Community Safety Month returns this October

Ballarat residents are invited to take part in Community Safety Month this October.

The Ballarat Community Safety Alliance brings together more than 20 local organisations, community groups and government agencies to improve safety and wellbeing across Ballarat.

Throughout October, Alliance members will host community events and information sessions, providing practical safety advice and opportunities to connect with local services.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves attended the launch of Community Safety Month, acknowledging the strong partnerships helping to make Ballarat a safer and more connected community.

"We are proud of the strong partnerships that have been built through the Ballarat Community Safety Alliance and the shared commitment of our members to creating a safer Ballarat," she said.

"The Alliance's work is shaped by input from our community, including insights gathered through the Safer Ballarat Mapping Tool. By listening to residents and working together with our Alliance partners, we can better understand local concerns and identify opportunities to improve community safety."

The Safer Ballarat Mapping Tool enables community members to identify locations where they feel safe or unsafe across Ballarat. Community members can share their experiences through the MySay portal, with insights reported back to the Ballarat Community Safety Alliance to help inform targeted safety initiatives, partner responses and police operations.

Acting Inspector Brad Hall encouraged community members to attend the upcoming Community Safety Month events.  

"The Neighbourhood Policing Forum and Coffee with a Cop events provide an excellent opportunity for residents, business owners and community stakeholders to speak directly with police, raise local concerns and learn more about the work being undertaken to keep our community safe," he said.  

"These events help strengthen connections between local police and the community, while supporting the collaboration and information sharing needed to identify and address emerging issues across our neighbourhoods."

“Our ongoing partnership with the Ballarat Community Safety Alliance is central to this work. By working together, we can develop effective and sustainable solutions to community safety concerns and help create a safer Ballarat for everyone."  

Ballarat PSA Neighbourhood Policing Forum

Thursday 15 October, 6pm to 8pm

Vickers Street Community Hub, 254 Vickers Street Sebastopol

The forum will be run by a Victoria Police panel, and questions will be taken from the audience throughout the event. 5.45pm arrival for a 6pm start. The forum will explore a range of topics including current crime trends and crime prevention, family violence, young people, drugs and drug-related crime, road policing.

Reserve a free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ballarat-psa-neighbourhood-policing-forum-tickets-1998519373244

DV Safe Phone Donation Drive

For domestic violence (DV) victims, access to a safe phone can mean the difference between life and death. Perpetrators often use phones to control and monitor their victims, leaving them isolated and without a secure way to keep in contact with friends and family or seek help. DV Safe Phone gives your old phone a new purpose by helping DV victims stay connected, stay safe, and move forward towards a brighter future. This October, donate your old phone. These 'safe phones' are a vital link to emergency services, support networks, and loved ones.

City of Ballarat donation locations include Ballarat Library, Sebastopol Library, Wendouree Library, Djila-tjarriu Community Hub, Lucas Community Hub, The Phoenix – City of Ballarat Customer Service, Parent Place Ballarat.

Learn more about the initiative at https://dvsafephone.org/

Scams Workshop

Monday 5 October, 9:30am at Djila-tjarriu Community Hub, 18 Donegal Dr, Alfredton

Tuesday 13 October, 1pm at Lucas Community Hub, 17 Coltman Plaza, Lucas

Part of Ballarat Seniors Festival, this practical session delivered by Cafs Victoria will help seniors identify common scams, stay safe online and learn what to do if they are targeted.

Register a free spot at https://events.humanitix.com/host/city-of-ballarat-community-hubs 

Coffee with a Cop

Tuesday 6 October, 10:30am to 12:30pm 
Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre (Food Court)

Meet local police officers for a free coffee and chat. Ask questions, discuss local issues, and learn more about community safety in an informal setting. Complimentary coffee vouchers will be available for attendees. Bookings are not required.  

AI Club: Using AI Safely  

Thursday 22 October, 1:30pm

Ballarat Library ,178 Doveton St N

Part of Ballarat Seniors Festival, this friendly session explores the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including privacy basics, safe use practices and common myths, with opportunities for hands-on learning. Register at https://events.humanitix.com/ai-club-using-ai-safely-seniors-festival-spring-2026-ballarat-library

Homelessness Access Program

Weekly.  *This is a free service that occurs year-round.

Homelessness Access Program provides support to those experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. The program provides access to a nurse at no cost to support people with their health and wellbeing needs. Ballarat Community Health in partnership with Uniting Vic.Tas offer a Health Clinic for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 12.30pm at Uniting Drop-in Centre, 101 Albert Street, Ballarat.

Community Event led by Cafs 

Thursday 15 October, 10am  

Ballarat Central  

This free community event in support of some of Ballarat's most vulnerable community members will bring together local organisations, community members and advocates. Led by Cafs, the discussions will explore the impact of poverty in our region and the practical steps we can take to create positive change.

Hear from guest speakers and community advocates as they share insights into the challenges facing individuals and families, the importance of community support, and opportunities to build a more inclusive and equitable future.  

The event will also provide opportunities to connect with local services, learn about available supports, and meet others who are passionate about strengthening our community.

Places are limited and registration is essential. Please register your ticket on Eventbrite to secure a spot.

Impact for Women Donation Drive

Impact for Women are a charity who distribute approximately 5,000 Bags of Love to 60 agencies across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Bags of Love are designed to support women at the moment they leave a family violence situation, often with very few personal belongings.  

Each bag contains essential items including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a mug, tea and coffee, a journal, pens, and a gift package including things such as adult colouring books or sudoku.

In addition to Bags of Love, Impact for Women also provide clothing, household goods and gifts for children.

During Community Safety Month in October, the City of Ballarat will be accepting donations on behalf of Impact for Women. Community members can donate items at The Phoenix Building, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat. Please note items must be new and unopened in original packaging.  

You can read more about Impact for Women and items suitable for donation at https://impactforwomen.org.au/

Neighbours Every Day  

This Community Safety Month, residents are encouraged to collect a Relationships Australia Neighbour Connector Card from any City of Ballarat library or community hub. These free cards are designed to help break the ice and encourage conversations with your neighbours, fostering stronger connections and a greater sense of community. A connected neighbourhood is a safer neighbourhood. Pick up your free Neighbour Connector Card this month and take the first step towards making a new connection.

Learn more about the Belonging Every Day campaign at https://neighbourseveryday.org/