News

THE CITY OF BALLARAT'S HERITAGE GAPS REVIEW PROGRAM 21 November 2024

The City of Ballarat's Heritage Gaps Review Program now enters a year-long community consultation phase. This phase, beginning now, will run through-out the duration of 2025. This next step in the program invites locals to share information about heritage locations that are valuable to their area, and beyond. The Heritage Gaps Review Program is ambitious and made up of several individual projects, including a staged assessment of the existing Heritage Overlay and new heritage places and precincts, until at least 2030. Read more here. Read more »

CONGRATULATIONS TO BALANCE ARCHITECTURE ON A GLOBAL AWARD 21 November 2024

Global Architecture & Design Awards 2024 are the 17th edition of their kind hosted by Rethinking The Future. Ballarat's own Botanic Gardens Fernery has been recognised this year, thanks to Andrew Fedorowicz and Balance Architecture + Interior Design. The Fernery is a dynamic, arresting feature in the gardens and it deserves all the praise it continues to earn. Congratulations to Andrew and his firm! Read more »

SHOWBIZ MOVIE MONEY: DISCOUNTED GIFTS FOR STAFF AND CLIENTS 21 November 2024

‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹Showbiz Cinemas are currently offering bulk discounted Movie Tickets. As we head into the conclusion of the year, as well as the festive season, this is the perfect time to consider giving back. This is a great offer fitting for a staff or clientele gift. Each ticket is valid for up to 5 years, with packs of anywhere between 10 and 1500 available. Head here to learn more. Read more »

ONE YEAR FOR GOODS SHED AND ITINERANT SPIRITS 21 November 2024

Itinerant Spirits is turning one-year old! You're invited to join the celebration! Register here to join the team on the 23rd of November for a complimentary drink, live music from Pink Moon, prizes and surprises throughout the day. You can also register for complimentary distillery tours, running every hour from 12pm to 3pm. The Team looks forward to seeing you there! The Goods Shed is turning also turning one and they are celebrating the entire month. Head here to learn more. Read more »

THE CITY OF BALLARAT'S NAMED SECOND BEST   21 November 2024

Australian Traveller has named Ballarat the country’s second most festive town! It’s easy to see why when you stroll down Sturt Street and Bridge Street.Great job to the City of Ballarat Team!Check out a few photos here.   Australian Traveller has named Ballarat the country’s second most festive town! It’s easy to see why when you stroll down Sturt Street and Bridge Street.Great job to the City of Ballarat Team!Check out a few photos here.   Read more »

TWILIGHT FRIDAY WITH BALLARAT WILDLIFE PARK AND THE ART GALLERY 21 November 2024

Live acoustic music will be accompanying this Friday evening at Ballarat Wildlife Park. It's the perfect night for a picnic, with featured café delicacies on site and ice cream available for all. It's another example of the impact an event such as Medieval to Metal can have, as the fanfare around the exclusive exhibition continues to ripple through-out the community. It's great to see! Learn more about Twilight Friday here. Read more »

GRAMPIANS HEALTH CRITICAL CARE CHRISTMAS APPEAL 21 November 2024

Grampians Health have launched their 2024 Christmas Critical Care Appeal to support families with loved ones in the Intensive Care Unit. All donations will support the renovation of the family waiting room to provide loved ones with a place to rest, recharge, and absorb and reflect on decisions they are required to make, whilst remaining close to their loved ones. You can make a tax-deductible online donation here. Grampians Health have launched their 2024 Christmas Critical Care Appeal to support families with loved ones in the Intensive Care Unit. All donations will support the renovation of the family waiting room to provide loved ones with a place to rest, recharge, and absorb and reflect on decisions they are required to make, whilst remaining close to their loved ones. You can make a tax-deductible online donation here. Read more »

SHOP LOCAL NIGHT: NOVEMBER 28TH 21 November 2024

It's that time of year once again to support your local businesses as we head into Christmas. Authentic, regionally based trade is doing it tougher than ever and it is a great opportunity to turn this around over the festive period. For 3 hours on November 28th, local stores will be opening their doors for the occasion. Look out for these participating members - Hattie & The Wolf and Ballarat Flower Jars. View Map HERE Read more »

GOVERNMENT GUIDE TO STARTING A BUSINESS

Setting up your own business is exciting. But it can be challenging if you're not prepared. This guide takes you through the main steps of starting a business and helps you understand what's ahead. The guide includes preparation, definition, planning and registration, and how to get organised and begin working with customers and staff. Setting up your own business is exciting. But it can be challenging if you're not prepared. This guide takes you through the main steps of starting a business and helps you understand what's ahead. The guide includes preparation, definition, planning and registration, and how to get organised and begin working with customers and staff. Read more »

NOVEMBER: TRANSGENDER AWARENESS MONTH

Transgender Victoria is running a month-long celebration of transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary communities. This is an opportunity to honour strength, embrace joy, and affirm diversity. An essential component of running a business is acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity. This month is a reminder to make sure both staff and clientele feel safe and welcome in your business no matter who they are. Read more here. Read more »

PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOR CASH MANDATED

The federal government is moving forward with the intent of requiring businesses to accept cash as payment for essential materials such as fuel and groceries. Consultation on the idea is set to begin later this year, and the implementation of the mandate is projected for 2026. An exemption for small business has already been flagged. The government similarly confirmed a plan for phasing out cheques by 2029. Read more »

NEW MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR ANNOUNCED FOR 2024/2025 TERM

Cr Tracey Hargreaves and Cr Ben Taylor have been elected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the forthcoming 2024/2025 tenure. The new City Council have been officially sworn in, at Town Hall this past Monday evening. This will be Cr Hargreaves first time as mayor, and second term as councillor. We are excited and hopeful for a new era defined by prosperity, and we look forward to working with the Council through this new chapter. Read more »

BUILD A CYBER-RESILIENT FUTURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS WITH FEDERATION UNIVERSITY

The Victorian Summer of Cyber Program will be beginning this coming January, a joint initiative from the Victorian Government and AWSN. Many portions of this program will be aimed at Small Medium Enterprises and it will run for 12 weeks. A student of Federation University will undertake a cyber risk assessment, with no cost to the business and entirely for the benefit of trade (and the student's career!). It's free to join, and the program could offer a dense collection of resources, Cyber Certification Support, increased cybersecurity posture, and customised policy to help your business. Read more here. Read more »

2025 MENTORING PROGRAM APPLICATIONS OPEN

Applications have opened for the 2025 Business Mentoring Program! If you're a business owner that is interested in growth, productivity, and the acquisition of industry-specific knowledge, this program could be an invaluable asset. This program aims to provide guidance and support to local businesses through their own peers. Established businesses can lend assistance to those seeking professional improvement and expansion. It is not essential that applying businesses are new - guidance is awarded at any stage in your establishment's history. Apply here. Read more »

CHRISTMAS VENUE DIRECTORY FOR YOUR END-OF-YEAR BASH

Our party guide is out! If you’re looking for a spot to host some holiday fun for your staff and colleagues, we’ve created a comprehensive directory of the best spots to consider. Thera are diverse sizes, aesthetics, and locations. Something for everyone! View the directory here. Read more »