Committee for Ballarat

09/06/2026

"Monetary policy is a blunt, slow-moving, inequitable policy tool - but sadly no other tool has proved more effective at dealing with inflation."

Thank you to Bendigo Bank's Chief Economist, David Robertson, for joining us to share his insights and current market outlook.

David's data-rich presentation and in-depth analysis explored how productivity, geopolitics, and the AI economy will impact our future economy.

It was an invaluable session and we look forward to welcoming David back again next year to see how many of his predictions came true!

20/05/2026

Save the Date!

Committee for Ballarat's Winter Round Table Dinner will be held on
Thursday 30 July, 2026

Our Special Guest will be announced soon - this will be one to remember!

18/05/2026

David Robertson joins us on June 4 to share his data-rich analysis of the current economic landscape.

Don't miss your chance to gain deeper insights into how current global events are shaping our local economy.

https://events.humanitix.com/insights-forum-economicupdate

17/05/2026

Wonderful to catch up with the local Telstra team recently. Thanks for your ongoing support of Committee for Ballarat's work.

14/05/2026

"As one of 50 “Gold Cities” on the list, Ballarat joins the ranks of names such as Copenhagen, Helsinki, Geneva, Uppsala and Tokyo"

There are far more glamorous destinations in Australia, but none quite offers the sheer variety, warmth and charm of this inland oasis.

13/05/2026

Committee for Ballarat welcomes the Federal budget announcement of $2 billion for local councils and utility providers to support the development of land for new housing.

Ballarat’s (Ballarat Now and Into the Future) package for Housing and Growth-Enabling Infrastructure includes seven shovel-ready projects, costed at a total of $95.27 million.

This investment would fast-track 8,800 new homes and provide the essential elements for building communities in Ballarat’s western and northern growth areas.

These key road, water and sewer infrastructure projects will also support local jobs and businesses, adding further value to the construction industry, productivity and Ballarat’s broader economy.

Housing is a critical component to building a liveable and thriving community and we will join with City of Ballarat and Central Highlands Water to ensure Ballarat demonstrates we are ready to get on with the job of delivering more housing supply.

You can find out more about the BNIF projects at https://loom.ly/bhDHCks

07/05/2026

Voted one of Australia's most accurate cash rate forecasters by the Financial Review, David Robertson returns to share his analysis of the State and Federal budgets and the impacts for our region.

David will provide his insight into State and Federal budgets, the impact of current global events, and the implications for business at the national, state, and local levels.

This is one not to be missed!

Register at https://loom.ly/mI4zkHw

07/05/2026

Yesterday we held an inspiring workshop with regional leaders across various sectors, including health, education, skills and training, manufacturing, social services, information technology, employment services, professional services, visitor economy and hospitality.

Our task was to further develop Committee for Ballarat’s Vision 2050 and help shape a thriving and vibrant region, recognised for its liveability, sustainability and inclusiveness.

Australia’s Happiest City: building connections, collaborating, closing the gaps, promoting, celebrating and showcasing innovation and forward thinking. A city of Opportunity for Everyone.

Thank you to Sovereign Hill Museums Association and Peter Rowland Group for hosting us.

Thank you to our leaders
Brad Adams, Cathryn Mackiewicz, Damon Minotti, David Herman, Janet Dore, Lise Eagan Bales (BA, MSc PR), Malkah Lara Muckenschnabl, Matt Haymes, Megan Tucker, Narelle Carr, Nick Clare, Robyn Stevens, Rod Walton, Simon Coghlan, Troy Beaston, Vanessa Gerrans, Wayne O'Toole (GAICD)

27/04/2026

Governance and Executive Support Officer
Part-time (0.4 – 0.5 FTE)

This is a unique opportunity to join the Committee for Ballarat team and play a key role supporting strong governance and executive operations that help shape the future of our region.

Find out more at https://loom.ly/hHiMuvo

24/04/2026

We have a vision for a thriving and growing region, known for its liveability, sustainability and inclusiveness. Together with some of our key regional leaders we met with Premier Jacinta Allan to discuss the opportunities that can unlock regional growth and stimulate development.

We discussed productivity, the availability and affordability of housing and enabling infrastructure, education, skills and training, maximising the renewable energy transition and all that makes a healthy, equitable and socially cohesive community. There’s a lot there!
The Premier listened and responded and we all agreed that we can be bold in our ambition and that collaboration and constructive dialogue is what will get us there.

Thank you to Juliana Addison MP for making this happen.

Michaela Settle MP
City of Ballarat
Grampians Health
Central Highlands Water
Federation University Australia
McCain Foods Australia
BJT Legal
Springhill Farm