Commerce Ballarat

Mental Health First Aid Training
2025-05-01 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
Cost: $295
We are offering Mental Health First Aid Training for individuals at the Brown Hill Hall, on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd May. 9.30-4.00. Open to anyone over 18. See brochure for more information.
Contact phone: 0461 536 931
Contact email: enquiries@fairgroundwellbeing.com.au

GWMT Industry Forum - 2025 and Beyond: Shaping the Future of Tourism
2025-05-02 08:00 - 17:00
Join us for an inspiring and Industry Forum event at Grampians Grape Escape, where we’ll come together to discuss resilience, recovery, and the optimistic future of our beloved tourism industry following recent challenges. This forum is not just an event; it’s a chance to reconnect, become uplifted, and explore innovative ideas that can help our community and businesses thrive.
We’re excited to announce Curtis McGrath OAM as our keynote speaker. As a Paralympic gold medallist, Invictus Games ambassador, and former Australian Army combat engineer, Curtis brings an inspiring story of leadership, resilience, and determination that will set the tone for a powerful afternoon. Following Curtis, Brendan McClements, CEO of Visit Victoria, will discuss the role of tourism in our recovery, ensuring we’re all on the right path moving forward.
But that’s not all! We’re excited to host a Business Panel featuring local investors who are passionate about revitalizing our region. With a diverse lineup from around the region, this panel promises to spark dynamic discussions about investing in the Grampians and Wimmera Mallee.
Mark Gunning from the CFA will then share insights on safety and preparedness, followed by Charlie Richardson from Parks Victoria, who will discuss the importance of our natural spaces in tourism recovery. We’ll wrap up with a presentation on the new GWMT Visitor App and Kiosks, ensuring we’re equipped with the best tools (sustainably) to engage our visitors.
Concluding the forum, you will have the opportunity to network, enjoy a wine and celebrate the resilient spirit of the Grampians community at the Feel Good Friday event at Grampians Grape Escape.
This is a forum not to be missed, seats are limited so sign up today.
Let’s recover, reconnect, and rejuvenate together.
Contact: hello@grampiansgrapeescape.com.au

Getting paid on time
2025-05-05 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free
Cash flow is a major concern among Victorian small businesses. The cost of doing business is reducing margins and unfortunately many small business owners are not being paid on time for their goods and services.
Join Victorian Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith to hear practical guidance on how you can give yourself the best chance possible of being paid on time. The Commissioner will also provide guidance on how to follow-up outstanding invoices, and what pathways of escalation are available to you.

Contact email: nick.edrington@vsbc.vic.gov.au
Contact phone: 0459 542 115

Sales Surge
2025-05-05 17:30 - 19:00 | Online
Cost: $20-30
Do you sell something? Every Business does!
Join Marcus Millgate as he takes a deep dive into the customer journey, and discover what you can do to ensure the online and physical shopping experience can be harmonised and enhanced to optimise traffic, purchase and repurchase.
Get inside your customers’ minds to understand why and how they purchase and how that information can practically influence your business decisions.
Marcus is acommercially strong, highly regarded networked leader, with a proven history of business growth and profit acceleration in over 20 years of partner management, brand leadership, retail media planning, ecommerce, sales and marketing technology experience. He has managed the partnerships of many of the world’s leading brands on a global, regional and local scale, driving revenue growth in Online Marketplaces and Brick and Mortar Retail.

May Biznet Breakfast
2025-05-06 07:00 - 09:00 | Selkirk Stadium, 989 Norman Street, Wendouree, Victoria, 3355, Australia
Join us at the upcoming BizNet Breakfast for an update on the State Government of Victoria’s Plan for Victoria. Don’t miss the expert panel discussion exploring the plan, the reality and the future of our beautiful city. Important conversation to be a part of!
Facilitated by CB Chair Darren Trigg, who will be joined by:
Leah Clark, Managing Director Inception Planning
Natalie Robertson, Director Development & Growth, City of Ballarat bi

Tour of New Ballarat Showgrounds
2025-05-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Ballarat Showgrounds, 6 Rose Hill Road, Mount Rowan, Victoria, 3352, Australia
Come and join us as we get to explore the new Ballarat Showgrounds location. The Ballarat Agricultural & Pastoral Society will guide us through the new layout and explain what the new space can offer. This opportunity is only open to Commerce Ballarat Members.

