Ballarat, VIC
City in Victoria
Australia
Ballarat, VIC opens career opportunities to new immigrants with professional mentoring program pilot
City officials pursued the program because of ongoing talent shortages in key industries. Fifteen local businesses are matched with skilled immigrants for six-week mentoring sessions. Participants learn about Australian work culture, life in Ballarat, and opportunities for career growth from their mentors. Ballarat and HOST International help the families of mentored workers settle into the city in cases where mentoring relationships lead to accepted job offers.
Ballarat, VIC
Australia
Ballarat, VIC adopts Circular Ballarat Framework for material sourcing and recycling improvements
Council officials approved a one-year trial of the ASPIRE online platform to host material swaps among businesses. The framework includes the three-month Ready, Set, Grow Business Growth Program. Project partner Runway Ballarat will help 20 business owners review their operations for reuse and recycling opportunities. Ballarat will also conduct a five-month review of its own material flow to design more sustainable practices.
Ballarat, VIC
Australia
Ballarat, VIC converts vacant Bridge Mall storefronts into showrooms for local artistic products
The council worked with Ballarat Evolve to display local wares in four store windows. Vinyl displays identify participating storefronts with portals for passersby to look at pottery, jewelry, and artwork. Each cover includes a QR code that can be scanned to access the artist's online store for purchases. Ballarat developed the program to support the creative community while increasing foot traffic after COVID-19.
Ballarat, VIC
Australia
Ballarat, VIC supports economic recovery from COVID-19 with Ballarat's Best Ideas competition
Ballarat's Best Ideas asked residents for suggestions to local businesses on post-pandemic improvements. Ideas were submitted by residents - or Gurus - on the Suggest It platform during a month-long open period. A panel of local and state experts reviewed each idea for creativity, potential impact, and support by participating businesses. The three best ideas led to a $500 AUD voucher for each Guru and $500 AUD in development assistance for each business.
Ballarat, VIC
Australia
Ballarat, VIC addresses safety concerns for female residents with Right to the Night mapping pilot
The three-month pilot provided a reporting app to 150 participants who frequent the city's central business district. App users indicated where they felt secure and threatened during evening trips. Right to the Night resulted in a map of 305 locations noted by participants. City officials will add CCTV, improved lighting, and additional patrols in areas deemed unsafe by female residents.
Ballarat, VIC
Australia