A forum designed to help local businesses find the right skilled employees will be hosted by the City of Ballarat as part of Ballarat Business Month.

The Ballarat Skilled Migration Forum will be held on Wednesday 3 August from 4 to 7pm at the Robert Clark Centre, Ballarat Botanical Gardens as part of Ballarat Business Month.

The forum is designed to inform Ballarat and regional employers on the benefits, costs, obligations and visa options of employing overseas skilled professionals and how to manage a culturally diverse workforce.

City of Ballarat People and Communities portfolio Councillor John Philips acknowledged that it can be difficult for employers to find the right skilled employees to effectively run and grow their business.

“Some employers may not have considered overseas skilled professionals as an option as many do not know how to go about it.

“By joining forces with the Central Highlands Regional Settlement Planning Committee we can help inform businesses of the options available and the benefits that overseas professionals can have on their business.”

A representative from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will be available to answer questions on the day.

RSVP is required by Friday 29 July to Council’s Regional Skilled Migration Officer Melinda Toye on 5320 5180.

The event is free.