🌟 Ballarat's Volunteer Superstars Shine Bright!

Good morning, Ballarat! Like clockwork, Ballarat’s pulled out the grey skies and chilly winds right on cue for winter! But don’t let that dampen your spirits, we’ve got that feel-good energy this week. From locals doing big things behind the scenes to events that bring us together, there’s a lot to smile about right now.

In this week’s edition of Ballarat Life:

🌟 We celebrate our volunteer legends (they’re the real MVPs)
🏆 Nominations are open for local awards — know someone awesome?
🚆 Heads Up: Important Transport Info
💼 Business Buzz: What's New & Thriving
🐾 Friendly Reminder for Pet Owners
🎤 Events to warm up your week, from comedy to flamenco!
😂 Plus, the meme of the week, the weather and polls

Let’s dive in!

COMMUNITY LEGENDS

🌟 Our Volunteer Superstars!

Ballarat, you absolutely shone during National Volunteer Week (May 19-25)! Our volunteers are pure gold.

The Ballarat Foundation's Volunteer Expo on May 21st was a cracker! Over 45 organisations (like Lifeline, Rotary, SES, Foodbank, Sovereign Hill) connected with 200+ keen community members at St Patrick's Cathedral Hall. What a buzz!. 

Special shout-out to our inspiring youth volunteers! Those involved in programs like Young Eventsters, Youth Ambassadors, and the Sonika program are driving fantastic initiatives such as Take Back the Buses, PopCon events, and the Youth Awards. Absolute legends! 

Want to get involved? More volunteer opportunities are available through the City of Ballarat, including roles with the Ageing Well team, Parent Place, and as Ballarat Ambassadors. Details here. 

Awards Now Open! Recognise Someone Amazing

Victorian Volunteer Awards 2025

Nominate individuals and organisations for their outstanding community support. Categories include Young Volunteer, Volunteer Commitment, Leadership, and Impact. The prestigious Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Award for Volunteer of the Year includes a $10,000 donation to a chosen non-profit.

• Closes: July 4, 2025, at 4 PM 

• Nominate: Volunteering Victoria Website

Ballarat Youth Awards 2025

Celebrate our inspiring young people (ages 12-25). This year's theme is "Ignite the Spark". The awards are planned by the City of Ballarat's Young Eventsters volunteer group.

• Closes: June 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM 

• Ceremony: August 8, 2025, at Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts 

• Info: City of Ballarat News

POLL

THE DIGEST

📢 Community Updates

V/Line Service Changes

Planning a trip on the Ballarat line? V/Line has advised that coaches will replace trains on parts of the Ballarat, Ararat, and Maryborough lines due to planned maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.

• When: Various dates and times throughout May and into June 2025.

• Impact: Journey times may be extended. Temporary timetables will be in effect.

• Always Check Before You Travel: For detailed information on specific dates, affected services, and replacement coach details, please visit the V/Line Service Changes page.

Business Buzz 

• X-Golf Ballarat (810 Norman St, Invermay Park): Opened May 19th! Indoor golf simulators, bar, and PGA coaching. (Ballarat Times Sport) 

• Cross Roads Coffee Bar (Skipton St): Erin Drew's new café in the historic wedge building is now open 6am-2pm daily! (The Courier) 

• Near East Kitchen (78 Bridge Mall): Delicious Middle Eastern-inspired menu from the Woodside Food Co team. (Visit Ballarat - What's New) 

Pet Rego Due - Don't Forget Your Furry Mates!

The City of Ballarat pet registrations for 2025 are due for renewal. Ensuring your furry friends are registered is the best way to help them get home safely if they wander off. Registration fees also support our wonderful Animal Services.

• Renew online, via BPAY, or in person at The Phoenix.

• More Info: City of Ballarat - Animal Registration

FUNNY

🤣 Meme of the Week

WHAT’S ON

🎭 Happenings Around Town

Thursday, May 29 (TODAY!)

• Comedy: Ivan Aristeguieta - All Bangers No Mash Award-winning comedian Ivan Aristeguieta hits Minerva Space tonight, 7-8 PM! "The Maracas from Caracas" shares his best jokes from a decade of Aussie laughs. As seen on TV! Info: Minerva Space

Friday, May 30

• Reconciliation Week: Native Plant Walking Tour Join a free, insightful 30-minute guided tour to learn about native plants in the redeveloped Bridge Mall. Departs daily 12:30 PM from Yarramlook/Yarrowee Creek viewing portal. Details via City of Ballarat News.

• Art Screen: Liss Fenwick – "The Colony Cares for Everyone" (Last Day!) Final chance to see Liss Fenwick's thought-provoking video/photographic work, inspired by colonial archives. An accessible Art Gallery of Ballarat display while the main building is upgraded. Someone took a good shot of the Screen here. Details via Ballarat Heritage Festival Program.

• Chinese Collections Tour at Sovereign Hill Delve into the stories of Chinese miners on the goldfields. This insightful tour runs from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Cost: $20-$25. Booking and more info: Visit Ballarat.

