Town gets top tourism crown

THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council Has crowned Ballarat the state’s Top Tourism Town.

Judges and a public vote decided the city would be receive the honour, which came under the 2023 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.

Ballarat was celebrated for the visitor experiences it offers, from what’s delivered by tourism operators, to what’s served up by hospitality venues.

The city will now go in to contest Australia’s Top Tourism Town Award at Parliament House in Canberra in September.

Owner of Lydiard Street’s Cobb’s Coffee, Brendan Wrigley, was included in the city’s submission to the awards process, led by former tourism board Ballarat Regional Tourism.

He said the local “culture and hospitality sense” has advanced hugely in recent years, and that he loves to create an enjoyable experience for his customers.

“Young people like myself are excited to contribute to their town,” he said. “I think that’s a really positive thing and it’s making Ballarat a better place to live.

“The concept of the third space, which exists outside of home and the workplace, is something that really resonates with me.

“Ultimately, people love to feel acknowledged, and I think great coffee shops do this better than just about any other space.

“In the coming years, I see this town going from strength to strength, and I’m excited that we get to be a part of it.”

Ballarat was last named Victorian Top Tourism Town in the inaugural awards in 2021, but mayor Cr Des Hudson said residents “always knew Ballarat was the best city to visit.”

“It is incredible to have this acknowledged at the annual awards,” he said.

“Being so close to Melbourne, Ballarat is an ideal short-stay destination for art and architecture lovers, nature-seekers, foodies, and families.

“Why not invite your friends and families to visit and show them what wonderful things our city has to offer?”

Ballarat Regional Tourism has recently been absorbed by new regional board, Tourism Midwest Victoria, and its chair John Pandazopolous said the award proves Ballarat has the “right ingredients to a perfect escape.”

“This win is a recognition of the talented businesspeople and their staff who make up our region’s visitor economy ecosystem,” he said.

“It’s our people who make Ballarat and Midwest Victoria what it is, and whose innovation, creativity and friendliness continually gives visitors a compelling reason to visit, and to return time and time again.”