celebrating a year of record community impact
May 31, 2026
The Ballarat Foundation has celebrated a year of record giving, growing community impact and strong local partnerships at its Annual General Meeting held on 14 May.
Recognising Board Leadership and Service
The AGM was also an opportunity to recognise the contribution of outgoing Board Directors Nigel Jarvis and Rochelle Hotchkin. Nigel was recognised with Life Association in acknowledgement of his nine years of service as a Director and long term Treasurer of the Ballarat Foundation. Rochelle was thanked for her contribution to the Ballarat Foundation, including her work through the Allocations and Appeals sub committees.
Reflecting on his nine years with the Ballarat Foundation, Nigel said his time on the Board had transformed the way he thinks about leadership and decision making.
"Being commercially educated, the Ballarat Foundation taught me what true social governance is," he said.
"Considering the beneficiary when making decisions and looking beyond the return on investment to include impact and outcomes did not come naturally to me at first. That exposure and education has me now looking at opportunities for impact much more holistically."
Nigel said serving on the Board had not only strengthened his governance skills but also shaped him personally.
"I finish my term thankful for the opportunity. I've not only grown in my governance capability as a result, I finish as a better person."
Nigel also reflected on the Ballarat Foundation's evolution over the past decade.
"I've been privileged to watch the Ballarat Foundation transform from a business structure focused on events for brand growth to a stronger focus on impact and outcomes. This change in our community partnership model has created enormous confidence for many organisations to partner with the Ballarat Foundation."
Members also approved two new directors, Stephen Bigarelli and Gabrielle Hutchins, who bring strong community understanding, experience and skills to the Board.
"I finish my term thankful for the opportunity. I've not only grown in my governance capability as a result, I finish as a better person," Nigel Jarvis.
Nigel was recognised with Life Association in acknowledgement of his nine years of service as a Director and long term Treasurer.
A Year of Giving and Community Impact
During the year, the generosity of donors and partners enabled more than $2 million in contributions to Ballarat Foundation sub funds and events. The Ballarat Foundation also reported an organisational surplus of $1,655,642 for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Total distributions amounted to $389,000, including $341,000 in grants awarded to community organisations, along with more than $38,000 distributed through the Back to School voucher program and Dolly Parton Imagination Library book program.
The Ballarat Foundation's impact extended across homelessness, youth support, food insecurity, mental health, family violence prevention, early childhood support and community leadership.
A Year of Giving and Community Impact
During the year, the generosity of donors and partners enabled more than $2 million in contributions to Ballarat Foundation sub funds and events. The Ballarat Foundation also reported an organisational surplus of $1,655,642 for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Total distributions amounted to $389,000, including $341,000 in grants awarded to community organisations, along with more than $38,000 distributed through the Back to School voucher program and Dolly Parton Imagination Library book program.
The Ballarat Foundation's impact extended across homelessness, youth support, food insecurity, mental health, family violence prevention, early childhood support and community leadership.
Supporting Local People and Communities
Key highlights included support for the Ballarat Zero Project, continued growth of the Ballarat Foundation Giving Hub, delivery of the TAC L2P learner driver program, expansion of Volunteering Ballarat initiatives and ongoing support through the Ballarat Women's Fund.
In 2025, more than 1,400 community members, volunteers and not for profit staff accessed the Ballarat Foundation Giving Hub, while the Volunteer Expo attracted a record 400 attendees.
The Ballarat Foundation also continued its leadership in addressing community issues through partnerships including Respect Ballarat with Respect Victoria and the Ballarat Civility Exchange with the Menzies Leadership Foundation.
Fundraising for Lasting Change
Fundraising events and appeals continued to play an important role in supporting the community. The Ballarat Christmas and Winter Appeals distributed $140,000, along with food, toys and essential items, while Dancing with Our Stars raised more than $185,000 and helped the event surpass $1 million raised since 2019.
Chair Ellen Jackson said the year reflected both the generosity of the Ballarat community and the growing role of the Ballarat Foundation in bringing people, organisations and resources together to create lasting change.
The full 2025 Annual Report can be read here.
Above left: current Directors (l-r) Jacki Whitwell, Mitch Brown, Scott Sherritt, Margaret Moreton, Angus Pryor, Ellen Jackson, Stephen Bigarelli, Gabrielle Hutchins, Lee Miezis, Katrina Baraquiel and Claire Huntington.
Above right: Special thanks to outgoing Board Directors Rochelle Hotchkin and Nigel Jarvis for their contribution, leadership and support of the Ballarat Foundation
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We work on Wadawurrung land
The Ballarat Foundation acknowledges the Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of the lands and waterways in our region. We recognise their diversity, resilience, and the ongoing place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold in our communities. We pay our respects to the Elders, both past and present, and commit to working together in the spirit of mutual understanding, respect and reconciliation.
The Ballarat Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where everyone is welcomed, respected and empowered to thrive.