Ballarat on show at Mount Rowan
Ballarat has a rich history of agricultural shows and local community events. For almost 170 years the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society (BAPS) has been organising these important gatherings—from the very first ploughing competition back in 1856.
BAPS plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural businesses to raise awareness of their goods so they can take their products to a wider market.
From 1933 to 2024, the organisation managed events from its former grounds near Mars Stadium.
But, in recent years, a bigger and better home for the organisation has been taking shape.
And now, BAPS and industry workers can look forward to putting these first-class facilities to good use, with the opening of the new Ballarat Showgrounds at Mount Rowan.
The opening is an exciting new chapter for the region.
'Welcome to the place where the paddock meets the people. Where families gather, stories grow and good times are always in season,' said a BAPS spokesperson.
The Mount Rowan facilities promise bigger and better events to come, larger shows and more opportunities for agriculture businesses
These facilities include an Event and Exhibition Centre with greater capacity for visitors, and a new Cattle Pavilion.
The centre is a 300-seat, versatile venue. It's suited to host everything, including:
- agricultural shows
- community gatherings
- educational workshops
- private events.
The facilities will also enable BAPS to expand its education and community engagement work - raising the profile of the industry and its contribution to the regional economy.
'The Ballarat Showgrounds and Events Centre is right where it needs to be—at the heart of Ballarat and ready to bring the events industry to life,' BAPS said.
With the doors open, a full schedule of BAPS events is on the horizon.
Later this month, the Victorian Sheep Show will kick things off. The Ballarat Wine Show, Spring Horse Show and Rural Achiever Awards are set to follow.
Then, in November, the feted Ballarat Show returns.
It's a beloved community event, and one that draws visitors of all ages. Providing a unique sense of excitement, the Show is also a major draw for locals and visitors to the region.
Mount Rowan's facilities will also be available for commercial hire. This will enable more event companies to draw people to the Grampians in a win for the regional economy.
Regional Development Victoria funded the new Ballarat Showgrounds. It's part of our record investment of $47 billion in just over a decade for rural and regional cities and towns.
Learn more about how we're making our regions even better places to live, work, stay and play on Regional Development Victoria's website.
