Ballarat’s biggest community conversation returns for 2026

The City of Ballarat’s largest community engagement event, the Let’s Chat Ballarat Community Expo, is just around the corner.

Returning to Ballarat Civic Hall on Thursday 26 March and Friday 27 March, the expo brings residents, Councillors and Council staff together to discuss the priorities and projects shaping Ballarat’s future.

Last year’s inaugural Let’s Chat Expo attracted around 500 community members, and the 2026 event is set to build on that engagement with even more ways for residents to participate and have their say.

Attendees will be able to speak directly with Councillors and Council staff, take part in activities, view project displays and find out what’s happening across the city. The expo is also a valuable opportunity for school leavers to learn about the diverse career pathways available at the City of Ballarat.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the Let’s Chat Ballarat Community Expo continues to play an important role in strengthening local engagement.

“Let’s Chat Ballarat is an opportunity for the whole family to come along and learn more about council services and the initiatives and projects underway across our city,” she said.

“Council’s priority to engage with our community remains front of mind, and the return of Councillor Corner will once again give residents the chance to speak directly with councillors throughout the event.”

This year’s event includes pop‑up offerings from two local favourites: Mondegreen Café, winner of the City of Ballarat's 2025 Hot Choc Showdown, and Mrs Browne Bakes, winner of the City of Ballarat’s Best Pie 2025. They will have coffee, hot chocolate and sweet treats available for purchase. Another favourite on offer will be a free, community‑run sausage sizzle.

Door prizes and giveaways are up for grabs, including Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre memberships, Made of: Ballarat Shop hampers, passes to the Ballarat Wildlife Park and Sovereign Hill, food and fuel vouchers, and Western Bulldogs Football Club merchandise.

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 can be collected at Ballarat libraries or online via Council’s MySay website.

Media partners 3BA and Power FM will be onsite across both days, providing special live broadcasts.

Let’s Chat Ballarat 2026 is a free event open to all community members.

• Thursday 26 March, 4pm – 8pm

• Friday 27 March, 9am – 1pm

Pictured: Local food vendors Kris Payne from Mondegreen Cafe (winner of the City of Ballarat's 2025 Hot Choc Showdown) and Erika Browne from Mrs Browne Bakes (winner of the City of Ballarat’s Best Pie 2025)

Learn more about Let’s Chat Ballarat at www.ballarat.vic.gov.au

Download a colouring sheet at mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au