CITY OF BALLARAT FUNDS VALUABLE LOCAL PROJECTS
2nd March 2010
Photo Opportunity
What: City of Ballarat Community Development Grant cheque presentation
Who: City of Ballarat Councillor Des Hudson and Community Groups
When: 2:30pm, Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Where: Oddie Room, Art Gallery of Ballarat
Ballarat City Council will present cheques for more than $28,000 to 17 successful recipients in Round Two of the Community Development Grants Program at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, tomorrow, 3 March.
City of Ballarat People & Communities Portfolio Councillor Des Hudson congratulates all the local community groups who will receive funding as part of this valuable program.
"In 2009, the Community Development Grant Program delivered $100,000 to 48 dedicated local organisations for specified community projects that will have a positive and far-reaching affect on the lives of Ballarat residents.
"Congratulations to all the deserving recipients of Round Two grants. Ballarat City Council is pleased to offer financial support to the great variety of projects awarded funds and we join the Ballarat community in looking forward to enjoying the end results of your hard work."
Ballarat community groups awarded funds in Round Two of the 2009 Community Development Grant Program are:
Ballarat & District Multiple Births Association - $5,056
St Peters Anglican Church Playgroup - $736
Ballarat North Salvation Army Community House - $500
University of the Third Age - $1,808
Fishcare Central Highlands - $500
Youth with a Vision Enterprises - $702
Hockey Ballarat - $500
Wellbeing Wendouree - $2,500
Pax Hill Heritage Committee - $2,700
Ballarat YMCA - $510
Delcombe Community House Action Group - $1,800
Futures Coffeehouse - $1,500
Glad to be a Kid Playgroup - $3084
Fishes & Loaves Network - $4400
Ballarat Billiards & Snooker Association - $900
BRACE Education & Training - $1251
The Embroiderers Guild of Victoria (Ballarat Branch) - $500
In October, Council delivered more than $71,000 to 31 local community groups in Round One of its 2009 Community Development Grant Program.
The Community Development Grant Program offers grants that enable people within the community to develop projects that impact on the overall quality of life of Ballarat residents. The grant program encourages organisations to build community relations, create connections and improve health and wellbeing opportunities in Ballarat.
STODDART STATUES RETURN TO BOTANICAL GARDENS
2nd March 2010
Photo Opportunity
What: cranes will be used to hoist the Stoddart Statues onto their pedestals in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens
When: 9.15 am, Tuesday 2 March, 2010
Who: Mayor, Cr Judy Verlin, Conservator Jude Schahinger, Gardens staff
Ballarat's priceless collection of 19th Century marble statues - the Stoddart Collection - will return to outdoor display in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens this week where they will be a feature of the Ballarat Begonia Festival.
Nine years after they were removed from outdoor display - following serious acts of vandalism - the Stoddart Statues will be reinstated on their pedestals where they will once again take pride of place in the Gardens.
Eight of the statues will be returned to the Gardens. The remaining four statues in the collection will be a feature of The Conservatory's breathtaking Begonia display.
Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said the decision to return the statues to the Gardens was a reason to celebrate.
"The Stoddart Statues are beautiful works of art which bring great joy to visitors to the Gardens. They are a priceless part of our history and heritage and were a gift to the people of Ballarat in 1884 from philanthropist Thomas Stoddart in appreciation of his good fortune on the goldfields of Ballarat.
"With the return of the statues, a secure water supply which has allowed us to maintain and irrigate lawns, and the first massed planting of annuals for several years the Gardens are looking magnificent and ready to reclaim their status as the best example of the 19th Century Gardenesque-style landscape in the state.
"This really is a reason for our community to celebrate and for visitors to return to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens in significant numbers", Cr Verlin said.
The Stoddart statues were removed from the Gardens to The Conservatory in 2002 following an attack by vandals which left 'Hebe', 'Flora Farnese', 'Leda' and 'Autumn' badly damaged. The collection was cleaned, repaired and photographic records taken.
The repair and conservation work was undertaken by Jude Schahinger a conservator of wood and stone artworks who used ground marble, silicon microspheres and resins to restore surface damages.
Ballarat City Council decided to reinstate the statues at its meeting last week after receiving a report indicating that increased security measures in the precinct in recent years had led to a dramatic decline in the amount of theft and vandalism in the Gardens.
Cr Verlin said measures to improve security had included fencing the Wendouree Parade frontage and the southern boundary of the Gardens, adopting provisions within its local laws making it an offence to be in the Gardens between dusk and dawn, and turning off all lights in the Garden's pathway network.
"Since these measures were introduced there has been minimal theft and vandalism in the Gardens which is a fantastic result for the community and one we should all be proud of," Cr Verlin said.
"Council takes the security of the Stoddart statues extremely seriously and additional measures will be put in place to protect them. As well as an increase in regular security patrols in the Gardens, hardened stainless steel spigots and epoxy adhesive will be used to mount and secure the statues on their pedestals.
"We have also been assured by the statue's conservator, Jude Schahinger that the statues are suited to continued outdoor display.
"I would invite all residents to celebrate the statue's return by visiting the Gardens during the Begonia Festival this weekend".
INAUGURAL RICK AMOR DRAWING PRIZE 2010 OPENS
3rd March 2010
The Art Gallery of Ballarat today called for entries for the inaugural 2010 Rick Amor Drawing Prize.
The $10,000 annual drawing prize is open to all Australian artists and the winning entry will become part of the Art Gallery of Ballarat's permanent collection.
Gallery director Gordon Morrison said he was delighted that Rick Amor, one of Australia's most important contemporary artists, had chosen the Ballarat gallery to administer the drawing prize.
