A twilight market series celebrating Ballarat’s rich array of cultures and global connections will transform the gardens of a former convent into a hub of activity.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Ballarat Welcome Centre’s Twilight Market kicks off on Friday, featuring a diverse range of stalls from Indian scarves, throws and bags to arts and crafts from Zimbabwe and table runners and bedspreads from Pakistan.
Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council executive officer Ann Foley said the market series would offer people a chance to see the history of the building at the Victoria Street location and the plans to develop the space as a multicultural community and enterprise centre.
“We see this place really emerging and being an important part of Ballarat’s future because we all know Ballarat is growing really fast, we know that there are going to be big benefits from the growth that results from migration here,” Ms Foley said.
“As we become more diverse it’s about having a community centre that is a safe and vibrant place for people to come socially, but also offers opportunities for them to set up offices and businesses or to connect with services that will run here, including migrant English services, social support, information and education.”
While the inaugural market features 20 stalls, Ms Foley said this was likely to expand as the monthly market continued to develop.
Friday’s event also includes kids activities, food and entertainment featuring Stella Savy and a Bollywood-inspired performance from Malalay Dancers, while convent tours present a chance to learn about the history and changes that have taken place at what is now the welcome centre.
Ms Foley said BRMC welcomed more expressions of interests in both the welcome centre and the twilight markets.
The twilight market series will be held on Friday, November 24, January 19, February 16 and March 16 from 5.30-8pm at the Ballarat Welcome Centre, 145 Victoria Street, Ballarat East.
For more information email welcome@brmc.org.au or call 5383 0613.