News

SCHOOL INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE EVENT

The Department of Education, in partnership with Local Learning Employment Network (LLEN) and Ballarat Tech School invites partners, school leaders, career practitioners, students and other stakeholders to discuss the "Work Experience" experience. The School Industry Roundtable will be held on Thursday, 23 May 2024 at the Ballarat Golf Club from 9am to 12:30 pm. This is an opportunity to influence initiatives in the work experience area and shape future workers of tomorrow. Register Read more »

DIGITAL JOBS FOR MANUFACTURING PROGRAMS

The Digital Jobs for Manufacturing Program offers grants of up to $5000 to assist Victorian manufacturing businesses adapt to a digital operating environment. The program is open to businesses with a manufacturing presence in Victoria which are on a growth trajectory and are seeking to utilise their existing workforce to apply digital technology to their operations. Applications close on 5 May 2024. MORE INFORMATION Read more »

DIGITAL LICENCES LAUNCHING FOR VICTORIANS THIS MAY 24 April 2024

Digital Driver Licences are launching in May for Victorians, providing a secure and convenient way to manage and verify driver IDs.   Fully licensed drivers, motorcyclists, and heavy vehicle operators will be the first to access this feature, with learners and probationary licence holders following in 2025. The digital licence will be available via the VicRoads or Service Victoria app. You'll receive an SMS or email notification when your digital licence is ready. Find out more Read more »

GENDERED PAY GAP PROJECT

Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants for 2024-25 are now open! The government has almost $15 million in grants available to volunteer organisations across the state - all eligible groups are encouraged to apply. Funding goes towards projects and equipment that help volunteer brigades, units and clubs respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively, so they can continue keeping Victorians safe. Applications are open until Friday 14 June 2024. MORE INFORMATION Read more »

GENDERED PAY GAP PROJECT

If you operate a business in Ballarat employing up to 100 people, you are invited to participate in a focus group on Pay Equity for SMEs on Monday 13 May 2024 at 10:30am-12pm at Lucas Community Hub Meeting Room, 17 Coltman Plaza. You will learn what pay equity is, your obligations as an employer, and some of the ways to address the gender pay gap. In addition, we will be seeking your views on the barriers and enablers to taking action. This is part of broader research into the gender pay gap commissioned by the Victorian Government. Register here. You will receive a voucher as a thank you for your participation. Read more »

BALLARAT MARATHON THIS WEEKEND 24 April 2024

The inaugural Ballarat marathon is on this weekend. it is a two-day running event and will involve several road closures, traffic diversions and parking restrictions around the CBD. Please follow the links below to learn more. #RUNTHERAT Guidelines Event schedule. Read more »

BALLARAT MARATHON PASTA PARTY 24 April 2024

Get ready to power up before the race and replenish after with the ultimate runner’s pasta! Ballarat’s restaurants and cafes will be dishing out their finest pasta creations to fuel both athletes and spectators of the 2024 Ballarat Marathon. Whether you prefer a classic spaghetti Bolognese, a creamy fettuccine carbonara, or a spicy arrabbiata, there is a pasta dish for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to power up and load for the big race. Visit participating venues as part of the Ballarat Pasta Party to enjoy a variety of pasta dishes.More information Read more »

WHITE NIGHT RETURNS TO BALLARAT 24 April 2024

White Night will transform the streets and venues of Ballarat on the evening of the 1 June 2024 through illuminations, projections, music, and interactive works this winter. Keep your calendars open. Sign up to the White Night news list and keep up to date with the latest updates and announcements HERE. The program is now live and you can work with Kate Davis to determine how your venue may be involved. Read more »

TMV CALLS ON GOVERNMENT FOR SUPPORT 24 April 2024

Peak tourism body Tourism Midwest Victoria (TMV) is calling for the Victorian Government to urgently support the tourism region's recovery efforts from the devastating February bushfires. The Midwest and Grampians regions have experienced an immediate economic downturn, with early financial modelling suggesting a loss of $300 million in revenue from 850,000 potential visitors, affecting more than 2,144 jobs. Read Full statement Read more »

