2010 BEGONIA PARADE - THE SECRET GARDEN
22nd January 2010
Pictorial Opportunity:
What: Getting ready for the 2010 Ballarat Begonia Parade
When: Monday 25 January, 2pm
Where: Lake Wendouree, outside Pipers Restaurant.
Who: City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for Destination and Connections Samantha McIntosh, Swim and Survival Academy students, staff and mascot 'Dash'.
Preparations are underway for the 2010 Ballarat Begonia Parade. This year's parade will be held on Monday 8 March from 3 - 4.30pm, as a colourful conclusion to the long weekend's activities.
The Ballarat Begonia Weekend is celebrating its 58th year and will be held over the Labour Day long weekend from Saturday 6 - Monday 8 March.
For the first time since 2004, the Begonia Parade will travel along Wendouree Parade, starting from Hamilton Ave and finishing at the North Gardens. This year's theme is 'The Secret Garden'.
To celebrate the move back to Wendouree Parade, this year Council is looking to add extra sparkle, colour and talent from all walks of Ballarat life.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for Destination and Connections Samantha McIntosh encourages local residents and community groups to become involved in the 2010 Ballarat Begonia Parade.
"The Begonia Parade offers a wonderful opportunity for community groups, sporting clubs, multicultural groups and schools to come together and showcase what they have to offer to the wider community.
"I encourage people to get involved in the Parade, which I am sure will be a fun and colourful finishing touch to the 2010 Begonia Weekend."
One of the entrants in the 2010 Begonia Parade will be the Swim and Survival Academy. The Academy has been helping Ballarat kids learn to swim for almost 15 years. Dressed in their Swim and Survival Academy uniforms, students, staff and their mascot 'Dash' will be marching in the Parade.
Entries for the Parade can be purpose-built floats, decorated vehicles and/or simply a collection of people marching together.
To register your interest to participate in the Parade visit www.ballaratbegoniafestival.com or contact Premier PR on 5333 4426. Registrations close on Friday 5 February.
AUSTRALIA DAY 2010
25th January 2010
There will be a number of photo opportunities on Australia Day. Details are as follows:
Photo opportunity:
What: Australia Day Harmony Cricket match and BBQ
Who: Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin, Councillors and Multicultural Ambassadors
When: Tuesday 26 January, 11am
Where: Victoria Park (Sturt Street side)
Photo opportunity:
What: Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony
Who: Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin with city's newest residents and their families
When: Tuesday 26 January, 3pm
Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat
Photo opportunity:
What: Oz Day Gig '10
Who: Unsafe Thort, Chase Nation, Elaine Avenue and Mistaking Solitude
When: Tuesday 26 January, 2 - 5pm
Where: McDonald Bandstand, Lake Wendouree
Photo opportunity:
What: Australia Day family entertainment
Who: City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band, Steno and Gracy, Month of Sundays and X's and O's
When: Tuesday 26 January, 5 - 9pm
Where: McDonald Bandstand, Lake Wendouree
Photo opportunity:
What: 'Hands around the Lake'
Who: Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin, Councillors and Multicultural Ambassadors
When: Tuesday 26 January, 9pm
Where: McDonald Bandstand, Lake Wendouree and the Lake Wendouree precinct
Photo opportunity:
What: 3BA Skyworks Spectacular
When: Tuesday 26 January, 9.30pm
Where: Lake Wendouree
WATER REMAINS IN LAKE WENDOUREE
25th January 2010
When: Today, Monday 25 January, 2.15pm
Where: St Patrick's Point, Lake Wendouree
Who: Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin and City of Ballarat Executive Manager Sustainability Ian Rossiter.
This time last year Lake Wendouree was dry and had been subjected to fire. The absence of water meant that irrigation of the gardens surrounding the Lake, and flower beds in the Botanical Gardens was not possible.
In comparison with 2009, a considerable amount of water is present in the Lake this summer, creating an environment that attracts a range of animal and plant life. The water has also allowed Council to improve grounds around the Lake, and provide additional irrigation to the Botanical Gardens.
The presence of water in the Lake can be attributed to the significant works Council has undertaken to capture stormwater and recycled water, and divert it into the Lake.
Since August 2009, when the Central Highlands Water recycled water supply was turned on, a significant volume of water has been diverted into Lake Wendouree. An additional $2.37 million in Federal Government funding, secured in late 2009, will allow Council to continue its stormwater harvesting works.
Ballarat Mayor Councillor Judy Verlin said the progressive return of water to Lake Wendouree would have wonderful community, tourism and economic benefits.
"Over the next four years we can look forward to the vibrancy of Lake Wendouree returning.
"Council has planned a range of projects, including continuing deepening of the rowing course and further stormwater harvesting, to allow the return of leisure activities and aquatic sports to the Lake within 12-18 months.
"It will be fantastic to again see activities such as rowing, angling, yachting, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and even triathlon events on Lake Wendouree."
