❄️ Cosy igloos, hot choc comps & Ballarat’s boldest house

Good morning, Ballarat! Winter might be chilly, but there’s plenty to warm up to this week. In this edition, we’re diving into the Winter Festival, sharing a few quirky moments from local history, showcasing Ballarat’s most expensive home for sale, and shining a light on a great local charity. So grab a cuppa and enjoy the read.

FEATURE STORY

❄️ The Ballarat Winter Festival 2025 is (almost) here!

Winter is here, and that means the countdown to one of Ballarat’s most loved events is officially on! The Ballarat Winter Festival kicks off in early July, but a few standout experiences are already underway!

Wonderful Winter Igloos

Snuggle into your own private igloo this winter at the Market Hotel. With fairy lights, comfy seating, and full table service, it’s the perfect spot for a cosy night out. Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and a unique winter experience right in the heart of Ballarat. Bookings are essential.

Casual Canvas Sessions

Unwind with a relaxed evening of painting at Brush by the Vines’ Casual Canvas Sessions. No experience needed, just bring yourself and enjoy a creative night out. All materials are provided, and you’ll walk away with your own finished canvas. A fun, low-pressure way to try something new.

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute Tours

Take a peek behind the scenes of one of Ballarat’s most iconic buildings. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is opening its doors for guided tours during the Winter Festival. You’ll hear stories, see hidden corners, and learn a bit of local history along the way. It’s $10 per person and bookings are essential.

For the full program check out ballaratwinterfestival.com.au.

FUN FACTS

This Month in History

June’s been a big month for Ballarat over the years, from golden discoveries to grand openings and even a steamer on the lake. Here are a few local moments worth remembering.

Discovery of the Welcome Nugget (1858)

On 9th June, 1858 party of 22 Cornish miners unearthed the "Welcome Nugget" at the Red Hill Mine in Bakery Hill. Weighing approximately 69 kilograms (152 pounds), it was the second-largest gold nugget ever found at the time. Today a commemorative monument sits above the spot where the Welcome Nugget was discovered! This is situated on the corner of Mair and Humffray Streets in Bakery Hill.

Opening of the Academy of Music (1875)

On 7th June 1875, Ballarat welcomed its brand-new Academy of Music (now Her Majesty’s Theatre), designed by George “Diamond” Browne. Its grand first performance was Lecocq’s comic opera La Fille de Madame Angot, and the hall featured a flat-floored auditorium with a balcony perfect for hosting elegant cultural events.

Launch of the Golden City Steamer (1885)

And now for something a little nautical. On 16th June 1885, the “Golden City” steamer was officially launched on Lake Wendouree. It wasn’t just a boat, it was a symbol of leisure and progress, and marked a significant development in Ballarat's recreational offerings during the late 19th century.

CHARITY TO SUPPORT

💃 Dancing with Our Stars Returns to Ballarat

One of Ballarat's most exciting charity events is back! Dancing with Our Stars returns Saturday, July 5, bringing together local personalities who'll learn routines with The Dance Studio Ballarat before competing for the mirror ball trophy.

This feel-good celebration showcases local talent while raising vital funds for the Ballarat Foundation's mission to reduce disadvantage in our region. With its electric atmosphere and generous community support, it's become a must-attend event.

Learn more about this event and how the Ballarat Foundation is supporting local communities

REAL ESTATE

🏡 What Does $5.7 Million Get You in Ballarat?

Turns out, quite a lot! The most expensive house currently on the market sits at 474 Wendouree Parade, and it's not messing around.

For a modest $5.7 million, you get five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an eight-car garage on a 1,209-square-metre block. But wait, there's more! Let’s throw in an elevator, pool, spa, sauna, and that prime Lake Wendouree address.

This same property sold for just $1.05 million in 2016 as a modest post-war brick home. Developer Terry Cunnington completely transformed it into this luxury pad.

McGrath Ballarat director Daniel Nestor calls Wendouree Parade "the most exclusive address" and says having 1,200 square metres in that location is "quite special." With the lake median at $820,000, this place is definitely playing in a different league.

WHAT’S ON

🎭 Happenings Around Town

Thursday, 19 June

Community Disability Expo | North Ballarat Sports Club | 10am-1pm | Free | Connect with local disability providers for NDIS support and guidance

Cael O'Donnell - Celebrity Psychic | Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts | 7pm | International psychic with 1.1 million followers brings heartfelt messages

Friday, 20 June

The Ransom Letter: Theatrical Playreading | The Crypt Ballarat | 3:30pm | 1920's speakeasy night with film noir murder-mystery play reading

Every Age Matters Roadshow | Robert Clark Horticultural Centre | 10am-11:30am | Free | Interactive session challenging ageist attitudes with light refreshments

Free Barista Training | Cobb's Coffee | 4pm-6pm | Free | Level up coffee skills with expert training for ages 12-25

Saturday, 21 June

Book Sale | Victorian Railways Institute | 2:30pm-5:30pm | $3 books | Ballarat's biggest book sale with thousands of books and rare finds

SLAAB Vesak Celebrations | Brown Hill Community Hall | 1pm | Free | Sri Lankan Buddhist community Vesak and Poson celebrations

Working Bee | Buninyong Community Garden | 12pm | Free | Help maintain community garden with tools and refreshments

Grammar in Concert | Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts | 7pm | Ballarat Grammar students present music and dance performances

Casual Canvas Sessions | The Art Club Hub, Bridge Mall | 10am-4pm | No pressure painting session with pre-drawn designs or blank canvas

