For some, the symbolic gesture is personal. For others, lanterns symbol hope.

Ballarat Light the Night will gather at twilight later this month, joining more than 100 Australian communities to support the Leukaemia Foundation’s stunning initiative this spring.

For Ballarat host Mr Bourke, Light the Night is personal. He is set to mark five years in remission from his own battle with lymphoma. Mr Bourke undertook a trial treatment that he later discovered was fully paid for by the Leukaemia Foundation. Light the Night is his family’s way of saying thank-you and giving back.

Participants can buy a lantern – gold to remember a loved one, white to symbolise their own blood cancer journey, or blue to show they care – then make the short, gentle walk from Eureka Hall in Stawell Street South to the nearby Eureka memorial park and lake.

“It’s a special sight, especially the more people we get there,” Mr Hilton said. 

Ballarat Light the Night has actively been raising money already through the year, including barbecues at Mitre 10 in Sebastopol and morning tea events. The event itself starts with entertainment, family-friendly activities, a raffle, silent auction and tea and coffee.

A short ceremony, accompanied by Ballarat’s city brass band, marks the lantern lighting on dusk.

Mr Hilton said volunteers cover the costs to ensure all money goes to the Leukaemia Foundation. Ballarat is vying to raise $20,000 from this year’s event to help the foundation reach its $1.5 million goal. The Ballarat group tries to help reduce some lantern costs for families to ensure everyone can be involved.

Funds raised are used for emotional and practical support for people living with blood cancer, and investment in research for treatment and cures. Leukaemia Foundation does not receive ongoing government funding and relies on community support.

*Ballarat Light the Night is on Friday, September 25, from 5pm at Eureka Hall. More information, visit lightthenight.org.au.