Volunteering is very important in our community. You can join hundreds of local volunteers who regularly give their time and energy to help others.
Volunteer with us
Become a Ballarat Ambassador
Our Ballarat Ambassadors provide information on Ballarat to a large number of visitors each year. Their love and knowledge of the city and its rich history adds to Ballarat's reputation as a friendly, welcoming and culturally vibrant city.
Visit our Current Vacancies page to find out how to apply.
Youth Volunteer Opportunities
The City of Ballarat’s Youth Services business unit believes in the vision, voices and creativity of young people and offers an exciting and innovative range of programs for young people aged 12 -25.
These programs and initiatives are aligned to the City of Ballarat’s Youth Strategy and are designed to upskill, engage, inspire, and provide new opportunities to develop personal skills and interests for young people while creating change in the Ballarat community.
Youth Services are currently looking for dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic young people, aged 12 – 25 years to join our 2024 volunteer programs.
Youth volunteer positions are currently closed but if you would like further information email youth@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Youth Ambassadors
The Youth Ambassador Program is made up of young people who are passionate about being involved in their community and representing the views, ideas and needs of young people in the Ballarat area.
Youth Ambassadors are involved in community events, advocate for young people in the Ballarat region, inform Council and community planning in consultations, and develop a joint ‘youth led’ community impact project or campaign. Youth Ambassadors will develop skills in areas such as project management, cultural competency and media and communication, and have other unique opportunities to develop their leadership skills and community networks.
Youth Ambassador Volunteer Role Statement
If you have any questions, please contact:
Susan Larmer susanlarmer@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Phone or SMS: 0438 553 478
Young Eventsters
Young Eventsters is made up of young people who are passionate about being involved in their community and celebrating the achievements, creativity and leadership demonstrated by our youth. The Young Eventsters is in a unique position to innovate and shine a light on opportunities that promote positive outcomes for young people in Ballarat.
Young Eventsters is a youth led initiative, working on a variety of projects including the highly respected City of Ballarat Youth Awards. Other initiatives focus on celebrating and recognising key calendar events or days of significance. These may include Harmony Fest, IDAHOBIT Day, NAIDOC Week, R U OK Day, Mental Health Week and International Day of People with Disability. Participants will develop skills in areas such as project management, cultural competency, media and communication skills, and have other unique opportunities to develop their teamwork and leadership skills.
Young Eventsters Volunteer Role Statement
If you have any questions, please contact:
Chloe Thomas chloethomas@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Phone or SMS: 0409 760 209
FReeZA - SONIKA
Passionate about music & events? Dream of working in the music industry but not sure where to start? SONIKA is for you!
FReeZA is a Victorian State Government funded initiative that gives young people aged 12-25 all around the state the opportunity to lead the planning and staging of live music and cultural events for other young people. SONIKA is Ballarat’s FReeZA committee!
Become a part of SONIKA to build skills and self-confidence, create and develop professional relationships, and explore various education and employment opportunities and pathways in the music industry!
Participants are provided hands on experience and training in event management, marketing and promotion, sound and lighting production, as well as mentoring and networking opportunities.
Example events and programs Sonika have run include the youth stage at Ballarat Begonia Festival, gigs with local and interstate bands, professional music recording programs, PopCon – Ballarat’s Pop Culture Convention, and more!
Join SONIKA and start planning your dream event!
Follow freezasonika on Facebook and Instagram for updates on local all-ages events & performance and development opportunities for artists and musicians.
FReeZA Volunteer Role Statement
If you have any questions, please contact:
Lucy Timms lucytimms@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Phone or SMS: 0417 305 576
The City of Ballarat has a zero tolerance for child abuse and promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children, including Aboriginal children, children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disability. We take allegations and concerns very seriously and respond to them consistently in line with our policies and procedures.
Parent Place Volunteer Opportunity
Parent Place helps families with young children to thrive, providing useful information and community links in an inclusive and safe space.
Families can visit Parent Place to feed and change their babies, find information, participate in an activity and have a play!
