The Y Ballarat, a not-for-profit community services provider, needed a robust evidence base to understand the community's need for alternative education options. They wanted analysis of the spatial distribution of the school-age population, how this cohort would grow and change in future years, as well as relevant social indicators including NDIS participation, youth disengagement, and socio-economic disadvantage.
Our Approach
Insight Demographics developed a comprehensive evidence base that mapped the school-age population across the Ballarat region and analysed future population change. Our analysis covered social indicators such as NDIS participant data, rates of youth disengagement, educational attainment and poverty, to understand how the community's needs intersect with the Y School model's target cohort. Benchmarking our data against other Regional Victorian cities and using maps to demonstrate spatial distribution, we tailored the report to support the Y’s strategic decision-making.
The Outcome
The Y Ballarat received a spatially-informed evidence base that indicated both current and future demand for alternative education in the region. By understanding where need is greatest in the city, the organisation gained the confidence to make informed decisions about making targeted investments in areas where they could have the greatest impact.
Needs analysis for alternative education options in Ballarat
SPATIAL ANALYSIS
EDUCATION
THE Y BALLARAT
The Challenge