WRISC FAMILY VIOLENCE SUPPORT NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT 24 April 2024

WRISC is seeking corporate and individual support so their organisation can continue to provide important family violence service delivery. WRISC’s laptops routinely need replacing and they are a vital tool that enable the team to focus more on exemplary direct service provisions. WRISC is in need of 30 laptops and is sending a call out to the community for any assistance. For more info around this please HEAD HERE Read more »

THE DV COLLECTIVE'S BALLARAT NAPPY DRIVE 24 April 2024

The launch of the Ballarat Regional Nappy Hub, in collaboration with the Nappy Collective and Rotary Ballarat, addresses the pressing needs of women escaping domestic violence. With many arriving with minimal possessions, the initiative aims to tackle "Nappy Stress" by providing essential supplies.  Ballarat Businesses are encouraged to sponsor a Nappy Collection Box for $100, with $60 allocated to the Nappy Collective for procurement and $40 for local distribution. Interested parties can contribute by completing a form to purchase one or more boxes. Supporters will receive a marketing pack and updates on the Community Nappy Tally, emphasizing collective action in supporting those in need. Buy your box Read more »

ALICE IN WONDERLAND AT KRYAL CASTLE 24 April 2024

By popular demand, Kryal Castle’s Alice in Wonderland program is back and all Wonderland’s most magical characters are here – including The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit and of course, Alice herself! Enjoy Alice in Wonderland themed festivities throughout the day and take part in the Mad Hatter’s Hat Parade on the Arena! TICKETS HERE Read more »

ITINERANT BRINGS HOME THE GOLD AND SILVER 24 April 2024

Congratulations to Itinerant Spirits who won gold and silver awards at the London Spirits Competition. The Galvinator Gin was awarded 92 points by the judging panel, while the Vansetter Vodka was awarded 89 (just 1 point shy of gold!) Well, done to distillers James Fairlie and Taylor Spelt. Check out their Facebook page for more updates. Read more »

HOP TO IT MAKERS DINNER AT HOTEL CANBERRA 24 April 2024

A few seats are remaining for dinner this Wednesday (Anzac eve) at Hotel Canberra, with Cubby Haus Brewing and Valhalla brewers. The dinner includes six courses with matched wines, and a beer cocktail on arrival. Each course will feature a beer element - think sours, stout, braises and more. Book your table or call the restaurant on 0438 313 028. Read more »

MOTHERS' DAY GIFT GUIDE 2024

Mothers' Day is less than a month away and we want to help make sure the Ballarat community is shopping with you. Commerce Ballarat is collating a Mothers' Day Gift Guide to highlight the specials in your store. If you have something you would like included (please no vouchers), send the details and an image to michelle@commerceballarat.com.au before 12:00 noon Tuesday, 23 April. Emails received after this time may not be included. For any questions, please email Michelle or call the office on 5333 3233. Read more »

#BRAVO4BALLARAT

After a week of difficult news in the Ballarat business community, as long- standing hospitality brands have shut their doors. Commerce Ballarat is excited to asiist business leaders Stuart Benjamin and Kate Davis who have teamed up to encourage residents to celebrate good service across all sectors in a new social media campaign. To get involved, Ballarat residents are urged to share a social media post about a positive business story using the hashtag #bravo4ballarat. READ MORE HERE   Read more »

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Business Assistance Program will connect eligible businesses to desired advice and support in a broad range of areas. Support includes: Human Resources Financial Business Planning Content Creation / Marketing If successful you will be eligible for up to 4 hours of one-on-one support with a provider able to assist with your desired outcomes. Who can apply? Any businesses located in the Ballarat Local Government Area. How to apply Complete the Expression of Interest form for consideration. The Business Assistance Program is funded by the City of Ballarat and delivered by Commerce Ballarat. Read more »