🍔 A new burger spot that might ruin your diet (worth it)

Good morning, Ballarat! Spring’s playing nice by holding off the rain just for the weekend, which makes it perfect for markets, live music and more. This edition is short and punchy but packed with things to do around town. Let’s dive in!

– Luciano Devoto
Keep Ballarat Life brewing by shouting me a coffee ☕

FEATURE STORY

🏠 Ballarat’s first 3D-printed home

Something futuristic is taking shape in Winter Valley, one layer at a time. Engineers at Swinburne Uni and local builder Oasis Building Group have teamed up to 3D-print a two-bed, two-bath house, with walls poured in concrete rather than laid brick by brick.

All up, the build of this single-level house should take only 12 weeks which is about half the time of traditional builds of similar size. Pretty crazy!

While this first home isn’t opened to the public just yet, more display builds are on the cards for late 2025 or early 2026. With promises of faster construction, up to 60% better energy efficiency, and homes that can outlast timber frames, Ballarat might just be getting a glimpse of the future of housing.

COMMUNITY DIGEST

👯‍♂️ Lucas seniors park - where friendship does the heavy lifting

Lucas has scored itself a shiny new outdoor exercise park just for seniors, and it’s already pumping with life. Sure, there are balance stations and leg presses, but the real workout seems to be all the chatting between sets. It’s fitness wrapped up in friendship; no gym membership required.

. . .

🏡 Big plans up north - have your say

Ballarat’s north is about to get a lot busier, with plans for 5,600 new homes on the table. That’s a whole lot of new neighbours, coffee orders, and traffic lights. Council wants to know what we think before it’s all locked in, so now’s the time to swap grumbles over the fence for actual feedback. Personally, I’d like a decent bakery within walking distance

. . .

🎉 Pads and tampons where you least expect them

Here’s a win for common sense, Ballarat’s rolling out free sanitary products at libraries, attractions, and health centres. So whether you’re browsing books, paintings, or just just out and about, you won’t be caught short. For something as necessary as toilet paper, it’s about bloody time!

. . .

🏛️ Council Meeting Lowdown

Big Picture Plan
Council adopted the Financial Plan 2025–2035, committing to a $1.032 billion capital works agenda over the decade. Funded through rates, fees, grants, borrowings and reserves.

Carryovers
$24.35 million is being rolled over into 2025/26 to keep projects on track — think roads, rec facilities, and the Sports & Events Centre upgrade.

Health & Wellbeing Plan
A refreshed Plan (2021–2031) was approved. Focuses on mental health, violence prevention, active living and climate health. Extra attention for First Nations, CALD communities, LGBTIQA+ people and financially vulnerable households.

Freight Hub & Rail Link
Council will lobby to preserve a direct rail route to Melbourne. If the rail crossover is removed, freight would be forced into a 47 km detour via Geelong — not ideal. The proposed Ballarat West Intermodal Freight Hub is backed with $42.2 million, aiming to process 24,000 containers each year from 2027.

Implementation Highlights

• Library membership jumped from 26,482 to 29,932 in 12 months.

• The Social Activities Program doubled participation.

• Over 300 council staff completed disability inclusion training.

BUSINESS

🍔 Ballarat’s new burger crush

Freshly opened in The Goods Shed, Railway Smash Burgers is already flipping its way onto the “must-eat” list for burger lovers. These burgers are unapologetically rich, so you may want to skip lunch to save up some room.

Whether it’s a casual date night, a long-awaited catch-up with friends, a family gathering, or simply the craving for Ballarat’s finest takeaway burgers, Railway Smash Burgers is here to deliver. Opened Wednesday-Sunday from 4:30pm til 9:00pm.

WHAT’S ON

🎭️ Happenings Around Town

Handpicked activities for all ages

Festival

ST. ALi Italian Film Festival Thu, 02 Oct - Wed, 08 Oct | TBC | (Info)
Venue: Palace Regent Cinemas
Description: The annual Spring escape to Italy arrives in Ballarat, with a selection of box office hits and award-winning films.

Rural Women's Day - Weekend Celebration Sat, 04 Oct - Sun, 05 Oct | 9:00am - 5:00pm | (Info)
Venue: The Goods Shed Events Hall
Description: Connect and hear incredible personal stories from rural women, support small businesses, enjoy workshops, and an evening of music and canapés.

