Dancing with Our Stars once again proved the power of community led fundraising. In 2025, the event reached a record breaking total, driven by the commitment of local stars, sponsors and supporters who gave generously of their time, energy and networks.

Our ten Stars Anthony Ingerson, Gemma Snibson, Horace Tang, Jodie Perry, KV, Lilly Wright, Mandy Woods, Nicole O’Brien, Peter Downs and Taylah Chalmers stepped well outside their comfort zones to support local causes.

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, Ballarat organisations and community groups stood together to say that respect matters every day. Groups including Ballarat High School, the team at 3BA and Power FM, Thursday Night Choir at Cocosounds and Wallaby Track parkrun added their voices to the campaign.

With Ballarat continuing to experience high rates of family violence, this visible and collective action was an important reminder that prevention and cultural change require everyone’s involvement.

In partnership with Respect Victoria, the Ballarat Foundation launched the Respect Ballarat Grants Program, a major initiative supporting local projects focused on prevention, early intervention and community led responses to family violence.

This partnership recognises the need for place based solutions in Ballarat and supports organisations working to promote equality, respectful relationships and safer communities.

The release of the Ballarat Vital Signs Report gave the community a clear, evidence based picture of where Ballarat is thriving and where more support is needed. The data highlighted mental health, family violence and homelessness as key areas of concern.

At the same time, the report showed early childhood development as a real strength for the region, with high quality childcare services and strong participation in early years programs offering a positive foundation for the future.

Through the Community Impact Grants Program, the Ballarat Foundation supported a wide range of local organisations responding to community need. Funded programs included Aboriginal Literacy Foundation, Southern Cross Kids Camp, Uniting Vic Tas Meals for Change, Ballarat Community Health, The Salvation Army Mums Thrive and WRISC Family Violence Support. These grants help local organisations deliver practical, place based solutions that strengthen wellbeing and reduce disadvantage.

Project Sitara was selected as the Ballarat Women’s Fund Pick Our Project winner, supporting women from migrant and refugee backgrounds to build pathways to safety, confidence and connection. The project reflects the Fund’s focus on prevention, empowerment and long term change.

The Ballarat Women’s Fund evening, featuring journalist Bridget Brennan, brought donors and community members together to hear powerful stories about gender equality, leadership and the importance of backing women led solutions. The event also aligned closely with the Great Women of Ballarat program, celebrating women shaping the city in diverse ways.

The L2P Program had another impactful year, supported by a dedicated mentor team. Outcomes from learners graduating in 2025 showed that 80 percent gained employment as a result of achieving their licence and 100 percent felt their mentor helped them make better life decisions.

The program also saw significant recognition. The L2P mentor team received a nomination for the City of Ballarat Seniors Team Award. Harry Gibcus reached an incredible milestone of 15 years as an L2P mentor. Milad Nachar was named Senior of the Year by the City of Ballarat and Sam Milne was recognised as Mentor of the Year by the Department of Transport and Planning.

More than 400 people attended the Volunteer Expo held at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, making it one of our most successful to date. With over 40 community organisations represented, from Women’s Shed Ballarat and Rotary to Foodbank Victoria and Sovereign Hill, attendees could explore volunteering opportunities across many sectors.

Almost everyone who expressed interest in volunteering was able to find a suitable placement, highlighting both the strength of Ballarat’s volunteer sector and the community’s willingness to give back.

The Giving Hub officially opened its doors as a shared space for collaboration, conversation and community building. Tenants include the Arch of Victory Avenue of Honour Committee, Ballarat North Neighbourhood House, Respect Victoria, Tiny Pride and the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.

The space has also hosted a wide range of groups including Toastmasters, Lifeline, Royal South Street with activities such as Yarnbombing, Daughters of the West, Queer Neurodivergent Hangout, plus numerous board meetings and information sessions. The Hub has quickly become a welcoming place for ideas and partnerships to grow.

Both the Ballarat Winter Appeal and Ballarat Christmas Appeal saw strong community support, with 3BA and Power FM playing a vital role in amplifying the message and encouraging local giving.

The Impact Tour brought donors, board members and staff face to face with the organisations they support, including visits to Ballarat Community Health and the Community Care Centre. Together, these moments highlighted the real world impact of generosity and the importance of staying connected to the people and places at the heart of the work.

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.