2018 in review: Season’s greetings

WITH the election out of the way, almost – Ripon wouldn’t be declared in favour of incumbent Louise Staley until mid-month, and with a margin of 15 votes – Save Our Station admitted defeat and ended their political campaign.

Ballarat based Labor upper house MP Jaala Pulford was rewarded for her hard work with the Roads, Road Safety and the TAC, and Fishing and Boating ministries while Ms Staley also got a promotion to Shadow Treasurer.

Getting away from politics, thankfully some might say, altruistic giving shone through in December.

The community’s willingness to get behind the 3BA Christmas Appeal was heart-warming.

Whether it was Commerce Ballarat and its members, Selkirk, Coles, local firefighters, the hundreds of participants in the Toy Run or unsung, every day people, the giving was generous and heart-warming.

As Appeal ambassador, Peter Caligari, put it after the Toy Run, “It’s just so gratifying.”

“The children of our less fortunate families will all have a visit from Santa. They’ll have a toy on Christmas day and that’s what Christmas is all about.”

It wasn’t just the Christmas Appeal though, with SJD Foundation filling over 80 huge Santa sacks for foster and kinship care families in the CAFs system, while on the other end of the scale staff and volunteers from the YMCA put together small 155 boxes of joy for people in need.

This was also the time carolling season, got into full voice, with many events run throughout the region.

Ballarat Carols at Mars Stadium attracted thousands of people who sang the night away, while smaller events in Delacombe and Miners Rest underscored the amazing community spirit on show across the region.