The Andrews Labor Government is investing in a suite of new projects across regional and rural Victoria to deliver the infrastructure that communities need.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today announced $1,047,000 from the Victorian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund – Round 2 for the Ballarat Foundation to establish a community hub for charities and volunteering at the Ballarat Foundation’s premises in Lydiard St, Ballarat Central.

The project will involve the demolition of the interior of the existing building and the creation of modern, smart working spaces and meeting rooms. It will also vastly improve accessibility in the building with the construction of a lift and an accessible entrance.

The hub will provide new opportunities for co-location, and reduce overheads for community and not-for-profit organisations with volunteers. The collaboration of like-minded social welfare and not-for-profit organisations will promote efficient and effective responses to resolving disadvantage in the Ballarat community.

The Ballarat Foundation provides programs and funding across the region. The establishment of the hub and co-location of different services will significantly increase the outreach and responsiveness of a number of local community organisations.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, designed to help businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria and support community projects.

The Fund is key to the Government’s almost $30 billion investment across regional and rural Victoria since 2015. Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

This important funding from the Andrews Labor Government will enable the Ballarat Foundation to continue their great work. By upgrading their building and establishing a volunteer hub, this funding will support the Ballarat Foundation and other local organisations to do even more for our community.

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Ballarat’s not-for-profit and volunteer organisations do so much every day to help our local community and a new modern hub in the centre of town will mean they do so much more.”

Quote attributable to Ballarat Foundation Chair Wayne Weaire

“The Ballarat Foundation’s role as a philanthropic leader enabling better community outcomes is central to the vision to redevelop Chatham House and encourage collaborative local responses to need.”