Ballarat, Australia - Intercultural City - Intercultural cities programme

Ballarat is located in Victoria, Australia, approximately 105 kilometres from the state capital Melbourne. It is the state’s third most populous urban area, with an estimated population of 111,361.

Australia’s first Intercultural City, Ballarat, stands on Wadawurrung country, which was heavily mined for gold in the 1850s by a large influx of many different nationalities.

The local Wadawurrung people have a long and rich history, which can still be proudly found and acknowledged in our landscape and art. However much is still to be learned.

Today the city has developed by helping ordinary people from different countries meet and learn from one another. Ballarat’s Intercultural City Strategic Plan promotes social inclusion and wellbeing within its multicultural and Indigenous communities, highlighting the positive contributions migrants and Indigenous Australians have made to our community.

City status

International Intercultural Cities Network

Population diversity

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census in August 2021, the population of Ballarat was 113,763, of which 11.2% of residents were born overseas (89 different nationalities). The main countries of birth (other than Australia) were United Kingdom, India, New Zealand, China, Philippines, Netherlands, USA. Germany, South Africa, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Nepal. 7% of people living in Ballarat speak a language other than English at home.

profile and activities

The City of Ballarat received the Victorian Multicultural Award 2022 in the Local Government section. Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence recognise, celebrate, and appreciate outstanding Victorians and organisations for their service to multicultural Victoria.

As part of their Intercultural Strategic Plan, the City of Ballarat “Intercultural Practice in Action,” facilitates cultural awareness and social inclusion. Over 10 years, the Intercultural Ambassador Program, Intercultural Employment Pathway and Harmony Fest Celebration have delivered strong cultural, social, and economic benefits for the community.

For more on the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence: https://www.multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/multicultural-awards-for-excellence

Photo via VMC: On the left Minister for Multicultural Affairs the Hon Ros Spence MP, (Former) Mayor of Ballarat Cr Daniel Moloney and Govenor of the State of Victoria her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC.

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