WELCOME WORKS UNDERWAY AT BRMC

Works are now underway at Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council’s Welcome Centre funded by the Albanese Labor Government’s 2025 election commitment of $500,000.

The heritage building in Barkly Square, Bakery Hill which is now occupied by BRMC’s Welcome Centre has always been a place for community connection.

It was the first free library in Ballarat when it was established in 1862 as the Ballarat East Town Library and was later a part of the Ballarat School of Design and then Ballarat Secondary College.

Since 2019 it has been a hub for multicultural community activities, meetings and events, and provides office space for the 15 full-time equivalent staff employed by BRMC.

The first stage of the revitalisation project has involved repairs to the timber floors, upgrades to lighting and much needed internal painting works.

The ground floor is now being prepared for the next stage of refurbishment works which will include kitchenette and plumbing works, construction of accessible toilet facilities, joinery, carpet installation, office pod installation, signage, workstations and furniture.

This upgrade will create a safer, more functional, more accessible facility for staff, volunteers and the broader community.

These works will ensure the future sustainability of the Welcome Centre while also honouring the history of this significant building.

The project is expected to be completed by mid 2027.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:

“BRMC run their programs throughout Ballarat and beyond, but the Welcome Centre is their home. Although works have only just begun here, it’s already looking brighter, more functional and more welcoming.  

“This building has always served Ballarat, and these vital upgrades mean community members from all backgrounds and abilities will be supported into the future.”

Quotes attributable to BRMC CEO Suzanne Ryan-Evers:

“With these improvements, the Welcome Centre will continue to provide space for some community meetings and activities, while also creating a fit-for-purpose home for BRMC, giving our staff the facilities they need to support multicultural communities across Ballarat and our broader region.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Albanese Labor Government for this $500,000 investment, which will strengthen our capacity to support our growing and increasingly diverse community for many years to come.”