G'day Ballarat! There are a few stories this week that made me stop and look twice. Central Square is up for sale after about 30 years, there’s a new social club tucked away off Lydiard Street, and an 80-year-old Ballarat volunteer is still spending her retirement helping strangers through court.

That’s a pretty good snapshot of Ballarat this week: change in familiar places, and good people still getting on with it.

Enjoy the read.

– Luciano Devoto

Central Square is up for sale for the first time in about 30 years. Any takers?

Bridge Mall has recently gone through a major upgrade, so I hope whoever takes over Central Square can bring some overdue life and energy back to what has become a very tired piece of real estate.

The sale listing points to current vacancies and the chance to change the tenant mix as opportunities for whoever takes it on.

If you had the keys to Central Square, what would you change first?

Babies Above started with six local mums who had each been through the heartbreak of losing a baby and wanted other families to feel less alone.

The group now provides care packages, peer support and remembrance events around Ballarat. Its Glimmer of Hope Gala returns on 17 October after raising about $50,000 last year.

Going for Gold is back on 16 October, and there’s a lot more behind it than a day on the golf course.

Greg Walsh started it after losing two brothers and several friends to suicide. Now in its 11th year, the event is still raising money for local mental health projects through the James Petrie Fund.

After 53 years in education, Marie Davey could be forgiven for putting her feet up. Instead, she’s spending part of retirement helping people navigate Ballarat’s courts.

Marie has now received Court Network’s inaugural Carmel Benjamin Award for Excellence for her volunteer work. She’s part of a local team helping make some very difficult days a little less daunting.

A few practical changes have landed at BALC, with a new Changing Places facility now open and automatic doors added across the health club and studios.

It’s part of a broader accessibility upgrade, with more accessible change rooms still to come. They’re practical changes that could make a big difference for the people who need them.

Council has reopened its Tourism Events Grants, with funding available for events that bring visitors and overnight stays to Ballarat.

Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, with applications closing 31 October. There’s also a new year-round stream for business events.

Nominations are open for Ballarat’s 2027 Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year awards.

If someone comes to mind straight away, that’s probably a good sign. Nominations close 31 October.

If you’re travelling between Ballarat and Melbourne at night from Sunday, check your trip before heading out.

Coaches will replace evening Ballarat Line trains from Sunday 11 to Wednesday 14 October, with V/Line advising passengers to allow up to an extra 40 minutes.

Work on the Western Highway upgrade between Buangor and Ararat is ramping up this month, with lane closures, temporary traffic lights and reduced speed limits expected along the route.

Drivers may face delays of up to five minutes while preparatory works continue ahead of the duplication project.

There’s a new option for those of us who like having something to do between drinks.

Dear Eliza has opened at 27 Lydiard Street North, with cocktails, food, interactive darts, SHUFL and pool all under one roof.

The name is a nod to Eliza Forster, who once helped run The George Hotel next door. Entry is via Ballarat Umbrella Lane, which adds a little mystery before you’ve even made it inside.

5🛏️ 2🛁 2🚗 | House | 975m²

There’s a lot packed into this home within walking distance of Buninyong CBD. A renovated colonial-style kitchen, several living zones, an upstairs retreat and a deck looking towards Mount Buninyong. Out back, the generous yard leaves plenty of room for a pool, garden or play area, with the soccer oval just across the road.

What do you reckon they’re asking?

Discover all events, activities, and live music around Ballarat each week inside our events calendar. Check it out!

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Until next Thursday!

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