Intercultural Garden works about to get under way

A prominent Ballarat corner is about to undergo a significant facelift in the name of celebrating cultural diversity.

Works on the Intercultural Garden at the intersection of Sturt and Pleasant streets will begin this week, setting out to beautify the existing green space and create a garden where everybody in Ballarat can feel welcome.

The City of Ballarat has engaged local company S.H.A.E Enterprises Pty Ltd to complete the project, which is expected to be finished before the end of the year.

The area on the north-western corner of the intersection near the City Oval football ground and City Oval Bowling Club will be inaccessible to the public during this time.

Among the highlights of the garden will be a community flagpole, picnic shelter, park furniture, an arts display plinth, electrical and water connections, paths, a circular display garden and other plantings, and a drinking fountain provided by Central Highlands Water.

The initiative to create the Intercultural Garden was part of the City of Ballarat Intercultural Plan 2002-2026, created in conjunction with the Intercultural Advisory Committee.

The design of the garden followed community consultation in 2023 to identify the most important aspects of the garden.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the project signified Council’s ongoing support of the growing intercultural community.

The 2021 Census showed Ballarat was home to about 8000 people from non-English speaking backgrounds, with almost 13,000 residents born overseas.

“To have an open space dedicated to celebrating our cultural diversity, that can also be used and enjoyed by everybody in the community, at any time, is going to be fantastic,” Cr Hudson said.

“As Ballarat's intercultural communities continue to quickly grow, it is important we recognise the positive impact that has on the city.

“We hope this could just be the beginning of the Intercultural Garden and we’re excited about what could be in store in future years.”

The Intercultural Garden project is another example of the City of Ballarat’s commitment to delivering a better Ballarat.