A safe night out: Ballarat Pride Ball set to return

THE BALLARAT Pride Ball is set to return this year, backed by state government funding.

The Victorian government announced $10,000 last month for QHub to deliver a series of events across Ballarat and Geelong, including the city’s pride ball.

Designed as a safe and welcoming celebration, the ball gives young LGBTIQA+ people a chance to gather in a fun and comfortable environment.

Last year’s event featured a DJ, craft spaces and quiet rooms, creating a mix of high-energy and low-sensory options for attendees.

Asha Buckmaster, a community engagement worker at QHub, said events like the pride ball played an important role for young LGBTIQA+ people in the region.

“We know that they are vital for young peoples’ sense of social connectedness,” she said. “Opportunities to come together and have fun in a safe and affirming space is really crucial for the wellbeing of young LGBTIQA+ people.”

Ms Buckmaster said receiving government funding to support the event was exciting, particularly after the strong response to the ball last year.

“We surveyed young people on the night and also after the event and gained overwhelmingly positive feedback, most of which stated that they wanted more of these events and more often,” she said.

“So being able to actually fulfil that wish for young people is wonderful.”

She said parents had also shared positive feedback.

“Parents talked about how their children came home really elated, and talking about having the most amazing night of their life,” she said.

The funding forms part of a $400,000 statewide allocation through the government’s Pride Events and Festivals Fund.

Preparations for the next Ballarat Pride Ball will progress in the coming weeks, with updates to be shared via QHub Ballarat’s Instagram page and queerspace.org.au/our-programs/safe-spaces