As we come to the end of another year, we’d like to take the opportunity to reflect on some of our achievements from 2023. With a deep commitment to creating positive change in the community, we have experienced numerous highlights that have impacted the people of Ballarat and surrounds. Let's revisit the top 10 moments for the Ballarat Foundation in 2023.
Volunteering in Ballarat
The Ballarat Foundation continued to engage volunteers in our region through events such as the Volunteer Morning Tea and the Volunteer Expo. Volunteers were also supported with numerous training sessions, such as the First Nations Awareness Workshop, which allows upskilling and education. Increasing numbers in volunteering is a testament to the strong sense of community spirit in Ballarat and assists our capacity to continue to make a difference.
Find out more about volunteering in Ballarat.
The Volunteering Expo in May was a resounding success.
Community Impact Grants Program
The annual grant distribution was once again a highlight of the year, and we were extremely proud to distribute $100,000 to 17 community organisations and projects. We gathered at Oscar's to celebrate then newly awarded community programs and projects. We were blown away with the calibre of projects and programs that were awarded funding. We look forward to seeing the impact that will take place in the coming year, to improve the lives of individuals in our community.
To find out the full list of recipients click here.
2023 Community Impact Grant Recipients.
Ambassador Program
The Ballarat Foundation introduced the Ambassador Program in 2023. Ambassadors are community leaders who will advocate on behalf of the Ballarat Foundation. The Ambassadors have become involved in actively promoting and speaking about the work of the Ballarat Foundation and supporting the Ballarat Foundation's commitment addressing community needs.
Ballarat Foundation Ambassadors: Randhir Sewgolam, Tim Bone, Fiona Murphy, Rob Croucher, Jules Zass, Lynne McLennan, Melissa Farrington, Sue Yung and Jen Pollard. (Pam Sutcliffe and Val Sarah not pictured).
Ballarat Women’s Fund Launched
We were incredibly proud to launch a new fund in 2023, the Ballarat Women’s Fund. By becoming a member of the fund, our community can come together in support of a new movement to drive change on issues such as family violence, gender inequity, employment and health. We held a social evening for members in August, which provided an opportunity for fund members and supporters to connect and to hear from organisations who are working in Ballarat to deliver programs to vulnerable women. Become a member of the Ballarat Women's Fund and the Ballarat Foundation will match your membership fee until March 2024.
Ballarat Women's Fund social evening at The Hydrant.
Run for a Cause
Run for a Cause 2023 was a fantastic day in November with about 800 runners and walkers hitting the streets of Ballarat to raise funds for the Ballarat Christmas Appeal. The day was perfectly sunny and we utilised a new course through the streets of Lucas, the Skipton Rail Trail and through the Arch of Victory. The event village was buzzing with excitement and participants enjoyed a fun day of fitness and community spirit. More information about the day including winners, results, photos and a full race report, can be found here.
Runners enjoying the Sturt St section of the course.
70 L2P Program Passes
We are always so pleased to successfully deliver the TAC L2P Program to vulnerable young people in our community. This year we had 70 young people pass their driver’s test which is an incredible achievement. Being able to drive ensures independence and empowers young people to have greater opportunities in study or employment. We are very thankful to all the volunteer mentors who help with the running of this program. To find out more information about the L2P Program, click here.
Delana, one of the 70 young people to receive their P Plates in 2023.
An Interview with Cathy Freeman
An exciting moment for 2023 was hearing Cathy Freeman speak at the Celebration of Giving lunch in October at the Goods Shed. We celebrated philanthropy and giving with guest speakers alongside Cathy, including Steve Moneghetti, John McLeod, Sarah Hardy, and hosted by Bruce Roberts. The lunch was an opportunity for the Ballarat community to understand the benefit of philanthropy and it was a privilege to hear from Cathy about her childhood, her athletics career and life after retiring from the sport. Read more about the Celebration of Giving lunch here.
Steve Moneghetti chatting with Cathy Freeman.
Dancing the Night Away
We once again danced the night away to raise funds for community programs run by the Ballarat Foundation, such as the L2P Driver Mentor Program, Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Volunteering Ballarat. After ten weeks of intense dance training and fundraising, our ten daring stars took to the dance floor at the Mercure Ballarat for Dancing with our Stars 2023. This year was once again a fantastic night and hugely memorable with over $180,000 raised!
Chris Radford, partnered by Emma Learmonth, take to the floor at Dancing with our Stars 2023.
Successful Appeals
One of the most fulfilling moments of the year was the combined fundraising efforts from the community for the Ballarat Winter Appeal and the Ballarat Christmas Appeal. Together these appeals raised over $130,000 and much more in donations of blankets, food items and Christmas toys. These funds are instrumental in supporting the Foundation's ongoing initiatives and making a real difference in the lives of those in need.
A Christmas themed thank you for Ballarat for their generosity.
Ballarat Community Hub Build Begins
After 5 years and securing 1.7 million dollars, works on the Ballarat Community Hub commenced in November. We look forward to opening the Hub in late 2024 and embracing a new era of community impact delivery.
Works have begun at 7 Lydiard St South.
As we bid farewell to 2023, the Ballarat Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire community, volunteers, partners, and supporters who have made these moments possible.
What a remarkable year! And we look forward to an even brighter future 2024 for the Ballarat Foundation and the community it serves.
Happy new year from all of us at the Ballarat Foundation! We look forward to a wonderful 2024!