Digital Inclusion

Ballarat ICT Ltd is committed to retaining a focus on working with socially disadvantaged communities to actively shape ICT initiatives which build skills and participation.

Server and software infrastructure has been established through the www.ballarat.vic.au community portal to support not-for-profit groups in establishing, maintaining and hosting their online services in a cost effective environment.

The innovative LogOn community learning program has been successfully engaging young people, disengaged from traditional learning, as mentors for community members seeking to establish websites for their not-for-profit clubs and organisations. The hands-on development and training approach has provided win win outcomes for all participants.

In 2010, Ballarat had over 100 ICT suppliers, including IBM (an iconic and progressive multinational which, over the past decade, has increased its investment in the region) and more than 15 innovative ICT companies which have spun-out from the University. The Ballarat ICT Cluster, including suppliers, users, research, training and ancillary industries, is at a critical stage of development. With the growth of collaboration, the attraction of new capital and talent and pressure from competition and demanding consumers, the ICT Cluster can underpin much of the future growth of the region.

It is important to emphasise the changing economic platform of the City has been occurring across the past twenty years, without compromising the lifestyles of citizens of the region. Central to effective economic/social development and a sustainable community is regional planning. The City of Ballarat is pivotal to this process, actively supported by the industry, community and government representatives.