"For many Australian artists drawing is an important component of their creativity and this annual acquisitive prize is set to become a highly anticipated event in this nation's art calendar.
He said that what set the Rick Amor Drawing Prize apart from other similar competitions was the size limit on drawings. Entries can be no more than A3 in size.
Rick Amor said the size of works was deliberate: "Restricting the works to a modest size allows the viewer an intimate experience of each drawing without the distraction of competing scale.
"I hope that this prize gives people one more reason to keep drawing.
"Drawing [on paper] is the most direct and intimate expression of an artist's sensibility. It reveals the temperament, touch and vision of the maker in a way that is rarely matched by any other form of visual art, and it is the best way I know for an artist to record sights and ideas," added Mr Amor.
The winning entry will join the rich collection of drawings held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, including works by Eugene Von Guerard, Norman Lindsay, David Davies, Rupert Bunny, Arthur Boyd, Sid Nolan, John Brack, Fred Williams, Peter Booth, Brett Whiteley and Rick Amor himself.
The winning entry will be announced on Friday 24 September. An exhibition of works chosen from entries at the Art Gallery of Ballarat will run from Saturday 25 September to Sunday 7 November 2010. Entries close on Friday 23 July 2010.
Biography
Rick Amor was born in Frankston, Victoria, in 1948, and studied Art at Caulfield Institute and the National Gallery School under John Brack. He became an artist-in-residence at Trades Hall Council in Melbourne. He first exhibited in 1974, has had regular exhibitions in city and country galleries and centres, and has worked in London, New York, Sydney, Melbourne and Barcelona.
BALLARAT BIDS FOR FIFA WORLD CUP TRAINING SITE
3rd March 2010
Photo opportunity
Who: Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin and Football Federation South Western Victoria committee member and Ballarat Soccer and Sports Club president Andrew Burgess.
What: Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin signs FIFA World Cup Training Site Agreement
When: Today, Thursday 4 March, 12.30pm
Where: Morshead Park, Pleasant Street
The City of Ballarat has placed a bid to become a FIFA World Cup training site if Australia is successful in becoming the host nation for the 2018 and 2022 events.
Football Federation Australia approached Council to provide the future Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility as a potential training site and to become a bid partner.
Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said the opportunity for Ballarat to play host to a FIFA World Cup training site was an exciting prospect.
"If successful I have no doubt Council's bid will not only promote the sport locally but have significant tourism and economic benefits for Ballarat.
"Initial stages of the $8.6 million Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility have commenced and with the final design of the major elements to commence shortly, Ballarat will soon be home to a fist class soccer facility that has the capacity to attract international events such as this."
A decision will be made for both 2018 and 2022 events by the 24 members of the FIFA Executive Council in December 2010.
If Australia is successful in either bid, FIFA would conduct a venue inspection tour in 2015 and officially appoint the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility as a World Cup Training Venue.
HERITAGE BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS
5th March 2010
The City of Ballarat has released a heritage information brochure to assist owners of residential properties and places in protected heritage areas.
The publication, Heritage for our tomorrow, details what it means to live in Ballarat's heritage overlay areas and how Council can assist homeowners when planning and carrying out works on their properties.
The brochure also outlines what it means to own a property with, and without, significant heritage value in a heritage overlay and the types of works that do not require planning permits.
City of Ballarat Councillor Samantha McIntosh said the brochure was an important tool in informing residents who live in heritage areas about the options available to them.
"Ballarat is a magnificent city and Council is committed to preserving Ballarat's unique heritage buildings and landscape.
'Many residents would be surprised how many works can be undertaken without planning approval on properties with significant heritage value.
"No matter whether residents own a property with significant heritage value or without, the brochure offers valuable information for every residential property owner with a property in a protected heritage area."
The brochure is available from Council's Customer Service Centre, The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, or can be downloaded online at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au
SPA FACILITY ADDED TO BALARAT AQUATIC CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT
11th March 2010
A new spa facility will be constructed as part of the stage two redevelopment of the Ballarat Aquatic Centre.
At an Ordinary Meeting of Ballarat City Council last night, Councillors voted to expand the scope of the current redevelopment to include the additional spa element.
Ballarat Aquatic Centre Advisory Committee member Councillor Des Hudson said the new spa facility would be an added benefit to the Aquatic Centre redevelopment.
"We are already on track to deliver an outstanding community facility as part of the current development project. Last night's decision has been taken as a result of the careful management of Council's finances, which allows us to seize opportunities such as this.
"During the initial design process a larger redevelopment vision was articulated and costed which included the construction of a new spa facility. The larger vision was unable to be delivered, as it was outside of the project budget at that time.
"The spa facility was considered as an additional option rather than part of the core project.
"It is fantastic news that we are in a position to expand the project scope which will result in a great outcome and an added benefit for the community.
"The spa facility will include full disability access which will help contribute to the wider vision of a "wellness zone" as part of the redevelopment."
The stage two redevelopment is on track and expected to be complete by the end of 2010.
The first stage of work, which includes two group change rooms, additional universal access toilet and change spaces and a new staffroom facility, is expected to be complete by April and will be made available immediately for public use.
The redevelopment has been jointly funded by the City of Ballarat, the Victorian Government Better Pools Program and the Federal Government Better Regions Program.
BALLARAT AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE
11th March 2010
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Who: City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for Growth and Development Noel Perry and Chair of the Ballarat Aerodrome Advisory Committee Cr Samantha McIntosh.
What: Works inspection of Ballarat Airport Infrastructure Upgrade
When: Today, Thursday 11 March, 10am
Where: Ballarat Airport, Airport Rd, Mitchell Park
Ballarat City Council has commenced a $1.4 million infrastructure upgrade at the Ballarat Airport.