City of Ballarat Executive Manager Sustainability Ian Rossiter said that Lake Wendouree may be full as early as 2014.
"Based upon the past nine years of climate data, and upon completion of stormwater harvesting works, we anticipate the Lake to be full by 2014.
"Refilling the Lake, and managing the ecological impacts of the return of water, is a gradual process that requires patience. Every small step is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to celebrating each milestone as water gradually returns to the Lake."
The next phase of Council's stormwater harvesting project is set to commence in early February with the installation of the Redan Wetlands to Lake Wendouree pipeline.
PRACTICAL APPROACH TO BINGE DRINKING
25th January 2010
Teachers, health and community workers, parents and youth are invited to attend a training day this week to tackle the issue of binge drinking head on.
The Strengthening Generations SSMART Network will host the SSMART Solutions: Tackling Binge Drinking training day in an effort to better educate young people and those in regular contact with them.
The workshop will be held on Thursday 28 January, 8.30am - 2.30pm at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts.
The City of Ballarat's People and Communities Portfolio Councillor Des Hudson said the training day was a direct outcome from the SSMART ANSWERS conference held in September last year.
"Over 180 young people attended last year's conference and there was an overwhelming response from participants that they wanted practical information about alcohol use and harms.
"This workshop will be led by experts in the field and has been designed to equip participants with practical, factual information about the risks and effects of binge drinking.
"Binge drinking is a complex issue which requires a multi-faceted approach and this training day is just one component of the work we are doing to address this problem."
The training day will be led by Paul Dillon and John Toumbourou.
Paul Dillon, from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), has been working in the area of drug education for the past 25 years.
Mr Dillon's session, titled 'Young people, alcohol and risk taking: looking after your mates' will offer practical advice about how to identify myths about binge drinking, what the risks are and how to minimise harm.
John Toumbourou, Chair of Psychology at Deakin University will present 'What works in encouraging positive development for young people in Australian communities?'.
The presentation will focus on research and data from the 'Communities that care - Strengthening Generations' project in Ballarat and other relevant Australian data to outline the issues experienced by young people.
Other highlights of the program include:
- A DVD presentation by Ballarat Grammar year nine students and local film maker Jade Smitard titled - 'Creating Connections', which explores issues young people experience when drinking alcohol.
- Presentation by Chris Franck Ballarat Division of General Practice on the 'Reducing Risky Drinking' project.
- Presentation by Strengthening Generations Project Worker Jodie Downey, who will outline outcomes from the SSMART ANSWER's conference.
The event is sponsored by the City of Ballarat, Ballarat Grammar School, Department of Education & Early Childhood Development and Ballarat & District Division of General Practice.
The SSMART Network members include the City of Ballarat, Sebastopol College, Department of Education & Early Childhood Development, Child & Family Services Ballarat, UnitingCare Ballarat, Ballarat Community Health Centre, Victoria Police, St John Ambulance, and the University of Ballarat.
To register for the training day please contact Council's Strengthening Generations Project Worker Jodie Downey on 5320 5593 or jodiedowney@ballarat.vic.gov.au
AUSTRALIA DAY 2010 AWARD WINNERS
25th January 2010
Photo opportunity:
What: 2010 Australia Day Awards Ceremony
When: Today, Monday 25 January at 5.30pm
Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat
Who: Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin and Australia Day Award nominees
2010 Australia Day Award winners
Citizen of the Year - Ronnie (Rhonda) Rosenow
Young Citizen of the Year - Courtney McKay
Community Activity of the Year - Eureka Carols
The annual Australia Day Awards recognise the valuable contributions made by dedicated individuals and groups across three categories.
The winners are; Citizen of the Year, Ronnie Rosenow, Young Citizen of the Year, Courtney McKay and Community Activity of the Year, Eureka Carols.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin congratulated the winners and commended the community-minded efforts of all the Australia Day Award nominees.
"All nominees were worthy of recognition and I know it has been a difficult task for the committee to chose just one winner for each of the categories.
"The Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to recognise the individuals and groups that make our city a great place to live, and who have a positive impact on the lives of many people in our community."
2010 Australia Day Award recipient profiles:
Ronnie Rosenow
Ronnie Rosenow has been a registered volunteer foster carer with Child and Family Services Inc. (CAFS) for the past 14 years. During this time she has cared for more than 150 children within our community. She is currently caring for seven children between the ages of three and a half to 14 years. Ronnie is 63 years of age and has five children and 13 grandchildren of her own. Her love, care and compassion in caring for children who are unable to live at home with their parents, due to abuse, neglect or risk, is extraordinary. She sees it as her personal mission to meet the needs of the most vulnerable children in our community and hopes that, through her work, she can help build and strengthen families of Ballarat for generations to come. Ronnie is also an active member of the Miniature Pony Society.
