News Alert |

The City of Ballarat’s new approach to tourism marketing begins this morning with the unveiling of the Ballarat Information Centre at the Ballarat Town Hall.

Today is the first day of operation for the revamped centre (formerly the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre). 

It follows Council’s decision earlier this year to end its service agreement with Visit Ballarat and bring tourism marketing services back in-house. 

This is part of a broader-based, city-wide approach to building the visitor economy – an approach that will capture and promote the full range of benefits of living, working and visiting Ballarat.   

As well as being another customer service point for ratepayers during business hours, the centre is the coordination site for the volunteer Ballarat Ambassadors, who have replaced the former Visitor Information Centre volunteers (many of whom are continuing on in Ambassador roles). 

“Our Ballarat Ambassadors are the face of Ballarat. They help people navigate and find out more about our incredible city,” Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh said.  

"Their love and knowledge of Ballarat and its rich history adds to our reputation as a friendly, welcoming and vibrant city.”  

The role of Ballarat Ambassadors is to:   

Along with centre staff (who will be in action seven days a week), the Ballarat Ambassadors will also strive to extend the length of time visitors stay in this city and the surrounding region. 

An example of the Ballarat Information Centre’s outreach is the presence of staff and Ambassadors at this week’s 2019 Australian Under-14 Club Championships at the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre. 

Their job is to help the event’s competitors and spectators discover all there is to see and do in Ballarat. 

The Ballarat Information Centre is open weekdays 8.30am-5pm and weekends and public holidays 10am-4pm. 

To find out more about becoming a Ballarat Ambassador, visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/current-vacancies