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G'day Ballarat! Big weekend ahead, with the Heritage Festival rolling into town and, for now, the weather seems to be mostly dry. Sunday might bring a shower or two, so maybe keep the jacket handy if you are heading out.

This week we’ve got hidden histories, local families needing a hand, a local pub win, and a possible new life for one of Ballarat’s old bluestone beauties. Enjoy the read!

– Luciano Devoto

Ballarat Heritage is back from 21 to 24 May, with this year’s theme focusing on Hidden Histories.

The program includes exhibitions, tours, performances, vintage displays, steam train rides, the Ballarat Antiques Fair, the Beard and Stache Competition, and the Ballarat Revealed exhibition inside the Ballarat Mining Exchange. There are also a few more unexpected bits in the mix, including heritage beer paddles, building tours, Devonshire teas and even a dog beard competition.

Basically, if you like old buildings, odd local stories, or just want an excuse to wander around town, this is the week for it.

Community Care Centre Ballarat is asking locals to donate mattresses, fridges, washing machines, dryers and household items for families in crisis. The centre helps people moving into housing after homelessness, family violence or other hard patches. If you have good items sitting unused, this is a practical way to help.

Two-year-old Malakai lives with severe epilepsy, and his family is fundraising for a seizure alert assistance dog after the NDIS reportedly refused funding. The dog could cost around $60,000, but may help warn the family before seizures and give them a little more peace of mind.

New heritage works have opened at the former Ballarat Orphanage site on Victoria St, recognising the thousands of children who lived there over 117 years. The project includes an entrance arch, sculptural marbles, story panels, seating and landscaping shaped by former residents.

Four Ballarat schools are finalists in the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards: Siena Catholic Primary, Wendouree Primary, Pleasant Street Primary and St James’ Parish Primary. Their projects cover waste reduction, gardens, container collection, endangered plants and student led sustainability work. Winners will be announced later this year.

The City is asking locals to help shape the future of Binney Reserve, with consultation open until Sunday 31 May. Plans include a possible new Black Hill Kindergarten with up to 99 places, plus feedback on access, parking, biodiversity, the oval and the pool.

The City is reviewing Ballarat’s Community Local Law, which covers things like animal management, property maintenance, waste, public spaces, outdoor dining, A-frame signs and skip bin permits. Locals, businesses and community groups can have a say before feedback closes on Monday 29 June.

Ballarat Line travellers have a few coach replacements coming up. From 23 to 26 May, evening trains between Wendouree and Southern Cross will be replaced by coaches, with V/Line advising passengers to allow an extra 40 minutes. There are more Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough line changes from 27 to 29 May.

Western Hotel has picked up Best Casual Dining - Regional at the AHA Victoria State Awards for Excellence, tied with Five Flags Hotel in Campbells Creek. The award recognises quality pub bistro dining, including food, service, atmosphere and value. A nice win for a local favourite.

The historic Pratts Warehouse on Mair Street could become a multi-storey amusement parlour, café, bowling alley and bar. The 1869 bluestone building is one of those places many locals know by sight, so seeing it brought back to life would be a pretty decent win for the CBD.

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Until next Thursday!

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