🍳 MasterChef Casting at The Bridge Market This Saturday

Good morning, Ballarat! With school holidays just around the corner, local events and businesses are gearing up for plenty of family fun. There’s plenty happening this week to keep you busy and warm as winter rolls on.

In today’s edition

• MasterChef is coming to town

• Cobb’s voted best coffee in Ballarat

• Community news updates

• Charity of the week

• New pizza pop-up to try

• What’s on this weekend

• Live music lowdown

- Luciano Devoto

FEATURE STORY

🍳 MasterChef Casting at The Bridge Market This Saturday

If you’re part foodie, part reality TV lover, this one’s for you.

The MasterChef Australia casting team is coming to town this Saturday, setting up at The Bridge Market to find the next home cook ready to step into their famous kitchen.

If you’ve ever dreamed of plating up in front of those iconic judges, here’s your chance to meet the team, ask all your burning questions, and find out what it really takes to become a contestant.

And while you’re there, make a morning of it. Browse fresh local produce, tuck into some warming winter meals, and check out all the artisan goods on offer. The perfect way to spend a crisp Saturday morning.

👉 Where: Bridge Mall
👉 When: Saturday 5th July, from 9am to 1pm

About The Bridge Market

Did you know The Bridge Market is hosted and organised by the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast? The market brings together Ballarat’s best local producers, makers and creatives, but most importantly, all proceeds from stallholders go straight back into our community. They support projects like youth mentoring programs, local schools, community health initiatives, and other causes that make Ballarat a better place.

It’s a market with purpose, great food, friendly faces, and a genuine commitment to giving back.

HAVE YOUR SAY

☕ Ballarat’s Best Coffee: The Results Are In!

Last week, we asked you the big question: Where’s the best coffee in Ballarat? And let’s just say… your replies came in faster than a double espresso shot on a Monday morning.

Here’s how the votes stacked up:

🥇 Winner: Cobb’s Coffee (15 votes) 🏆

Cobbs has only been around since 2020, but they’ve already made a name for themselves on the corner of Lydiard and Sturt. They’re all about giving people the “best five minutes of their day,” serving up specialty brews from Melbourne’s Rumble Coffee Roasters in their bright, welcoming café.

🥈 Runner-Up: Fika Coffee Brewers (10 votes)

Fika, over on Doveton Street North, brings Scandinavian vibes and seriously good coffee to town. They’re known for their clean minimalist space and top-notch brews using beans from Sensory Lab.

🥉 Third Place: L’Espresso (8 votes)

A Ballarat institution for over 25 years, L’Espresso on Sturt Street is as much about atmosphere as it is about coffee. CDs and vinyl line the walls, and their Italian-inspired menu keeps locals coming back for more.

Did your favourite make the cut? If not, hit reply and tell me where you get your daily brew. Always keen to uncover hidden gems around town.

COMMUNITY DIGEST

🎭 Ballarat’s Old Church Turning Into Arts Hub?

The old Neill Street Uniting Church is getting a whole new purpose. The Ballarat Performing Arts Community (BPAC) has transformed it into a buzzing creative space for local artists and performers.

Since July last year, over 20 groups and more than 90 creatives have used the space for everything from rehearsals to workshops. There’s a beautiful old chapel with a historic pipe organ, two halls for performances, and even a caretaker’s cottage.

But here’s the catch… their lease ends in Feb 2026, and unless BPAC can raise $2 million to buy it, the property could be sold off privately and Ballarat could lose this new arts hub.

So far, they’ve raised $44k. I know it feels like a big stretch, but I reckon it’s doable if the community gets behind it. If you want to help keep this space alive for our local arts scene, check out bpacballarat.org.

. . .

🏛️ Ballarat Freezes Rates, But What’s The Catch?

Ballarat City Council has frozen average rates for the next financial year. Yep, 0% increase. In a time when literally everything else is going up, that’s a welcome change.

Mayor Tracey Hargreaves says it’s thanks to Council staff finding over $5 million in internal savings to cover what would have been a $3.9 million revenue shortfall.

But… there’s always a but…

While general rates are staying put, the waste service charge is jumping by about 7%, bringing it up to $606 a year. Council says this is to cover the rollout of the new FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) and glass recycling services starting this November.

So while it’s not a full rates freeze for everyone, it’s a step towards easing the pinch.

. . .

🚦 New Speed Limits Rolling Out Across Ballarat

Heads up, Ballarat! Several roads across town are getting new speed limits starting this week.

The Department of Transport says the changes are all about improving safety, especially near schools and busy pedestrian areas. But not everyone’s convinced it’s just about safety. Plenty of locals reckon it’s more about raising revenue, with speeding fines topping up state coffers.

