City of Ballarat launches Age Friendly Ambassador Program

The City of Ballarat is seeking community input to help implement a new initiative aimed at creating a more age-friendly city.

Expressions of interest are now being sought from committed and enthusiastic people 55 years and over to join the inaugural Age Friendly Ambassador Program, which was identified as a key action in the Ageing Well in Ballarat Strategy 2022-2026.

The Age Friendly Ambassador Program will involve up to 12 community members who will volunteer their time and expertise to collaborate on age-friendly initiatives across Ballarat and advocate for the needs and interests of older residents.  

Ambassadors will serve as crucial links between the City of Ballarat and older adults, helping to raise awareness of barriers or opportunities, provide feedback on projects and initiatives, and supporting their peers to ensure their voices are heard. This will be through regular meetings or informal networking opportunities for the group.

Mentoring and learning opportunities will be provided to Ambassadors to collectively build knowledge and confidence in the age friendly community approach and build or refine skills in areas such as community engagement and public speaking skills. The program is supported by the Ageing Well Services team.

Ambassadors will play a pivotal role in engaging with the local community, representing the views of older people, and assisting in the planning and implementation of the Ageing Well in Ballarat Strategy 2022-2026.  

Their role will include connecting older adults with local resources and events, as well as providing valuable insights to guide the City of Ballarat’s actions in making the community more age-friendly.  

They will also have the opportunity to contribute to major events like the Ballarat Seniors Festival and support efforts to challenge ageism and promote age-positive messages.

The program is especially important as Ballarat continues to experience a growing population of older adults, with nearly one-third of the city’s residents aged 55 and over.

The Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for passionate community members to make a direct impact on the lives of residents, foster social connections, and ensure their voices are heard in community decision-making processes.

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor encouraged applications from interested people aged over 55 who wanted to make a positive contribution to Ballarat.

“The Age Friendly Ambassador Program is a vital step toward making Ballarat an age friendly city, a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive place for people of all ages,” he said.

“We know there are so many people in Ballarat with vast arrays of knowledge and experience that could contribute to making Ballarat a better place.”

How to Apply:

Interested individuals are invited to express their interest in becoming an Ambassador by completing an online form or obtaining a printed form available at the Phoenix Building or Ballarat Libraries.  

The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2025.

For further information, or to apply, please contact Bern Duffy, Community Engagement Officer for Ageing Well Services, at 5320 5500 or via email at ageingwell@ballarat.vic.gov.au.