TMV Industry Excursions - Cyril Callister Museum & Beaufort Visitor Centre
2025-05-12 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free
Join the TMV and City of Ballarat Visitor Servicing Team in an upcoming Industry Excursion.
Front-of-house staff across the hospitality, accommodation and attractions sectors interact with visitors on a daily basis. But do they have the knowledge and confidence to provide visitors with recommendations on things to do while they’re in town?
Our new Industry Excursions are a perfect opportunity for your staff to learn more about what’s on offer to visitors.
Hosted by Tourism Midwest Victoria, in collaboration with the City of Ballarat’s Visitor Servicing Team, the monthly tours will provide your staff with a information about upcoming events, and behind-the-scenes tours of local hotels, restaurants and cafes.
Un-pack the exciting town of Beaufort – explore the space for all vegemite lovers and understand where to find the best visitor information!
Contact phone: 0417321328
Contact email: hello@visitballarat.com.au

StartSpace Flip The Pitch: The Startup Ecosystem Presents to You
2025-05-13 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: $36.00 in-person $15.00 Online
Take a seat and discover the best startup resources in Victoria in one go!
Join us for a fast-paced, high-energy evening where 20 leaders from Victoria’s startup ecosystem will each deliver a 3-minute pitch on how they support aspiring and early-stage founders.
You’ll hear directly from funders, accelerators, meetup organisers, supporting services, government and other key players who are here to help founders succeed.
Whether you’re a founder, new to Victoria, a supporter of the ecosystem, or simply startup-curious, this event is for you. Click through to the website to see the featured speakers.
Event details
Date: Tuesday 13 May
Time: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue – In-person: Conversation Quarter, State Library Victoria
Venue – Online: Livestream broadcast
Contact phone: 0492948023
Contact email: startspace@slv.vic.gov.au

Nabenet Regional Lunch Series
2025-05-21 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: FREE
Join us for an insightful educational event focused on mastering efficient injury management. This session will explore the essential tools and strategies available to enhance return-to-work (RTW) outcomes while promoting overall health and wellbeing. Learn how to effectively manage injuries, streamline processes, and support your workforce in recovering faster and stronger. Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, or injury management specialist, this event will provide valuable insights to improve both individual and organisational success in managing injuries and fostering a healthier, more productive workplace.
Contact Number: 0430820978
Contact Email: vanessacariss@nabenet.com.au

Business Day Out 2025
2025-05-21 11:30 - 17:00 | Ballarat Goods Shed, 200 Lydiard Street North, Soldiers Hill, Victoria, 3350, Australia
ssBusiness Day Out 2025 will be a half day program featuring a variety of keynote speakers and the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals from across regional Victoria throughout the afternoon.

June Biznet Breakfast
2025-06-03 07:00 - 09:00 | Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw St, Golden Point, Victoria, 3350, Australia
cIt’s a party! Join us as we celebrate the 40th birthday of two Ballarat family businesses- the Ballarat Wildlife Park and Springhill Farm. Sarah Myers will chat with CEO, Fiona (Springhill Farm) and General Manager, Jared (Ballarat Wildlife Park) and reflect on the journey of these Ballarat names and what the next forty years might look like.

Ballarat Bioenergy Forum
2025-06-04 08:00 - 17:00
Join us for a day about building the Bioenergy Industry in Victoria and how it can help regional economies to thrive.
The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for the State Electricity Commission will be opening the forum. We have a list of speakers from bioenergy policy experts, bioenergy project developers and operators as well as academia, Ballarat City Council and the Committee for Ballarat.

