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Ballarat Foundation addresses social challenges with Giving Hub
The Ballarat Foundation Giving Hub is a central initiative designed to address social challenges in Ballarat by connecting individuals with vital programs and services. CVGT Employment were proud to support the Ballarat Foundation with a Community Grant in 2024, enabling the Foundation to fit out the hub with modern video conferencing facilities to support training for volunteer-involving and community organisations in the Ballarat community.
Supporting the Ballarat community
Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales acknowledged the significance of the support provided by CVGT Employment through their Community Grant:
CVGT Employment’s investment in the Giving Hub empowers us to continue delivering programs that tackle real, local needs. Their support strengthens our ability to provide targeted, life-changing services to the Ballarat community.
Andrew Eales
Earlier this year, the Foundation welcomed their first tenants to the upstairs office spaces. They were thrilled to host dedicated, volunteer-driven organisations addressing important community needs, such as Tiny Pride Inc, Ballarat North Neighbourhood House, and the Arch of Victory/Avenue of Honour Committee.
In addition, a variety of organisations are taking advantage of their new state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities. The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Ballarat Funders Network, Country Fire Authority, Headspace, and QHub are utilising these flexible spaces for training sessions, small events, and meetings. This collaborative spirit shows that our community’s vision is truly coming to life.
Supporting young learner drivers
At the Giving Hub in Central Ballarat, the Ballarat Foundation have been making great inroads with more than 80 mentors for their L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program. The L2P program plays a critical role in assisting young learner drivers who lack access to a supervising driver or vehicle. By pairing them with volunteer mentors and providing use of a car, the program removes significant barriers to gaining the 120 hours of supervised driving experience required to get a probationary licence. This practical support is often life-changing, opening pathways to employment, education, and independence. The community hub fit out, support by the CVGT Community Grant, will ensure program participants have a modern and safe environment to connect, for training and support.
Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales highlighted the L2P program’s transformative impact:
The L2P program is more than just helping young people get their licence—it’s about opening a world of opportunity. With the support of CVGT Employment, we are giving young people in Ballarat the confidence and tools to take the next step toward independence and a brighter future.
Andrew Eales
For program participant Ivy-Rose Lubcke, having a license means a lot, helping her to travel to places a lot easier.
If it’s an emergency I can get to places at any time instead of relying on bus timetables and walking. It’s a fantastic program. I’d definitely recommend it .
Ivy-Rose
Get involved
If you live in Ballarat and are interested in becoming an L2P driving mentor, visit the L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program webpage.
The Foundation is actively seeking additional grants and co-funding opportunities for the next stage of hub development and to tackle rising food insecurity, family violence, and homelessness. If you’d like to discuss ways to support these efforts further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ballarat Foundation.
For more information on the CVGT Employment 2024 Community Grants program and full list of Grant Recipients , visit our 2024 Community Grants page.