It is staffed and open to the public from 9:30am-2:30pm Monday to Friday.
Families can also access various services, including Maternal and Child Health, lactation consultant services, violence and family law advice. All the services are free and everyone is welcome.
Parent Place is currently looking for volunteers to join our supportive and welcoming team.
Volunteers are an integral part of our team and play an important role in welcoming and assisting families. If you have special interests or skills (such as craft, musical instrument, or more) or just a passion for helping families, we would love to hear from you.
We welcome applications from volunteers from all walks of life.
Apply to volunteer at Parent Place
If you have any questions, please contact us at via parentplace@ballarat.vic.gov.au, phone 5320 5165 or pop into Parent Place for a chat.
Page topics
The City of Ballarat is currently undertaking an LED bulk replacement of remaining non-LED street lights on minor roads across the municipality. The new LED lights perform better, last longer and are significantly more efficient than the existing lights.
Project Overview
Ballarat’s streetlighting is receiving a major upgrade with 6,750 lights being replaced by energy efficient LEDs along our smaller residential roads.
The LED technology offers superior performance and life expectancy and will deliver significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
Under this City of Ballarat-funded program, works are underway in residential streets across the city and will take about six months to complete.
The initiative is a flagship action of the City of Ballarat’s Carbon Neutrality and 100% Renewables Action Plan and aligns with our strategic commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
By the numbers:
- 6,750: The number of streetlights being retrofitted with LED on our minor roads.
- 80%: How much more energy efficient the new 17 watt LEDs are compared to the existing bulbs.
- 20: The number of years of life expectancy for the LED lights compared to a four-year changing cycle for existing bulbs.
- 6: The number of years for a return on our investment.
- $9.8 million: The estimated savings for the City of Ballarat over 20 years.
- 2,000: The number of tonnes we will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by each year - equivalent to lighting 3,500 homes.
Project Progress
- Tuesday 1 June - Rollout Commences
- Residents around Ballarat will begin to see workers from Powercor/Lendlease in their streets replacing lightbulbs.
- Residents around Ballarat will begin to see workers from Powercor/Lendlease in their streets replacing lightbulbs.
- Wednesday 9 June - Project Progress Update
- 210 lights complete (2.5% of program) 6,695 remaining
- 210 lights complete (2.5% of program) 6,695 remaining
- Monday 12 July - Project Progress Update
- 983 lights complete (14% of program) 5,922 remaining
- 983 lights complete (14% of program) 5,922 remaining
- Thursday 12 August - Project Progress Update
- 1,805 lights complete (26% of program) 5,101 remaining
- 1,805 lights complete (26% of program) 5,101 remaining
- Tuesday 19 October - Project Progress Update
- 3,520 lights complete (50.97% of program) 3,386 remaining
- 3,520 lights complete (50.97% of program) 3,386 remaining
- Tuesday 23 November - Project Progress Update
- 5,053 lights complete (73% of program) 1,853 remaining
- 5,053 lights complete (73% of program) 1,853 remaining
- Monday 7 February 2022 - Project Complete
- All non-LED lights in minor residential streets are operating with new LED lights, saving the City of Ballarat and the Ballarat Community money and greenhouse gas emissions.
More information
Download the Frequently Asked Questions Document
For project related enquiries contact City of Ballarat
For service related enquiries like reporting of faults please refer to Powercor
Ballarat’s streetlighting is receiving a major upgrade with 6,750 lights being replaced by energy efficient
LEDs along our smaller residential roads.
The LED technology offers superior performance and life expectancy and will deliver significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
Under this City of Ballarat-funded program, works are underway in residential streets across the city and will take about six months to complete.
Transitioning to a carbon neutral future
The initiative is a flagship action of the City of Ballarat’s Carbon Neutrality and 100% Renewables Action Plan and aligns with our strategic commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
City of Ballarat Waste, Water and Energy Officer Quenton Gay says councils have a critical role to play in leading by example and taking action locally to achieve the best sustainability practices.
“We’re continuously exploring ways to improve our operations to reduce our energy use and meet community expectations,” he says.
