News Alert |

A number of individuals and organisations which have made generous and powerful contributions to our city will be recognised and celebrated this Friday. 

Whether it’s giving back to the community through volunteering or fundraising, or inspiring others through leadership or personal excellence, each of these extraordinary people are shining examples of what makes our city a special place to live. 

The City of Ballarat 2020 Australia Day Awards will be held this year at the Civic Hall to allow more people to celebrate the achievements of our finalists. The awards will be presented for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year from 5 to 7 pm. 

We are delighted to have author and advocate, and dual Victorian Australian of the Year finalist, Rachel Cassidy speak at the ceremony. Rachel has been involved in the non-for-profit sector for over 20 years working with various causes for the health and well-being of women and children. We would love all the community to come to this free event.  

On Sunday morning, the Koorie Engagement Action Group will host Ballarat’s first Survival Day Dawn Ceremony at View Point, Lake Wendouree from 5.30 - 6.30am. The ceremony will give us the opportunity to come together and stand in solidarity to peacefully reflect on those who have gone before us. 

At 10.30am, the City of Ballarat will hold its Citizenship Ceremony at the Ballarat Town Hall. This will be followed by a short ringing of the bells. 

Later that day, the Lake will again play host to the annual fireworks display, which will run as a bushfire fundraiser. Kicking off at 9.30pm, audiences will have the opportunity to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal which has been established to provide practical support to Victorians impacted by the state’s devastating fires. 

The 26 of January is a day which holds different meanings for many people. As a city, we will mark the day respectfully and recognise the honoured place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our nation’s history.  

We will be sensitive to the feelings of all those communities which may see the day as one of mourning; and we will use it as an opportunity to build greater understanding, trust, respect and reconciliation.