Borrow books, see shows, go swimming

ALTHOUGH their capacity’s still somewhat restricted, facilities run by the City of Ballarat are open to children and fully-vaccinated people over the age of sixteen.

CEO Evan King said the Information Centre, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, libraries, the Eureka Centre, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Her Majesty’s Theatre, and The Phoenix building’s customer service centre are all accessible.

However, patrons and customers aged 16-plus will need to still wear a facemask, provide proof that they are double-dosed, or present evidence if they’re medically exempt.

“Thanks to the great work of our residents, who have turned out in large numbers to get vaccinated, we are able to reopen our facilities and our city to more residents and visitors, reaching the 80 per cent double dose vaccination milestone,” Mr King said.

“This is a fantastic achievement and means we can get back to many of the things we enjoyed in pre-pandemic life, from catching up with friends and family, to going out for meals, supporting local businesses, getting back to the gym and going for a swim.

“We’re also looking forward to welcoming more residents and visitors back to enjoying some of our outstanding arts and cultural venues, including the Art Gallery of Ballarat and Her Majesty’s Ballarat.”

Mr King said the safety and wellbeing of residents, municipal staff and volunteers working at and visiting these places is the City’s priority.

He encourages people to link their COVID-19 digital certificate to their Service Victoria or Medicare app, or digital wallet, as their proof of vaccination on entry to these places.

Visit bit.ly/30ZcXTP for vax certificate guidance, or Ballarat Libraries sites, where staff are offering in-person support.

Otherwise, patrons can present a printed copy, or their immunisation history statement.