“The new LED streetlights will significantly reduce our carbon emissions.
“The City of Ballarat is also looking at bulk buying renewable energy that will lead to further greenhouse gas emissions reductions.”
A win for the environment
City of Ballarat Design and Drainage Coordinator Peter Bate says looking for more energy efficient ways to do things to reduce our environmental footprint is a high priority.
“The new 17 watt LEDs are about 80 per cent more efficient than the old 80 watt mercury vapour lights which account for 95 per cent of the lights to be replaced,” Peter says.
“This means significant energy and cost savings.
“Replacing them also takes mercury out of the supply chain – an extra win for the environment.”
Safer roads for cyclists and drivers
Quenton says the new lights will improve compliance with Australian road safety standards and address community safety issues in line with the City of Ballarat’s strategic objectives.
“Drivers and cyclists will notice a greater evenness of light across and along streets and a reduction in lighting gaps across the city.”
Peter says the City of Ballarat’s significantly lower energy bills together with savings achieved through lower maintenance and replacement costs is a great outcome for Ballarat residents.
“The money that we save through operational efficiency can be used for future additional retrofits of street lighting to LED and other projects in the community.”
The works
The City of Ballarat will notify you when Powercor work teams are coming to your street. There will be no interruption to power supply and very limited disruption to traffic.
Works will typically take place between 8am and 4pm with works taking about five minutes per light.
Better lighting outcomes
- better uniformity of light across and along streets
- less light spilling onto neighbouring properties
- less light pollution into the atmosphere
- better colour rendering and visibility
- more reliable lighting
- less depreciation of light output over time
- brighter lights to keep our streets safer
Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.
6,750: The number of streetlights being retrofitted with LED on our minor roads.
80%: How much more energy efficient the new 17 watt LEDs are compared to the existing bulbs.
20: The number of years of life expectancy for the LED lights compared to a four-year changing cycle for existing bulbs.
6: The number of years for a return on our investment.
$9.8 million: The estimated savings for the City of Ballarat over 20 years.
2,000: The number of tonnes we will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by each year - equivalent to lighting 3,500 homes.
Welcome
Welcome to our page, Be Kind— Be Connected, designed specifically for our casual and volunteer workforce.
This platform will provide you with access to up-to-date information, helpful resources and tools to keep you connected with us.
We will continue to communicate with you on this platform and encourage you to view the site regularly.
Please call the People and Culture team on 5320 5699 or email peopleandculture@ballarat.vic.gov.au if you have questions.
Announcements
Be Kind Be Connected 7-11 February
Message from the CEO
Team,
On Thursday night, I was fortunate to attend the 2021 Victorian Tourism Awards and was thrilled to see the Events team win the top honour – Gold – for the 2021 Ballarat Heritage Festival in the Festivals and Events category. In 2021, the Ballarat Heritage Festival was expanded to a 24-day festival for the first time to give people the chance to celebrate being able to come together and experience Ballarat’s unique heritage in a COVID-safe way.
In further recognition for our organisation, the Marketing team was a finalist in the Tourism, Marketing and Campaigns category for BALLARAT, Made of: Ballarat and We Are Ballarat campaigns. These campaigns have worked to grow the important visiting friends and visiting relatives’ market, which represents 44.5 per cent of visitors to our regions.
A massive congratulations to our Events, Visitor Economy and Marketing teams, and everyone who has worked to support these teams to achieve this fantastic result for our organsiation. This recognition shows how our organisation has fought to support our city’s tourism sector through the pandemic and our post-pandemic recovery.
I have no doubt that 2022 will be another great year of events for Ballarat that will bring much needed visitors and economic support to our city. Well done all!
Have a great weekend.
Regards,
Evan
What’s news this week?
Community Satisfaction Survey begins
The City of Ballarat last week began a three-week Community Satisfaction Survey.
As a result, some residents may receive a telephone call between Monday 31 January and Monday 21 February from independent market research agency National Field Services.
Similar surveys will be undertaken across all other Victorian councils in the coming months as part of the mandatory Local Government Performance Reporting Framework.
