Ballarat ICT for Women Network “Getting the Balance Right” Presented by Marita Ryan Friday, 26 October 2007

BICT for Women Network In its second year of operation, the Ballarat ICT for Women Network was been established with the support of: – The University of Ballarat – Multimedia Victoria –Victorian ICT for Women

BICT for Women Network The network aims to provide opportunities for personal and professional networking, knowledge and skills development, career and business development and access to and connection with others working in regional technology roles.

BICT for Women Network Images from our last event (July 07) Annie Dejong, Shahnaz Kouhbor, Helen Thompson and Valerie McRoberts Kelli MacRae, Angela Smith and Marianne Drake Bronwen Clark and Gayle Boscher Dr Patrice Braun, Joanna Stevens, and Judy Verlin

About the Ballarat ICT Cluster cBallarat and the City of Ballarat recognise the potentially critical economic role of an information and communications technology (ICT) cluster and seek to underpin regional ICT activities with appropriate support. During 2004 the Ballarat ICT Cluster Steering Committee was established with representation from small and large businesses, government and education providers.

About the Ballarat ICT Cluster The Steering Committee identified that there was a need to conduct research as to the nature, breadth and potential of the Ballarat ICT Cluster. The City of Ballarat agreed to provide support and subsequently lodged an application for funding through the Regional Innovation Clusters Program administered by Regional Development Victoria's Office of Science and Technology.

About the Ballarat ICT Cluster STAGE 1 Stage 1 activities during 2005/2006 were designed to achieve the following three objectives: –Establish a cluster profile studycluster profile study –Develop an organisational planorganisational plan –Establish a cluster management and communication system During Stage 1 the University of Ballarat conducted research with Ballarat's ICT firms and documented their capabilities, size, relationships and needs. Technology utilisation by Ballarat's "traditional" business community was also examined to identify evident needs and/or opportunities. Projects outputs from Stage 1 are accessible through the Ballarat ICT Cluster Profile Study Report and the Ballarat ICT Cluster Organisational Plan. The establishment of the Ballarat ICT website was also an outcome of Stage 1 of the Ballarat ICT Cluster project.University of BallaratBallarat ICT Cluster Profile Study Report Ballarat ICT Cluster Organisational Plan

Stage 2 activities have been funded through a combination of State Government and Local Government Funding. Key activities include: –Rollout of an engagement program –Establishment of business intelligence services –Profiling and marketing of the Ballarat ICT Cluster –Support for ICT demonstration projects –Professional development opportunities –Export assistance The University of Ballarat has been appointed to implement the Stage 2 Activities. The University's Team draws expertise from the Centre for eCommerce and Communications and the Centre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness. Key individuals involved in the Ballarat ICT Cluster include: Helen Thompson, (Project Manager); Rebecca Lubeek (Project Officer); Prof Julian Lowe and Dr Patrice Braun.Centre for eCommerce and CommunicationsCentre for Regional Innovation and Competitiveness About the Ballarat ICT Cluster STAGE 2

Upcoming BICT Events The New Team Leader This course helps participants understand their role in the workplace, enabling them to take more control over their job & become a more effective leader. Date: Wed 31st Oct Start Time: 9:00am End Time: 4:30pm Duration: 7.30 Hours Location: Bell Tower Inn, 1845 Sturt Street Contact: Linda Tomassi,Linda Tomassi Phone: , Fax: ,

Upcoming BICT Events BisNet – Ballarat Business Network BisNet is Ballarat’s longest running business networking forum, operating for over 15 years. BisNet breakfasts provide SMEs with the opportunity to hear from a range of business and industry professionals. Date: Tue 6th Nov Start Time: 7:15am Duration: 1.30 Hours Location: The Alexandria on Lydiard, Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat Contact: Phone: , Fax:

Upcoming BICT Events The Experienced Team Leader Leadership is one of the most complex roles in the modern world. People in leadership positions need support, as they have a high level of impact in the workplace, both in the short and longer term, as they interact with other present and future leaders. Date: Tue 13th Nov Start Time: 9:00am End Time: 4:30pm Location: Bell Tower Inn, 1845 Sturt Street Contact: Linda Tomassi - Phone: , Fax: Web:

Further information: If you would like further information on the Ballarat ICT Cluster please contact: Helen Thompson Ballarat ICT Cluster Project Manager University of Ballarat Phone: