G'day Ballarat! So, I ran a marathon in Melbourne last weekend because what's the point of doing such a thing if you're not telling everyone you know about it 😅

On a more serious note, Ballarat's cancer centre has had a $15 million upgrade, and Bridge Mall has a new destination for chocolate lovers. We've also got an Alfredton home that's somehow held onto its original carpets since 1904.

Enjoy the read.

– Luciano Devoto

There's some good news for Ballarat patients going through cancer treatment.

The Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre has had a $15 million upgrade, including two new radiotherapy machines and refurbished treatment rooms.

The new equipment gives local patients access to more advanced radiotherapy, reducing the need to travel to Melbourne for treatment.

And when you're already dealing with cancer, not having to spend hours on the road for treatment is a pretty big deal.

San Churro opened on Friday 9 October, bringing its Spanish-style churros, melted chocolate dipping sauces, hot chocolates and other desserts to Ballarat.

You'll find it at Shop 3, Norwich Plaza, 15 Bridge Mall. Between this and the other chocolate shops nearby, a quick trip into town could become a dangerous exercise in self-control.

Ballarat's Children's Week runs from 24 October to 1 November, with free activities including dancing in Buninyong, building bee hotels, a teddy bear picnic and multicultural celebrations.

The full program is for children up to 12, and some activities need bookings. Best part? They're all free.

Disappointing news for Creswick, with plans for an $18 million expansion of John Curtin Aged Care now cancelled.

The project would have added 33 beds, but the organisation couldn't secure the $5 million it needed to contribute, despite receiving a $13 million federal grant.

That means 33 fewer new aged-care places than planned for the area, where families already have limited options close to home.

The Fernery at Ballarat Botanical Gardens has a new set of entrance gates, decorated with tree fern designs inspired by the plants inside.

The gates were funded through years of community donations to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation, designed by Andrea Proctor Landscapes and made by local business The Scape Artist.

A nice little addition to one of Ballarat's favourite spots, thanks to the generosity of locals.

Heading to Melbourne this weekend? V/Line has more disruptions from Friday 16 October at 8.30 pm until Sunday night.

Friday evening trains will be replaced by coaches between Wendouree and Southern Cross. On Saturday and Sunday, passengers will need to switch to buses between Bacchus Marsh and Caroline Springs.

Allow extra travel time and check the temporary timetable before leaving.

Ballarat Libraries is planning its services for the next four years and wants to know what locals would like to see.

You can complete the survey by Tuesday 15 December, with ten $50 grocery vouchers up for grabs. There's also a drop-in session at Ballarat Library on Tuesday 20 October, from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Ballarat Library is running a free session on Thursday 22 October at 1.30 pm, covering how to use AI safely, protect your privacy and avoid common mistakes.

It's part of the Seniors Festival, with hands-on learning included. Bookings are available here.

Yes, you read that right. A circus troupe is coming to Ballarat to perform acrobatics while building a portable railway track as they go.

It's called Ocker, and the performers weave through the crowd, laying tracks and getting themselves into all sorts of trouble along the way.

The free outdoor shows are happening outside Civic Hall on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, at 11 am and 2 pm each day.

No tickets needed, just turn up and see what happens.

4🛏️ 3🛁 3🚗 | House | 3,230m²

This Alfredton home has been around since 1904, and remarkably, some of its original Scottish carpets are still there, along with four working fireplaces and beautiful period ceilings.

There's also a huge modern extension with a heated indoor pool, billiard room and a double-storey cubby house in the garden.

Can you guess the asking price?

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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