The

Council

Nothing workers have today was handed to them on a plate.

It was won by Unions and their members sticking together!

Established in 1883 from the April 1856 Ballarat Eight Hour Committee, the Ballarat Regional Trades and Labour Council Incorporated meets on the second Tuesday of each month (except January) at 6pm at the Council Chambers at Trades Hall Camp Street. It has met regularly in the Camp Street Chambers since 1888.


The Council is comprised of delegates from our 24 affiliated unions and representatives from other Regional Trades and Labour Councils.


At our AGM every second year in July Officers and the Executive are elected by Council Delegates.


Our 2023-24 Executive

The Trades Hall Executive are elected by Council at the July AGM with the Secretary/Treasurer serving five year terms and the President, Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Executive of five Delegates serving two year terms.
  • President: Cassia Drever-Smith (ANMF)
  • Vice President: Ross Kenna (AWU)
  • Secretary/Treasurer: Brett Edgington (CPSU/MEAA)
  • Assistant Secretary: Ron Woods (ASU)
  • Immediate Past President: Patrick O’Leary (NTEU)


  • Ian Fullerton (CFMEU Manufacturing)
  • Stephanie Cooper (ANMF)
  • Doug Stewart (CFMEU Construction and General)
  • Tracey Brown (ASU Private)
  • Debbie Lord (NTEU)

The

Board of Trustees

The Ballarat Trades Hall is administered by a Board of Trustees which meet regularly. The Trustees maintain the Trades Hall building and manage the use of all rooms and venues in Trades Hall.

Ballarat Trades Hall Council remains the second oldest Trades Hall Council in the world still performing its original role and intention after Victorian Trades Hall, Melbourne.


The Ballarat Trades Hall building has had many additions and changes since its construction in 1887-88. While much has been done in recent years to restore and renovate the building, much work remains: getting the Hall back to performance standard, refurbishing rooms, looking at disability access and the provision lifts, providing adequate public toilets and establishing a food and drink preparation area. The external fabric of the building and facade also needs repair.


A completely restored Trades Hall will be a working asset, not only for Unions, but also for the wider community. More than $10 million must be raised in order to complete renovations.


Your contributions will help to bring this goal to fruition for present and future generations.


Our Board of Trustees are:



  • Christina Best (CPSU)
  • Ron Woods (ASU)
  • Colin Muir (ASU Private)
  • Bob Bassett (RTBU)
  • Brett Edgington (CPSU-MEAA)



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