The upgrade involves installation of a new international standard runway lighting system, installation of new optic fibre to the precinct, renewal of the existing water main, construction of new taxiway and installation of new drainage around the precinct.
Ballarat City Councillor Noel Perry said the upgrades at the Airport were part of Council's long term vision to secure the future of the precinct.
"The works will address fundamental infrastructure shortfalls, while also assisting in enhancing the capacity of the Airport and aligning the precinct to meet the future manufacturing requirements of Ballarat."
The new international standard lighting system will include a pilot activated aircraft landing system, runway and taxiway lighting and a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). This type of system is standard for regional aerodromes across the country, and will help ensure that the aviation community is able to access the Airport in a safe and reliable manner.
Construction of the additional taxiway and installation of new drainage will help future development of the land within the Airport precinct, in line with the Ballarat Aerodrome Master Plan 2004 - 2014. The works will also assist the STATA flight school to better manage its operations, by providing improved separation of aeroplanes preparing for takeoff, from those engaged in taxiing after landing.
The planning work for Ballarat Airport is supported by the recently established Ballarat Aerodrome Advisory Committee.
Advisory Committee Chair Cr Samantha McIntosh said the committee has been developed to ensure consideration is given to all users of the Airport precinct.
"Council is committed to ensuring we look at the broad range of opportunities the Airport precinct has to offer now and into the future."
This Committee includes councillors, aviation operators at the Airport, tenant community groups and local community representatives.
Tenders for the upgrades were awarded to local companies M. G. Brown Pty Ltd and Pipecon Pty Ltd.
LOCAL EVENTS RECEIVE CITY OF BALLARAT GRANTS
11th March 2010
Six community events will be bigger and better this year thanks to $29,200 in funding in Round Two of City of Ballarat's Community Events Grant Scheme.
In 2009/2010, the first year of the annual grants program, more than $60,000 was delivered to organisers of community-based events through two rounds of the Community Events Grant Scheme.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said the Community Events Grant Scheme is an important initiative by Ballarat City Council and represents its commitment to supporting positive local events.
"The Community Events Grant Scheme is an excellent program that provides funding to community-based events that offer valuable experiences and are of great social, cultural and tourism benefit to Ballarat. These grants support events run by the Ballarat community for the Ballarat community.
"Congratulations to the hard working organisations awarded grants in the first annual City of Ballarat Community Events Grant Scheme. We look forward to enjoying these great events this year and for many years to come, and encourage organisers of all Ballarat's fine community-based events to take the opportunity to apply for grants in the future."
Ballarat community-based events awarded grants in Round Two of the 2009/2010 Community Events Grant Program are:
Buninyong Garden Harvest Lunch (Slow Food Ballarat) - $10,000
Ballarat Sports Hall of Fame 7th Induction (Ballarat Sports Museum Hall of Fame) - $5,100
Gemkhana (Ballarat and District Gem Club) - $5,000
Beating the Binge (Ballarat Community Health) - $3,500
Festival of Colours (Ballarat Indian Association) - $3,000
Sonrise (Ballarat City Church) - $2,600
In 2009, Council delivered more than $32,000 to nine local community-based events in Round One of its 2009/2010 Community Events Grant Program.
The successful events that benefited from the Ballarat City Council funds were Eureka Carols (Eureka Carols by Candlelight); Eureka Music Festival (Ballarat African Association); Total Girl Soccer Tournament (Total Girl Soccer); Ballarat Idol (Ballarat Vocal Arts Association); A Festival of Quilts (Begonia Quilters); Picnic in the Park (Wellbeing Wendouree); Ballarat 10k Classic (Ballarat Regional Athletic Centre); Festival of Lights (Ballarat Indian Association); and Ballarat DUO (Ballarat Orienteers).
HISTORIC TOWN HALL GETS A FACELIFT
12th March 2010
The Ballarat Town Hall restoration project continues with works underway on the Sturt Street façade.
Residents and visitors are sure to notice scaffolding installed to the full façade of the historic Town Hall building, extending to the top of the clocktower.
The restoration of the Sturt Street façade will be completed mid-2010. Public access to the Sturt Street Town Hall entrance was interrupted while the scaffolding was erected, as it will be for a short time during the dismantling of the scaffolding, however the entry is now open and will remain so throughout the works.
Ballarat City Lead Councillor on Heritage Samantha McIntosh said the Town Hall is among Ballarat's finest historical locations and residents are sure to admire the important restoration works.
"Town Hall has the highest possible heritage listings at both state and national levels. The building is an icon of the city and as part of this project, the Town Hall will be restored to its rightful glory. While the scaffolding and works may not look glamorous right now, this essential restoration will protect and preserve the Town Hall well into the future."
Local Ballarat company, Nicholson Construction are completing the restoration project.
The conservation work includes the restoration of all stone, renders, timbers, metal materials and architectural features on the exterior of the building including the wrought iron balustrade on top of the clock tower. The clock faces will be restored, windows repainted and all gutterings replaced.
The Sturt Street façade works involve restoration of all rendered surfaces and the removal of all eroding sandstone pediments in the area near the building's Sturt Street entrance and replacement with new stone. The sandstone will be sourced from Germany to match the existing stone.
The Town Hall restoration project will cost approximately $1.85M. Council has provided $0.5M in its 2008/09 capital budget for the works; and allocated a further $1M of its five year capital program. The Federal Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has contributed $350,000 to the project.
The first phase of the building's restoration - the Armstrong Street and Town Hall Lane façades - was completed in December 2009. The works, which began in August 2009, featured the restoration and replacement of decayed ledges, cornices, mouldings and cement wash over the whole façade.
