The Ballarat Foundation officially unveiled the Giving Hub at Hugh Williamson House, formerly known as Chatham House, in mid-November this year. Designed with spacious offices, cutting-edge technology and fully accessible facilities, the redeveloped building provides a modern space for community organisations to connect and collaborate.

The opening event featured speeches from several key supporters, including Stephen Newton of the Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation, State Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, Ballarat Foundation Chair Wayne Weaire, and CEO Andrew Eales. Jane Patton from the SES also shared how the Giving Hub will benefit volunteering groups and not-for-profit organisations across the community.

Speakers: Stephen Newton, Wayne Weaire, Andrew Eales, Juliana Addison and Jane Patton.
The redevelopment of the building was time consuming, with many years in the planning before construction even began. The process of transforming a historical building into a modern space was both complex and challenging. Of course, many unexpected hurdles were encountered along the way, most notably with the lift installation. Overall, the construction took about 10 months to complete, expertly achieved by Plan Group.

The team at the Ballarat Foundation is excited to work alongside other not-for-profits and community organisations in this innovative space. CEO Andrew Eales remarked, “We strongly believe that a place-based, community-informed and led organisation such as ours has so much to offer the organisations and individuals who are striving and aspiring to do better.”
Hugh Williamson House has been designed as a shared space that fosters connection, innovation and greater community outcomes. Meetings rooms, conferencing facilities and tenancies for not for profit and community organisations are available for one day hire and long-term tenancy. More information can be found here.
The renovation of the building was made possible through the support of the Victorian State Government, the Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation, The Ross Trust, Percy Baxter Charitable Trust, and Mars Wrigley Foundation, alongside Plan Group, Brandrick Architects and PV Studio.
With its doors now open, the Ballarat Foundation Giving Hub is ready to shape the future of community impact. Hugh Williamson House is more than just a building - it’s a hub where collaboration and generosity come together to create meaningful change for the Ballarat community.