Either way, the new limits kicked in on Monday. Here’s what’s changing:

➡️ Sturt Street (Alfredton): 70 km/h → 60 km/h between Pleasant Street and Learmonth Street
➡️ Victoria Street (Ballarat East): 70 km/h → 60 km/h from Fussell Street to Humffray Street
➡️ Main Road: 60 km/h → 50 km/h between Humffray Street and Bradshaw Street
➡️ Barkly Street: Mixed 60/40 km/h zones → consistent 50 km/h from Victoria Street to Grant Street
➡️ Grant Street: 60 km/h → 50 km/h between Barkly Street and Doveton Street

Make sure to keep an eye on the signs this week to avoid any surprises (and fines).

CHARITY

🎁 High Tea Fundraiser for Operation Christmas Child

On Saturday 26th July, Operation Christmas Child is hosting a High Tea at Rise Christian Church in Delacombe to help bring joy to children in need around the world. If you’re not familiar, Operation Christmas Child collects gift-filled shoeboxes to send to kids who might not otherwise receive a present.

Tickets are $25 per person, with all funds going towards the project. Bookings need to be made by Wednesday 23rd July, and you can prepay via PayID or organise directly with Samantha, one of their dedicated local volunteers.

👉 When: Saturday 26th July, 1pm – 3pm
👉 Where: Rise Christian Church, 1 Icon Dr, Delacombe
👉 Tickets: $25, pre-purchase by 23rd July

BUSINESS

🍕 New Pizza Pop-Up: Playing With Fire

My friend and foodie Dennis spotted something new (and delicious) around town. Playing With Fire, a pizza pop-up run by two lads with serious moustache game and even better woodfire pizza skills.

These guys have just launched their mobile woodfire oven setup, braving the Ballarat winter to serve handmade pizzas at local pop-ups and events. Their first gig was at Ballarat Gymsports, and now they’re popping up this Friday evening at The Western Hotel carpark, plus upcoming events at Sandwich Press Co and more.

The menu’s simple but tasty. No fancy pizza boxes yet, but their passion and vibe more than make up for it. Keep an eye out for these guys.

Follow Dennis food adventures: @phamilyfeast

WHAT’S ON

Quick note: Apologies in advance that we couldn’t link directly to all the event pages in today’s newsletter. This edition ended up a little longer than usual with all the school holidays events, so we had to limit the number of links we could include.

❄️ Ballarat Winter Festival: Top Picks

See the complete program and events here

The Great Ballarat Hot Choc Showdown | Varies by venue, July 5-10 (Info)

• Location: Over 25 participating cafes across Ballarat CBD

• Description: City-wide hot chocolate trail featuring classic to wildly imaginative creations, with People's Choice voting and prizes.

Pop-Up Ice Rink | 9:00AM-10:00PM, July 5-10 ($10 - $49)

• Location: Armstrong Street South

• Description: Open-air ice rink in the heart of Ballarat's CBD offering skating fun for all ages and skill levels during winter festival.

Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill | 10:00AM-7:00PM, July 4-10 ($21.50 - $69.50)

• Location: Sovereign Hill

• Description: Christmas in July experience with spectacular light projections, falling snow, 18km of fairy lights and festive activities at historic goldfields.

Planet Lava at Ukiyo Entertainment Tent | 11:00AM-11:40AM & 6:00PM-6:40PM, July 5-12 ($8.50 - $35)

• Location: Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

• Description: Interactive space circus show empowering clever alien children through incredible nonsense and circus skills with explorer Corie.

Marionettes, Mesmerism and Magic Lanterns | 10:00AM-3:00PM, July 5-10 (Donation)

• Location: Ballarat Mechanics Institute

• Description: Historical exhibition exploring past entertainment through archival documents, newspapers and photographs showcasing Mark Twain and dubious acts.

Harry Potter Treasure Hunt | 9:00AM-5:00PM, July 5-10 (FREE)

• Location: Collins Booksellers Ballarat on Lydiard

• Description: Magical adventure through Ballarat's historic streets with challenging clues, wizarding prizes and Hogwarts immersion for all ages.

Markets and Exhibitions

The Bridge Market | 9:00AM-1:00PM, July 5 (FREE)

• Location: Bridge Mall, Ballarat Central

• Description: Monthly farmers market with essential foods, gourmet items, hot food and locally made design ware, supporting community groups.

The Big Thrift Market Ballarat | 10:00AM-3:00PM, July 5-6 ($5 - $8)

• Location: The Mining Exchange

• Description: Second-hand market promoting sustainability with pre-loved clothes, homewares, jewellery plus food, drinks and live music.

The Design Exchange Winter Market | 10:00AM-3:00PM, July 5-6 ($3 - $5)

• Location: The Mining Exchange

• Description: Unique small businesses, handmade gifts and ethical products with artisan foods, live music and creative works supporting local talent.

Ballarat Book Sale | 9:00AM-1:00PM, July 5 ($0.50+)

• Location: Ballarat Airport

• Description: Over 30,000 second-hand books from $1 supporting local charities with extensive range including novels, crafts and military history.

