From September 20, 2026 to September 27, 2026, local organisations, community groups and residents will host a diverse range of activities marking the United Nations International Day of Peace on Sep 21, 2026. The program stretches from quiet reflection to public celebration, with opportunities to meet, talk, walk, learn and consider what peace might look like - in the world, across Ballarat and in our own everyday lives. 

The Week of Peace grew from a conversation convened by the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council after funding for a larger program was unsuccessful. Rather than abandon the idea, participating groups brought what they already had: relationships, venues, knowledge, activities, networks and volunteer energy. 

The result is not an event owned by one organisation, but a shared local effort involving multicultural, intercultural, interfaith, youth, refugee-support, peace, civic and community-safety perspectives. 

“Peace can sometimes feel like a very large and distant idea, but it is also something we practise locally - in how we welcome people, listen across difference and make room for one another,” Let’s Talk Peace Ballarat’s Madonna Quixley said. 

“This week offers many different ways to take part. You might join a meditation, share coffee and conversation, walk for peace, attend a rally or film, or simply stop to consider what peace asks of each of us.” 

A week of different ways to participate 

Program highlights include: 

• World Peace Meditation Hour with Brahma Kumaris Ballarat and live music by Michael Westlake
• An Intercultural Artwork Launch at the Ballarat Intercultural Garden, followed by the Rural Australians for Refugees Peace Rally 
• Cuppa with a Cop at Stockland Wendouree
• BRMC’s Welcome Morning Tea celebrating peace at the Ballarat Welcome Centre Peace
• Coffee & Cake with the Centre for Multicultural Youth
• A Bahá’í Peace Pole planting at Smythes Creek
• A Peace Walk and screening and discussion of The Third Harmony at Barkly Square
• Primavera Fest, hosted by the Ballarat Latin Club
• A peace-themed book display at Collins Booksellers on Lydiard, featuring the wishes of local young people.  

Most activities are free, although some require bookings and Primavera Fest has a small entry cost. Times, venues and booking details are available in the attached Ballarat Week of Peace program.  

The 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace—For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”, reflects the week’s local focus: peace is not only the absence of conflict, but something strengthened through everyday acts of welcome, respect, connection and participation.