The city will soon be put to the test with a challenge to involve all, led by Body-Brain Performance Institute’s Paul Taylor. 

The Positive Change Project for Ballarat will be launched on August 18 with an activation event and official kick off on August 23. 

Mr Taylor has been working with the City of Ballarat and other corporations for many years, working to improve the health of minds and bodies, but this is the first time he will take on a city. 

The Positive Change Project will involve putting the town through a 12-week program, encouraging people to document their progress online, learn about health and work on improve their eating and exercise. 

“It will be a coalition of the willing,” Mr Taylor said. 

He said the goals of individuals will be different, whether its weight loss, improve fitness, improving sleep, or stressing less. 

“A lot of people have their head in the sand when it comes to their health.”

Local businesses and the YMCA are backing the program, and it will combine with community events including October’s Run Ballarat. 

The trained neuroscientist, exercise physiologist and nutritionist said wellbeing was his passion. 

“It’s important for your performance in every part of your life.

“The day to day choices you make over 10 or 20 years can really impact you in the long run.”

He said that 12 weeks could make a big difference, but it was more a kick starter to implement lifestyle changes. 

“My approach is about developing a sustainable lifestyle.”

The program has taken two years of planning and will be rolled out around the country after making its start in Ballarat.

nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au