The most recent conservation report, 'Ballarat Town Hall External Conditions Survey Report' (Allom Lovell 2004) identified the need for major conservation works on the external fabric. Specialised heritage and conservation architects were appointed by Council to develop method statements and specifications to enable the project to proceed.
The foundation stone of the existing Town Hall building - the third on the site - was laid on January 14, 1870, the 14th anniversary of the first election of Councillors. The first meeting of the City Council took place in the building in March 1872.
COUNCIL ADOPTS SPORT PRECINCTS STRATEGY
12th March 2010
Council's Sports Precinct Strategy was adopted at an Ordinary Meeting of Ballarat City Council last night.
The Strategy was developed following a strategic review of Council's grassed based sports reserves, in the context of Ballarat's overall competition and training requirements, capacity to irrigate and geographic location of facilities. The review was conducted in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria.
The Sports Precincts Strategy provides a framework for the investment by Council, State and Federal Government and sporting organisations in a limited number of sports venues to ensure the long term viability of Ballarat's state, regional and district competitions.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said the Strategy would provide Council with guiding principles for investment in the city's major sporting facilities.
"Ballarat is renowned for being a city that is passionate about sport. We have wonderful facilities for a wide range of sports, and this Strategy will ensure we can focus our investment on improving key sporting precincts in the city."
The Precincts were selected based a range of criteria including areas for active and passive recreation, access to efficient irrigation, sports related infrastructure (scoreboards, change facilities etc), toilets, perimeter fencing, suitable lighting and spectator facilities.
The Strategy identifies eight premier regional level sporting Precincts and the improvements that will be required to sustain all levels of competition. The premier Precincts identified are Alfredton Recreation Reserve, Ballarat Regional Soccer Precinct (Morshead Park, Trekardo Park, Pleasant Street Reserve and St Georges Reserve), City Oval, Eastern Oval, Llanberris Reserve, Marty Busch Recreation Reserve, Northern Sports and Entertainment Precinct (CE Brown Reserve, Northern Oval and Showgrounds complex) and Prince of Wales Park.
Strategy Plans have been adopted for six of the identified Precincts. Masterplans for the Northern Sports and Entertainment Precinct and Marty Busch Recreation Reserve will be presented to Council at a later date.
The Strategy also addresses the continued need to maintain other local sporting reserves for training, limited competition and use by local communities.
COUNCIL ENDORSES CITY OVAL MASTERPLAN REVIEW
12th March 2010
At its meeting last night (10/03), Ballarat City Council adopted a revised City Oval Masterplan, which will see a number of improvements made within the precinct, including the construction of netball courts on the site of the former City Oval Croquet Club greens.
The City Oval has been identified as one of eight sports precincts within the municipality that will be managed and developed to cater for state, regional and district grassed based sporting events.
The masterplan review was undertaken to determine the future use of the site following the City Oval Croquet Club's relocation to Prince of Wales Park.
The key recommendations of the City Oval Masterplan Review are to:
- retain the former croquet club and curators residence sites as part of the City Oval reserve;
- establish a netball court and spectator facilities on the current site of the croquet greens;
- utilise the curators residence as a sports administration facility;
- demolish a toilet block on Pleasant Street and incorporate new toilets; and
- replace the Mair Street iron sheet fence with a decorative fence providing views in and out of the reserve.
Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities Mark Harris said the decision was a great result for Ballarat's sporting fraternity and the community as a whole.
"Council is investing in the city's sporting facilities to ensure we have high-quality facilities to cater for a wide range of sports and interests into the future.
"The improvements to the City Oval, in particular the addition of netball courts, will only add to its appeal as one of the city's premier sporting precincts."
Council has undertaken a detailed survey and design process in readiness to deliver the project.
The cost of implementing the entire masterplan is expected to be about $1.89 million.
BALLARAT TO CELEBRATE CULTURAL DIVERSITY
12th March 2010
Photo opportunity:
Who: City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities John Philips with students from Mount Blowhard Primary School
What: Mount Blowhard Primary School students prepare for 2010 Cultural Diversity Week festivities
When: Tomorrow, Friday 12 March at 2pm
Where: Mount Blowhard Primary School, 527 Millers Road, Blowhard
This year's Cultural Diversity Week is set to be bigger and better than ever when festivities kick off on Monday (15 March) and run until Sunday 21 March.
Around 40 events will be held as part of the week-long event. Activities include cultural cooking classes, film nights, music acts, workshops, dancing and storytelling.
In the lead up to the event students from local primary schools, including Mount Blowhard Primary School, have been busy creating around 1000 harmony posters to decorate the Mining Exchange.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities John Philips said Cultural Diversity Week was an opportunity for the community to celebrate Ballarat's cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
"This event is an opportunity for the community to engage in a wide range of activities with people from other cultures.
"We encourage residents and visitors to get involved and take the time to discover more about the amazing cultures that exist locally from around the world.
"The beauty of Cultural Diversity Week is that it has something to offer everyone regardless of their age or background."
The majority of events will be held at the Mining Exchange but activities will also be held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Ballarat Library, University of Ballarat, Wendouree Oval, Regent Multiplex, Alfred Deakin Place, Portico, Kirrit Barreet, Golden Point Cultural and Learning Centre, Mt Clear College, Ballarat Italian Association clubrooms, Bray Raceway, Ballarat Queens and Anglican Grammar and Sovereign Hill.
The official launch of the 2010 Cultural Diversity Week will be held on Wednesday 17 March at Queen Victoria Square (outside the Town Hall) at 4pm. The Harmony flag will be raised and Chinese Lion Dancers and the Ballarat Clarendon College choir will perform. The Consul-General of India Ms Anita Nayer will also visit Ballarat for the launch. The launch will be immediately followed by a Multicultural Concert in Alfred Deakin Place from 4.30pm.
