🌼 450 reasons to head to the lake this Sunday

G’day Ballarat! SpringFest is rolling around the lake this Sunday with perfect timing for a wander. We've got good news on bulk billing, a reminder about fire safety, and the Christmas appeal needs your support. Let's get into it.

– Luciano Devoto
My coffee mug is accepting donations ☕

SpringFest is back this Sunday and the lake will be buzzing with more than 450 stalls for its 30th Market Sunday. Handmade goodies, great food, local makers and live music always make this one of the happiest days on the Ballarat calendar.

There's nice history here too. This marks 30 years since that first SpringFest back in 1994, and Ballarat Clarendon College is back as a major partner after kicking the whole thing off three decades ago. The Rotary Club of Ballarat is also celebrating its centenary this year.

The Show n Glow car display returns, there'll be activities for kids, and every dollar raised heads straight back into supporting local community projects and charities. Free parking at Victoria Park.

Ballarat's leading a national shift in GP care with 18 local clinics moving to full bulk billing. Out of roughly 40 clinics in the region, that puts us at the top of any federal electorate for bulk billing transitions.

The change follows new Medicare incentives kicking in this month, extending payments to all patients instead of just kids and concession card holders.

The Men Leading Change Forum brings local blokes together on Friday 5 December to talk about healthy masculinity and safer relationships. Former AFL player Mitch Brown will share his journey with mental wellbeing and creating safe spaces for men to be authentic.

The morning runs 9am to 1pm at Ballarat Goods Shed with panel discussions and workshops designed to spark real action.

The fire danger period started Monday with tighter rules on open-air fires and burn-offs across Ballarat. CFA is urging everyone to clean up yard fuel loads, clear gutters and stay alert as conditions change.

Recent spring rain has created fast grass growth which becomes risky once the heat settles in. The period runs through to May 1, 2026. Check the CFA website for what you can and can't do.

The Ballarat Christmas Appeal is in full swing raising funds for families doing it tough this festive season. Since 1980, the appeal has provided millions of dollars supporting locals through The Salvation Army, Uniting Ballarat, St Vincent de Paul and Anglicare Ballarat.

Donations of money, non-perishable food, unwrapped toys and gifts are welcome. Drop items at collection points including Anglicare Bakery Hill, 3BA, Toyworld Wendouree, or Jellis Craig.

Mount Clear College Year 8 student Amethyst May picked up two gold medals in the National History Challenge for her documentary on the Lucas Girls, the Ballarat women who created the Arch of Victory and Avenue of Honour after the Great War.

Amethyst filmed and edited everything on her sister's phone. She's now volunteering at Sovereign Hill sharing her passion for local history with visitors, and planning her next documentary about the Gold Rush for the 2026 competition.

Worth repeating from last week: coaches are still replacing trains between Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat through Friday for annual maintenance and station upgrade works. Trains run between Southern Cross and Bacchus Marsh, with coaches covering the rest. Check vline.com.au for timetable details before you travel.

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This renovated three-bedroom home in Sebas is priced well under the suburb median and comes with a fixed lease at $380 a week until September 2026, giving you instant rental income. It has open-plan living, a modern kitchen with gas cooking, central heating, ducted cooling and a low-maintenance 347 square metre block. Thoughts?

We are kicking off Local Favourites with a spicy one. Ballarat has some cracker Thai spots and I want to know which one wins for you. Have a quick scroll and vote for your pick.

Handpicked activities for all ages

SpringFest Ballarat Market Sunday | Sun, 30 Nov | 10:00am – 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Gardens Precinct, Lake Wendouree
Description: Celebrating 30 years, this massive market features over 450 stalls, food, and entertainment along the lake.

Bigibila Christmas Market | Sat, 29 Nov | 3:00pm – 9:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Bigibila Wines, Moonambel
Description: Festive stalls, food, and live music.

Newstead Arts Hub Market | Sun, 30 Nov | 9:30am – 1:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Newstead Arts Hub
Description: Local makers selling handmade items.

Akmal | Fri, 28 Nov | 8:00pm – 9:30pm | ($60.39)
Venue: Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute, Ballarat Central
Description: The master of unscripted comedy gold returns. Warning: may cause loss of bladder control.

Daniel Muggleton: White & Crazy | Sat, 29 Nov | 8:00pm – 9:30pm | ($38.50)
Venue: Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute, Ballarat Central
Description: Foul-mouthed, thought-provoking stand-up from the man in the red tracksuit.

INTRUSIVE thoughts: Comedy Show | Sun, 30 Nov | 7:00pm | ($20)
Venue: The Crypt, Ballarat Central
Description: Comedian and psychologist Sweeney Young explores the human mind and the strange things it does. Brain-themed cocktails available.

Perfume Genius Glory Tour | Wed, 3 Dec | 7:30pm – 10:00pm | ($73.90)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat Central
Description: Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) and his band perform his pristine new album Glory. Produced by Blake Mills, the album marks a new collaborative chapter in his discography.

