Colourful flower boxes, candy cane power poles and floral reindeer have all helped bring a festive feel to the city, lifting the spirits of those who pass by.

It is a pity then, that security has had to come as part of the package.

Already, it seems, some of the flower boxes have been vandalised. How disappointing for the schoolchildren who have been involved in decorating them.

The centrepiece of the Christmas display is a novel stand of petunia-covered reindeer which light up at night.

The reindeer have their own security guard to protect them from senseless acts of destruction.

The City of Ballarat has had no choice but to pay for security arrangements to protect our Christmas decorations.

Sadly, it was almost inevitable that had security not been provided, the decorations would have been attacked.

Council, like the community, would undoubtedly have much rather spent the security money (which we expect would run into thousands of dollars) on other things.

A small few, however, have made that impossible.

What a sad indictment on our society.

Ballarat must keep Eureka story alive

TODAY marks the 155th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade, a day significant in Ballarat's history but, sadly, not so recognised around the rest of the country.

The stockade is an important part of Australia's democratic journey, yet few outside Ballarat will give it a second thought today.

Locally, on the other hand, a series of events will honour the bravery of miners who took a stand against a corrupt authority.

If Ballarat stays true to the Eureka story, perhaps the nation will one day follow.