☕ Ballarat loses a Thai classic but gains a fresh brew by the lake

Good morning, Ballarat! How good was The Show, hey? It’s been a big week with familiar faces returning at Town Hall, locals shining at the Cup, and plenty of stories worth a read. Before we dive in, if you’d like your business or event featured in Ballarat Life, check out our sponsor packages.

– Luciano Devoto
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FEATURE STORY

🏛️ Mayor Hargreaves back for round two

Cr Tracey Hargreaves is sticking around for another year as Ballarat’s Mayor, with Cr Ben Taylor returning as her Deputy. The pair were officially sworn in at Town Hall on Monday night complete with the traditional ringing of the Alfred Bells.

It’s Cr Hargreaves’ second year in the top job after first being elected in 2024, while Cr Taylor, who previously served as Mayor in 2019–20, will again step into the deputy role. The duo will steer the ship through another year of Council’s 2024–2028 term, with a formal community presentation planned later this month.

COMMUNITY

🎅 Lace up for a festive fun run

The Ballarat Run Club is bringing festive cheer to Victoria Park on Sunday 14 December with the inaugural Ballarat Christmas Fun Run. Whether you've got a tiny runner tackling the 420-metre micro-marathon (for kids aged six and under) or you're keen for the full 13 kilometres, there's a distance for everyone.

It's all about having a healthy Christmas while giving back - $5 from every entry goes to the Grampians Health Christmas Appeal and Foodbank Victoria to fund kids' rehab and provide meals for people in need. With Foodbank currently feeding 69,000 Victorians a day and demand climbing into the festive season, every registration makes a difference. Register at ballaratfunrun.au.

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🏇 A Melbourne Cup moment for Ballarat

Ballarat’s racing scene has hit new heights after Half Yours, trained locally by father-and-son duo Tony and Calvin McEvoy, stormed home to win the 165th Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

The victory marked a landmark moment for McEvoy Mitchell Racing, based right here in Ballarat, making them the first local team in years to claim the Cup. Adding to the pride, Ballarat publican Dave Canny, part of the ownership group, joined celebrations that put our city firmly on the national stage. A stunning week that’s cemented Ballarat’s place in racing history

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🌿 Time to tackle that green waste pile

Free Green Waste Week wrapped up on 16 November, giving locals the chance to clear out their yards without spending a cent at the Transfer Station. Each year, around 10,000 tonnes of green waste from Ballarat households gets processed and sold to agricultural and residential markets.

If you missed it, mark your calendar for Half Price Mattress Week from Saturday 7 to Saturday 14 December. For just $16.56 (half the usual cost), you can finally say goodbye to that saggy old mattress. The mattresses head to a Melbourne facility where springs, foam and wood get recycled.

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🏘️ Help shape Wendouree's shopping strips

Council wants your ideas to give Carpenter Street and Harold Street a bit of a glow-up. The goal is to make Wendouree's local shopping areas greener, safer and more inviting with improved seating, trees and pedestrian access.

Whether you're a local resident, regular shopper or business owner, your feedback matters. Small upgrades can make a big difference to these neighbourhood hubs.

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ADOPT A PET

🐾 Meet Roxy, your new adventure buddy

Looking for a four-legged friend who's equal parts goofy and loveable? Say hello to Roxy, a large Staghound x Staffy mix who's ready to fill your home with laughter and love.

This energetic girl would thrive in a multi-dog household and is perfectly suited for families with kids. Whether it's a spirited game of fetch or a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood, Roxy's good lead manners make every outing a pleasure. Her ideal day includes mental stimulation, physical exercise, and plenty of time with her beloved humans and canine siblings. Ready to meet her? Head to the Ballarat Animal Shelter.

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BUSINESS

☕ New chapter for beloved lakeside coffee spot

After years of serving up caffeine and community by Lake Wendouree, Tony's Coffee Shop has passed the baton. Tony, May and family handed over the keys to Harry in October, who's reopened the beloved spot as Harry's Coffee Shop at 917 MacArthur Street.