The Big Christmas Sing | Sun, 30 Nov | 2:00pm – 3:15pm | ($35)
Venue: Civic Hall, Ballarat Central
Description: Victorian Opera, Ballarat Choral Society, and Ballarat Symphony Orchestra present an afternoon of festive music, operatic hits, and sing-along moments.

Medium Rhiannon Rose | Sat, 29 Nov | Evening | ($60)
Venue: Barkly Square, Ballarat East
Description: A night of live mediumship, connection, and spirit communication.

Sydney Hotshots Live | Fri, 28 Nov | 7:30pm – 9:30pm | ($19.36 - $75)
Venue: North Ballarat Sports Club, Ballarat Central
Description: Two hours of non-stop action-packed entertainment with dance routines and spectacular lighting.

Vinegar Tom | Fri 28 – Sun 30 Nov | 7:30pm | ($30 - $50)
Venue: The Chapel, Ballarat Central
Description: A play about women, witchcraft, and non-conformity by Caryl Churchill.

William McInnes: It’s a Scorcher | Tue, 2 Dec | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | ($11.80)
Venue: Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute, Ballarat Central
Description: In conversation about his new book on Australian summers.

Eureka Stockade 171st Anniversary | Sun, 30 Nov and Wed 3 Dec | Various times | (Info)
Venue: Eureka Centre Ballarat East and additional historic Eureka sites
Description: A full program of commemorations marking the 171st anniversary of the Eureka Stockade. Events include guided walking tours, community activities in the park, talks on Eureka history.

Ballarat International Day of People with Disability | Wed, 3 Dec | 1:00pm – 5:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility
Description: All-abilities "Come and Try" sports afternoon with BBQ.

By Freya Infant Wellness Open Morning | Sat, 29 Nov | 11:00am – 1:00pm | (Free)
Venue: 733 Geelong Road, Canadian
Description: Explore the new infant hydrotherapy spa, browse the baby boutique, and enjoy refreshments.

Christmas Concert by Project Dance | Mon, 1 Dec | 10:30am | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat South Senior Citizens, Redan
Description: A special concert for members followed by a visit from Santa.

Christmas Social Dance (Jukebox Rock) | Fri, 28 Nov | 7:30pm – 11:30pm | ($20 - $25)
Venue: Brown Hill Hall, Brown Hill
Description: Dance to 50s & 60s classics and Xmas favourites. BYO drinks and nibbles.

Surprise Shark Book Launch | Sat, 29 Nov | 11:00am – 12:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Loreto College Library, Ballarat Central
Description: Book party for Sarah Lane's new book.

A Glamour of Meaning: Meaghan Shelton | Sat, 29 Nov – Sun, 21 Dec | 12:00pm – 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: The Old Butchers Shop Gallery, Ballarat East
Description: A multidisciplinary exhibition reclaiming the term "glamour" as an enchantment or spell through craft and painting.

Ballarat Society of Artists: A Moment in Time | Sun, 30 Nov | 10:00am – 3:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Lake Wendouree Museum, Lake Wendouree
Description: A Summer exhibition featuring an eclectic mix of printmaking, watercolour, oils, and more from around 20 local artists.

Writers Read | Fri, 28 Nov | 6:00pm – 7:30pm | (Donation)
Venue: Newstead Arts Hub, Newstead
Description: Open mic for writers.

Please note: Always double-check with venues for any last-minute changes or ticketing requirements.)

Volta | Ocean Grove + Banks Arcade & Dregg | 7:00pm | ($39)

Irish Murphy's | Rewired Rock Band | 9:00pm | (Free)
Kilderkin Distillery | Rich Davies & The Low Road | 7:30pm | ($25.00)
Volta | Confetti Western (Single Launch) | 7:30pm | ($18.40)

The George Hotel | Totally 80s Tribute Band | 10:30pm | ($20.00)
The Goods Shed | Ron Vincent Sings Cat Stevens | 3:00pm | ($62.00)
The Flywheel | Dave Steel | 7:30pm | ($10.00)

Market Hotel | Down to the River | 3:00pm | (Free)
Millers Arms Hotel | The Last Detail + Love You Long Time | 2:00pm | (Free)
Piano Bar Ballarat | Solitary Man (Neil Diamond Tribute) | 1:00pm

Volta | Pierce Brothers (Album Launch) | 7:00pm | ($25.00)

Piano Bar Ballarat | Summer Sounds Mini Musos | 6:00pm | ($40.00)

Thursday, 27 Nov
16 °C 🌡️ 8 °C | ☁️ Cloudy | ☔ 50% (1–2 mm) | 💨 W→SW 25–35 km/h

Friday, 28 Nov
20 °C 🌡️ 6 °C | 🌧 Showers | ☔ 75% (4–8 mm) | 💨 NW 15–20 km/h

Saturday, 29 Nov
16 °C 🌡️ 9 °C | 🌧 Showers | ☔ 75% (4–10 mm) | 💨 SW 20–30 km/h

Sunday, 30 Nov
14 °C 🌡️ 5 °C | 🌧 Showers | ☔ 50% (3–8 mm) | 💨 W 20–30 km/h

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Until next Thursday!