Read our latest media releases on our website here. This week’s highlights:
- Imaginative exhibitions add to Ballarat’s artistic calendar
- Applications open to assist the Ballarat community
- Fresh new surface for Learmonth Bowling Club
COVID-19 organisational update
As of Friday 4 February, we have about 40 staff either with COVID-19 or isolating, if they are a close contact or awaiting a test result. 89 impacted staff have now returned to work.
For the latest COVID-19 updates to our services, including the Ballarat Animal Shelter, Ageing Well, Libraries, Pools and Visitor Information Centre, visit our website.
City of Ballarat staff invited to book in for their booster
The National COVID Vaccine Taskforce has engaged Corporate Health Management (CHM) to run an extra Vaccine Hub in Ballarat.
The City of Ballarat is providing assistance with the location and promoting information about the hub to a range of sectors.
The vaccine hub will support the COVID-19 Booster program for disability support and aged care workers, people with a disability, childcare workers, and distribution centre workers.
We encourage all eligible City of Ballarat staff to book in for their booster.
What: COVID-19 Booster Program
Who: All eligible City of Ballarat staff
Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange, 12 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
When: Monday 7 to Friday 11 February, 10am to 6pm daily
City of Ballarat childcare continues to support families through COVID
City of Ballarat childcare staff have shown up, day in and day out, throughout the pandemic to care for Ballarat babies, toddlers and kindergarten children.
Our childcare staff have worked on the frontline throughout the past two years to care for young children, who are ineligible to receive a vaccine, enabling families to work throughout the pandemic.
Today, childcare at the Wendouree and Girrabanya Children’s Centres looks a lot different than what it did two years ago, with increased COVID safe measures and procedures in place.
Parents now hand over their children to a staff member at the front of the centres, where possible, as part of a concierge service designed to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
Staff have returned to wearing masks, this week receiving a supply of KN95 masks, and are now also testing for COVID twice a week with Rapid Antigen Tests.
The centres operate with an increased focus on hygiene and cleaning, children play and learn outdoors as much as possible, the centres use improved ventilation with doors and windows open, and work to maintain bubbles with staff and children to avoid cross infection.
For many of the children, the pandemic has been a huge part of their lives.
Integrated Children’s Services Manager Rebecca Karslake says children explore concepts through play – and COVID-19 is no different.
“The children have created a mask-station where they learn about wearing masks and also play supermarket shopping where they pretend to use a QR code for checking in,” she says.
When it comes to operating the centres during COVID, navigating multiple restriction changes, robust contract tracing and reporting requirements, and the impact of COVID-19 and isolation requirements within the centres during times of planned and unplanned staff leave have provided multiple curveballs.
Despite the uncertainty with increased COVID cases in the community, Rebecca says staff continue to put on a smile each day at work, where they jump in to fill any staffing gaps and lend a hand wherever needed.
This dedication has ensured the two centres have not closed their doors once due to the impact of COVID-19.
“We operate for 11 hours a day. We have been able to keep operating but it hasn’t been easy,” Rebecca says.
“I am incredibly proud of our childcare staff – their teamwork, resilience and the way they look after each other is amazing. They just focus on the growth, development and learning of the children.”
The centres spent the past two years preparing for a positive case of COVID-19. The first positive case was reported in early January. There have since been multiple examples of children and staff who are currently isolating due to contracting COVID-19 or who are close contacts.
The organisation has also rallied behind the centres to ensure they continue to keep their doors open.
The mySafety team has provided ongoing assistance and support, including providing access to online group debriefing sessions via our Employee Assistance Program, while the People and Culture team has worked to fast-track the recruitment process to ensure a pool of casual staff are available to work.
“It ensures we can stay open and provide care for children, including vulnerable children, and the critical workers in our community,” Family and Children’s Services Executive Manager Sharelle Knight says.
"We are also supporting our families to continue to work as well. If we were to fully or partially close centres, there would be many Ballarat families unable to work.
Sharelle says all of the staff are impacted in different ways by the pandemic.
