City of Ballarat closes aquatic and cultural buildings

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 11th to 13th 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.