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We heard from over 150 kids and they told us about:

• How they connect with friends (the Children's Week theme)
• What makes a good life
• What it means to be healthy

Nearly 60% of kids told us that they use technology to connect with friends and lots of kids told us that connecting at school and meeting up after school or on the weekend is important too.

Around half of the children told us that friends and family are what makes a good life and half of the kids stated that eating healthy food is an important part of being healthy.

We interviewed 16 kids and they told us about how they connect with their friends and what makes a good life for them. 
You can see their responses here:

About the consultation

Children aged 13 or younger make up 20% of our population.

In 2020, there were more than 20,000 kids living in the City of Ballarat.

We want our children to be active citizens, so we asked them what matters to them. Their responses were passionate and thoughtful.

• Why should adults listen to kids?
• What do you love about Ballarat?
• What makes a good neighbourhood?

We received 148 responses from children aged from 2 years to 13 years.

Their responses are being used to help create planning documents and future consultation activities.

• 51% said we have unique perspective and knowledge
• 34% said we deserve the same respect as anyone else
• 19% said we have a huge stake in the future

In their words:

“Our words are true and from the heart.” Isabella, aged 11

“You have to listen to everyone, not just kids.” Arkady, aged 4

“Because children still have an opinion and are part of our community.” Anonymous, aged 11

“We’re the ones that are going to live in adults [sic] choices.” Millie, aged 12

• 67% want to live near friendly, helpful people
• 11% want to be in a safe and quiet place
• 11% want space to ride bikes, walk and play

In their words:

“A good neighbourhood is when you can rely on your neighbours to mind your belongings while your [sic] on vacation.” Tyler, aged 11

“When it’s really pretty and has roses and flowers and trees. People taking their dogs for a walk.” Felicity, aged 4

“No naughty drivers. No noisy drivers. Hurts my ears. I like big, safe cars.” Lexi, aged 3

“A good neighbourhood is a good place for riding bikes, skateboards and scooters.” Nive, 8

• 35% love the community
• 31% love playgrounds, facilities and having lots of fun things to do
• 26% love nature, parks and reserves

In their words:

“Because everyone is connected” Emily, aged 12

“It’s not too big and it has lots of things other places don’t have” Thomas, aged 12

“I like the big playground that is near the lake. All the trees that grow.” Eiley, aged 4

“I like the cold and rainy weather and how people just get along with each other and its [sic] just great” Finnigan 12

“Neighbours are a big part of where people live. If you have kind neighbours, you’d feel more welcomed. It’s common sense, surely?” Madeleine, 12

Our Children’s Consultation Project is part of our commitment to Ballarat’s children and the Victorian Child Friendly Cities and Communities Charter. 

The Charter recognises the need for children to be involved in decision-making forums and creating child friendly environments. The City of Ballarat  signed the Charter to make sure children’s voices are heard and to show our dedication to making sure the City is a safe and welcoming place for our kids.