“They may have caring responsibilities for young children or elderly parents or someone with a health condition at home so there are anxieties about taking COVID home to their loved ones or, just as equally, anxieties about bringing COVID into their workplace,” she says.
“I have the utmost respect for our childcare and support staff – we are grateful to have such a wonderful team supporting children’s education and wellbeing at this time.”
Free cat desexing program
Do you have a pregnant cat or an accidental litter of kittens?
The Ballarat Animal Shelter has launched the National Desexing Program for the Ballarat municipality.
This initiative will provide free cat desexing up until 30 June 2022 for City of Ballarat residents with an eligible concession card.
The City of Ballarat is partnering with the National Desexing Network and participating vets to make veterinary care more accessible.
New exhibition in Ballarat Art Space
Did you know the City of Ballarat has two community spaces to provide emerging artists with the opportunity to exhibit their creations and reach a wider audience?
The latest exhibition in Art Space Ballarat, located at the front of the Mining Exchange, is currently exhibiting Entangled, a collection of works by CharisArt Group.
Each of the six artists work with different materials creating contemporary art works while using traditional techniques.
We encourage you to drop in, meet the artists and check out their creations.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm until 6 March.
And finally...
A giant boom box delivers live music to the CBD
Photos: Meda Design.
The City of Ballarat’s Boom Box is bringing music back to the city centre and giving local musicians a platform.
The Ballarat Boom Box will present a series of free live performances in various locations every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until April.
Wellbeing
Here are some essential resources that can assist.
Mental Health
Employee Assistance Programhe City of Ballarat offers the Converge International Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all staff and their families.
This free short-term service provides confidential counselling, coaching and support strategies for workplace and personal issues.
It is entirely confidential. Names will not be stated on any documentation. This is a non-judgemental service that is respectful of religious and cultural differences.
If needed, crisis counselling is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Counselling is available over the phone, including critical response, on 1300 687 327 or email eap@convergeintl.com.au
Other support:
Physical health
Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital
Call 5320 4000
Ballarat COVID-19 Clinic
Lucas Community Hub
(Visits by appointment only)
Call 4311 1571
Victorian COVID-19 Hotline
Call 1800 675 398
National COVID-19 Hotline
Call 1800 020 080
St John of God Ballarat Hospital
Call 5320 2111
NDIS
Call 1800 800 110
After Hours GP Hotline
Call 1800 022 222
Nurse on Call
1300 60 60 24
Financial assistance
Support packages - Working for Victoria
Department of Social Services support - Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support
Loan Help - Coronavirus (COVID-19) mortgage repayment support
Services Australia Centrelink - Individuals by affected Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information, advice and legal representation to promote and protect the rights of Victorians who rent their homes Tenants Victoria
Free financial counselling - National Debt Hotline
Contact Officers
Meet your Contact Officers
As part of CEO Janet Dore’s commitment to improving culture at City of Ballarat, the P&C team is pleased to announce a new Contact Officer program.
This program will help to create a safe and harmonious workplace which is free of discrimination, harassment or bullying.
P&C has appointed the people listed below as the organisation’s new Contact Officers.
In addition to our existing complaints mechanism processes, volunteers can go to a Contact Officer for guidance on our Bullying, Harassment and Equal Opportunity policies.
Your Contact Officers
Name |
|
Team/s – Business Units |
Anna Parsons |
Learning and Community Hugs |
|
Shane Mooney |
Operations |
|
Rachel Verdoorn |
Information Management |
|
Mark Hislop |
Art Gallery of Ballarat |
|
Rhett English |
Regulatory Services – Local Laws |
|
Georgina Lane |
Infrastructure, Property and Facilities Management and Strategy and Implementation |
|
Stacey Lehmann |
Governance and Risk |
|
Dimitri Dollard |
Intercultural Services |
|
Katrina Black |
Corporate Services |
|
Deanne Henderson |
Corporate Services |
|
Teagan Kenny (away on mat leave) |
Recreation Services |
|
Lily Garrod |
Development Facilitation |
|
Warren Swards |
Regulatory Services: Environmental Health/MBS and Building Services |
|
Kate Gerritsen |
Arts & Tourism |
|
Eleanor Wight |
Learning and Community Hubs |
|
Sara Wignall |
Family & Children’s Services |
|
Chrissy Austin |
People and Culture |
|
Leah Slater |
Economic Growth |
|
Cathy Bushell |
Ageing Well |
|
Erin Vanzetta |
Engaged Communities and Communications and Marketing |
|
Craig McKendry |
Via City of Ballarat mobile 0429 333 013 |
Ageing Well |
Rebecca Dale |
BALC |
|
Travis Wade |
Environment |
You can contact any of the Contact Officers, whoever you feel most comfortable with, during their usual working hours to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.
