That is why the Ballarat Innovation Festival, being launched today, is so positive.

It is innovative in itself and, by its very existence, should help encourage individuals and organisations in this city to think and act innovatively.

To innovate, in the definition of the Macquarie dictionary, is to bring in something new, make changes in anything established, to bring in (something new) for the first time.

There is plenty of such activity occurring in Ballarat today, but there is also every good reason to encourage more.

There's the innovation of Gekko Systems with its smart new mining technology, Masterfoods with the introduction of new brands of snack food and Mentay Steel with its range of sought-after equipment for the upkeep of some

major sporting grounds here and overseas.

There are many other industries constantly updating their product range and technology and securing major contracts as a result.

That's the economic side of innovation.

Then there is the cultural and social side, finding new ways of ensuring that the people of Ballarat have every opportunity to live full and meaningful lives as part of a modern community.

Developments like the Ballarat Learning Exchange and the assistance and encouragement the facility provides for people seeking new opportunities in the city is an example.

The development of the city's 25-year strategy, Ballarat 2030, and the evolution of such groups as the Committee for Ballarat are also innovative.

While they are reflections of similar developments elsewhere, each has adopted its own style and approach to the challenges confronting Ballarat.

There is much more that is innovative about this great city - the arts and sports foundations assisting young people to build their careers are excellent examples.

But the challenge is there to continue to find further innovative ways of taking the city ahead economically, socially and culturally.

The Ballarat Innovation Festival which will particularly encourage technological and business innovation, will also hopefully inspire the community in general to continue to think and act with great imagination and originality.