The full program of events is available at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au
GOT A SPARE 5-CENT COIN? THROW IT IN THE BIN
15th March 2010
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
What: Launch of 5 for T Fundraising Campaign
Who: City of Ballarat Councillor Des Hudson and Gemma Abraham, 2009 Young Citizen of the Year
When: 1pm, tomorrow, Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Where: Phoenix Building, Armstrong St
Spare change will be making a world of difference with a new fundraising project for the people of Ballarat's friendship city Ainaro, East Timor, to be launched at the Phoenix Building at 1pm, Tuesday, 16 March.
The brainchild of 2009 Young Citizen of the Year Gemma Abraham, 5 for T is a campaign to collect donations of 5 cent coins for the implementation of projects with Ballarat's friendship city of Ainaro, East Timor via the Ballarat Friends of Ainaro Community Committee.
A 240-litre rubbish bin with the East Timor flag will serve as the communal collection point for 5 for T donations. The bin will be kept at the Phoenix Building, Armstrong Street, and the public are welcome to contribute to the cause during City of Ballarat customer service hours.
Chair of the Ballarat Friends of Ainaro Community Committee Councillor Des Hudson encourages residents to make their spare change matter by donating to 5 for T. Ballarat & Clarendon Middle School are already busy collecting 5-cent coins and Coppens Signs have sponsored the production of stickers to label collection jars.
"We hope that more local school and community groups will join in, collecting donations and bringing them to the communal collection point. We want people in Ballarat will help us fill our communal bin by the end of the year and we can make a real and vital difference to our friends in Ainaro."
The fundraiser is the idea of Gemma Abraham, developed as a Big Idea at City of Ballarat's East Timor Development Forum, last year.
"5 for T is a great fundraising idea from Gemma Abraham, a generous local Ballarat girl who has already done so much for the people of Ainaro, and we applaud her for developing this initiative. It's this kind of caring and enthusiasm that will make 5 for T a success."
Abraham was named 2009 Young Citizen of the Year is recognition of her support of children in Ainaro, East Timor. From the age of eight, she asked for donations on her birthday instead of receiving presents and gave the money for the purchase of educational supplies such as dictionaries for the people of Ainaro.
The East Timor Development Forum on 1 December, 2009 was a public discussion by interested community members to guide the direction of Ballarat's future support in East Timor.
In July 2005, Ballarat City Council endorsed the establishment of a Special Committee of Council to administrate, manage and develop the Ballarat-Ainaro Friendship, one of it's primary focuses was, and has continued to be, supporting community development in this emerging nation. Council and the Ballarat community have participated in a community-to-community friendship with the Ainaro District for almost ten years.
GIRRABANYA CENTRE CELEBRATES ITS OFFICIAL OPENING
16th March 2010
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
What: Official opening of Girrabanya Centre for Children and their Families
Who: City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin, Minister Maxine Morand and Girrabanya kindergarten students
When: 11am, tomorrow, Wednesday, 17 March
Where: Girrabanya Centre, Steinfeld Street
The Girrabanya Centre for Children and their Families will be officially opened by City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin and State Government Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand MP, at 11am, Wednesday, 17 March.
Ballarat City Council's new state-of-the-art Maternal and Child Health Centre features four new maternal and child health consulting rooms, two interview rooms (available to other child and family service organisations), a community meeting room and on-site car parking.
The $800,000 project was funded by $300,000 from Council and a Victorian Government Department of Education and Early Childhood Development grant of $500,000.
The centre's new facilities are an expansion of Council's existing Girrabanya Children's Centre, which offers childcare and kindergarten services.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said the official opening of the new services at Girrabanya Centre for Children and their Families is a great day for maternal and child health services in Ballarat.
"Ballarat City Council's Maternal and Child Health Centres have cared for Ballarat children and families for many generations and that important tradition continues at our new, first-class Girrabanya Centre for Children and their Families. This project is a fine example of a valuable collaboration between City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government.
"Many babies and their parents have visited the new centre since it opened for operation and we have wonderful and positive feedback about the state-of-the-art facilities and the services on offer at one location. The Girrabanya Centre will be a significant home for children's services for many years to come."
The new Girrabanya Centre for Children and their Families opened its doors for the first day of operation on Tuesday, 2 February, 2010.
The new facility replaces the services of the Ballarat East Centre, 41 Barkly Street; Ballarat Central Centre, 702 Mair Street; and Ballarat North Centre, 701 Landsborough Street. Nurses at these three centres, which all closed their doors on 22 January, all relocated to the new Girrabanya Centre.
The expansion of Girrabanya is a key project of Council's Municipal Early Years Plan. Construction of the new Girrabanya Centre for Children and their Families, Steinfeld Street, began in July, 2009.
The City of Ballarat provides free developmental screening and consultations for all children 0-6 years through the Maternal and Child Health Program. Key Visits at specific ages for babies and pre-school children are fully endorsed and funded by Local and State Government. In Ballarat, the free national immunisation schedule in also administered via Council's established centres.
The service promotes the health and wellbeing of families through support, information and health promotion, as well as early identification and intervention for health concerns. Parents also receive support and information on a variety of issues including infant feeding, settling techniques, normal development, nutrition, parental health and wellbeing, emotional support and immunisation.
The Girrabanya Centre is one of Council's five Maternal and Child Health Centres with other locations at 208 Learmonth Street, Buninyong; 2 Dallas Ave, Mount Clear; 183 Albert Street, Sebastopol; and 10 Learmonth Road, Wendouree. For opening hours and contact details, visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au.
