Have your say on making Ballarat a more inclusive and accessible city

The City of Ballarat is inviting community members to help shape the 2026–2030 Disability, Access and Inclusion Plan. 

Since the first plan in 2008, people with lived experience of disability have helped guide Council’s work. This collaborative approach has strengthened Ballarat’s commitment to building a city that is inclusive, welcoming, and accessible for all.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves, encouraged community members to take part and share what matters most to them. 

“Ballarat has a higher proportion of residents living with disability compared to the rest of regional Victoria,” she said.

“We want to hear from those in our community so that we can continue to remove barriers and improve accessibility across all of Council’s services, facilities and programs."

Cr Hargreaves also acknowledged the contribution of the City of Ballarat Disability Advisory Committee.

“Our Disability Advisory Committee has been a strong voice for lived experience since 2008,” she said.

“This consultation is another opportunity for people living with a disability, carers, families and the broader community to help shape a more accessible Ballarat.”

Community insights have already led to a range of improvements including the Victoria Park Sensory-Friendly Stay and Play Zone, an Assistance Dog Relief Area in the CBD, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and accessibility upgrades at the Ballarat Library and the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre.

Community feedback gathered during this 2026 consultation will guide future improvements in areas such as services, facilities, employment pathways, event accessibility, customer experience, and the design of public spaces.

A range of online, in‑person and phone‑based engagement options are available to make it easier for everyone to participate. 

Community workshops will be held throughout February and March.

Community consultation for the Disability, Access and Inclusion Plan 2026-2030 closes on Sunday 22 March.

Engagement Session for People Living with Disability and Carers (with Auslan interpretation)

• When: Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 12:00pm - 2:00pm
• Where: Selkirk Stadium Learning Rooms 1 & 2, 989 Norman St, Wendouree VIC 3355

Engagement Session for Organisations, Services and Businesses

• When: Thursday 26 February 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
• Where: Trench Room, Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt Street Ballarat Central

Engagement Session for Organisations, Services and Businesses

• When: Wednesday 4 March at 12:00pm - 2:00pm
• Where: Djila-tjarriu Community Hub, 18 Donegal Drive, Alfredton

Online Engagement Session for People Living with Disability and Carers (with live captioning)

• When: Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
• Where: Online via Microsoft Teams platform

Engagement Session for People Living with Disability and Carers

• When: Thursday 19 March 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
• Where: Trench Room, Ballarat Town Hall, 225 Sturt Street Ballarat 3350

Learn more about the Disability, Access and Inclusion plan and register for a session at https://mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au/