Seniors Festival - Perridak Arts Basket Weaving Workshop Tue, 07 Oct | 1:30pm - 3:30pm | ($10.00)
Venue: Perridak Arts
Description: Create a beautiful small woven basket or placemat using raffia, enjoy a yarn and a warm cup of herbal tea.

Markets

Ballarat Book Sale Sat, 04 Oct | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Airport
Description: A huge range of over 30,000 second-hand books with prices starting from 50 cents, supporting local and Rotary managed charities.

The Bridge Market Sat, 04 Oct | All Day | (Free)
Venue: The Bridge Mall
Description: A farmers market selling a wide range of essential foods, gourmet items, hot food and locally made design ware.

Performance

Energetiks Dance Competition Thu, 02 Oct - Sun, 05 Oct | TBC | (From $5.00)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre
Description: See Australia's future dance stars on their path to self-discovery and artistic excellence as they participate in all forms of dance.

Pillowland - a magical adventure for little audience members Thu, 02 Oct | 11:00am - 12:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Creswick Courthouse Theatre
Description: An interactive show for children aged 18 months to 5 years, based on the hit song by Laurie Berkner, telling the story of Stanley's adventure to Pillowland.

The Vallies Thu, 02 Oct | 7:30pm - 10:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts Ballarat
Description: High-energy, all singing all dancing seasoned entertainers bringing the hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Motown and Rock 'n Roll.

Catch Classics In Concert Sat, 04 Oct | 2:00pm - 3:30pm | (From $10.00)
Venue: Ballarat Central Uniting Church
Description: The Little Brass Band, with special guests Claritude, are presenting a concert to raise money for Lifeline Ballarat, supporting their essential local services.

Katie Noonan: Jeff Buckley’s Grace Tour Sat, 04 Oct | 8:00pm - 10:00pm | (From $69.90)
Venue: Civic Hall Ballarat
Description: Five-time ARIA award-winning artist Katie Noonan performs the works of Jeff Buckley’s iconic album Grace, with special guests Georgia Fields and Andromeda String Quartet.

The 70s80s90s Show Sat, 04 Oct | 7:30pm - 10:30pm | ($60.00 - $70.00)
Venue: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts Ballarat
Description: A high-octane musical journey through the iconic sounds of the '70s, '80s, and '90s in an unforgettable celebration of three decades of music and culture.

Brian Chapman and Friends: Three Russian Piano Trios Sun, 05 Oct | 3:00pm - 5:00pm | ($20.00 - $40.00)
Venue: Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute
Description: Pianist Brian Chapman will be joined by violinist Susan Pierotti and cellist Rosanne Hunt, performing in the Hummfray room.

The Australian Calisthenics Competition Mon, 06 Oct - Wed, 08 Oct | TBC | (From $20.00)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre
Description: Take a seat as an audience member at Australia’s most prestigious calisthenic competition, showcasing a unique combination of dancing, singing, and gymnastics.

Tones and I Tue, 07 Oct | 6:00pm - 8:45pm | (From $89.90)
Venue: Civic Hall Ballarat
Description: Experience the multi-award-winning, record-breaking artist in an intimate, all-ages acoustic show.

Health & Wellbeing

Information Session and Hearing Screenings Tue, 07 Oct | 1:45pm onwards | (Free)
Venue: Lucas Community Hub
Description: Rediscover the sounds you love with a brief awareness session followed by free hearing checks.

Tai Chi at the Lake Tue, 07 Oct | 9:30am - 10:30am | (Free)
Venue: Pipers by the Lake
Description: A free introductory Tai Chi lesson with renowned Ballarat instructor Jack Yang, sponsored by Ballarat RSL and BVAC for veterans and their families.

Wellbeing Matters: A Life Well Read Tue, 07 Oct | 10:00am - 11:00am | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Library
Description: Join special guests George Fong and Tony Chew to discuss their favourite biographies and memoirs, and explore how life stories can open our eyes to the world.

Kids & Family

Extreme Space Thu, 02 Oct, Sat, 04 Oct & Mon, 06 Oct | 5:30pm, 7:00pm & 9:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum
Description: Explore the wonders of the universe with an evening of stargazing and space discovery at the observatory.

