Let's Chat Ballarat - Community Expo

Following a successful debut in 2025, the Let’s Chat Ballarat Community Expo returns in 2026 with even more ways to join Ballarat’s biggest conversation!

The City of Ballarat invites all residents and ratepayers to be part of this vibrant, interactive experience. Let’s Chat Ballarat is your chance to connect with Councillors and staff, provide in-person feedback, explore local priorities, share your ideas, and play a role in shaping the future of our community.

When: Thursday 26 March 4-8pm and Friday 27 March 9am-1pm 2026.
Where: Civic Hall, 300-304 Mair Street, Ballarat
Plan your visit: Let's Chat Ballarat - Floor plan and exhibitors list

• Stalls with information about City of Ballarat services, projects, programs and initiatives
• Opportunities to have your voice heard
• Food and kids' entertainment

For more information, or to view the terms and conditions visit the My Say page: Let's Chat Ballarat 2026 - Community Expo

Children can join the fun before and during the expo by entering the Let’s Chat Ballarat Colouring Competition. Prizes are available for two age groups, 3 to 7 and 8 to 12.

Colouring sheets are available:

In person: Via Ballarat libraries, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Ballarat Town Hall, Parent Place and Customer Service at The Phoenix
To download online: Children's colouring competition

Staff from the following departments will be available at the expo:

There are a range of parking and transport options for visitors attending the Let’s Chat Ballarat Community Expo. 

Parking

• On-street parking is available around the venue and throughout the Ballarat CBD
• Free parking is available within a short distance of the venue at Doveton Crescent
• Metered parking is available at the following locations: Ararat Street, Market Street, Armstrong Street North (between Mair Street and Doveton Crescent) and Doveton Street North

There will be three designated 5-minute parking spaces at the front of the venue to support quick drop-off and pick-up, including for those requiring accessible access. 

Public Transport 

Ballarat Station is a 5-minute walk from the venue at Civic Hall. Plan your journey using Public Transport Victoria’s Journey Planner at ptv.vic.gov.au

View the Let's Chat Ballarat Community Expo - Social Story

Drop off zone: There are 3 car parks directly in front of Civic Hall that may be used to drop off and pick up visitors.

Accessible car parks: Civic Hall is directly adjacent to Ballarat Library. There are 2 accessible parks located in the Ballarat Library carpark off Doveton St North and there are 3 carparks located in Market St behind the library.

Entry: Entry is via Mair St. There are no steps at the entry and there are large double doors. Staff will be available at the entry to respond to any questions.

Wheelchair/mobility aid/pram access: Civic Hall is accessible for people using wheelchairs, mobility aids or prams. There are no steps on the ground floor and the upstairs Quiet Space is accessible by lift.

Quiet space: There is a quiet space with seating upstairs. This space can be accessed by stairs or lift.

Toilets: There are accessible toilets on site. Entry is from the downstairs foyer.

Changing Places facility: Ballarat Library is equipped with an accredited Changing Places facility available during library opening hours. Access requires a MLAK key. The library closes at 6pm on Thursday and opens at 9.30am on Friday.

Assistance dog relief: There are grassed spaces immediately beside the Civic Hall and between the Civic Hall and Ballarat Library that can be used as assistance dog relief spaces.