The 2025 Ballarat Sleepout
2025-06-13 08:00 - 17:00
The 2025 Ballarat Sleepout is happening in June – to raise corporate and community awareness to the plight of homelessness in the Central Highlands, and to raise funds.
This is a partnership between the Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance (CHHA) of 14 local agencies supporting those experiencing homelessness and family violence, and The Lions Club of Haddon will be hosting this event. All funds raised will go to local agencies to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
We are inviting corporate sponsorship –organisations can donate with or without participation – though we encourage participation. They will be given recognition on a sponsor board and receive a certificate.
We also invite individuals or teams to participate, or they can sponsor a participant, or just donate.
All those sleeping out must register, and there is a minimum age of 18 years.
Cost: $50, Concession: $30.
Children can attend until 9 pm, and there will be entertainment, including four local musical acts.
Registration cost includes the entertainment, evening food, and a Sleepout beanie.
Tax receipts are available, and all donations are tax-deductible. CHHA agencies are registered charities.
All the information is on the attached poster, including links to register.
More details are here: 2025 Corporate & Community Sleepout | Central Highlands Ho
Direct link to register: https://fundraise.unitingvictas.org.au/event/view/ballarat-sleepout-2025

Farmer's Night Off
2025-06-16 17:30 - 21:30 | Ballarat Showgrounds, 6 Rose Hill Road, Mount Rowan, Victoria, 3352, Australia
In Partnership with Ballarat Agricultural & Pastoral Society
This is an event dedicated to the hardworking, sometimes overlooked, resilient farmers of our region – we want to give you the night off!
Featuring a few drinks, BBQ, music from Billy & Isaac, kids fun hosted by the Art Gallery of Ballarat, a magic show from Ben Cole, plus door prizes from Ballarat Wildlife Park. We want to ensure you take the time to relax and enjoy yourself, so jump in the car with the family and come and enjoy the festivities.
Farmers Only!

Thrive Online - Launch, Scale, Grow: How to Build a Business That Actually Works (& Sells)
2025-06-17 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free
Delivered by Melbourne Innovation Centre as part of the Digital Solutions Program, this event series is designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, founders, and go-getters seeking real talk, fresh insights, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, boost your online presence, or connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who just get it, Thrive Online is your space to learn, share, and grow.
Launch, Scale, Grow: How to Build a Business That Actually Works (& Sells) Presented by Felicity Pascoe
Forget the fairy tales. This is the real, unfiltered roadmap to building a business that doesn’t just survive—it absolutely thrives. Whether you’re selling products, services, or both, you’ll walk away with the exact blueprint that turned one Australian brand into a multi-million dollar success story.

Thrive Online - Five Smart, Sustainable Ways to Market Your Business in 2025
2025-06-17 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free
Delivered by Melbourne Innovation Centre as part of the Digital Solutions Program, this event series is designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, founders, and go-getters seeking real talk, fresh insights, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, boost your online presence, or connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who just get it, Thrive Online is your space to learn, share, and grow.
Ballarat Thrive Online – Five Smart, Sustainable Ways to Market Your Business in 2025 presented by Felicity Pascoe
Stop posting into the void. Here are the 5 marketing strategies that actually convert followers into paying clients in 2025.
Tired of the content creation hamster wheel? This session cuts through the noise to show you exactly which marketing moves matter—and which ones are just keeping you busy. Walk away with a sustainable system that builds your business while you sleep.

NextGen Next Steps
2025-06-19 12:00 - 13:30 | SMB Campus, Federation University, 107 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia
The NextGen Collective is excited to take on developing the up and coming professionals in our city. This month, sponsor and Inspire HQ Director Ange Connor will facilitate a Panel Session with three young leaders, uncovering the secrets of how they climbed the ladder in their own careers and how you can too! Lunch will be included.

Stronger Together – Empowering the Future of Tourism
2025-06-24 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: $89 – $179
Tourism Midwest Victoria and Daylesford Macedon Tourism are proud to invite you to Stronger Together — a one-day conference bringing together industry leaders, operators, and changemakers across tourism, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Set against the backdrop of the Goldfields region, this event is designed to inspire connection, spark new ideas, and equip your business with the tools to grow in a fast-changing tourism landscape.
Event details
Date: Tuesday 24 June
Time: 8:30am Registration | 3:30–5pm Wrap-up & networking drinks
Location: RACV Goldfields Resort, Creswick
What to expect

Practical insights on attracting high-value visitors and building brand strength
Strategies for collaboration and shared impact across the visitor economy
Dynamic speakers, relevant case studies and actionable ideas you can take back to your business
Networking opportunities and end-of-day drinks to celebrate our shared momentum.