ARCH OF VICTORY RESTORATION INVESTIGATIONS COMMENCE
16th March 2010
A heritage architect has recently been appointed to prepare detailed documentation to guide the restoration of the Arch of Victory.
The preparatory work is being carried out now to enable the restoration process to proceed as soon as funds are available.
The heritage architect is preparing a detailed restoration plan including specifications, drawings and detailed cost estimates for each phase of the project.
The heritage architect carried out an initial inspection of all the fabrics on the Arch of Victory yesterday (14/03).
Funding for the project will come from future Council capital works programs and external funding sources will also be sought for the project. It is hoped that the restoration works can proceed within the next two years.
Portfolio Councillor for Growth and Development Noel Perry said the Arch of Victory was a significant memorial, which should be restored and maintained for future generations to appreciate.
"Council recognises the importance of this grand asset to the people of Ballarat and Victoria.
"It is an important part of our city's heritage, and Council continues to work with the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee to see the iconic Arch and the Avenue fully restored before the 2015 centenary celebrations."
The Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee and the City of Ballarat jointly manage the Avenue of Honour and Arch of Victory.
MCCAIN'S ADOPT AN ARTWORK PRINT NOW ON DISPLAY
17th March 2010
Photo opportunity:
What: 'A Love Story' by Emanuel Philips Fox is back on display at Art Gallery of Ballarat thanks to the Adopt an Artwork program
When: Tomorrow, Wednesday 17 March, 9am
Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North
Who: Art Gallery of Ballarat Director Gordon Morrison, McCain Food Global CEO Dale Morrison and McCain Foods (Australia and New Zealand) Managing Director Steven Yung
A popular painting by Australian artist Emmanuel Phillips Fox titled 'The Love Story' has been lovingly restored and is now back on display at the Art Gallery of Ballarat thanks to McCain Foods and the Gallery's Adopt an Artwork program.
McCain Foods donated $25,000 towards the restoration of a number of works in June last year. 'The Love Story' received a new frame and was considered one of the more complex restorations to be undertaken as part of the Adopt an Artwork program.
The painting is a much loved painting at the Gallery and is often the backdrop for weddings in the Gallery.
Local businesses have donated more than $140,000 to the Adopt an Artwork program. The initiative, launched in March last year, was introduced to conserve and restore the Gallery's collection.
The Gallery owns a number of works that can't be put on exhibition, because they are damaged, have deteriorated or they need new or more appropriate frames. These works remain in storage and can't be enjoyed by visitors to the Gallery or included in touring exhibitions.
Anyone interested in adopting an artwork can explore the works needing conservation on the Gallery Foundation's webpage www.bfagfoundation.org.au
Gallery staff can show interested donors the work and discuss its conservation needs. Donations are tax deductible.
FAIRYTALES AND SIGN LANGUAGE - PART OF BALLARAT'S 2010 CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK
19th March 2010
Pictorial opportunity:
Who: Asphyxia, a deaf performer, turned puppeteer, and local school children
What: Singing and signing workshop - Learn 'My Island Home" in Australian sign language, 11.30 am - 12.30pm; 'The Grimstones' 2 - 3pm
When: Friday 19 March, 11.30am - 12.30pm (workshop) and 2 - 3pm (Grimstones performance)
Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange, Lydiard St
Old-world marionettes, fairytales and sign language will be on the menu as part of the City of Ballarat's Cultural Diversity Week program tomorrow (19/03).
A performance of 'The Grimstones' and a signing workshop will be led by Asphyxia, a deaf performer, turned puppeteer.
'The Grimstones' celebrates the wonder of books, acceptance of difference, family love and the simple pleasures of life.
Since the show was launched, it has toured nationally and internationally, and recently completed a season at the Victorian Arts Centre in Melbourne.
Australian sign language (Auslan), is used throughout 'The Grimstones', and school students will have the chance to learn Auslan when they participate in a 'singing and signing' workshop, where Asphyxia will teach the song "My Island Home".
'The Grimstones' and Asphyxia are supported by Deafaccess Grampians, the Department of Human Services, City of Ballarat and Sky Works.
For more information about Asphyxia visit www.asphyxia.com.au
NEXT GENERATION 2010 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD ANNOUNCED
22nd March 2010
Photo opportunity:
What: NEXT GENeration 2010 People's Choice Award announced
Who: Art Gallery of Ballarat Director Gordon Morrison, Art Gallery of Ballarat Education Officer Michael Nichols and winning entrant Olivia Smith.
When: Today, Monday 22 March, 12noon
Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat
The People's Choice award for the popular NEXT GENeration 2010 art exhibition has been announced, with Olivia Smith's entry, 'The Path', being chosen as the public's favourite piece.
Olivia will receive a cash prize for her linoprint piece, which depicts the Grampians and symbolises the Australian landscape.
The NEXT GEN 2010 exhibition, displaying artwork created by 2009 VCE art students from Ballarat and surrounding regions, has been open since early February and will conclude on Sunday 28 March.
The popular showcase, previously known as the Len Brookman Awards, has continued to grow in entrants and diversity throughout the exhibition's 15 year history, with multi-media and graphic design now included.
A voting box was available to attendees throughout the duration of the exhibition, allowing the public to vote for their favourite piece from numerous mediums, inspired by subjects such as music, Hollywood glamour, history, the beauty of nature, everyday street life, and the Black Saturday bushfires.
NEXT GEN 2010 is an exhibition of art and design work produced by students from government, Catholic and independent schools in the Ballarat, Grampians and Central Highlands region who studied Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Art, Studio Arts, Design and Technology, Media and Visual Communication and Design in 2009.
INDIGENOUS-THEMED PLAYSPACE OPEN FOR FUN
23rd March 2010
Photo Opportunity
Who: City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin, Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King, and representatives of Lake Foundation, Registered Aboriginal Party and Wathaurung Aboriginal Party, Unfinished Business Advisory Committee. Also, artists, designers, contractors and Council staff involved in design and construction.
What: Official Opening of the Indigenous-Themed Playspace
When: 11:30am, tomorrow, Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Where: Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree
The Indigenous-Themed Playspace at Lake Wendouree will be officially open for play on Wednesday, 24 March.
The Indigenous-Themed Playspace includes swings, slides and a sandpit for young children. There are also a number of fun, non-traditional playground features including musical instruments, sculptures, totems, feature paving, and plantings.
Several indigenous and non-indigenous artists worked on the Indigenous-Themed Playspace, creating representations of the eagle-hawk and platypus, two animals that are important to the Wathaurung people and the Ballarat aboriginal community.
Mayor Cr Judy Verlin encouraged young children and their families to enjoy Ballarat's new playground.
"The Indigenous-Themed Playspace is wonderful new playground facility and Council hopes Ballarat children and families will enjoy the playspace for many years to come. It is a significant recognition and celebration of local aboriginal and Wathaurung culture and an acknowledgment of the great value Lake Wendouree holds for the Wathaurung people.
"The project is a great example of successful partnerships between City of Ballarat, State Government, Federal Government, businesses, community groups and volunteers, all working together on valuable community projects."
The Indigenous-Themed Playspace project was funded by City of Ballarat, Federal Government's Regional Partnership Program, Tattersalls, and the Lake Foundation. City of Ballarat completed the works on the playground.
Located in the former vicinity of an Aboriginal camp, interpretative signage at the Indigenous-Themed Playspace will inform and educate children and their parents about local aboriginal and Wathaurung culture. Signs read:
"The Indigenous-Themed Playspace has been constructed to recognise the importance of Lake Wendouree to the Wathaurung people and the wider Aboriginal community. It also tells aspects of Ballarat's Aboriginal heritage.
"The playspace...is a contemporary interpretation of an indigenous playspace using traditional local materials, totems and symbols to provide a sensory play experience aimed primarily at young children.
"The design concepts and artistic and interpretive elements of the playspace have been inspired by local Aboriginal artists working in collaboration with the Unfinished Business Advisory Committee and the City of Ballarat."
The official opening of the Indigenous-Themed Playspace marks the successful completion of the Lake Blitz. Launched in 2005 as an initiative of City of Ballarat, Lake Foundation and Committee for Ballarat, the Lake Blitz has delivered renewal of paths, bridges, carparking areas, lake edge beaching and retaining walls, two new rotundas, the View Point Boardwalk, decorative lighting, playground, picnic and park furniture improvements.
The Indigenous Playspace is also the final development in The Western Gateway Project, which was a package of works specifically funded by Ballarat City Council, Regional Development Victoria, Federal Government's Regional Partnership Program, Tattersalls, and Pipers on the Lake.
The completed Western Gateway Project features: Fairyland rotunda, bridge and path reconstruction; landscape surrounds to Pipers Restaurant (paving, carpark); Swan Pool edge and storm water entry structure; extension of the promenade linking Swan Pool with Windmill Drive; reconstruction of Windmill Drive Hatcheries fencing; reconstruction of Windmill Drive Creek as a landscape play feature; improvements to Windmill Drive BBQ and park furniture; creation of accessible island with two new bridges as educational and picnicking feature; construction of a storage facility at end of the rowing course for buoys and aquatic event infrastructure; and the Indigenous-Themed Playspace.
The Indigenous-Themed Playspace project originated from the Lake Wendouree Cultural Heritage Management Plan undertaken for the rowing course deepening and foreshore extensions. The Plan recommended that the Wathaurung people's cultural use and history of the Lake (formerly a swamp) needed appropriate interpretation in future development works around the foreshore. The new Indigenous-Themed Playspace replaces an ageing playground in this precise location and provides an opportunity for facilitating that interpretation.
COUNCIL TO SEE FUNDING FOR BALLARAT YOUTH SPACE INITIATIVE
25th March 2010
At its Ordinary Meeting last night (24/03) Ballarat City Council endorsed a proposal to apply for funding for a new Ballarat youth space.
In October 2009 the Federal Government announced the 'Community Centres for Young Australians' grant program, a $10 million fund to set up five new youth community centres across Australia to help tackle the issue of youth boredom and alienation.
The new centres will combine arts, business and community youth centres to encourage community based activities. The centres will provide a safe place for young people to socialise as well as develop their skills.
The City of Ballarat submitted an Expression of Interest for the funding in December 2009, and expects to receive guidelines for submitting a full application in the near future.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities and Chair of the Youth Strategy Implementation and Review Committee John Philips said the development of a youth space was a key deliverable of Council's Youth Strategy 2009 - 2014.
"Council is committed to providing our young people with safe built and natural environments.
"As part of the Expression of Interest process, our Youth Councillors provided input regarding the new youth space. If funding is secured, Council will conduct further consultation with young people and key stakeholders to ensure the new space will meet their needs.
"The new youth space would provide a central location for young people to meet and connect with others and also provide youth specific resources and services."
As a part of the application Council is now required to prepare a detailed business plan and feasibility study for a youth space.
COUNCIL TO CONDUCT ECONOMIC CAPABILITY AND GAP REVIEWS
25th March 2010
The City of Ballarat's Economic Strategy 2009-2014 is nearing completion and a number of immediate actions have already been identified.
The draft Economic Strategy identifies key future growth areas for Ballarat's economy as being Education, Health, Retail, Business Services, Tourism, ICT and Manufacturing.
