Good morning, Ballarat! What a week! Our own Alana Forster’s gone and bagged two world titles on the bike, we’ve eaten our way through thousands of pies (guilty 🙋‍♂️), and Mount Buninyong’s back open for weekend wanders. Oh, and Turret Café just scored Business of the Year. Not bad, hey?

And a big shout-out to all the dads on their day this Sunday! We’ve even lined up a cheeky giveaway to help you celebrate.

– Luciano Devoto
PS: This newsletter runs on caffeine and community support. Top me up here ☕

Ballarat’s own Alana Forster has lit up the world stage, bagging not one but two gold medals at the 2025 UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Ronse, Belgium (28–31 August). She blitzed the time trial on Friday and backed it up with a win in the road race on Sunday, showing she’s just as deadly against the clock as she is in a bunch sprint.

Alana’s path to the rainbow jersey hasn’t been smooth though. Back in 2021 she was working as a doctor and racing at elite level when a car crash left her with serious injuries to her pelvis, leg and nerves.

While most would have hung up the bike for good she jumped straight back on. Competing in the C5 para-cycling class, she’s fought her way from rehab rides around Ballarat to wearing the stripes on the world stage. A true local legend.

Congrats Alana! 🥳

To celebrate all the dads, step-dads and legends this Father’s Day, we’ve lined up an awesome giveaway. One lucky winner will score a $100 gift card to enjoy at one of Ballarat’s favourites:

🍻 Aunty Jacks
🍕 The Forge Pizzeria
🍺 Hop Temple
🍝 Carboni’s Italian Kitchen

How to enter:

We’ll announce the winner this Saturday, 6 September at 7 pm, so get tagging and good luck!

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Great news for anyone missing their favourite mountain wander. Mount Buninyong has reopened after months of fire recovery. The summit road and walking tracks are all good to go again, so you can drive, hike, or ride to the top and breathe in that fresh country air.

A big shout-out to the crews who’ve spent the past few months fixing things up after the March bushfire. Time to dust off the walking shoes, pack a thermos, and give Buninyong a well-deserved “welcome back” stroll.

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Footy fans, get ready! The V/Line Cup is back in Ballarat from 22 to 24 September. Now in its 76th year, the carnival will bring more than 600 players, officials and families from across Victoria to our local ovals.

Mars Stadium, Marty Busch Reserve and Learmonth Reserve will host the matches, giving these rising stars a proper stage to strut their stuff. We can expect packed sidelines and more importantly, a boost for local cafes and shops as visitors explore the city. It’s one of the state’s biggest junior footy carnivals and a rare chance to spot the AFL stars of tomorrow.

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Ballarat loves pets. Did you know there are a whopping 13,000 dogs and 6,000 cats in town, plus all the budgies, bunnies and backyard chooks in between? Now the City’s asking for our help to shape the new Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029.

They want ideas on off-leash spaces, cat curfews, adoptions, registrations and how to make sure the Animal Shelter keeps doing great work. You can jump online to share your thoughts, or drop by a community popup event at Pennyweight Park (9 Sept), MR Power Dog Park (17 Sept), the Animal Shelter (23 Sept) or the Library (25 Sept).

Consultation runs until 27 September so there’s plenty of time to throw in your two cents (and maybe a belly rub).

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Ballarat went pie-mad last month (me included)! Across August, more than 15,000 sweet and savoury pies were demolished at local cafés, bakeries, restaurants and bars. From creative dessert pies to hearty classics, locals tucked in and cast their votes for the People’s Choice, and the results are in.

🥇 Mrs Browne Bakes’s raspberry goldfields cookie pie at Naomi & i
🥈 LYDIARDgeneral store’s peach & Portuguese custard pie
🥉 Emma’s Tram Car pulled beef pie

Big shout-out to Visit Ballarat for serving up such a great (and tasty) event!

If there’s one place in Ballarat turning heads (and taste buds), it’s Turret Café & Catering. They’ve just scooped the top honours at the 2025 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards, crowned Business of the Year and winner of the Restaurants, Cafes & Pubs category.

Tucked into a heritage Queen Anne–style building at 802 Sturt Street, Turret is run by locals LeRoy and Belinda Hand, who’ve brought fresh flair while keeping all the charm.

Open every day from 7 am to 3 pm, they dish up all-day brekkie, lunches, house-baked treats and coffee that never misses. It’s the go-to spot for a casual catch-up, a business meeting, or a family get-together.