Ratburger | Her Majesty's Theatre | 12pm | David Walliams story comes to life with stunning sets and charming puppetry

Watercolour Painting Workshop | Soldiers Hill Artist Collective | 10am-4pm | Introduction to watercolour painting with Cliff Adeney

Creswick Market | Creswick | 9am-1pm | Free | Monthly community market with local produce, handmade wares and live music

Sunday, 22 June

GAIA Midwinter Wholistic Market | Eastwood Leisure Complex | 10am-4pm | $5 | Spiritual market showcasing Ballarat's creatives, healers and mystic community

Refugee Week Film Screening | Ballarat Library | 1:30pm-3:30pm | Free | 'Sun Come Up' documentary about world's first environmental refugees

Sound Healing Immersion | Clunes | 2pm-3:30pm | Deeply relaxing sound therapy using yoga nidra guided meditation

Monday, 23 June

Mystical Monday Games | The Crypt Ballarat | 5pm | Tabletop games night with D&D and Call of Cthulhu

Financial Wellbeing Workshop | Djila-tjarriu Community Hub | 2pm-3pm | Free | Money smart budgeting, credit advice and scam awareness

VIC STORM Training | Mount Pleasant | 9:30am | Two-day suicide risk management training for school staff

Tuesday, 24 June

BMI Building Tours | Ballaarat Mechanics Institute | Times vary | Hear tales of the colourful history and cultural treasures

Wednesday, 25 June

Digital Marketing Masterclass | Her Majesty's Theatre | 3pm | Free | Social Season founders teach music marketing strategies

Business Women Networking | Aunty Jacks | 2:30pm | $17.50 | Social networking event for business women in casual environment

Coonawarra Wine Showcase | Bunch of Grapes Hotel | 5pm-8pm | Three hours unlimited tastings from 15 Coonawarra producers with souvenir glass

In Conversation with Kylie Ladd | Ballaarat Mechanics Institute | 6pm-7:30pm | $17.78 | Author discusses 'The Mix-up' about devastating IVF clinic mistake

Daytime Dance Parties | Victoria Bowling Club | 2pm-4pm | Inclusive dance party with dress-up accessories and DJ requests

Finding the Words, Parent Information Evening | Damascus College, Mount Clear | 6pm-7pm | Free | 'Finding the Words' mental health and wellbeing support session for parents

🎵 Live Music

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

Thursday, 19 June

Hop Temple | Musical Bingo | Times vary | $2

Piano Bar Ballarat | Drag Bingo | 6pm

The Sporting Globe Ballarat | Kaze Karaoke | Times vary | Free

Friday, 20 June

Irish Murphy's Ballarat | Rewired Rock Band | 7pm

Brown Hill Hall | End Of Term Social Dance - Cobra 45s | 5:30pm

Hop Temple | Beats, Brews + BBQ | 6:30pm

JD's Bar & Lounge | Kaze Karaoke | Times vary | Free

Piano Bar Ballarat | Piano by Request | 7pm

Her Majesty's Theatre | Thelma Plum | 8pm

Saturday, 21 June

The Deck Ballarat | SAVAGE (Freaks/Swing) | 7pm

Piano Bar Ballarat | Bottomless Drag Brunch | 11am | $95

Freight Bar | Newlyn Annual Ball - No Mistake Band | 5pm | $65-$115

The Cattleyards Inn | Kaze Karaoke | Times vary | Free

Hop Temple | Bec and Marty Live | 9pm

Piano Bar Ballarat | Piano by Request | 7pm

Odessa at Leaver's Hotel, Creswick | LIOR Solo Concert | 7pm-11pm

The Deck Ballarat | Savage Live | 9pm-3:30am

Sunday, 22 June

Sovereign Hill | Katie's Cockney Singalong | 8am | Included in admission

St Paul's Bakery Hill | J.W. Walker Organ Anniversary Concert | 12pm |

Donation Wendouree Centre | Melbourne Youth Orchestra - Tchaikovsky | 12:30pm

Hop Temple | Midnight Drive - Blues Brews and Barbeque | 1:30pm

Itinerant Spirits | Sunday Sessions - Amelia Everard | 1pm-4pm | Free

Monday, 23 June

The Cattleyards Inn | EM J's Monday Trivia | 5pm | Free

Tuesday, 24 June

The Robin Hood Hotel | Kaze Karaoke | Times vary | Free

Wednesday, 25 June

Carboni's | CIAO SICILIA! Dinner with Twilight Gypsí | 2pm | $79

Hop Temple | Trivia | Times vary | Free

Thursday, 26 June

Freight Bar | Hootenanny Up Late - Hot Lemons, Jonny Driver, Frogriders | 5pm | Free

Hop Temple | Musical Bingo | Times vary | $2

Piano Bar Ballarat | Drag Bingo | 6pm

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 19th June 

2°🌡️11° | ⛅ | ☔20% | 💨 N 15–20 kph

Friday, 20th June 

1°🌡️12° | ☀️ | ☔10% | 💨 N 15–20 kph

Saturday, 21st June 

1°🌡️12° | ☀️ | ☔10% | 💨 Light winds

Sunday, 22nd June 

1°🌡️12° | 🌦️ | ☔60% | 💨 Light winds

Monday, 23rd June 

5°🌡️14° | 🌦️ | ☔70% | 💨 N 25–30 kph

Tuesday, 24th June 

6°🌡️11° | 🌧️ | ☔80% | 💨 W 30–35 kph

Wednesday, 25th June 

4°🌡️11° | ⛅ | ☔30% | 💨 SW 30–35 kph

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