Ballarat Zero
Working together to end rough sleeping in Ballarat
What is Ballarat Zero?
Ballarat Zero is a community-wide initiative led by the Central Highlands Homelessness Alliance (CHHA) that brings services, government, businesses and the community together to end rough sleeping in Ballarat.
Using the nationally recognised Advance to Zero approach, the project combines real-time data, coordinated action and collaboration to ensure every person experiencing rough sleeping is known by name and connected to the support they need.
Our Vision
A Ballarat where rough sleeping is rare, brief and non-recurring - and everyone has the opportunity to access safe, secure housing.
How Zero works
Known By Name
Every person sleeping rough is known and understood.
Real Time Data
Information guides decisions and identifies emerging needs
Coordinated Action
Services work together rather than separately
Housing Focus
Every action moves people towards permanent housing
Working Together
Key Partners
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Uniting VicTas: Providing project leadership and outreach services.
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Ballarat City Council: Supporting coordination and community collaboration.
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Participating CHHA Agencies: Delivering direct homelessness support services.
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The Ballarat Foundation: a supportive partner, providing funding with a two-yea Innovation Grant for the By Name List data base and data lead.
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The Jack Brockhoff Foundation: provided a generous three year funding grant to employ to Assertive Outreach workers to support those experiencing rough sleeping.
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Victoria Police: Assisting outreach teams to locate and connect with those at risk.
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Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (AAEH): Providing guidance, training, and resources, nationwide Zero Project Communities of Practice and workshops.
The project also engages state government bodies, housing providers, and local service organizations for broader support.
Why it Matters
Rough sleeping is one of the most visible forms of homelessness, but it is also one of the most complex.
Through collaboration, shared information and coordinated support, Ballarat Zero is helping people move from rough sleeping into safe and stable housing while improving the way our community responds.
Since Launching Ballarat Zero
✓ Community collaboration strengthened
✓ Real-time By Name List established
✓ Regular case coordination meetings
✓ People supported into housing
✓ Ongoing system improvement
Get Involved
Ending rough sleeping takes a whole community.
Whether you're a service provider, community organisation, business or local resident, everyone has a role to play.
Ending rough sleeping isn't something one organisation can achieve alone. It takes a connected community working together.