Mayor's Message - Friday 23 May 2025

Monday 19 May marked the start of National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. This special event is an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

Ballarat is fortunate to have thousands of volunteers giving their time to make our city and our region a better place. Their contribution spans every aspect of our community and without them, we simply couldn’t achieve as much as we do.

From delivering meals to coaching junior sports teams, hosting events and keeping our city looking its best, the contribution of volunteers can be seen in everything that happens in our community.

This year, as part of our National Volunteer Week celebrations, the City of Ballarat shone a light on our youth volunteers, with events to recognise their achievements.

The Young Eventsters, Youth Ambassadors and Sonika program volunteers contribute hundreds of hours across key initiatives including Take Back the Buses, PopCon events and the Youth Awards, which are currently open for nominations.

These vibrant young people show us what it means to lead with heart, to serve with purpose and to dream of a brighter future and then get to work on building it.

They also demonstrate that leadership has no minimum age and that compassion is contagious.

Volunteering creates lasting relationships that enrich lives and strengthen communities. Within the City of Ballarat, we have opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be involved and make a difference.

If you have time to give and are looking to become more involved in the community, I encourage you to visit Volunteer with us page. As well as youth programs we have opportunities with our Ageing Well team, Parent Place and as a Ballarat Ambassador.

Let’s acknowledge the spirit of connection and the incredible impact volunteers have in building thriving and inclusive communities.

Cr Tracey Hargreaves
City of Ballarat Mayor