The Power of Community
As we reflect on this year at the Ballarat Foundation, we want to thank everyone who made it possible – our volunteers, donors, and supporters.
Your contributions, whether through time, resources or encouragement, have driven every success and helped us make a real difference in the Ballarat community. From Dancing with our Stars, to the L2P Program, to the Ballarat Women's Fund, we owe our successes to those who contributed to these events and programs.
Opening of Hugh Williamson House
In 2024, the Ballarat Foundation’s biggest achievement was the opening of the redeveloped Hugh Williamson House. With generous support from the Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation and other partners, this historic building was transformed into the Giving Hub – a space designed to help not-for-profits and community groups connect and grow.
The redevelopment took years of planning and 10 months of construction, the result is now a modern, fully accessible space with meeting rooms, offices and shared facilities.
At the opening event, community leaders and supporters came together to celebrate the Giving Hub’s potential to create lasting positive change in Ballarat. We are proud to honour Hugh Williamson’s legacy and look forward to the incredible opportunities this space will unlock for our community.
We also acknowledge the Victorian State Government, the Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation, The Ross Trust, Percy Baxter Charitable Trust, and Mars Wrigley Foundation, alongside Plan Group, Bandrick Architects and PV Studio.
Read more here.
Big Grants, Big Impact
The Ballarat Foundation has been hard at work in 2024, supporting local programs and making a real difference in the lives of people across the region.
Through the FRRR Back to School vouchers, families received much-needed help to buy school supplies, uniforms and technology. These vouchers gave students the chance to head to school equipped and ready to succeed, easing financial pressure on parents and ensuring kids could feel like they belong. Read more here.
On International Women’s Day, the Raven Collective was awarded a $20,000 grant through the Ballarat Women’s Fund. Their vital work supports women recovering from domestic violence by offering practical training and building confidence for the future. Read more.
The annual Community Impact Grants funded an incredible variety of programs, from breakfast clubs and foster care kits to gardening projects and community meals. The Peter Amor Sports Participation Fund also supported multicultural umpiring and sports for disadvantaged kids. Read more.
Meanwhile, it was announced the Ballarat Innovation Grant would distribute $150,000 over two years. The Community Care Centre Ballarat received $50,000 to provide household essentials for families in crisis, while $100,000 went to the Ballarat Zero Project, working to end rough sleeping in central Ballarat. Read more.
L2P Program Success
Last year saw more success for the TAC L2P Program run by the Ballarat Foundation. This year we had 66 young people receive their driver’s licence 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. In 2024, volunteers supported learner drivers achieve a total of 5,681 hours of driving! Volunteers are essential to this program as they supervise 120 hours of driving and build a positive relationship with the young person. The young person not only receives the freedom of be independence, but also learns valuable life skills via their mentor. To become an L2P volunteer, click here.
Celebrating our Volunteers
The Volunteering Expo was held during National Volunteer Week in May at St Patrick’s Hall to promote the volunteering opportunities in our community. The expo drew over 200 people willing to explore the many ways to give back via volunteering. Attendees connected with organisations like Lifeline, Rotary, the SES, Foodbank Victoria and Make-A-Wish Ballarat, and found out ways they can get involved. This year’s theme 'Something for Everyone', rang true as local groups showcased a wide range of volunteer roles.
The Ballarat Foundation also hosted a morning tea to thank all volunteers in the community. The morning tea brought together volunteers from various programs and community groups, providing an opportunity for them to connect, share their experiences, and celebrate their contributions. Read more.
Dazzling Dancing
Dancing with Our Stars lit up the Mercure Hotel on June 22nd, with ten local celebrities dazzling the crowd after 12 weeks of rehearsals and fundraising. Hosted by Tim Bone and Jules Zass and judged by a panel including the iconic Paul Mercurio, the night was full of fun and friendly competition.
From Sambas to Waltzes, each performance impressed! Erin Harris won the People’s Choice Award, Mitch Dower took home the Judge’s Choice and Paul McGourlay was the overall winner as Highest Fundraiser. Shelley Ross from The Dance Studio dazzled everyone with her array of stunning costumes, dance routines and team of expert dancers.
The real win of the night was $211,000 raised thanks to the dancers and the generous community who donated and supported the event. It was a night to remember! Find out more here.
Inspiring Night with Powerhouse Patty Kinnersly
In August, we held an inspiring event featuring Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch, to discuss the important work being done to end violence against women and children.
Held at the Hydrant Food Hall, the evening gave members a chance to hear Patty speak about gender inequality, the root cause of violence, and how communities can help drive change. Patty discussed the tough topic of gender inequality and the urgent need for change. She laid out the need for workplaces, schools and governments to all play a role in creating change. The event left attendees feeling motivated and ready to continue working towards a safer and more equal future for everyone. Find out more about the Ballarat Women's Fund.
Community Generosity Shines Bright in 2024
The Ballarat community came together in remarkable ways this year, supporting both the Winter Appeal and the Christmas Appeal. The Winter Appeal raised an impressive $38,312.95, ensuring vulnerable families stayed warm through donations of coats and blankets. Creswick Woollen Mills contributed 200 blankets and Blake Family Grocers donated $33,000 worth of food, delivered by O’Neil’s Transport free of charge. Read more.
The Christmas Appeal brought even more kindness, distributing $120,000 for families in need. The community rallied with donations of toys, gifts and festive foods. Local organisations, including the Ballarat and Lucas Fire Stations, the Lions Clubs of Buninyong, Mt Helen, and Brown Hill and Smith and Sons builders, made significant contributions. With help from 3BA 102.3FM and its Santa’s Sleigh, donations reached charity organisations to ensure every child in Ballarat woke up to joy on Christmas morning. Find out more.
Thank you!
We are proud of the incredible impact the Ballarat Foundation has made with the help of our community in 2024. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of our volunteers, donors and partners, we’ve made a real difference in Ballarat.