Mayor's Message - Friday 23 January 2026

Over the coming weeks, you may notice a knock on your door or receive a phone call inviting you to take part in a new Community Sentiment Survey. If that happens, I hope you’ll consider saying yes.

This survey is one of the ways Council is taking the time to really listen to our residents. Around 800 residents will be randomly selected to share their thoughts about Council services, facilities, and how we do things.  

These aren’t long or complicated interviews. They’re simple, face-to-face conversations that give people the chance to speak openly about what’s working well and where we can do better.  

What makes this survey different is the personal approach. These conversations allow us to hear the everyday experiences and detail behind people’s views that don’t always come through in other forms of surveys.

These insights are incredibly valuable when Council is making decisions about priorities, planning for the future, and improving services that residents rely on.

The survey is being carried out by an independent research company on Council’s behalf, and everyone involved will be clearly identified. Interviews take approximately 15 minutes and responses are confidential.

For residents in more remote areas, some interviews will be done over the phone to make sure those voices are also included.

I know life is busy, and your time is important. But if you are invited to take part, your perspective genuinely matters. Hearing from a broad cross-section of our community helps ensure decisions aren’t based on assumptions, but on real experiences from people who call Ballarat home.

This survey sits alongside our annual Community Satisfaction Survey, which will commence in mid-February. This survey focuses more specifically on how residents rate Council’s overall performance and services and complements the in-person conversations happening now.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their views. Your input helps shape a better future for our city and surrounds.

Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves