![The Ballarat Italian Association [BIA]](https://ballaratitalianassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BIA_Logo.png){kind=logo}
Italians had been coming to Ballarat since the Gold rush period of the 1850’s – Raffaello Carboni being the most famous. They came to Ballarat in greater numbers after the Second World War and by the 1960’s Italians were well established and holding regular social gatherings at the Ballarat Show Grounds under the auspices of the Ballarat Italian Catholic Federation.
Then it was decided in 1975 by a small group of visionaries to establish the Ballarat Italian Association (BIA) to provide a focus for the growing Italian community to come together regularly and celebrate cultural events in a spirit of friendship. Successive committees provided the leadership, guidance and vision that led to the purchase of land and the building of the Association premises at Mt Clear.
Though there were challenges and personal differences, these were overcome by the members’ enthusiasm for success. As the founding members aged, however, participation in Association events began falling away. By 2001 it was apparent that the Association was not attracting the next generation of Italians, and membership started to decline. Costs began to outstrip income, causing the Association to rely on its meagre financial reserves.
Within a few years, thought was being given to subdividing parts of the land which could be sold for development. It was thought that financial security would increase membership and attract younger Italians. Successive committees considered this proposition, but it was not until 2012 that the decision was made to sell the entire property to a developer.
It was put out to tender and the successful bidder entered into a contract early in 2014. The sale of the land provided opportunities for reinvigorating the BIA with well-attended events, functions and activities that have increased the membership, while ensuring the Association’s financial security and enabling it to pursue projects for the benefit of members and the broader community.