Tuesday, 5 May 2026

 Juliana ADDISON (Wendouree) (14:07): According to the 2026 Happy City Index, Ballarat is the happiest city in Australia, securing 16th place globally. The index highlights Ballarat’s exceptional quality of life, strong economic growth and outstanding livability, reinforcing the strength of regional cities in delivering happiness and wellbeing. Ballarat performs strongly across key indicators, including abundant green space, excellent housing affordability and a high net internal migration rate, showing that more people are choosing to live in Ballarat. Located on the lands of the Wadawurrung people, Ballarat combines a rich goldfields history with a progressive, community-driven future. Our city offers accessible infrastructure at the Ballarat and Wendouree train stations, strong healthcare services through Ballarat Base Hospital, St John of God and our regional cancer centre and high-quality public, Catholic and independent schools. Ballarat’s cultural and sporting life is vibrant, hosting events like Spilt Milk, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, the Ballarat Marathon and AFL and AFLW matches. We are also home to Sovereign Hill and the Ballarat Wildlife Park. We are a beautiful city with Lake Wendouree and the botanic gardens as well as our 19th-century streetscapes, Her Majesty’s Theatre and the Ballarat Mining Exchange. From world-class sporting facilities and thriving communities to great cafes, restaurants, markets and creative spaces, well done, Ballarat.