News Alert |

Over the weekend, Buninyong and Ballarat transformed into a hive of activity as thousands of people watched the Federation University Cycling Road Nationals. 

Australia’s most prestigious event, the RoadNats attracted many cycling greats from all states and territories plus competitors from Thailand and Germany.  

Despite the cooler weather, participant numbers were up on previous years, particularly the Gran Fondo and Para-cycling events, which doubled in size. 

Over the 14 years since Ballarat began hosting this event, it has grown from strength to strength. What began as just 10 cycling events over five now days has now expanded to 40 events, which includes everything from para-cyling to the iconic criterium action to the more relaxed community events such as the Ballarat Coffee Ride. 

As a City, we are delighted to secure the event for another three years with the support of the Victorian Government. This announcement is fantastic for the sport of cycling, for our city, and for the region more broadly. 

It is also well-deserved recognition of the years of hard work that the City of Ballarat, sponsors and organisers have put into hosting this event; and of the long partnership with Cycling Australia.  

If you’re after a more slow-paced vibe this weekend, why not head to the last concert of the Summer Sundays series. Held in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, this free event will be headlined by legendary rock musician Tim Rogers, and will feature music from Anna Bilbrough, Kee'ahn and Sunnyside. 

Along with the live entertainment, there will also be food trucks and a pop-up bar, and volunteers will be collecting donations for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. 

Another one for the diary is the Australia Day Awards, which are next Friday 24 January. Held at the Civic Hall from 5 – 7pm, the awards’ guest speaker is Rachel Cassidy, a dual Victorian Australian of the Year Finalist. This free event is open to the public and we encourage you all to come.