G’day Ballarat! This week’s edition is a mixed bag in the best way. Some well-earned recognition, a bit of community rallying, a new spot to put on some delicious calories, and a few things that might affect your day-to-day. Plus the usual list of events, gigs and more. Take what you want, skip the rest. Enjoy!

- Luciano Devoto
PS: I don’t rise and shine. I caffeinate and cope…

The 2026 Australia Day Community Awards put the spotlight on locals who’ve put serious time and effort into helping others.

Citizen of the Year was awarded to James “Jimmy” Waight, founder of Jimmy’s Licorice Allsorts. What began as a cycling group has raised more than $300,000 for cancer research, with plenty of Ballarat riders jumping on board along the way.

Young Citizen of the Year went to Delaney Troon, who completed 21 half marathons in 21 days around Lake Wendouree while finishing Year 12, raising over $210,000 for Ballarat Men’s Mental Health.

The Community Event of the Year award recognised Grill’d Ballarat’s City Support Nights, a monthly free meal initiative serving locals in a welcoming, no questions asked setting.

Congrats to all the winners and nominees for their outstanding impact in our community.

The past few weeks have brought some tough moments for local families, and Ballarat has responded in a very familiar way.

After the Hallam family lost their Quantong home in the bushfires a week or so ago, locals organised a trivia night and silent auction at Sebastopol Bowling Club on Thursday 30 January. The event has been backed by donated prizes from local businesses, with funds going toward helping the family recover after losing their house.

Support is also building for three year old Phoebe Burke, who needs specialised surgery for a rare medical condition. A Drag Queen Bingo fundraiser will be held at Piano Bar Ballarat on Thursday 29 January, with auction items and donated prizes helping raise money toward the significant cost of her treatment.

Two separate events. Two different reasons. Both driven by locals stepping in to help when it matters.

A long forgotten block in Black Hill is about to turn into something locals can actually enjoy. An undeveloped 1.6 hectare site will be transformed into a community microforest, using the Miyawaki method to grow dense native plants faster than usual.

The idea has come from nearby residents who’ve been caring for the land for years. Plans include indigenous planting, walking paths and small gathering spaces, with community workshops set to begin soon.

Brekky is part of the daily routine at Buninyong Uniting Kindergarten. After staff noticed some kids were arriving hungry, they introduced the Healthy Hearts Breakfast Program, offering free breakfast each morning. Now in its third year, the program is supported by a Community Bank Buninyong grant, with most kids choosing to tuck in. Educators say it helps mornings run smoother and gets the day off to a calmer start.

Ballarat locals are being invited to have a say on plans for a new inclusive play space at Victoria Park. The proposed design focuses on all abilities, with equipment and spaces aimed at making play easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Council is asking residents to check out the concept plans and share feedback through MySay Ballarat, before designs are locked in. If playgrounds matter to your family, this is the bit where your opinion actually counts.

If Ballarat’s old buildings, stories and streets matter to you, this one’s worth a look. Council is calling for community representatives to join the Ballarat Heritage Advisory Committee, including a youth representative aged 18 to 25. The committee helps guide heritage decisions and the long term Heritage Plan, with meetings held every couple of months. It’s a volunteer role, but a genuine chance to shape how Ballarat’s past is looked after going forward. Expressions of interest close 5pm, 27 February.

Betty’s Burgers opened its Ballarat store in early December, bringing smash-style burgers to Bridge Mall. Soft milk buns, juicy beef patties, crispy chicken and simple, classic toppings are the focus. The menu keeps things straightforward with burgers, fries, thickshakes and a handful of sides, including sweet potato fries (I go nuts for sweet potato fries, so I’ll need to pop in soon). A solid new option for a casual feed in town.

🛏 3 - 🛁 1 - 🚗 1 | 💰 $360,000 - $380,000

This Redan home feels like a smart way to get a foot in the Ballarat market without stretching too far. It’s inner-city close, set in a quiet street, and has the kind of character older homes bring, fireplaces included. The block size is manageable, parking’s sorted, and there’s clear upside with cosmetic updates over time. The main watch-outs are the dated kitchen and bathroom. Overall, it seems like a solid first-home contender with room to grow.

I’m keen to sneak out to one of our local wineries and could use some tips. We’ve got a handful near Ballarat (excluding Avoca), that offer great wine, food and a nice setting to hang around in. If you’ve got a go-to spot you’d send friends to, I want to hear it. Where’s worth the quick drive?

Events and live music now have their own page, which means I can share a lot more of what’s happening around Ballarat each week. Check them out!

This week we have…

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Until next Thursday!