Yes, it's incredibly tough times but we are a very proud city, and we will look after each other, we will remain calm, we will follow the latest health advice and we will beat this COVID-19 outbreak.

The City of Ballarat has been supporting our community since the pandemic began in early 2020 and we will continue to do so for however long we need to.

I know that Ballarat is well prepared for a COVID-19 outbreak.

We have a robust healthcare system and we've learnt from other outbreaks across Victoria.

We have responded well to cases in the past and we will do so again to stop the spread of the virus and keep our community safe.

For me, there are three key messages for this lockdown:

We are also supporting businesses through our Community and Business Support Package.

This $1 million grant package aims to supplement existing funding available from federal and state governments, while also supporting some of the small businesses and community groups not eligible for financial assistance through other funding programs.

To find out more and apply for the Community and Business Support Package visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/supportpackage

If you have the slightest symptoms, please get tested.

I was tested myself on Wednesday (all clear fortunately), and yes, the waiting times may be a bit longer than usual at the moment, but it's vital to keep our community safe.

Throw some food and a drink, a book, or your laptop in the car with you to pass the time to get the test that will not only reassure you but also your community.

More testing sites have been established in Ballarat including at Victoria Park, the Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre and the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre.

Other ongoing test sites include Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol, 4Cyte Pathology in Skipton Street, the UFS respiratory clinic in Dana Street and Melbourne Pathology Ballarat.

And lastly if you are eligible, please, please get vaccinated.

I'm lucky to have received my second dose recently and I know vaccination will be the key to getting us out of these lockdowns.

We need Ballarat to reach the 80 per cent first and second dose targets as soon as possible.

Please make your first vaccination booking if you haven't already done so and, if you're due for your second dose, don't put it off.

Having most of our community vaccinated is a massive priority at the moment and I urge all residents to get the jab as soon as possible.

It's also important residents check the Department of Health's list of exposure sites which is being regularly updated.

This will help ensure we're not spreading the virus.

As case numbers rise, so will exposure sites and it's vital people who have been to Tier 1, 2 or 3 sites get tested and isolate to help keep the rest of the community safe.

And, as always, remember to stay safe, wear a mask, keep physically distanced and use hand hygiene.

Given we hadn't had a case in Ballarat for 12 months, it is now critical we all continue our COVIDSafe behaviours and don't become too complacent.

Again, I know it's a really tough time for everyone.

Businesses are doing it tough.

The elderly are doing it tough.

Children are doing it tough.

Families are doing it tough.

We are all doing it tough, but by pulling together, we can do this Ballarat.

We can beat back this outbreak and look forward to the freedoms we can regain.

And by reaching our vaccination targets, we can look forward to getting back most of the freedoms we once had.