Handpicked activities for all ages

Father's Day at Kilderkin Distillery | Sun, 7 Sep | 12:00pm - 5:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Kilderkin Distillery
Description: Give Dad the gift of great taste and terrible puns with "Tim's Toasties Dad Edition" (gourmet gin-and-whisky-infused toasties) and special Boilermaker drinks, each served with a classic "dad joke" on the side.

Father's Day at the Greyhounds | Sun, 7 Sep | 12:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Corner of Rubicon & Sutton Streets
Description: A special Father's Day celebration at the Greyhounds, the event includes children’s entertainment, and notes that all activities are included when you book lunch.

Father's Day Lunch at Mercure | Sun, 7 Sep | 11:30am - 3:00pm | (from $35)
Venue: Mercure Ballarat
Description: A generous buffet lunch with tender grilled meats, fresh seasonal salads, indulgent desserts, and a dedicated kids' buffet to make Dad feel special.

Father's Day Lunch at The Shared Table | Sun, 7 Sep | 11:30am & 1:30pm sittings | (Info)
Venue: The Shared Table, Buninyong
Description: A specially curated set menu lunch featuring local produce, with dishes like barbecue lamb ribs, five-spice braised Sher Wagyu ox cheek, and sticky date pudding.

Man With A Pram – Ballarat Edition! | Sun, 7 Sep | 1:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Yacht Club
Description: A community event celebrating Father's Day.

Paint your Dad at Hop Temple | Sun, 7 Sep | 12:00pm - 2:00pm | ($30)
Venue: Hop Temple
Description: Treat Dad to a fun-filled session of sips, paints, and laughs. Your ticket includes a canvas, and Dad gets a free beer with any meal purchase.

The Bridge Market | Sat, 6 Sep | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Free)
Venue: The Bridge Mall
Description: A farmers market selling a wide range of essential foods, gourmet items, hot food, and locally made design ware.

Ballarat Preloved Fashion Event | Sat, 6 Sep | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Barkly Square
Description: Explore over 50 stalls of women's, men's, and children's preloved clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewellery.

Spring Book Sale | Sat, 6 Sep - Sun, 7 Sep | 10:00am - 2:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Mechanics Institute
Description: Hundreds of gently used and mint condition books, with many starting at $5. Vinyl records also available for sale.

Ballarat Fishing Festival 2025 | Sat, 6 Sep | 9:00am - 2:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Lake Wendouree
Description: A free community event with fishing clinics, cooking demonstrations, boat displays, fly tying, and hatchery tours.

The Gruffalo's Child | Fri, 5 Sep | 12:00pm - 12:55pm | (From $20)
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Description: A magical musical adaptation of the much-loved picture book, with songs, laughs, and scary fun for children aged 3 and up.

The Cat Empire - Bird In Paradise Album Tour | Fri, 5 Sep | 7:30pm - 10:45pm | ($79.90)
Venue: Civic Hall Ballarat
Description: Aussie legends The Cat Empire bring their new studio album to life with special guests Little Quirks and Arte Kanela. Known for their vibrant and joyful performances, this is a must-see event.

Michael Jackson - King Of Pop Starring Christian Robinson | Sat, 6 Sep | 8:00pm - 10:00pm | ($69.90)
Venue: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts
Description: A world-class tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time, featuring authentic live singing, choreographed dance moves, and a full live band.

Duck Pond by Circa | Wed, 10 Sep | 7:30pm - 8:45pm | (from $25)
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Description: The world's most romantic ballet is re-imagined as a circus spectacular, full of Circa's signature physicality, cheeky humour, and thoroughly contemporary energy.

Good with Money | Thu, 4 Sep | 10:30am - 2:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Library
Description: A free program by WIRE to strengthen financial wellbeing, covering money basics, budgeting, and planning for the future.

Million Moves - Chair Yoga | Fri, 5 Sep | 10:00am - 10:30am | (Free)
Venue: Sebastopol Library
Description: A gentle, accessible form of yoga performed while seated or using a chair for balance, suitable for all ability levels.

How to Stay Strong When Things Go Wrong: The Art of Acceptance | Sat, 6 Sep | 10:30am - 3:15pm | ($75)
Venue: Ballarat Mechanics Institute
Description: Learn Buddhist techniques and be guided in meditation to experience peace in the face of adversity.

