy and Active Living - Sue's infectious love of dancing has kept many others moving and smiling. Sue, aged 66, is an incredible role model who volunteers her time as a demonstration dancer and instructor at several nursing homes and care facilities across Ballarat. Sue teaches two line-dancing classes each week, raising funds for the Ballarat South Senior Citizens Centre. She also teaches others to become dance instructors. Pictured: Ballarat Senior of the Year, William Moy 26 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au COMMUNITY COMMUNITY SAFETY AWARDS SAFETY COMMUNITY AWARDS Congratulations to the winners and nominees of the 2014 City of Ballarat Community Safety Awards. The winning community groups were celebrated at the awards presentation at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka on 16 October. The 2014 Community Safety Award-winners are: Community Strengthening Winner: Coorabin Community Group Project - Coorabin Community Development The Coorabin Community Group was formed in 2012, to create a more inclusive and safe environment within the Coorabin development in Brown Hill. The group has organised many events including a neighbourhood Christmas party, National Tree Day, fortnightly playgroup, Clean Up Australia Day, ladies night out, Neighbourhood Watch and children’s Halloween activities. Improvements for cars, bikes and pedestrian traffic have been achieved, a walking track constructed and a bus shelter investigated. Designing for Safe and Healthy Environments Winner: Ballarat Community Health Project - Ballarat Community Health Lucas Ballarat Community Health recently opened its $13.6 million primary care facility in the new suburb of Lucas. Design elements that focus on safety include access, flow of staff and visitors, needle exchange and the building is fully Disability Discrimination Act compliant. The site is surrounded by a well-planned road network, ample parking, new and improved bus routes, cycle and footpaths. The building has environmental and sustainable design elements including materials that provide excellent indoor air quality, and energy and water efficiency. Road Safety Winner: Road Trauma Support Services Victoria Project - Community Road Safety Forum The Road Trauma Support Service Victoria and Victoria Police coordinated and hosted the Ballarat Community Road Safety Forum on 24 June. The event promoted awareness and individual ownership of road safety, especially for younger and inexperienced drivers and their parents and carers. The forum promoted road safety in regional Victoria where road users are at significantly higher risk of death and serious injury. In 2013, 243 people were killed on Victorian roads and another 6,000 people seriously injured, often with injuries that affect them for the rest of their lives. Pictured (left to right): Laura Le Marshall (Coorabin), Robyn Reeves and Jim Rodgers (BCHC), Cr. Belinda Coats; Lorraine Yeomans, Donna Parson, Rick Williams and Mark Cartledge (Community Road Safety Forum), Kim Quinlan (The Courier) and Louise Jeffrey (Salvation Army). Child and Adolescent Safety Winner: The Salvation Army Project - Karinya’s Parenting Support Program Karinya provides a range of programs for its clients who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Play steps is an interactive, eight-week, play-based and attachment focused group for young parents and their children aged 0 to 3 years. The program, developed by the Queen Elizabeth Centre, promotes secure, safe and healthy relationships between parent and child, focusing on the child’s social and emotional development. The program results in enhanced confidence and resilience. Family Violence Prevention Winner: Ballarat Community Health and The Courier Project - Act@Work Ballarat Community Health and The Courier were the first two workplaces to sign up to the Women’s Health Grampians Act@Work project. These workplaces have taken a leadership role in the Ballarat community in the prevention of violence against women, coordinating staff training sessions, policy changes, morning tea and staff awareness sessions, and the distribution of materials and resources within their workplaces. Media Winner: The Courier Project - It’s Up to Us Campaign The It’s Up to Us campaign, run by The Courier over a five-month period last year, brought to the fore family violence issues. Supported by the White Ribbon Foundation, Victoria Police and local welfare organisations, the campaign highlighted the many issues surrounding family violence. www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 27 Miners Rest Kids with a Voice communities Building strong The City of Ballarat has invested $600,000 in community-led projects in Miners Rest, Learmonth and Buninyong, through the Engaging Communities Program. Important partnerships have been developed with local community groups and businesses to develop plans and fund new projects, strengthening these communities. Miners Rest Buninyong > Community shelter and BBQ • New Community Centre at 407 Warrenheip Street. Purchased by Buninyong & District Financial Services Ltd. Learmonth • New Youth Activity Space with Parkour and a pump BMX track. Funded by the City of Ballarat and the State Government. • Redeveloped skate space. Project delivered by Buninyong Community Bank. • New Buninyong Men’s Shed. Funded by Bendigo Bank, the Buninyong Community Reference Team and the State Government. • Revitalisation of the Miners Rest Community Park > Join the neighbourhood Keen to know more about what’s happening in Buninyong, Miners Rest or Learmonth? Like the Making Buninyong, Learmonth or Miners Rest Facebook pages and keep up-to-date with what’s happening in your neighbourhood. Improvement and construction of new connecting pathways, opening up the parkland for community use. The project includes bridges across Burrumbeet Creek linking sections of the park. > Entrance to the Avenue of Honour, showcasing the Soldiers Memorial > Installation of public art and park furniture • Learmonth’s Pathway to Growth > Regeneration and extension to the walking track along the Lake Learmonth Foreshore including distance markers. > Installation of interpretive signage and a bird watching hide. > Community shelter and BBQ > Seating and public art • Buninyong Bowling Club. Funded by the City of Ballarat and the Buninyong Bowling Club. • Learmonth Netball Club Development • Buninyong Swimming Pool Upgrade • Avenue of Honour Restoration • Desoza Park Masterplan - In the works • Learmonth Bowling Club kitchen upgrade • Learmonth Cemetery upgrade • Improvements at Mt Innes – In the works Talking to the community Community Blitz in Warrenheip: The Warrenheip works at the community September included car park Warrenheip Road. hall and tree planting along ond in September local residents at Lake Esm Lake Esmond: Talking with opportunities. park r othe and tive initia e about a new play spac Cardigan Village: At the Cardigan Village drop-in session in August, plans for the new early years centre were exhibi ted and City of Ballarat staff talked to residents about other local opport unities. 