In a heartfelt farewell, the family reflected on what the little coffee shop meant to them - a place filled with warmth, laughter and countless familiar faces. Harry and his wife have kept the legacy alive while adding their own touches, including some Greek treats. Local foodie @phamilyfeast reckons the care and friendly service are still top-notch. All the best, Harry!☘️ New owners pour fresh life into Irish Murphy’s

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🍜 Farewell to Cattleya Thai Heritage

Ballarat's much-loved Cattleya Thai Heritage is closing its doors at 803 Mair Street on 24 November, before reopening in Ararat early next year at 234 Barkly Street.

The Mair Street venue won't stay quiet for long as it's being reborn as "Aunty Katie", a fresh Asian-fusion concept inspired by her love of Japanese, Korean and bakery-style flavours, due to open in mid-December.

If you're keen for one last feed at the original, you've got until Sunday to get in.

WHAT’S ON

🎭️ Happenings Around Town

Handpicked activities for all ages

Markets

Book Bounce - Monthly Book Sale | Sat, 15 Nov - Sun, 16 Nov | 12:00pm - 4:00pm (Sat) & 10:00am - 1:00pm (Sun) | (From $3)
Venue: Victorian Railways Institute Hall
Description: Ballarat's biggest monthly book sale. Thousands of books, constantly rotating stock, and hundreds of free kids' books.

Performance

Kitty Flanagan: Gladgame | Thu, 13 Nov - Sat, 15 Nov | 8:00pm - 9:15pm | ($74.90)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat
Description: The award-winning star of Fisk and Utopia returns with a new stand-up show, asking all the big questions.

Pour Performance | Fri, 14 Nov  - Sat, 15 Nov | 7:00pm - 10:00pm | (Info)
Venue: The Chapel at Ballarat Performing Arts Centre
Description: “A curated wine tasting experience” pairing vintages from Michael Unwin Vineyards with captivating live performances by the Ballarat Choral Society, Lyric Theatre, and more.

Community

Hopathon 2025 | Sat, 15 Nov | 11:30am - 11:00pm | ($55.00)
Venue: Hop Temple
Description: The much-loved 0.6 kilometre fun run. Ticket includes a tee, headband, and a finish-line drink, followed by music and brews in Hop Lane.

Ballarat, VIC- Starts at 60 Meetup | Tue, 18 Nov | 10:00am - 12:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Mercure Ballarat - Hotel & Convention Centre
Description: A casual, free social meetup for over-60s, designed to help you meet others and have some fun.

Christmas in Ballarat - Art Trail | Fri, 14 Nov - Wed, 19 Nov (Ongoing) | (Info) | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat CBD
Description: Follow the Christmas in Ballarat Art Trail and complete the questions for a chance to win one of three fantastic prizes.

The Christmas Memorial Tree | Sun, 16 Nov - Wed, 19 Nov (Ongoing) | 9:00pm - 11:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat
Description: A memorial tree will be decorated. Visitors are welcome to call in for a chat and to hang baubles.

Wellness

Sound Healing Immersion | Thu, 13 Nov | 7:00pm - 8:30pm | ($35.00)
Venue: Soul Barn - Creative Wellbeing Centre
Description: A deeply relaxing sound immersion using Yoga Nidra, shamanic medicine drum rhythms, sublime singing bowls, high vibrational chimes, and the GONG.

Soul Alignment Womens Retreat Day | Sun, 16 Nov | 10:30am - 5:30pm | ($220.00)
Venue: Soul Barn
Description: A magical day of energetic alignment, nervous system rejuvenation, and higher self connection in the serene Clunes countryside. Includes yoga, sound healing, and lunch.

Empowered Women | Tue, 18 Nov | 7:00pm - 8:30pm | (Info)
Venue: Barkey Square Hall
Description: A heart-led evening to reconnect with your confidence and calm your nervous system through practical tools, gentle embodiment, and soulful conversations.

