G'day Ballarat! Apparently this week’s edition has decided drinks are the theme. Ballarat Bitter is back after 70 years, Red Series is taking over the Mining Exchange, and a new Vietnamese spot has opened at The Bridge with pho, bánh mì and iced coffee ready to go.

There’s also a new Wadawurrung sculpture at North Gardens, a free jobs and training expo coming up, and Council wants your thoughts on how Ballarat gets active.

Enjoy the read beautiful people!

– Luciano Devoto
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Ballarat Bitter is flowing again, and Bertie has made the trip home with it.

Local resident Stephen Coghlan, the great-great-grandson of founder James Coghlan, bought the historic brand and its familiar cellarman mascot back from Asahi last year.

It is now on tap at about 12 Ballarat pubs and stocked by most independent bottle shops, with 500ml glass bottles expected to return within the next month.

For now, the beer is being brewed in Woodend using the original recipe. But the bigger plan is to bring production back to Ballarat.

After 70 years away, Bertie has clearly remembered the way home.

A new Wadawurrung artwork has joined the Indigenous Sculpture Park opposite Lake Wendouree. Created by Kait James, Kunuwarra (Blak Swan) features five large feathers arranged in a protective semicircle, representing knowledge passed between generations and the black swan’s connection to protection, strength and culture.

Grampians Health is trialling an AI note-taking tool designed to cut down admin and free up more time for patient care. The Ballarat-based trial, run with the University of Melbourne, is testing whether clinical notes and correspondence can be prepared more quickly without compromising safety or accuracy.

Looking for work, considering a career change or wondering what training options are available locally? The Ballarat Jobs and Training Expo returns on Friday 24 July, bringing employers and training providers together under one roof. Entry is free, and locals can speak directly with organisations about jobs, courses and next steps.

The Grampians and Pyrenees are bringing their best bottles to the Mining Exchange this Friday and Saturday. Red Series includes three tasting sessions, local food and wine poured by the people who make it. New this year is a small-group museum Shiraz masterclass hosted by wine critic Jeremy Oliver.

Fourteen local projects will share grants of between $5,000 and $23,240 through Ballarat’s new Social Inclusion Fund. The ideas range from art scholarships and social badminton to dementia art sessions, cultural workshops and free cricket gear. Different programs, same goal: helping more people feel connected and included.

Council’s draft Active Ballarat Strategy is open for feedback until 5 August. This time, the focus stretches beyond organised sport to include walking, informal exercise, better access to facilities, stronger clubs and more opportunities for women and girls. The final version will head to Council in September.

Pho Viet Ballarat has opened at 6 Coliseum Walk, bringing beef and chicken pho, $10 bánh mì, rice paper rolls, bao buns and Vietnamese iced coffee to The Bridge. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 8am–8pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am–8pm. The full food menu starts at 10am.

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What do you reckon it’s asking?

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Until next Thursday!

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