Ticket cost

TMV Industry Partner ticket: $89
Non-Industry Partner ticket: $179

Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant tourism future. We can’t wait to see you there!

Ballarat Tradie Network: Knock Offs
2025-06-25 16:30 - 18:00 | North Ballarat Sports Club, 725 Creswick Road, Wendouree, Victoria, 3350, Australia
This is an opportunity to kick back and relax with your peers and a drink in hand. It’s a chance to connect with other workers in your sector, as well as capitalise on a delicious selection of free drinks and free food!

July Biznet Breakfast
2025-07-01 07:00 - 09:00 | Sovereign Hill, Bradshaw St, Golden Point, Victoria, 3350, Australia
Biznet Breakfasts are held on the first Tuesday of every month and provide attendees with the opportunity to hear from a diverse range of speakers. These events are attended by industry across all sectors and is a great opportunity to network.

April Biznet Breakfast
2025-07-03 07:00 - 08:30 | Craig’s Royal Hotel, 10 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia
bjhiWe are going to be talking about local spend!
And when we say local, we don’t mean Australia and New Zealand.
The panel led by Michael Poulton will talk about local content and how we make the most of every opportunity.
Bill will be joined by:
Lisa Maro – Renewable Energy Industry Adviser, Industry Capability Network,
Jeff Wanliss – Engineering, Estimating and Business Development Manager, Keppel Prince Engineering
Geoff Crittenden – Chief Executive & Executive Director, Weld Australia

Boosting Your Security Posture with the Essential Eight
2025-07-03 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free
Are you a business in Ballarat looking to enhance your cyber security? Join the Lateral Plains Nerd Herd for our next Drinks & Discover instalment, where we’ll be breaking down the Essential Eight.
You’ll hear from our team of experts and guest speakers, who’ll cover:

What these mitigation strategies are and how they can improve your security posture.
Compliance, and how the Essential Eight fits into this journey.
The importance of identity and access management (IAM) to safeguard data.

Alongside these cyber security insights, there’ll be drinks, delicious food, and time to network with the Ballarat business community. Everyone’s welcome, and you don’t have to be a Lateral Plains client to join us, learn, and have a great evening.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there and helping local businesses to strengthen their cyber defences. Registrations are essential, so lock in your spot today!
Oh, and we should probably mention that there’ll be door prizes up for grabs too…

How to create inclusive guest experiences that drive bookings (Online webinar)
2025-07-03 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free
Join Tourism Midwest Victoria for a free online webinar designed to help your businesses create more inclusive, welcoming experiences for LGBTIQ+ guests.
Led by Charlie Douty, Founder of Welcome With Pride, this session will explore how LGBTIQ+ inclusive tourism is not only the right thing to do, but a smart business decision. You’ll hear inspiring success stories from operators who are leading the way in inclusive practice, and discover simple steps your business can take to foster a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for every guest.
You’ll also learn how to access free, TMV-supported staff training, created to support businesses of all sizes in their journey toward genuine inclusion.
What you’ll gain:
• Practical tools for creating inclusive experiences driving guest satisfaction and loyalty
• Insights into how inclusive practice enhances staff culture and guest satisfaction
• Real-world examples from tourism businesses across Australia
• Access to free training for your team to deliver stand-out inclusive experiences, driving repeat and referral bookings, delivered by Welcome with Pride supported by Tourism Midwest Victoria.
Who should attend:

Tourism and hospitality operators, managers, business owners, and front-line staff across the Midwest Victoria region.
Time-poor businesses looking for easy, high-impact ways to improve guest experience and tap into the high-value LGBTIQ+ travel market.