Ballarat Sunday Market | 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, July 6th | (FREE)

• Location: Morshead Park, Rubicon St, Redan

• Description: Discover a fantastic market experience with amazing stalls and new car boot sites. Browse handmade goods, pre-loved treasures, and enjoy great food.

. . .

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | 10:30AM-11:15AM, July 9 (FREE)

• Location: Eureka Centre Ballarat

• Description: Interactive Narnia storytelling with props, costumes and audience interaction for ages 4-12 years.

Kiki and Pascal | 1:00PM – 2:00PM, July 5-10 ($8.50 - $35)

• Location: Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

• Description: Rom-com variety show with singing, juggling, contortion and interactive comedy plus grown-ups edition after dark.

Mr Spin | 12:00PM-1:00PM, July 5-8 ($8.50 - $35)

• Location: Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

• Description: Vaudevillian circus featuring seven-ball juggling, Chinese devil-sticking and unicycle finale with theatrical flair.

The Great Dave | 12:00PM-1:00PM, July 8-10 ($8.50 - $35)

• Location: Ukiyo Entertainment Tent

• Description: Gravity-defying juggling with hilarious banter, improvised styles and unicycle tea-making finale plus cheeky grown-ups edition.

Stitches & Screenings | 2:00PM-4:00PM, July 5 ($25 - $30)

• Location: Palace Regent Cinemas Ballarat

• Description: Craft while watching Mary Poppins - bring knitting, crochet or textile projects to cozy cinema experience.

Georgie Carroll - Infectious | 8:00PM-9:00PM, July 5 ($54.00 - $59.00)

• Location: Her Majesty's Ballarat

• Description: Award-winning nurse comedian from Britain's Got Talent with hilarious Adelaide Fringe Festival winning stand-up.

Jolyon James - Imagine Live | 10:30AM-11:25AM, July 8 ($20.00 - $27.00)

• Location: Her Majesty's Ballarat

• Description: IMAGINE LIVE brings Alison Lester’s book to life with live action, animation, and music in an interactive show for families. It’s a magical celebration of creativity, friendship, and nature.

🎵 Live Music

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

Friday, 4 July

Ballarat Trades Hall | The Solo Lounge with Rhiannon Simpson and Archer | 5:00PM

Piano Bar | A Very Drag Christmas In July - HollyPop | 6:00PM

JD's Bar & Lounge | Kaze Karaoke | 8:00PM

The Flywheel, Beaufort | Grim Fawkner July Residency | 7:00PM

Hop Temple | Musical Bingo | $2

Saturday, 5 July

Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts | The Hit Makers | 7:30PM

The Goods Shed Ballarat | Two Of Us - The Songs of Lennon & McCartney | 3:30PM

Hop Temple | Retro Revival | 9:00PM

Piano Bar | SoundCheck Sessions Mid-Year Show | 12:20PM

The Lounge | LEE HARDING PRESENTS: THE BEST OF INXS | 7:30PM

Mt Clear College | Soraya McKee Dance Society: Winter Showcase | 1:00PM

Hop Temple | Saturday Live Music - Retro Revival | 6:00PM

Sip Champagne Bar | A Toast to Jazz and Disney with Twilight Gypsi | 7:00PM

Christ Church Daylesford | Concert Series | 2:30PM

Sunday, 6 July

Piano Bar | Pure Elvis - Sean Luke Spiteri | $35 | 2:00PM

Itinerant Spirits | Sunday Sessions - 100 Moods Music | FREE | 2:00PM

Market Hotel | Down to the River | 1:00PM

Kank Wolverang Records | Jeremy Beggs | FREE | 12:00PM

Piano Bar Ballarat | Pure Elvis - Sean Luke Spiteri | $35 | 2:00PM

The Crypt Ballarat | July Open Mic Gathering | Gold coin donation | 4:00PM

Hop Temple | Blues, Brews and Barbeque - Matt Katsis | 12:00PM

Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts | The Robertson Brothers 1960s Variety TV Show | 2:30PM

Cubby Haus Brewing | The Rectifiers Play | 2:30PM

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 3rd July
2°🌡️11° | 🌦️ | ☔50% | 💨 Light winds

Friday, 4th July
0°🌡️10° | ⛅ | ☔30% | 💨 N 20–30 kph

Saturday, 5th July
4°🌡️11° | 🌦️ | ☔40% | 💨 N-NE 25–35 kph

Sunday, 6th July
4°🌡️12° | 🌦️ | ☔50% | 💨 N-NE 15–25 kph becoming light

Monday, 7th July
1°🌡️11° | ☁️ | ☔30% | 💨 N-NW 20–30 kph

Tuesday, 8th July
5°🌡️8° | 🌧️ | ☔95% | 💨 N 25–35 kph turning NW

Wednesday, 9th July
2°🌡️9° | 🌧️ | ☔80% | 💨 NW 20 kph

Thanks for reading today’s edition of Ballarat Life. If you found something useful, please share it with your friends 🙏

Until next Thursday!