Art & Craft

Lucas Art Show | Fri, 14 Nov - Sat, 15 Nov | 10:00am - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Lucas Lifestyle Estate
Description: The annual art show for paintings and photography, at Lucas Lifestyle Estate.

Sunnyside Workshop | Neon Block Printing | Sat, 15 Nov | 9:00am - 11:00am | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Mining Exchange
Description: Stamp your way into fluoro glory in this workshop inspired by the 80s. Includes exclusive access to the 'Chasing Sunbeams' installation.

Ballarat Society of Artists Inc | Sun, 16 Nov | 10:00am - 3:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Lake Wendouree Museum
Description: A Summer exhibition with an eclectic mix of art in various mediums on display from around 20 current artists.

Ideas & Workshops

Introduction to Indigo Workshop | Sat, 15 Nov | 1:00pm - 7:00pm | ($285.00)
Venue: Australian Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades
Description: Immerse yourself in the world of indigo with natural dyer Jude Craig. Explore resist techniques and dip into the indigo vat.

Let’s Explore Degrowth and Cohousing | Sat, 15 Nov | 10:30am - 3:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Barkly Square
Description: Curious about a degrowth lifestyle? Meet likeminded people and learn the ethos of cohousing.

Introduction to Beekeeping Course | Sat, 15 Nov | 12:30pm - 5:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat
Description: A 4.5 hr session covering fundamental beekeeping theory, practical hands-on training with two beehive openings, and honeybee biosecurity.

Basics of Screenprinting Workshop | Sun, 16 Nov | 10:00am - 4:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades
Description: Dive into the world of screen printing with designer Nicola Cerini. Learn the basics, create designs, and take home a linen tea towel and denim apron.

Starting Your Small Business | Tue, 18 Nov | 5:30pm - 8:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Djila-tjarriu Community Hub
Description: Turn your entrepreneurial dream into a reality at this free beginner-level workshop by Business Victoria.

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🎵 Live Music

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

Fri, 14 Nov

The Main Bar | Suzie So Blue | 7:00pm
Volta | Nicolas Cage Fighter Album Launch 'I Watched You Burn' | 7:30pm | ($29.90)
The Painted Lady 1862 | Marcus Cassells & Anderson Lane | 8:00pm | (Free)
Irish Murphy’s Ballarat | No Mistake | 9:00pm

Sat, 15 Nov

Hopscotch Cafe | E.J.Leonard | 1:30pm - 2:30pm
The Main Bar | Oceanique and Lilith Lane | 7:00pm - 11:00pm | ($20.00)
Odessa at leavers hotel | Jaaleekaay (Trio) | 7:00pm - 10:00pm | ($20.00)
Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts | Creedence Clearwater Collective | 7:30pm - 10:00pm | (From $49)
Freight Bar and Rooftop | Nathan Page - DJ Set | 7:00pm - Late
Irish Murphy’s Ballarat | Level Headed | 9:30pm

Sun, Nov 16

Freight Bar and Rooftop | SundaySesh with Jack Murphy - DJ Set | 7:00pm - Late

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 13 Nov
21 °C 🌡️ 5 °C | 🌤 | ☔ 0% | 💨 W 15 km/h

Friday, 14 Nov
21 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | 🌦 | ☔ ~40% | 💨 W 20 km/h

Saturday, 15 Nov
20 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | 🌦 | ☔ ~40% | 💨 W 25 km/h

Sunday, 16 Nov
18 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | 🌧 | ☔ ~70% | 💨 SW 25 km/h

Monday, 17 Nov
15 °C 🌡️ 6 °C | 🌦 | ☔ ~60% | 💨 SW 20 km/h

Tuesday, 18 Nov
19 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | 🌦 | ☔ ~50% | 💨 W 15 km/h

Wednesday, 19 Nov
16 °C 🌡️ 6 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 W 10 km/h

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Until next Thursday!