If you have any questions or require further information, please reach out to Tourism Midwest Victoria at hello@tourismmidwest.com.au

gforce Career Gateways
2025-07-03 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: FREE
gforce is proudly delivering the Career Gateways project – matching employers with candidates living with disability through apprenticeship and traineeship pathways. We are seeking interest from local employers interested in building inclusive workplaces.
Join us for an lunch and learn session featuring special guest speaker, Christopher Strickland from the Australian Disability Network and find out how you can create a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
Lunch to follow.

Leadership Training and Network Event
2025-07-10 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free
On behalf of the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC), Federation TAFE, Federation University and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), we are pleased to invite you to a free one-day leadership training specifically tailored for the construction and manufacturing sectors.
This fully catered event offers practical training in inclusive leadership and management, along with valuable networking opportunities.
You will gain insights and strategies to lead with inclusivity in mind, foster a positive workplace culture, and connect with peers across the industry to share experiences and build lasting professional relationships.
The objectives of the training:
• To develop an understanding of inclusive work environments
• Share experiences from senior leaders of inclusive practices
• To develop a network of emerging leaders
Benefits:
• Practical, hands-on learning with actionable takeaways
• Expert facilitators with industry experience
• Small-group coaching for deeper understanding of concepts
• Proven track record of successful leadership programs
• Opportunities for networking and creating professional relationships.
Please click on the registration link to secure your place.
We look forward to seeing you there!

All Booked Out Fest
2025-07-12 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: Free
Coven Press is excited to be hosting our first event – the first of many!
When:
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July 2025
9:00am – 4:00pm
Where:
Inter Club Drop-in Centre, 320 Pleasant St S, Ballarat VIC 3350
Theme:
Themes We Orbit
An exploration of the ideas, thoughts,
dreams and fantasies we can’t ignore.
Cost:
Free (after hours events may be ticketed)
All Booked Out is a book fest for readers, writers, authors and those interested in the indie publishing industry. With an author market, kids’ corner, panels, readings and a book swap on offer, All Booked Out is your haven for all things books.
Taking place in the heart of winter, All Booked Out celebrates the stories and local authors that keep our hearts warm. With the theme of ‘Themes We Orbit’ threaded through the event, authors and attendees are invited to explore the ideas, thoughts, dreams and fantasies they just can’t ignore.
Coven Press invites writers and readers alike to join them on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July 2025 from 9am-4pm at the Inter Club Drop In Centre to delight in all things local and literary.

The Executive Roundtable
2025-07-17 08:00 - 17:00
Discover a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded executive leaders in your community of executives who share insights, strategies and experiences to grow together
No networking, just real conversations. We are not a network group – we a re a community
Peer learning. Learn from the challenges and triumphs of other senior leaders, gaining actionable insights that you can apply directly to your business
We are not a network group – we are a community of executives who share insights, strategies, and experiences to grow together

#BallBEA2025 Finalist Announcement
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:30
Come and be a part of the 2025 Finalist Announcement celebrating the businesses selected as finalist for the 2025 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards.

Youth Mental Health First Aid - 2 Day Course
2025-07-18 08:00 - 17:00
Cost: 2 Day Course, $200 per person
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course trains participants to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves.
Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adolescents, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the treatments and supports available.

Intervene early
Offer support
Respond in a crisis
Reduce stigma

Held over 2 Days on Friday 18th July & Friday 25th July.
Ready to enrol or like to know more? Contact our team on training@bgt.org.au
We are also able to offer group bookings. Contact us to find out more.

Baby and Child First Aid Training Course
2025-07-22 08:00 - 17:00 | First Aid Training Group, 3/311 Gilles St N, Wendouree, VIC, 3355, Australia
Join us for our Baby & Child First Aid Course – one night only, Tuesday July 29th!
First Aid Training Group’s baby and child first aid course is perfect for expecting or current parents, grandparents and carers. Our course will empower you with life-saving first aid skills and knowledge to ensure that you have the confidence to help your little one/s when in need. In just 90 minutes, you’ll learn the essentials and walk away feeling more confident if the unexpected happens.
Our comprehensive course covers:
Infant and child CPR
Allergies and anaphylaxis
Respiratory distress
Choking
Common illnesses and health issues
And more!
All participants will receive a non-accredited certificate and goodie bag upon completion.
