G'day Ballarat! Seems like keeping kids away from screens comes at a higher cost than expected, but I wouldn’t worry too much just yet. There are a few ways to keep the cost of kids’ sport under control.

Elsewhere, Post Malone has pulled the pin on Strummingbird, Lydiard General has poured its last coffee, and Ballarat’s west keeps growing faster than my to-do list at work.

It’s an easy read today. Enjoy.

– Luciano Devoto

A new Federation University study has found families are spending an average $4,567 per child each year on community sport once fees, gear, travel and accommodation are added up. So apparently the registration fee is just the opening act.

But don’t worry (just yet), because there is some help. Victoria’s Get Active Kids vouchers reopen in September, offering eligible families up to $200 per child.

Some Ballarat clubs also offer payment plans, while local programs can help with fees and equipment costs.

It won’t make junior sport cheap, but it might make the next registration email slightly less terrifying.

Well, that didn’t last long. Post Malone has postponed his Australian tour, taking him out of Ballarat’s Strummingbird on 10 October.

The festival is still on, with Sam Barber added exclusively for Ballarat and James Johnston joining the lineup.

If Post was your reason for buying a ticket, refunds close 5 pm Thursday 3 September.

Construction has started on a $2.65 million expansion of Brown Hill Kindergarten, adding 33 new places and taking total capacity to 99.

There’ll also be upgraded play areas, learning spaces, parking and air conditioning. The new room should be ready for its first tiny customers in 2028.

Ballarat’s west keeps growing, and apparently the school run needs to keep up. Ascension Anglican School is planned for Cardigan, opening with Prep to Year 6 in 2029, adding Year 7 in 2030 and eventually growing to P–12.

Curious parents can hear more at two community sessions on Tuesday 15 September.

If you’ve got a Victorian Seniors Card, October might be a good time to disappear for the day. Public transport across Victoria will be free from Saturday 3 to Sunday 11 October, including regional trains, coaches and buses.

You’ll still need your Seniors Card and seniors myki, and long-distance V/Line trips need to be booked in advance.

Council asked young people what they actually need, and 995 responses later the message is pretty clear: better mental-health support, help with cost-of-living and transport, more volunteering opportunities, and safe places to hang out that aren’t home or school.

The draft Youth Strategy is now open for another round of feedback.

Ballarat Council has updated its Financial Hardship Policy, with clearer options for residents and businesses having trouble paying their rates.

That can include flexible payment plans, deferred payments and, in some cases, rate waivers for eligible owner-occupied homes.

The policy also specifically recognises family violence and economic abuse.

If the rates notice is currently sitting on the bench giving you dirty looks, you can call Council on 5320 5500 to discuss your options.

After almost five years in Soldiers Hill, Lydiard General has closed its doors.

The team said farewell this week, thanking the regulars, local businesses and community that became part of the café along the way.

It’s a sad goodbye for the little Lydiard Street spot, and one less excuse to stop for coffee on the way past.

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This Webster Street home has had the full makeover, with two living areas, a covered outdoor entertaining zone, spa and established gardens. You’re also within wandering distance of Lake Wendouree, cafés and the CBD.

So, what price tag comes with all that Central convenience?

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Until next Thursday!

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