Accenture to open new technology hub in Ballarat in 2025

Accenture has announced plans to open a new technology and operations hub in Ballarat, expanding its presence in regional Australia.

The facility, slated to open in May 2025, aims to meet the growing demand for sovereign technology services, providing support to local Australian businesses and government departments. This new addition will offer a suite of services including application development, IT service management, and management of business functions such as HR, finance, and marketing.

Accenture's Ballarat hub is expected to create a variety of new job opportunities while providing local residents with the chance to develop increasingly sought-after technology skills. In a bid to nurture a future-ready workforce, the facility will collaborate with Federation University to provide students with hands-on experience and training through the university's Co-operative Education Model.

The initiative comes at a time when there is increasing emphasis on the need for onshore technology support in both the public and private sectors, especially where keeping data within the nation's borders is of paramount interest.

Matt Coates, Technology Lead for Accenture in Australia and New Zealand, commented on the development: "We are excited to be establishing a tech centre in the thriving city of Ballarat. Increasingly our clients in both the private and public sectors are looking for technology and operations support to be delivered right here in Australia, particularly in cases where it is in the nation's interest for data to remain onshore."

Coates added, "This new facility will expand our existing local delivery capability and help us meet this growing need for sovereign technology services, delivered onshore. At the same time, it will create a new range of employment opportunities in Ballarat and help local residents develop technology skills that will be in high demand in the future."

He further noted, "Our research for the Tech Council of Australia has shown that the nation faces a shortfall of workers with technical skills. We are confident that this development in Ballarat will be a powerful example of how businesses can work together with the education sector and local communities to begin to address the gap and create a future-ready local workforce for the nation."

The Mayor of Ballarat, Cr Tracey Hargreaves, expressed delight at the plans: "We are thrilled that a global organisation like Accenture has recognised the potential held in the Ballarat region. The investment they are making in this technology hub will create jobs and upskilling opportunities for our workforce, help strengthen our local economy and create a more sustainable future for the region."

Mayor Hargreaves also stated, "It will also allow our people to work on projects of national importance, which I'm sure will be a drawcard for many to relocate to the area."

Professor Duncan Bentley, Vice Chancellor and President of Federation University Australia, welcomed the collaboration: "Federation University is delighted to welcome Accenture to our Technology Park located in Ballarat and supporting the establishment of their new tech hub. This partnership with Accenture is yet another great reason why studying IT and business-related courses at Federation University is a great career move."

Professor Bentley highlighted the benefits for students, "As through our Co-operative Education Model students will have the opportunity to undertake paid placements, career preparation and workplace skill development with one of the world's leading professional services providers."