Ballarat International Foto Biennale | Ongoing | (Info)
Venue: Various venues across Ballarat
Description: A dynamic exploration of visual storytelling with the theme of "Lifeforce," showcasing works by international and Australian photographers.

Art Gallery of Ballarat Art Screen: Leicolhn McKellar - Guma | Ongoing | (Free)
Venue: Alfred Deakin Place
Description: A visual exploration of contemporary pan-Aboriginal identity that challenges reductive visual tropes and celebrates the everyday lives of First Nations families.

Artist Tim Gresham - ATMOS | Sat, 6 Sep - Sun, 7 Sep | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: The Old Butchers Shop Gallery
Description: Photographs that reflect the atmosphere and changing moods of Lake Wendouree, captured during the artist's morning walks.

Floriography | Kylie Supski | Sat, 6 Sep | 3:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Arts Incubator
Description: An immersive projection show by photographer Kylie Supski exploring nature as a silent storyteller, part of the Foto Biennale.

Marks of Absence Photographs by Des Crossley | Ongoing | 10:00am - 5:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Eureka Centre Ballarat
Description: An eight-panel series photographed at Auschwitz using a camera from the Holocaust era, bridging history and the present.

Magic Men Australia | Fri, 5 Sep | 7:30pm - 10:30pm | (Info)
Venue: The George Hotel
Description: The ultimate Girls' Night Out, this high-energy male revue show features an all-star cast of dancers in a performance filled with sculpted bodies, irresistible charm, and electrifying stage presence.

Wednesday Night Trivia | Wed, 10 Sep | 7:30pm - 10:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Royal Mail Hotel
Description: From pop culture to history, music to sport - every round is a new challenge with prizes and laughs.

. . .

Please note: Always double-check with venues for any last-minute changes or ticketing requirements.)

The Sporting Globe Ballarat | Kaze Karaoke | 8:00pm | (Free)
The Courthouse Hotel | Karaoke Night | (Free)

The Main Bar | Koun Vincent | 7:00pm | ($16.75)
JD's Bar & Lounge | Kaze Karaoke | 8:00pm | (Free)
Ellington's Wine Bar | Swish presents Disco Fantasy | 8:00pm | ($10)
The Lane at The George Hotel | Retro Revival | 8:00pm
The Courthouse Hotel | Friday Night Live | 8:00pm | (Free)
Black Hill Hotel | Live Music | 7:30pm | (Free)

Odessa at leavers hotel, Creswick | FRENTE - Regional Trio Tour | 2pm & 6pm
The Main Bar | Shane Gilbert | 7:00pm
The Millers | Black Vinyl, Classic Rock | 8:00pm
The Munster Arms Hotel | Live with Brodie Glen! | 8:00pm
Freight Bar & Rooftop | DJ Jake Taylor | 7:00pm | (Free)
The Cattleyards Inn | Kaze Karaoke | 8:00pm | (Free)
Hop Temple | Saturday Live Music | 9:00pm | (Free)

Kank Wolverang Records | Nampo and Exosquelette | 2:00pm
Hop Temple | Blues, Brews & BBQ | 1:30pm | (Free)
The Courthouse Hotel | Sunday Session: Playjarism | 2:00pm | (Free)
Market Hotel | Eloise & Acacia Lund | 3:00pm | (Free)
Freight Bar & Rooftop | SundaySesh with DJ Jake Taylor | 7:00pm | (Free)

The Robin Hood Hotel | Kaze Karaoke | (Free)

Freight Bar & Rooftop | Karaoke Night | 7:00pm | (Free)

Thursday, 4 September
9 °C 🌡️ –1 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~60% | 💨 W 10–20 km/h

Friday, 5 September
11 °C 🌡️ 3 °C | 🌤️ | ☔ ~10% | 💨 W 5–15 km/h

Saturday, 6 September
15 °C 🌡️ 11 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 W 10–20 km/h

Sunday, 7 September (Father’s Day)
14 °C 🌡️ 8 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~70% | 💨 W 10–20 km/h

Monday, 8 September
14 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | 🌤️ | ☔ ~30% | 💨 W 10–15 km/h

Tuesday, 9 September
11 °C 🌡️ 3 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~70% | 💨 W 10–20 km/h

Wednesday, 10 September
10 °C 🌡️ 2 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~60% | 💨 W 10–20 km/h

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Until next Thursday!