City of Ballarat closes aquatic and cultural buildings

March 17, 2020

The City of Ballarat has implemented a mass shutdown of almost all of its public buildings as it tries to prevent the further escalation of the Coronavirus.

Effective from 5pm yesterday afternoon, the closure, which is for an indefinite period, applies to the following facilities:

• Ballarat Lifestyle and Aquatic Centre
• Art Gallery of Ballarat
• Her Majesty's Theatre
• Civic Hall
• Libraries
• Eureka Centre (MADE)

Stressing that the core range of its services will continue the Council, advised that Childcare facilities, Family Day Care services, Maternal Child Health services, Meals on Wheels and Home and Community Care will remain open “for now”.

In a statement on Monday morning, the Council advised that the COVID-19 outbreak was "an unprecedented event in recent history".

Commenting on the closure, Ballarat Mayor, Ben Taylor stated "right now is a pretty extraordinary time, seeing the Premier of Victoria we are in a state of emergency, this is something that is really unchartered waters for us as Ballarat or as a community, we've never had this before.

"We need to look after our workforce, we need to look after our community, we need to look after most vulnerable. As a city we've got to do some changes and make some changes to that and do what is needed to be done.

"Even though there might be some closures, it's important we stay active, stay in the community and continue to be looked after. So get out, go for a walk. This is not about social exclusion, it's about just being aware of your surroundings around you and your hygiene.

The 2020 Stawell Gift, due to have been held from 11^th to 13^th April, has also been postponed.

The Stawell Athletic Club said it is working closely with the Victorian Government, Northern Grampians Shire Council and the Victorian Athletic League to see whether the famous race can be held later in the year.

Image shows the Ballarat Lifestyle and Aquatic Centre.

16th March 2020 - Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill stands down casual staff as visitor numbers dip

16th March 2020 - City of Melbourne announces ‘temporary closure’ of libraries and cultural and recreation centres

15th March 2020 - LPA calls for urgent confirmation on timeframe for government’s ban on public events

14th March 2020 - Sydney Theatre Company responds to advice on Coronavirus

13th March 2020 - Gyms focus on hygiene measures to reassure members through Coronavirus crisis

13th March 2020 - Non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people effectively banned across Australia

11th March 2020 - Live Performance Australia release Coronavirus statement

11th March 2020 - Coronavirus fears impacting music festivals around the world with Coachella postponed and Tasmania’s Dark Mofo cancelled

8th March 2020 - Aquatic facilities react to Coronavirus fears

13th February 2020 - ATIC calls for government support to counter coronavirus impact on tourism industry

11th February 2020 - 2020 Australian Regional Tourism Convention to be staged in Ballarat

29th October 2019 - Ballarat’s Creative City Strategy secures national award

5th June 2017 - New scoreboard and seats unveiled at Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium

24th November 2016 - Bystanders and a defibrillator save a life at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre

22nd July 2016 - $10 million extra funding for arts and culture in regional Victoria

30th June 2014 - Ballarat Aquatic Centre pool fees to rise as Council backs new 50 metre pool

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