Friendship Bracelets Thu, 02 Oct | 3:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Buninyong Community House
Description: Make brilliant bracelets to wear and share with alpha beads, coloured baubles, and everything that sparkles. Suitable for ages 8-13.

Adopt a pet workshop Thu, 02 Oct | 10:30am, 12:30pm | ($39.00)
Venue: The Art Club Hub
Description: A cute workshop for kids 5-10. Choose a surprise soft toy in a pet carrier, then decorate the carrier and accessories to take home.

Art Pop School Holiday Program Thu, 02 Oct | 1:00pm - 3:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Eureka Centre
Description: A Spring-inspired art-making workshop where kids take an inspiration walk through the gardens before creating their own visions.

Colourful Cats! Fri, 03 Oct | 10:30am - 11:30am | (Free)
Venue: Djila-tjarriu Community Hub
Description: Based on the book "25 Cats" by Andy Warhol, this session will include sketching, watercolour and everything cats! All ages.

Diwali Art Workshop Sat, 04 Oct | 11:00am - 2:00pm | ($25.00)
Venue: Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council - BRMC
Description: A special event run by kids, for kids, celebrating Diwali with art, music, henna, dancing, and creative activities. Proceeds help kids in Ballarat.

Mini Train Rides Sun, 05 Oct | 11:00am - 3:00pm | ($4.00)
Venue: Invermay Railway
Description: All aboard for springtime mini train rides. A fun day out for the whole family.

Talks & Ideas

Women Making Money in 1850s Ballarat Thu, 02 Oct | 5:30pm - 6:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Eureka Centre Ballarat
Description: A Talking History session on how women in the Ballarat region participated in the economy, from legal trades to more illicit means.

Thursday Twilight Talks - October 2025 edition Thu, 02 Oct | 5:30pm - 6:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Barkly Square
Description: Hear from incredible local grassroots groups and organisations including Ballarat Permaculture Guild, LOUD Fence Inc., and Respect Victoria.

Ballarat History Chat: Mapping the Past Tue, 07 Oct | 3:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Wendouree Library
Description: Look at historical maps of Ballarat and surrounding areas, and explore Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) & Map Warper.

. . .

🎵 Live Music

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

Thu, 02 Oct

Volta | The Smith Street Band & Jack Parsons | 7:30pm | ($55.85)

Fri, 03 Oct

Freight Bar and Rooftop | Beyond The Brewhouse | 7:00pm - 3:00am | ($10.00)
The Main Bar | Dean Smith Elvis & Sinatra Show | 7:00pm - 11:00pm | ($10.00)
The Munster Arms Hotel | White Line Fever | 8:00pm
Volta | Thirsty Merc | 7:00pm | ($55.85)

Sat, 04 Oct

Millers Arms Hotel | HIGHWAY 8 | 2:00pm
Volta | Love You Long Time | 9:30pm
Piano Bar Ballarat | Piano by Request | 6:00pm - 11:59pm
The Munster Arms Hotel | Rockabilly, Blues and tunes | 8:00pm | (Booking required)
Hop Temple | Saturday Live Music | 6:00pm - 10:00pm
The Main Bar | Victoriana Gaye Duo | 7:00pm - 11:00pm | ($10.00)

Sun, 05 Oct

Cattle Yards Inn | Rewired Rock Band | 12:30pm - 4:30pm

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 2 October
9 °C 🌡️ 6 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~40% | 💨 SW 20 km/h

Friday, 3 October
14 °C 🌡️ 3 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~60% | 💨 W 25 km/h

Saturday, 4 October
20 °C 🌡️ 12 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 NW 20 km/h

Sunday, 5 October
21 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~30% | 💨 NW 25 km/h

Monday, 6 October
12 °C 🌡️ 6 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~70% | 💨 W 25 km/h

Tuesday, 7 October
15 °C 🌡️ 8 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~60% | 💨 W 25 km/h

Wednesday, 8 October
16 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~40% | 💨 W 20 km/h

. . .

Big thanks for subscribing to Ballarat Life! If you’d like to support this free community newsletter and keep local stories brewing each week, you can shout me a coffee.

Until next Thursday!