Barkly Square officially up and running

DEPUTY Mayor Cr Jim Rinaldi performed the honours at the official opening of Barkly Square, the rejuvenation of the former Ballarat Secondary College Barkly Campus.

Cr Rinaldi congratulated BGT Jobs & Training, a not-for-profit group training organisation providing education, training and employment services to the Ballarat community, for re-vitalising the campus.

“It has been a hub for learning since 1862 and thanks to your investment the centre will continue the proud tradition while attending to the needs of the community,” he said.

“It will strengthen the pathways for further education and employment through a highly collaborative approach.”

Barkly Square is now the home to the regional office of the YMCA, its largest tenant, as well as BGT Jobs & Training and other community groups and businesses with a focus on developing people’s education and careers.

The undertaking was a watershed moment in BGT’s 30-year history, Mark Schultz, Chair of BGT Jobs & Training said.

“It aligns with our mission to create success stories through skills and jobs by matching high quality work relevant training to local industry needs,” he said.

“It represents an opportunity to rejuvenate a wonderful facility lying dormant through a community collaborative based approach.”