Cyber security experts move to Tech Park

The Victorian Government and Federation University have teamed up with Queensland technology company CT4 to bring the next generation of high-tech professionals to Ballarat. The city's reputation as a cyber security hub has helped secure the new tenant at the university's Mt Helen Tech Park and create 62 new jobs in the city.

CT4 will invest $1.8 million in Ballarat as it relocates to the Tech Park, taking the last vacant building to create a Global Cyber Centre (GCC) which officially opened on 14 June 2019. The area is also home to IBM and the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI), putting Ballarat at the cutting edge of this pioneering field. Construction began this week on the cyber lab, with final building works expected to be completed by late 2019.

The new centre will provide facilities and services including a high-level security cleared IT operations team, cloud-based and cyber security product development and testing space, educational and training areas, and will act as a draw for national investment in the local economy.

The university will work with CT4 to establish professional placements for students as the university does with IBM, and recent graduates from FedUni TAFE have been among CT4's first round of recruitment.

"These sorts of partnerships provide opportunities for high-skilled local jobs, research opportunities and invaluable experience for our students to work in global companies while they study," said Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett.