The City of Ballarat will hold its annual fireworks display on January 26, taking the opportunity to raise much-needed funds to aid the Victorian bushfire recovery.
Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor stressed the fireworks at Lake Wendouree would be subject to weather conditions and any fire restrictions in place.
"We will monitor the situation closely and take advice from the CFA and other relevant authorities leading up to and on the day of January 26," he said.
If the fireworks are unable to go ahead because of fire restrictions or unsafe weather conditions, we will postpone them to another time and event," he said.
Council has already paid the company engaged to deliver the fireworks display.
"Rather than forfeiting this monetary outlay, we will take the opportunity to transform the event into a major fundraising effort for all those bushfire victims who need it the most," the Mayor said.
A Victorian Bushfire Appeal has been established to provide practical support to Victorians impacted by the state's devastating fires, including in East Gippsland and North East Victoria.
The Victorian Government has partnered with Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army to establish the Appeal, with 100% of donated funds going directly to communities in need as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Council has donated $20,000 to assist fire victims and is continuing to raise money through its summer events program. It has also offered plant and equipment and key emergency response personnel to the East Gippsland and Towong Councils.
Cr Taylor said Ballarat had proven itself to be a generous, caring community, when it comes to helping people in time of need and was confident the thousands of visitors to the January 26 fireworks display would help boost the appeal total.
"Communities in Sydney and Melbourne have demonstrated how we can come together in unity, to make a difference," he said.
Donations to the Appeal can be made at any Bendigo Bank branch or online at vic.gov.au/bushfire appeal or Community Enterprise Foundation™.
