New chair for Committee

DAMIAN Ross has been announced as the Committee for Ballarat’s new chairperson.

Having spent 20 years at Mars-Wrigley, he has held senior positions in operations management and on the board.

Ballarat born and bred, Mr Ross said it’s a privilege to step into the role with this governance experience behind him.

“The Committee has been a fantastic organisation for Ballarat for a number of years now, and to pick up on some of the great work that’s already been done is quite exciting. It’s very humbling,” he said.

“Firstly, I want to get across the detail of a lot of the strategic work underway around liveability, sustainability and connectivity. It’s about making sure we’re clear on priorities, and then building on relationships with the City of Ballarat where there’s new leadership and change.

“One of our focuses is renewables. Michael Poulton has done some amazing work leading that recently, but we want to get more momentum behind that. To be world-class in that stage is a priority.”

A father of three children, Mr Ross has raised his family locally and has “a passion for Ballarat.”

“That’s an exciting part about the opportunity to be the chair. It’s a unique place, and I’m quite passionate about it continuing to grow and prosper.

“Stepping up and helping to shape and drive a future for Ballarat is really important to me. It would be great to think my family have the opportunity to raise their own families, and then their families here,” he said.