Mayor's Message - Friday 16 January 2026

Running out of ideas to keep the kids busy these school holidays? As a parent myself, I understand the challenge of finding activities that are fun, affordable, and close to home.  

The good news is there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities and events for all ages happening across Ballarat this January.

Our community hubs are offering a great range of activities for children aged 0-12, including suncatcher making, paper plane challenges, paper bead making, puppet making and a hands-on minibeast experience featuring a bug tent full of butterflies, stick insects and other creepy crawlies to explore. Balance Play with the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre will also visit a number of community hubs.

The Ballarat Library also has a great line-up of events, including the Big Summer Read party, a big board game afternoon, and a movie screening of The Secret Garden.  

Young creatives can take part in the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Art Explorer program, which deep dives into the topic of how we use hair to express ourselves. Participants will use drawing, printmaking, and collage to create unique portraits. Sessions will be held on 22 January at Djila-tjarriu Community Hub, with three sessions for different age groups.

On warmer days, our pools and splash parks are a great option to cool off and have some fun. The outdoor pools are operating with extended hours during the school holidays, and residents can still sign up for a free pool season pass for the Buninyong and Black Hill outdoor pools.

Don’t forget there’s still two Sundays left to enjoy the Summer Sundays free concert series running from 3-7pm in the Botanical Gardens. Offering live music, food trucks, and a relaxed setting to pull up a picnic blanket and camp chairs, have a dance, and let the kids burn some energy. It’s a great way to spend a summer afternoon, whether you stay for one hour or settle in for the whole concert.

There’s also plenty happening on Australia Day with our Picnic in the Park returning for a fifth year at Victoria Park. From 11am-3pm, the event will be a hive of activity featuring market stalls, live music, food trucks, face painters, mini golf and a craft space run by Furals Art.

Importantly, all activities are either free or low-cost, helping families manage cost-of-living pressures while still getting out, having fun, and enjoying time together.

Find more information on these events and everything else happening in Ballarat this summer, visit ballaratintheknow.com.au.

Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves