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The 2001 Census (the last national Census to date) indicated that 87.87% of Ballarats population, then 79,796, was born within Australia. The largest component of individuals born overseas was from the United Kingdom and consisted of 2.71% of the population. In the 2001 Census English was stated as the only language spoken at home by 30,848 people (92.1%) and this proportion has not changed significantly since the 1996 Census (92.2%). The next highest individual category of language used in the home was Italian with 260 responses. The next national Census is scheduled to take place in 2006 and it will be interesting to see how the ethnicity of the population has changed since 2001 in line with the population increase.
City of Ballarats Migrant Attraction and Retention Population Strategy highlights that migration is a key tool needed to ensure economic, social and cultural prosperity in the decades ahead. The implementation of the strategy has complimented a number of initiatives such as:
- New Resident Functions
- Introduction to the Australian Workplace Workshops
- 'My Choice' discount package available for all new residents
Greater diversity has led to an increased role and intervention for an array of support services such as the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council (BRMC). The BRMC exists to actively promote and develop goodwill, understanding and harmony with the culturally diverse communities in Ballarat and surrounding districts.
For further information on the City of Ballarat Skilled Migration Project, please contact Migration Executive Officer on 03 5320 5180 or email migration@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Business Ballarat - Ballarat Migration Project - www.businessballarat.com
Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council - www.brmc.org.au
Department of Immigration www.immi.gov.au
Live in Victoria www.LiveInVictoria.vic.gov.au
Multicultural Directory
NESB Links Inc, in partnership with the Central Highlands Cultural Network, have compiled the NESB Multicultural Directory 06-07.pdf (PDF - 665KB). For a hard copy of the Directory contact the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Centre (BRMC), 504 Mair Street, Ballarat, phone 03 5337 0700. The Directory can also be accessed online from www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/directory.
The Directory covers local, regional and State information about services and groups focusing on, and/or relevant to, those from other countries. If you notice any details that have changed, please contact Lista Chung at the BRMC by phone 03 5337 0700, so corrections can be made.