Mayor's Message - Friday 22 May 2026

Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting many remarkable young people across Ballarat. Some are leading teams, volunteering or mentoring others. Some are quietly helping behind the scenes, showing kindness, creativity and determination in their everyday lives. All of them help make our community stronger.

That’s why I’m so pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Ballarat Youth Awards.

The awards are an opportunity for us, as a community, to recognise young people aged 12 to 25 who are making a positive contribution in all sorts of ways. Whether through sports, the arts, volunteering, leadership, advocacy, community involvement or personal growth.

Importantly, you don’t need to have a long list of achievements to deserve recognition. Sometimes it’s the small things that leave the biggest impression from supporting friends, showing resilience or simply making people feel welcome and included.

This year’s theme, Making Ripples, Making Waves, reflects exactly that idea. Small actions can make meaningful change, and young people across Ballarat are proving that every day.

The Ballarat Youth Awards have been running since 2005 and remind us just how much young people contribute to or city. One of the things I particularly enjoy is that every nominee is recognised and celebrated, regardless of the outcome.

An awards ceremony will be held in August and is supported by a wonderful team of young volunteers who help plan and deliver the evening, bringing fresh ideas, energy and creativity to the process.

If there’s a young person in your life who deserves a moment in the spotlight, I encourage you to take the time to nominate them. Your nomination might mean more than you realise.

Nominations are open until 21 June and can be submitted through the City of Ballarat website. I look forward to seeing our community once again come together to recognise the young people helping shape Ballarat’s future.

Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves