Ballarat City Council has given its full support to Ballarat’s Australia Day Flood Appeal with a donation of $5000 in addition to direct ongoing support to residents who were affected, and assistance to neighbouring municipalities which were impacted by floods.

Ballarat Mayor, Cr Craig Fletcher, said he had seen first hand the impact of the floods and had been shocked by the extent of the damage.

“People in Ballarat and our immediate region have been badly affected.  It is heartbreaking for them, but by donating goods or money we can help them begin the rebuilding process”, Cr Fletcher said.

Ballarat’s Australia Day Flood Appeal has been organised by Radio 3BA, The Courier and Council to coincide with Australia Day activities at Lake Wendouree.

Donations of money, non-perishable food, toiletries, cleaning products and household items can be dropped off at a collection point near the Ballarat Yacht Club, Lake Wendouree between 3pm-9pm on Australia Day, with local charities distributing all goods collected to local families affected by the floods.

People will also be walking around the Lake foreshore with collection tins for people wanting to make cash donations.

“If we can all give something on Australia Day it will go a long way to improving the lives of the people who have been so badly affected by these once-in-200-year floods.

“So if you’re planning on going to Lake Wendouree to enjoy the entertainment and the fireworks on Australia Day, consider dropping in a donation to help those who have lost so much”.