30 www.ballarat.vic.gov.au Dive into Summer at Ballarat’s outdoor pools It’s summertime and the perfect place to cool off on hot days are the Ballarat outdoor pools and water playspace. The City of Ballarat Outdoor Aquatic Facilities are pumped about an exciting 2014/15 season. With extended hours and more programs, Ballarat’s outdoor pools are a great place to have fun in the sun this summer. Family-friendly facilities include shaded toddler pools, kiosks, new shaded areas, new BBQs and new seating areas. For those who love the serious side of lap swimming, the Eureka pool will open early every morning for laps with extended weekend hours, too. Entry to Eureka Pool also includes unlimited rides on the giant waterslide. The biggest aquatic hit of 2014 was the Midlands Aquatic Playspace. This playspace is free to all users and is a great place for young people to enjoy a splash and giggle with family and friends. New shade sails and seating has been added for the summer season and, due to popular demand, the hours have been extended. Already a Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC) Member? All direct-debit members of the BALC receive a complimentary Summer Season Pool Pass as part of their membership. To register and collect your pass, speak with the team at BALC. VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program 2015 The VICSWIM Summer Kidz program for children will run again in January 2014 at the Eureka and Buninyong pools. Enrolments are now open. To enrol, call 9271 3800 or visit www.vicswim.com.au Outdoor Seasonal Swimming Pool 2014/2015 The City of Ballarat manages the Eureka Swimming Complex and Buninyong swimming pools. Venue Facilities Dates Opening Hours Prices Eureka Swimming Complex Stawell Street, Ballarat 5331 2820 • Heated 50m pool • Learn to swim pool • Shaded toddler pool • Free waterslide • Playground • Accessible facilities • New BBQ • New shaded family areas • Kiosk Pool Open: 1 November December to April Monday to Friday 6:30am to 7:30pm Saturday & Sunday: 7:30am to 7:30pm Public Holidays: 7:30am to 7:30pm Casual Prices Adult (17 years and above) - $4.00 Adult – Concession - $3.50 Child – (4 to 16 years) - $3.00 Family - $12.00 Season Passes (Valid for entry to Eureka and Buninyong Pools) Adult Season - $180 Adult - Concession Season - $165 Child Season - $135 Family Season - $315 • Waterslide Waterslide Open: 30 November Waterslide hours :12 to 2pm and 4 to 6pm • Solar-heated 25m pool • Shaded toddler pool • New BBQ • Kiosk • New seating Pool Open: 30 November Monday to Friday: 12 to 7pm Saturday & Sunday: 9am to 7:30pm Public Holidays: 9am to 7:30pm • 30m pool • Shaded toddler pool • New BBQ and picnic area Pool Open: 6 December School Holidays Every day: 12 to 7pm Closed Christmas Day Non-School Holidays Monday to Friday: 2 to 7pm Saturday & Sunday: 12 to 7pm Public Holidays: 12 to 7pm Buninyong Swimming Pool Forest Street, Buninyong 5341 3302 Brown Hill Swimming Pool Humffray Street North, Brown Hill Closed Christmas Day Cold weather policy applies: if forecast for the day is under 22°C the pool will be closed. Closed Christmas Day Cold weather policy applies: if forecast for the day is under 22°C the pool will be closed. Cold weather policy applies: if forecast for the day is under 22°C the pool will be closed. Midlands Aquatic Playspace Doveton Street North • Aquatic playspace • Dry playground • Family seating and shade area Open: 2 November Every day: 9am to 9pm No charge Casual Prices Adult (17 years and above) - $4.00 Adult – Concession - $3.00 Child – (4 to 16 years) - $2.50 Family - $11.00 Season Passes (Valid for entry to Buninyong Outdoor Pool) Adult Season - $75 Adult – Concession Season - $60 Child Season - $50 Family Season - $110 Casual Prices Adult (17 years and above) - $4.00 Adult – Concession - $3.00 Child – (4 to 16 years) - $2.50 Family- $11.00 Season Passes (Valid for entry to Brown Hill Outdoor Pool) Adult Season - $75 Adult – Concession Season - $60 Child Season - $50 Family Season - $110 FREE Operational for 15-minute periods. Button operated system. Want to know more? Visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au www.ballarat.vic.gov.au 31 The 2015 Mayor On 27 October, Cr John Philips was re-elected as Mayor of Ballarat for 2015, with Cr Peter Innes elected as Deputy Mayor for the same term. Mayor Philips was first elected to the position on 12 September, 2014, following the resignation of Cr Joshua Morris. Welcome to Ballarat Ballarat is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities and we welcome all our new residents. Sign up for the City of Ballarat’s New Residents Program to receive a welcome booklet with community information, vouchers to local businesses and invitations to New Resident functions at Town Hall. Are you a long-time Ballarat resident? When you meet a new resident – perhaps a co-worker, sports club member or neighbour – be sure to tell them about the City of Ballarat’s New Residents Program. Want to know more? Visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au or visit Customer Service, The Phoenix, Armstrong Street North. Front cover: Summer Sundays, Backyard Tasters and the Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships- just three of more than 62 great summer events in Ballarat .