Ai Group - Ballarat and Wimmera Region

Ballarat's economic base has gone through many changes from gold mining and farming in its early days to value-added food processing and manufacture of high-tech machinery components. Of increasing importance is the service sector, including tourism and information technology services, but manufacturing remains one of the region's largest employers.

The Ballarat Ai Group office looks after the interests of members throughout the Ballarat and Wimmera region, offering services such as training, workplace relations advice, and networking through HR, Sustainability and Safety Networking Groups. The office has close ties with Federal, State and Local Government representatives and works closely with these organisations to ensure members are aware of how the Ai Group can assist them. Ballarat members have supported regional surveys conducted by Ai Group and the data they input is used to promote the manufacturing base throughout the region.

• Monthly newsletter - the Ballarat/Wimmera News
• Membership advice and services
• Events
• Regular training programs
• Local websites - visit BROSH (Ballarat Regional Occupational Safety & Health Group Inc)

The office also provides access to:

• Entrepreneurs' Infrastructure Programme
  The Entrepreneurs' Infrastructure Programme offers support to businesses through three streams:
  • Business Management;
  • Research Connections; and
  • Commercialising Ideas.
  Practical support for businesses includes:
  • Advice from people with relevant private sector experience;
  • Small co-contributions for re-engineering or growth opportunities for business; and
  • Connection and collaboration opportunities.
• The Australian Apprenticeships Advisers Program (Advisers Program) - this program was announced in the 2011-12 Budget as part of the $101 million Australian Apprenticeships Mentoring package. The package forms part of the Australian Government's initial response to the recommendations of the Apprenticeships for the 21st Century Expert Panel. As a result of this announcement Ai Group has been successful in its application to host a number of advisers in each of their offices. In Ballarat, Phil Crouch has been appointed an Adviser and will be responsible for working with potential school leavers and industry to provide advice and assistance with careers in manufacturing. Phil can be contacted on 0431219437.
• Occupational Health and Safety Advice and Assistance - OHS is an area that Ai Group can assist members with, whether it is training, consultation, delivery of the free 3 hour OHS audit or general advice. Over the next few months we will be trialling a service for regional members. Trinette Jaeschke, Manager - Victoria Safety & Workers Compensation Services, will work out of the Ballarat office on a regular basis and will be available to discuss your OHS needs. If you would like an appointment with Trinette, please call her on 0400282477. 
• B31 - Ballarat Business Month
  This event is held in conjunction with the State Government's Small Business Festival held in August each year. Ai Group facilitates B31, which is a series of events for business, the community, students and teachers. 
  
  A myriad of events including workshops, briefings, presentations and networking opportunities, which will provide advice and information to assist organisations to grow their business.