The Time Is Now to save Her Majesty’s Ballarat

The Save Her Majesty's Ballarat – The Time Is Now campaign is calling on the state and federal governments to provide the additional $15 million required to secure the future of Ballarat's foremost performing arts venue - the 143-year-old Her Majesty's Ballarat.  

Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh says the City of Ballarat is calling on the entire community – performers, audiences, supporters of the arts and the wider Ballarat community – to throw its support behind saving Ballarat’s much-loved Theatre.

"Her Majesty's Ballarat is the foundation of Ballarat's growing performing arts scene and the City of Ballarat is doing everything in its power to secure its future,” Cr McIntosh says.  

"To take this campaign to the next level, we are calling on everyone who loves Her Majesty's Ballarat to get behind us and push for the funding we need to save this glorious theatre.”

Cr McIntosh says while emergency restorative works are underway at the theatre, due to its age and continued use over 143 years, significant capital works are required to save this valuable institution for future generations. 

“We are very grateful to be recipients of the $2 million Living Heritage Grant, provided by the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning via Heritage Victoria.

“While this will go a long way towards much needed conservation, a great deal more is required to provide 21st century outcomes in a 19th century Theatre.

“Now is the time to invest in this significant asset - taking the next step from a functional, access and safety perspective.

“We must also consider the complexities that go hand-in-hand with the historical significance of the building, knowing that it was built at a time when regulation, construction practices and materials did not meet today’s stringent standards. 

“This is our opportunity to protect this amazing asset and to improve safety, access and the functionality of Ballarat’s iconic performing arts venue.”     For more information on the campaign, please visit savehermaj.com  

Her Majesty’s Ballarat will continue to present shows at alternate venues throughout the closure for restorative works. Details and tickets are available at hermaj.com