Safe Sounds Ballarat

FAQs

• What is Safe Sounds Ballarat 2026 all about?

  Safe Sounds Ballarat 2026 is a free music and dance event for women and gender-diverse people aged 18 and over. It's a safe and welcoming space to enjoy music, connect with others, and have fun.

  The event includes:

  • Live music and performances

  • Trained staff and support people

  • Gender-inclusive facilities

  • An accessible venue and quiet space

  Safe Sounds aims to reduce isolation, build connections, and create a sense of belonging in a safe and inclusive environment.

• What can you expect?

  Safe Sounds is a free event, with non-alcoholic drinks and finger food provided. And raffle or door prizes.

  There will be door prizes and raffles on offer throughout the night!

  Enjoy a lineup of live music, dance performances, and interactive activities. There will also be a chill-out space with art activities, fidget toys, information about local support services, and ways to get involved.

  Thinking of coming on your own? Please come along! We'd love to have you there.

  Our female and gender-diverse staff will be available throughout the event to help you feel welcome, safe, and connected.

  If you'd like extra support to making connections, let us know when you register.

• What is the event program?

  To be announced

  This event is supporting local musicians and performers! Stay tuned for more info!

• Will there be alcoholic beverages available in the event?

  No. Alcohol will not be served at the event.

  The main bar at the Freight Bar and Rooftop will be open to the public, but any alcoholic drinks purchased there cannot be brought into the Safe Sounds event space which is a separate space only available for those registered for the event.

• Any dietary or accessibility needs?

  When registering for yourself and any friends, family members, carers, or support workers attending with you, please let us know about any dietary or accessibility requirements. This may include:

  • Dietary needs or allergies

  • Requesting an Auslan interpreter

  • Wheelchair accessibility information

  • Bringing a support worker or carer or friend/s

  • Access to a quiet and chill-out space during the event

  Please note that to maintain the integrity of the event, only female and gender-diverse support workers, carers, and companions may attend. If you are struggling to find a support worker who is female or gender-diverse, please email casa@gh.org.au to discuss.

  All event staff and security personnel will also be female and gender-diverse.

• If you are travelling using public transportation, here's some helpful information to get to and from the venue

  The nearest stations to Freight Bar & Restaurant are:

  1. Ballarat Railway Station 590 meters away, 7 min walk.

  2. Ballarat Base Hospital/Drummond St N stop is 240 metres away, 4 min walk.

  3. Ballarat Base Hospital/Sturt St stop is 243 metres away, 4 min walk.

  4. Old Fire Station/Sturt St is 266 metres away, 4 min walk.

  5. Mair St/Doveton St N stop is 470 metres away, 6 min walk.

  Bus lines to Freight Bar & Restaurant in Ballarat Central

  • BALLARAT - MT EGERTON VIA GORDON, Mt Egerton,

  • BALLARAT - STAWELL VIA ARARAT, Stawell,

  • 11, Wendouree Station (Via Norman St),

  • COACH, Ballarat Station,

  • 24, Ballarat Station - Sebastopol,

  • 25, Ballarat Station - Delacombe,

  • 26, Ballarat Station - Alfredton,

  • BALLARAT - MARYBOROUGH, Bendigo,

  • 12, Forest St,

  • 30, Ballarat Station,

• Is there accessible parking near Freight Bar?

  Yes. Accessible parking is available on Mair Street, directly in front of the event entrance.

  Freight Bar also has limited onsite parking along the side of the venue (Peel Street North and Mair Street), with approximately 4 to 6 spaces available.

• Who are supporting Safe Sounds Ballarat 2026?

  Your hosts for the event are Ballarat Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA), LOUD Fence, WRISC, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council (BRMC) and the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY).

  This event is supported by the City of Ballarat's Social Inclusion Ballarat Fund. It aims to create safe, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for community participation. Through music, creativity, and connection, Safe Sounds empowers women and gender-diverse people, reduces isolation, and strengthens a sense of belonging in Ballarat.