Courtney McKay
The majority of Courtney's community involvement has been through the YMCA and Delacombe Neighbourhood Renewal programs where she has been both a volunteer and employee. As part of this role Courtney has been involved in YMCA Youth Connect, YMCA camps, Healthy Active Delacombe school and community based programs, the Delacombe Youth Group and community events and resident committees. Courtney has helped to arrange activities for local young people to clean up the local park, plant trees and also deliver care packages to families in need at Christmas.
Eureka Carols
The Eureka Carols is a free community event that has grown over time to be recognised as the main community Christmas carols event in Ballarat. On average, the event attracts between 2,000 and 5,000 people. The event supports local talent and provides an avenue for local performers to showcase their talents. The event also promotes and raises funds for the 3BA Christmas Appeal.
COUNCIL TO DEVELOP INTERCULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
28th January 2010
At its Meeting last night (27/01) Ballarat City Council endorsed a proposal which will see an Intercultural Advisory Committee of Council developed.
The proposal also recommends a realignment of Council's cultural committee structure to maximise involvement and participation opportunities for all local cultural associations, committees and groups.
The current structure is as follows:
- Ballarat Japan Community Committee (Section 86);
- Ballarat China Community Committee (Advisory); and
- Ballarat Friends of Ainaro Community Committee (Section 86).
All committees have been consulted as part of the process and have indicated their support for the Intercultural Advisory Committee.
The Intercultural Advisory Committee is a key action from Council's Cultural Diversity Strategy 2009-14. The Advisory Committee will provide support and advice to Council on cultural and interfaith issues, and assist with the implementation of the Strategy.
Through the development of the Advisory Committee, Council will maximise involvement and participation opportunities for local cultural groups and foster engagement of the city's multicultural community.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities Mark Harris said Ballarat's multicultural community was growing, both in number and diversity.
"Council is committed to ensuring Ballarat's culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse community members are better recognised, valued and respected.
"We need to support communication, interaction and exchange between different groups, and I look forward to working closely with the Intercultural Advisory Committee."
The Committee will be reflective of our city's diversity, with representatives invited from all of Ballarat's multicultural groups, the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, and the Interfaith Group.
Council will continue to support the Inagawa Sister City relationship, maintain the Ballarat Friends of Ainaro Community Committee as a Section 86 committee of Council, endorse that the Ballarat Japan Community Committee become an independent community led committee, and, endorse that the Ballarat China Community Committee become an independent cultural heritage group.
The City of Ballarat Cultural Diversity Strategy can be viewed at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au
COUNCIL APPROVED NEW STREET NUMBERS FOR PADDYS DRIVE
28th January 2010
Ballarat City Council approved a City of Ballarat report recommending the street re-numbering of Paddys Drive, Delacombe, at its Council meeting, last night.
The City of Ballarat recommendation was based upon Council's statutory requirements and emergency services access.
Director of Development and Infrastructure Trevor McCullough said guidelines and standards require that street numbering should be clear and unambiguous for the easy location of properties.
"It's important that street numbering is consistent and logical for emergency services to be able to swiftly locate properties as well as for the delivery of goods and services."
The existing street numbers do not fit within accepted numbering guidelines and principles and the report recommends the numbers are changed prior to further development along Paddys Drive.
The street re-numbering on Paddy's Drive will impact upon three businesses - all other properties with frontage to Paddys Drive are either vacant land, under construction, or currently use a Wiltshire Lane address. City of Ballarat has consulted with businesses operating with Paddy's Drive addresses, including Ferndale Confectionery Pty Ltd and Springhill Farm.
Mr McCullough acknowledged that changing the street address of an established business can have significant implications. Following the passing on the Council resolution, City of Ballarat will develop a strategy in consultation with business owners to implement changes in a timely manner with the least possible inconvenience.
"These businesses are significant employers in Ballarat and we will negotiate with individual business owners to determine the timeframe of changes and make the process as seamless as possible. Our goal is to minimise the expense and workload involved in making these necessary changes."
City of Ballarat officers will work through with the affected businesses issues associated with signage, mail deliveries and Consumer Affairs Victoria's product labelling requirements during the transitional period of 12 months when the businesses' existing packaging will display the former address.
"We appreciate that street re-numbering is problematic for businesses and will require the redesign of packaging, stationary, etc. We understand the unique challenges a food business faces in regards to re-packaging stock and designing and printing new packaging," said Mr McCullough.
Council is responsible for notifying street address changes to various organisations, including providers of emergency and utility services
Paddys Drive is situated in the industrial area of Delacombe. The original subdivision was created prior to Council amalgamations in 1994 and was proposed to be an "L" shaped road from Carngham Road to Wiltshire Lane.
As a result of a further subdivision of Icon Park Industrial Estate, Paddys Drive will extend further west. This further development of Icon Park has resulted in issues with street numbering that was originally applied to Paddys Drive.