We Are Ballarat

This is branded content for the City of Ballarat.

As a regional city, Ballarat is a place with everything going for it. At this point in history Ballarat is uniquely positioned to continue to grow and progress.

Dubbed Australia's most liveable regional city by RMIT in 2020, Ballarat is an alluring regional centre characterised by business, leisure, and pleasure.

Historically, there is no doubt Ballarat was shaped by the discovery of earthly treasures in the form of gold, but today it is the people who will continue to drive the city forward.

It is these people that continue to give Ballarat its own unique flavour and brand.

It is people who are contributing to a new cultural fabric, a rich tapestry of threads coming together to continue to create a city where many see they can build a future.

The word 'all' is in the name Ballarat, is part of the city's inclusive custom, its ethos.

We are Ballarat, we are all Ballarat and we are ALL in this together.

We Are Ballarat celebrates these unique values.

After a year of upheaval and uncertainty, We Are Ballarat speaks to the belief that recovery for the city lies in all residents hands, and if we work together to celebrate our city, we can achieve great things.

We are active. We are carers. We are learners, teachers and curious.

We are makers, artists and creators. We are generous. We are compassionate.

We are ambitious.

We are Ballarat. We are ALL Ballarat. And together we will create the Ballarat of tomorrow.

With this in mind, seven well-known, exceptional ambassadors have been chosen to be the champions of these messages.

The impressive list of ambassadors are:

Dr Michael Akindeju

Dr Akindeju is the Director and Principal Consulting Process Engineer MKPro Group and President of the Ballarat African Association.

Michael proudly calls Ballarat home. It's clear when talking about the city his values of family and community are of utmost importance. Sometimes it seems almost an afterthought that he is also an acclaimed engineer with many qualifications and accolades.

Tim Bone

Tim is a member of the MasterChef alumni after reaching the top four in the 2019 series.

He returned to Ballarat and is the owner of Ballarat-based business Tim's Toasties.

As an advocate for regional produce, Tim proudly uses as much regionally sourced produce as possible including artisan breads crafted at 1816 Bakehouse and charcuterie from Salt Kitchen.

Gorgi Coghlan

Well known for her work on Network 10's The Project, Gorgi Coghlan is a broadcaster and presenter and is actively involved in Ballarat's hospitality industry as owner of The Provincial Hotel and Lola restaurant.

Having been a resident of Ballarat now for more than 12 years, Gorgi believes: "Ballarat's future is in our hands and working together we can do great things."

"We've always valued living in the country, but COVID has reminded us of the incredible benefits of a tight-knit supportive community.

"We are so grateful to our loyal customers and that people are realising they need to support local in order to keep their local dining experiences," she said.

Dr Deanne Gilson

Proud Wadawurrung woman, Deanne Gilson holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused in Aboriginal Women's Business from Deakin University and is an acclaimed artist and teacher.

She is an emerging elder in her community, and has just received several awards including the Ballarat ZONTA award, the Koorie Heritage Trust City of Melbourne Metro Tunnel Award and the Ballarat Arts Foundation Eureka Art Award.

Mr Mark Guirguis

Well known for his work in both health and in the Ballarat art scene, is Ear Nose and Throat Specialist at ENT Ballarat, Mr Mark Guirguis.

Mark enjoys living in Ballarat with family and being an active member of the community.

He is heavily involved with the arts, sponsoring the Guirguis New Art Prize, and being a board member of the Art Gallery of Ballarat and Chairman of the Art Gallery of Ballarat Foundation.

Steve Moneghetti AM

Steve Moneghetti is a sporting and Ballarat icon having competed for Australia at four Olympic Games, four Commonwealth Games and six World Championships.

He is regularly seen setting the pace around town enjoying Ballarat's many running and walking tracks.

One of Australia's all-time greatest marathon runners, Steve is a proud, life-long resident of Ballarat, and continues to be one of the city's most fervent advocates.

Sara Quon

Sara Quon is the Chief Executive Officer at Sovereign Hill Museums Association and serves on the Board of Visit Victoria and Committee for Ballarat.

The Sovereign Hill Museums Association administers Sovereign Hill, the Gold Museum and Narmbool, has been the catalyst for significant tourism development in the region.

The ambassadors are a diverse range of leaders who inspire, care, create and make, and the city is honoured to have them on Team Ballarat.

If you want to know more go to We Are Ballarat.