During development of the Strategy, evidence has shown that immediate action can occur in three of these sectors - Health, Education and Retail.
At its Ordinary Meeting last night (24/03), Council endorsed a recommendation to undertake capability and gap reviews of these sectors in order to help facilitate future investment and development, and accelerate implementation of the Economic Strategy.
The capability and gap reviews are expected to be completed by June 2010.
Similar research has already been undertaken and is being implemented in the ICT and Manufacturing sectors. A separate Tourism Strategy has already been developed and is supported by the Destination Board. This group will drive strong industry development, coordination and marketing activities across the sector.
Ballarat Mayor and Chair of the Economic Strategy Advisory Committee Cr Judy Verlin said the Economic Strategy would help Council manage population growth, while continuing to build a stronger community.
"Ballarat's population is expected to increase by one third over the next 15 years. While this growth presents challenges, the Economic Strategy will seek to ensure that Ballarat is prepared, and that our future economy is able to provide employment and services to cater for this growth."
"In developing the Strategy we have undertaken extensive consultation with key stakeholders, both locally and regionally, to identify future opportunities that we can help facilitate and promote."
The Economic Strategy will aim to shape the city's economy and guide growth for the next five years. It will also aim to consolidate Ballarat's position as the capital of Western Victoria, from an economic and service delivery perspective.
The Strategy will set the strategic direction for all business attraction, business development, workforce skills provision and investment in and around Ballarat.
COUNCIL IMPROVING RECYCLING FACILITIES AT KEY LOCAIONS
25th March 2010
Ballarat residents and visitors to Lake Wendouree are encouraged to recycle when visiting the precinct with the addition of 11 new public recycling bins.
The City of Ballarat has funded and installed the new bins around Lake Wendouree to encourage people to dispose of recyclable waste appropriately.
The new waste stations contain an ordinary rubbish bin on one side and recycling bin on the other side. There is now a total of 27 waste stations around Lake Wendouree, and a further seven in the Botanical Gardens precinct, making it easier for residents and visitors to appropriately dispose of rubbish and recyclables.
City of Ballarat Councillor Noel Perry said installation of the new waste stations was a part of Council's commitment to reducing the amount of recyclable waste that ends up in landfill.
"Reducing our impact on the environment is something the whole community can contribute to. By providing recycling facilities in high visitation areas around the city, Council is aiming to reduce the amount of recyclable materials that end up in landfill."
Council estimates that 50 tonnes of recyclable waste will be diverted from landfill each year as a result of installation of the waste stations in the Lake and Gardens precinct.
As part of Council's continued commitment to using local suppliers, the new bins were designed and constructed in Ballarat, providing support to the local economy and reducing travel carbon emissions.
COUNCIL TO PARTICIPATE IN EARTH HOUR
25th March 2010
Ballarat City Council will join the fight against climate change by turning off the lights at major attractions around the city for Earth Hour 2010.
Earth Hour 2010 will be held this Saturday 27 March between 8.30 - 9.30pm.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin said Council was committed to reducing its carbon footprint and was encouraging residents to do the same.
"I encourage all of the community to participate in this wonderful initiative. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a nice candle lit evening while helping to reduce our carbon footprint."
As an active participant in Earth Hour, Council will be turning off lighting at Lake Wendouree, the Arch of Victory and the front of the Town Hall for one hour.
In just this single hour, Council will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 10.18kg, which equals 204 black balloons.
Earth Hour is an initiative that started in Sydney in 2007 by the World Wildlife Fund, in a response to climate change. On 31 March 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour. This massive collective effort reduced Sydney's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for a year.
Lake Wendouree Promenade and Boardwalk
2100 watts of decorative lighting, 3.1kg of CO2 will be saved
Arch of Victory and Memorial Wall, Sturt Street
1800 watts of decorative lighting, 2.5kg of Co2 will be saved
Street lights and flood lights from Armstrong Street to Lydiard Street, Sturt Street
3500watts of street lighting and flood lighting 4.58kg of lighting will be saved
Total greenhouse gases saved = 10.18kg or 204 Black balloons
For further information visit www.earthhour.org
EASTERN OVAL UNDERGOING LIGHTING UPGRADE
31st March 2010
Photo Opportunity
Who: City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities Mark Harris with East Point Football Club players
What: Cr Mark Harris and East Point Football Club players inspecting the installation of new light towers around Eastern Oval
When: Today, Wednesday 31 March, 12pm
Where: Eastern Oval, Soldiers Hill
Ballarat's Eastern Oval is currently undergoing a $216,000 lighting upgrade thanks to funding from the City of Ballarat and the Victorian Government's Country Football and Netball program.
The Eastern Oval lighting upgrade involves installation of four new light towers that will provide the oval with high quality match play and training lighting.
Eastern Oval is one of Ballarat's premier regional football and cricket facilities capable of hosting national and international sporting events, having hosted AFL pre-season football matches and an international World Cup one-day cricket match.
Eastern Oval is the home ground of the East Point Football Netball Club that plays in the Ballarat Football League and also a regional facility for football.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities Mark Harris said Council was committed to developing quality sporting infrastructure for the community and the region.
"As one of the premier sports precincts identified in Council's Sports Precincts Strategy, Eastern Oval has the potential to become a major event location for Ballarat and Council is committed to developing the reserve into a premier facility."
The lighting project will provide the Ballarat Football League with a night match venue. It will also provide a high quality training and match venue for regional competition or championships and support possible twilight activities on the ground during summer.
Following the tender process late last year, the lighting contract was awarded to local company TJ Coutts in December 2009. Works are due for completion in April 2010.