Saturday, May 31

• Beaufort Town Market – Saturday Weekend Win! At Beaufort Memorial Rose GardenLive music, fresh produce, baked goods, local crafts, and family fun. Perfect weekend outing supporting local businesses. | 9am-1pm |  Bring your tote bags and market spirit! Details here.

• Gin Distilling Masterclass at Kilderkin Distillery Learn the craft of gin making! Kilderkin Distillery (Mount Pleasant) hosts this hands-on masterclass from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Bookings essential. Details: Here

• OUTwards: Women's Art Register Roadshow at Eureka Centre Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Women's Art Register. Explore and contribute to this important archive. Runs 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM. Free event, Info: Eventbrite.

Sunday, June 1

• City Love Scavenger Hunt for Couples Self-guided romantic adventure using a mobile app with love-building challenges around Ballarat. Stop anytime to explore at your own pace. 1:00PM. Donation-based ($20+ suggested per couple).

• Ballarat Murder Mystery: Solve the Case! Self-guided outdoor detective game using the Questo mobile app. Explore the city, collect clues, and solve puzzles to catch the killer. Perfect for couples, families, or friend groups. Multiple slots from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

• Creative Inspiration Grants - Applications close tonight! Ballarat artists & creatives: City of Ballarat's $5000 Creative Inspiration Grants close 10:00 PM tonight! Don't miss this chance to fund your project. Apply now!

Monday, June 2

• Heritage Policy Review & Design Guidelines - Consultation closes! Today is the final day to share your thoughts on the City of Ballarat's Heritage Policy Review and the New Heritage Design Guidelines. Your input is vital for protecting our city's unique character. Have your say: MySay Ballarat.

Wednesday, June 4

• Kadampa Meditation: Healthy Habits for a Happy Mind Discover inner peace with Kadampa meditation and Buddhist teachings. Guided sessions offer practical advice for lasting happiness. Beginners welcome, no booking. Taught by Christielli Portela. Details: Lending Library

• Flamenco Show & Dance Workshop in Ballarat. A Brilliantly Unexpected Workshop & Live Performance in the heart of Ballarat. SENES Flamenco is back at Meigas with June Dance Workshops & Live Flamenco Dinner Show! 5pm-6pm. Learn More

Ongoing & Worth a Visit

• The Cute Rebellion by Hippy Robertson Exhibition Check out this vibrant and engaging exhibition by artist Hippy Robertson, currently showing at Unicorn Lane (off Sturt St). Runs until June 11. More Info: Here.

• Eureka Centre Ballarat Exhibitions Explore local history: "Theatre Royal Playbills 1858-1877" (until Aug 17) and "From the Collection: Performing Arts" (until Oct 2). Open daily at 102 Stawell St South. Info: Eureka Centre Ballarat.

Special Event

Australian Idol - Ballarat Auditions! Could Ballarat's Next Star Be You? The world's greatest music show is back! Ages 15-35, must be Australian/NZ citizen or permanent resident. No existing TV/record contracts. Learn more.

🎵 Live Music

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

Thursday, 29 May

• The Main Bar | Open Decks Night | From 8:00 PM (Free Entry) 

Friday, May 30

• Piano Bar Ballarat | Piano Bar Requests & Local Talent | Evening 

• The George Hotel Ballarat | Friday Night Live Music | Evening 

• Volta | SUBCENTER Vol 2 | Doors 5:00 PM (Ticketed) 

Saturday, May 31

• Leavers Hotel, Creswick | Shaun Kirk (Blues/Soul) | Evening (Ticketed) 

• Piano Bar Ballarat | Piano Bar Requests & Local Talent | Evening 

• Rafters Nightclub | Live Music & DJs | Evening/Late 

• Hop Temple | Retro Revival Live | From 9:00 PM 

• Mechanics' Institute Ballarat | Sweet Mona’s Choir | 7:30 PM (Ticketed) 

Sunday, June 1

• Market Hotel Ballarat | Sunday Acoustic Sessions | Afternoon 

Monday, June 2

• Victorian Railway Institute Hall |  No Lights No Lycra | in the dark

Tuesday, June 3

• The Robin Hood Hotel | Tuesday Night Karaoke | 7:00 PM

Wednesday, June 4

• Piano Bar Ballarat | Mid-Week Live Piano Requests | Evening

🌤️ Weather

Thursday
6°🌡️15° | 🌤️ | ☔30% | 💨 S 15–25 kph

Friday
5°🌡️14° | ☁️ | ☔30% | 💨 S 15–25

Saturday
4°🌡️16° | 🌤️ | ☔10% | 💨 Light winds

Sunday
3°🌡️14° | 🌤️ | ☔10% | 💨 N 15–25 kph

Monday
4°🌡️16° | ☁️ | ☔30% | 💨 N 15–25 kph

Tuesday
6°🌡️14° | 🌦️ | ☔50% | 💨 SW 15–25 kph

Wednesday
6°🌡️17° | ⛅ | ☔0% | 💨 Light winds

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