INTELLIGENT COMMUNITY FORUM

Ballarat has been nominated as a semi-finalist in the coveted international Intelligent Community of the Year awards program, and is one of 21 international communities who are now in the race to be recognised as the Intelligent Community Forum Top Seven, to be announced in Hawaii in January 2010.

The award application was submitted in a very condensed time frame by Ballarat ICT Ltd, with the intent of globally profiling and promoting the achievements and strengths of the Ballart region's broadband economy", Mal Vallance, Chair of Ballarat ICT said.

"To be short-listed to the final 21 in a global field is unexpected, but immensely gratifying.  Being short-listed demonstrates Ballarat has been internationally recognised as having a documented strategy for creating local prosperity and inclusion using broadband and information technology to attract leading-edge businesses, stimulate job creation, build skills, generate economic growth, and improve the delivery of government services.

Intelligent Community Forum Co-Founder, Louis Zacharilla, stated from New York after the Smart21 announcement, "We certainly saw the impact of the recession in the data and reports from these communities. 

"The downturn is taking a toll, with a few exceptions.  However these communities remain confidently on course, knowing that the work they are doing is an investment in the long-term and to the shaping of a community of the 21st Century".

The newly elected Board of Ballarat ICT Ltd is now preparing a subsequent application for the second stage of judging, and is optimistic of leading the Ballarat community into 2010 as a Top Seven community. 

To be further named as a Top Seven community would emphasise Ballarat as a role model for the development of vibrant Digital Age communications, with demonstrated excellence in broadband connectivity, knowledge workforce, digital inclusion, innovation, and strong marketing and advocacy.

Ballarat ICT Ltd is a not-for-profit partnership of industry, government and education institutions dedicated to sustaining and growing a globally competitive information, communication and technology (ICT) industry in Ballarat. 

More information about the Intelligent Community Forum and award process can be found on their website.

Images relating to Ballarat ICT Limited's involvement in the award process are linked below.