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G’day Ballarat! The sky might be grey and rainy, but don’t worry, the weekend is looking dry and sunny… sort of.

Plenty happening around town this week, including 40+ legends already booked in for the first Ballarat Life Dinner Club. If you’re keen, lock in your seat (spots are limited) and get ready to meet your next favourite people over dinner.

– Luciano Devoto
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Just up the road from Ballarat, Clunes is about to fill with books again for the Booktown Festival, now marking its 20th year.

It runs Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 4pm, with the main street closed to traffic and packed with 100 plus book stalls and thousands of second hand, new and collectible books. There are also author talks, panel sessions, writing workshops, live music and kids activities happening across multiple venues in town.

Entry to the street festival is free, with some talks and sessions ticketed through the official program.

This is one of those events where people arrive for a quick look and somehow leave hours later carrying a stack of books.

Wendouree teacher and local author Jodi Toering has just had her picture book Rain on the Rock named a Notable Book in the 2026 Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards, which is about as big as it gets in Australian children’s literature.

Jodi has been building a lovely track record in children’s publishing. Her earlier books include Night Watch and Mallee Sky, with Mallee Sky previously recognised as a CBCA Honour Book. If you’re curious about the books you can find them here.

Local triathlete Oscar Wootton has taken out the U23 title at the Oceania Triathlon Championships in Devonport, finishing fourth overall in the elite men’s race against a strong field from across the region.

Oscar started out with the Ballarat Triathlon Club before moving into Australia’s high performance pathway. For a regional kid to be mixing it with the best in Oceania is no small effort. Another reminder that Ballarat keeps producing serious sporting talent.

Harmony Fest is back with the main community celebration, Harmony in the Mall, is happening on Saturday 21 March from 10am to 2pm in Bridge Mall. It’s a free event with music, dance, food and activities for families, all centred around celebrating the diversity that makes Ballarat what it is.

If you’re around the city that morning, Bridge Mall should be a lively spot. Check out the program here.

With all the recent chaos around fuel prices, the Vic Government has stepped in to bring a bit more order. Since 10 March, servos now have to set their fuel price by 2pm the day before, and that price is locked in for 24 hours from 6am the next day. The goal is to stop sudden spikes and that last minute rush when prices jump.

On that note, here’s the cheapest U91 around town as of yesterday arvo:

Here’s a quick scan of the Council noticeboard and a few useful things coming up around town.

Sat 21 March: Sovereign Hill Auslan Day with interpreted experiences across the site and an Auslan interpreted AURA session in the evening.

Wed 26 March and Thu 27 March: Let’s Chat Ballarat Community Expo at Civic Hall. Meet councillors and council staff, explore projects and services, with food vendors and family activities.

Thu 10 April: Pet registration renewals due. Standard fee $46 for a desexed and microchipped dog or cat ($23 concession). Pay on time to avoid a Victorian Government levy increase.

7 April 2026: Making Your Voice Matter. A short survey asking locals how they want to hear about council projects and how they prefer to have their say.

If you’ve walked along Sturt Street lately, you might have noticed a new Vietnamese kitchen in the mix.

Bami Ballarat has opened at 318 Sturt Street, bringing its menu of bánh mì rolls, phở and noodle bowls right into the CBD. I popped in the other day to try their bánh mì (no lettuce thanks goodness), and I can confirm they’re a solid lunch option if you’re in town.

Ballarat Life is 100% free, independently owned and operated. We research and curate interesting local stories and list over 100 events in our calendar every week to keep you connected to what's happening in your city. Your contributions go toward keeping it going so we can have more fun and build more community. I appreciate any and all support, my friends! - Luciano

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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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