G’day Ballarat! Hope your week’s going strong and without too many hiccups. In this edition, we’re looking at grant funding now open for local groups, a couple of local teens making their mark on the national stage, and a new sweet tenant moving into Apollo’s iconic street corner, plus a bunch of other local updates.

Oh, and one more thing. We’re launching a new events calendar where you can not only see what’s happening around town this week, but also add or edit events yourself. Pretty handy

Hope you enjoy the read!

- Luciano Devoto

The City of Ballarat has opened the latest round of Community Impact Grants, which help fund local ideas that bring people together, build skills, or strengthen community connections. It’s aimed squarely at not for profits, community groups and clubs who are already doing the work on the ground.

There’s funding available across a few levels, from smaller projects through to larger initiatives, and this round runs until mid March. There are also free grant writing sessions coming up, both in person and online, for anyone who wants a bit of guidance.

If you’re involved in a group with a good idea that could use a boost, it’s worth having a read.

Two Sebastopol teenagers took on the country’s best junior cyclists at the Auscycling National Road Championships in Perth and more than held their own.

Alistair Forsyth delivered a standout performance, claiming bronze in the under 19 road race before backing it up with silver in the time trial. Fellow Sebastopol rider Lachlan Morris also impressed, finishing 11th in a deep and competitive field.

For a town our size, seeing locals mixing it with the best in the country is something to take note of.

This one caught my eye for practical reasons. Ballarat Libraries have extended their opening hours at several branches, giving locals more flexibility to study, work, or just find a quiet corner to read. Early mornings and later evenings should now be easier to plan around, especially for students and anyone juggling work and family life. It’s a small shift, but one that makes using our libraries fit better around real schedules.

Cafs has announced a new suite of free parenting and family programs starting in February 2026, aimed at supporting parents, carers and dads across the Central Highlands. The programs cover different stages of family life, from navigating early years challenges to building stronger connections with older kids. There’s also a clear focus on programs designed specifically for dads, which is good to see. Sessions will be run locally and are open to anyone who feels they could use a bit of extra support or guidance.

Nominations are now open for the Victorian Sport Awards, and it’s a good opportunity for Ballarat’s sporting community to get wider recognition. The awards span athletes, coaches, clubs and volunteers who keep things running week in, week out. Nominations close on Friday 13 February, so there’s still a bit of time to put someone forward. If you know someone who gives their time, leads by example, or has had a standout year, they’re eligible. Good luck!

A small correction on last week’s play space story. The consultation isn’t for a new play space at Victoria Park. It’s about sharing feedback on the Sensory Friendly Stay and Play Zone within the existing inclusive play space. Thank you to Martin for picking this up!

Council has released the next stage of its Heritage Gaps Study, which looks at parts of the city that aren’t currently protected but might have local heritage value. The idea is to review places that don’t yet have heritage overlay but might matter to community character and history. Council is seeking feedback on the draft findings before progressing to formal recommendations.

After years baking and running food businesses around Ballarat, Sara Kittelty is bringing Kittelty’s into a proper shopfront, taking over the old Apollo’s Fish and Chips building in Ballarat East. She’s been in the game for more than a decade, with the pandemic nudging her further into cakes, scrolls and bikkies and helping Kittelty’s find its rhythm online. Now she’s landed a spot many locals will recognise straight away. The space is being refreshed and will soon be home to her sweet creations, giving a familiar street corner a new chapter.

Chinese food in Ballarat has always been a bit spread out. No single place does it all, but plenty of local spots do one or two dishes really well. This one’s about where you keep going back, whether it’s a reliable takeaway, a solid dine in, or that one dish you order every time. Cast your vote below and let us know.

Events, activities and live music now live inside our events calendar, which means I can share a lot more of what’s happening around Ballarat each week. Check it out!

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Until next Thursday!