Comedic inspiration for aspiring young performers, a new dedicated arts pavilion and police dog ‘Kevin’ could all be found at yesterday’s Western Victorian Careers Expo.

The event, at Longerenong’s Wimmera Events Centre, featured a theme of performing and creative arts this year.

Professional comedian, writer, actor and broadcaster Tom Ballard was a guest speaker.

With close ties to the Wimmera, Mr Ballard said he wanted to spread a message to regional and rural people that a career in performing arts and media was a ‘crazy’ but achievable dream.

“I grew up in Warrnambool, but my mum is from Horsham and my aunty and uncle live here. We used to come here all the time for holidays,” he said.

“I didn’t know any professional comedians growing up and it seemed like a crazy thing to do in life, but I managed to get there. Which I think is the message I want to get across, particularly to someone from a country or regional area – it is possible to have a career in performing arts.

“I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t doing this and I don’t know if I would be particularly happy. 

“So, if there are little Tom Ballards out there in the audience, then hopefully I can give them some hope.”

Event project officer Annie Mintern said the ever-growing event was important, particularly for young students, in providing career information and inspiration.

“A lot of the students start coming to the expo in year nine, and you don’t really know what you want to do then, but at least with the expo they can start to think about ideas,” she said.

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