Mayor's Message | ourballarat Summer 2022-23

I look forward to progressing a range of important work, including our work to prepare for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games in Ballarat.

This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the world’s best athletes compete in the marathon, boxing, athletics and para-athletics events here in our own backyard, to welcome thousands of visitors who'll do the same, and to showcase our city to a global broadcast audience.

The City of Ballarat has negotiated and advocated for investment in transport, housing, visitor economy and sporting infrastructure that will serve our community for years to come after the Games. Our hard work has paid off with major investment announced for Eureka Stadium, Ballarat Train Station, a new athletics facility at the Showgrounds, and an athlete village at the Latrobe Street saleyards site. Importantly, our spectacular leafy streets will also host the marathon events. 

Some young Ballarat athletes are dreaming big too — their goal is to compete in the Games in front of a home crowd. In the pages following, we also meet locals Yual Reath and Lachlan O'Keefe, two high jump rising stars who have already made their mark in national and international competition. We look forward to tracking their progress in coming years and to cheering them on at Eureka Stadium in March 2026.

Throughout this edition, you will also discover articles about our summer of events and how you can beat the heat at one of our many splash parks and swimming pools. We also ask you to have your say to help us shape the future of our kerbside waste and recycling collections.

Lastly, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a happy New Year and a safe holiday period.

Mayor
Cr Des Hudson