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Ms ADDISON (Wendouree) (10:03:21): What a weekend we have had in Ballarat: performance, motorsport, art and footy—something for everyone.

Not only was Ballarat alive with the sound of music at the Royal South Street Eisteddfod but Ballarat hosted world-class motorsport with the Eureka Rush, with some of our nation’s best rally teams competing. A special thankyou to Justin Hunt from the CAMS Australian Rally Championship and Tim Shepherd for the opportunity to do a lap of the Ballarat West employment zone in a rally car.

It was also the opening weekend of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, with the opening of Liu Bolin’s Camouflage at the Art Gallery of Ballarat and Dr Fiona Foley’s exhibition at the Mining Exchange.

On Sunday morning there was more action, when the AFL came to Ballarat. With a sellout crowd at Mars Stadium for the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide Crows do-or-die clash, the game did not disappoint.

These significant sporting and cultural events are so important to the Ballarat community, providing a substantial boost to the local economy and creating jobs. I would like to thank the Premier, the Treasurer, the Minister for Creative Industries and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events for their commitment to supporting great events in Ballarat.

I am proud the Andrews Labor Government is investing in what makes Ballarat a great place to live and visit, and we will continue to deliver big events for the region.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Christina Dickinson a very happy birthday. She is a wonderful sister and an amazing person. I love her very much.

Click here to read more of my contributions in Parliament. To access further Hansard transcripts, head to the Parliament of Victoria website.