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G’day Ballarat! Looong weekend is around the corner and there's plenty happening in town. I've shortlisted a few highlights below, but jump on our event calendar for the full picture.
The first Dinner Club is in the books and I'm really pleased with how it all went down. 50 legends went out for dinner last Tuesday night and had a great time. Thank you to everyone for coming out!
– Luciano Devoto
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FEATURE STORY
5 Easy wins for your Easter long weekend in Ballarat
If you’re trying to keep the kids entertained or just want a reason to get out of the house, this weekend actually delivers. There’s a mix of free, low-effort outings and a couple of bigger events that feel worth planning around.
Ballarat Easter Display | All weekend | Evenings - Sturt Street has been taken over by giant eggs, bunnies and colourful setups. It’s an easy walk-through and works well in the evening when the lights are on. More info.
Easter Extravaganza Market (City Oval) | Good Friday | 2:00pm to 7:00pm - More food and stalls than kids activities, but still very family-friendly. One of those wander, eat, and stay longer than expected setups. More info.
Good Friday Raceday | Friday | 12:00pm - Not the obvious pick, but surprisingly social and relaxed, with family areas and plenty of space to settle in for the afternoon. More info.
Easter Egg Hunt at Lucas | Saturday | 9:00am to 2:30pm - A proper community turnout with timed hunts, food trucks and plenty happening around the oval. More info.
Cosmic Eggstravaganza | Saturday | Various sessions - A one-day event with a more interactive feel. A bit different from the usual Easter format if you want to mix things up. More info.
Plenty more on this weekend though. Check out our event calendar for more activities and live gigs.
COMMUNITY
50 strangers, 9 tables, and one very good night
The first Ballarat Life Dinner Club is officially in the books, and what a night it turned into. We had 50 attendees split into groups of six, all heading out for dinner at different local restaurants with people they’d never met.
By the end of it, around 30 or so rolled into Roy’s for an after party, which is where things really loosened up and conversations kept going.
While we had a few technical hiccups along the way, (text messages anyone?), overall the event seem to worked. Thank you to everyone who attended, and stay tuned for future announcements!
Petrol relief is here, but it’s more of a breather than a fix
Free public transport for a month - all public transport is now free from 31 March to 30 April. That includes V/Line, trains, trams and buses, so you can head into Melbourne or get around without paying. No Myki needed, just hop on and go.
Fuel excise cut by about 26 cents per litre - At the same time, the fuel excise has been halved for three months, which “should” bring prices down by around 26 cents per litre. For most drivers, that’s roughly $15 to $20 saved on a full tank.
It doesn’t solve the bigger issue, but it does take a bit of pressure off.
A simple guide to getting around Ballarat, especially if driving’s not as easy.
There’s a new transport guide aimed at helping older locals stay independent and connected. It pulls together everything in one place, from buses and trains to walking paths, cycling options and local transport support services.
It also highlights things like discounted Myki fares, accessibility help and community transport options that many people don’t realise are available.
A Ballarat walk that’s about more than just the kilometres
Local mental health advocate Alan Thorpe has been walking across western Victoria, including a recent stretch from Ballarat to Beaufort, to raise awareness and build support for a future community hub.
After years of long-distance walks and raising around $80,000 for mental health causes, he’s now focused on creating a space centred on open conversations and support. Donations can be made at his gofundme page.
COUNCIL UPDATES
From the City
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening across Ballarat right now
March council meeting wrap - A mix of practical updates this month, including progress on new facilities at Lake Wendouree, upgrades to community spaces, and steps forward on major projects like the Eastwood Leisure Complex.
New public toilets planned for Buninyong - Designs are progressing for upgraded facilities at De Soza Park, with a focus on accessibility, safety and better amenities for families and visitors.
Lake Wendouree toilet location locked in - St Patrick’s Point has been confirmed as the preferred site following community consultation, with more than 2,200 locals weighing in.
Active Ballarat plan now open for feedback - Council is shaping the future of parks, sports facilities and recreation across the city, with community input helping set priorities for the next decade.
BUSINESS
Bridge Mall just got a new coffee player
The Coffee Club has officially landed in Ballarat this past Monday, right in the heart of Ballarat Central. They kicked things off with free coffee and a few giveaways, which tends to do the trick.
Founded in Brisbane back in 1989, The Coffee Club has grown into one of Australia’s largest café chains, known for its all-day breakfast and a menu packed with all the familiar go-tos that rarely miss.
Address: 15 Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central
SUPPORT
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Ballarat Life is 100% free, independently owned and operated. We research and curate interesting local stories and list over 100 events in our calendar every week to keep you connected to what's happening in your city. Your contributions go toward keeping it going so we can have more fun and build more community. I appreciate any and all support, my friends! - Luciano
HOUSE HUNCH
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WHAT’S ON
Things to do this week
Discover all events, activities, and live music around Ballarat each week inside our events calendar. Check it out!
Festivals & Major Events (2)
Markets (5)
Comedy (1)
Performances (3)
Live Music (6)
Community Events (12)
Family & Kids (18)
Health & Wellness (5)
Art & Exhibitions (9)
Sports & Recreation (1)
Talks & Ideas (3)
Food & Drink (9)
Bingo, Trivia & Karaoke (13)
Workshops & Classes (5)
Weather Forecast
The Bureau of Meteorology
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Until next Thursday!
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