For those not familiar with the role of a Contact Officer, some answers to some frequently asked questions are below.
What are Contact Officers?
Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Contact Officers are staff who have volunteered to be trained to assist other staff and volunteers with any enquiries about our organisation’s policies relating to discrimination, sexual harassment or bullying.
Why are Contact Officers important?
Contact Officers are important because they help ensure that all staff understand their rights and obligations in relation to maintaining a workplace that is free of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Contact Officers can help you understand more about our policies. They can also act as a source of additional information and support for any member of staff who believes they are experiencing bullying, harassment or discrimination or whom has been accused of bullying, harassing or discriminatory behaviour.
How are Contact Officers selected?
Prior to being appointed as a Contact Officer, volunteers must be able to demonstrate:
- A commitment and understanding of EEO and diversity principles
- The ability to liaise effectively with people at all levels of the organisation while acting discreetly, objectively, impartially and maintaining confidentiality
- The capacity to be accessible to staff when required.
In order to ensure the right number and location of Contact Officers where possible we endeavor to select Contact Officers from different parts of the organisation. This ensures that there is a contact officer whom you are likely to know but also ensures that there is someone from outside of your department you can talk to if you would prefer.
What will a Contact Officer do?
A Contact Officer will:
- listen to you if you feel that you have been discriminated against, sexually harassed or bullied
- help you to clarify issues
- offer you options for dealing with a situation
- maintain confidentiality (provided there is no imminent risk to your or other's health and safety), and
- provide information to staff on your organisation's policies.
What won't a Contact Officer do?
A Contact Officer will not:
- discuss your case with anyone without your permission
- advocate on your behalf
- resolve or investigate complaints or
- take over your case or try to push you to take any particular action.
What if a Contact Officer can't help me?
If you are unsure whether your enquiry relates to discrimination, sexual harassment or bullying, Contact Officers may be able to provide advice on who to contact if they are unable to help.
Where do I go if I have more questions?
If you require further information you can review our Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Bullying policies or speak to one of our Contact Officers.
Current vacancies
POSITIONS VACANT
Externally advertised positions
Check the City of Ballarat website for all externally advertised roles by clicking here.
Internally advertised positions
Position |
Employment type |
Salary |
Position contact |
Closing Date |
Early Childhood Educator (Cert III) x 3 vacancies
|
Part time, Maximum term contracts until April 2022 (Funded positions through the School Readiness Program) |
Band 3 commencing hourly rate $29.33 |
Rebecca Karslake Manager Integrated Children’s Services 0437 081 012 |
12 noon Monday 14 February 2022 |
Early Childhood Educator (Cert III) - Kinder After Care (KAC) |
Part time, Maximum term contract until April 2022 |
Band 3 commencing hourly rate $29.33 |
Rebecca Karslake Manager Integrated Children’s Services 0437 081 012 |
12 noon Monday 14 February 2022 |
Project Management Office (PMO) Lead |
Full-time, Fixed-term opportunity until August 2022 |
Senior Officer Contract
|
Bridget Wetherall 0417 855 048 |
12 noon Monday 14 February 2022
|
To apply please send in your cover letter, resume and key selection criteria to the applications inbox at applications@ballarat.vic.gov.au
For a copy of all position descriptions please contact People and Culture at peopleandculture@ballarat.vic.gov.au or call 5320 5699.