🏆 Meet Ballarat’s newest Ironwoman

Good morning, Ballarat! This week’s all about local heroes, from athletes conquering the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii to a frosty Ballarat film earning global applause in Poland, and a call-out to celebrate our own Great Women right here at home. Between brewing revivals and Children’s Week fun, there’s plenty happening around town. Grab a cuppa (or a cold one) and let’s dive into what’s making Ballarat buzz this week.

– Luciano Devoto
Keeping Ballarat connected, one inbox at a time. If you’re loving it, shout me a coffee ☕

FEATURE STORY

🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Local Legend: Regan Hollioake’s Iron Will

Ballarat’s own Regan Hollioake is fast becoming a name to remember in the triathlon world. In a field that makes mere mortals tremble, she clocked an incredible 9 hours and 7 minutes to place 13th at the 2025 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii among the world’s best women.

Only a few years ago, Regan was an amateur swimmer-turned-triathlete, training solo on Ballarat’s country roads. Fast-forward to today, and she’s stormed the global scene with wins at Ironman Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia, now sitting #9 on the global Ironman Pro Series leaderboard.

What does it take to complete an Ironman, you ask? Oh, “just” a 3.8 km swim, followed by a 180 km ride, and finishing with a 42 km marathon, all back-to-back! 😮 

Regan’s journey proves that world-class endurance can be built right here at home. And something tells me, this is only the beginning. Congrats Regan!

COMMUNITY DIGEST

🎬 From Ballarat’s Frost to Warsaw’s Spotlight

Ballarat’s own Sam Voutas has taken our city’s inspiration global with Yesterday Island, a dark comedy premiering at the Warsaw International Film Festival in Poland. Written during a particularly frosty Ballarat winter, the film follows a failed writer trapped on a surreal subantarctic island.

Partly shot around Ballarat and produced by local Melanie Ansley, Yesterday Island has already locked in a North American debut, with hopes for a hometown screening in 2026.

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💪 Celebrate Ballarat’s Great Women

Nominations are open for the Great Women of Ballarat Awards. Shining a well-deserved spotlight on the quiet achievers and community dynamos, the awards honour those women who make Ballarat stronger, fairer, and kinder (and somehow still find time to bake for the fam!).

Hosted by the Ballarat Foundation, this annual event reminds us that leadership doesn’t always come with a title - sometimes it comes with a thermos and grit. Nominations close Thursday 31 October, so if you know a local wonder woman, now’s the time to brag about her.

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👵 How Age-Friendly is Ballarat Really?

Council wants to know if getting older here feels like a warm hug or a cold shoulder. Locals aged 55+ are invited to spill the tea through the Age-Friendly Ballarat Survey, open until 14 November.

The responses will shape how the city supports connection, safety, and independence as residents age, and even feed into a World Health Organisation report (talk about global voice!). Fill it in online or grab a paper copy from the library to add your two-bobs-worth, then reward yourself with a cuppa!

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 🎤 Ballarat Teens, It’s Your Mic Drop Moment 🎧

ABC’s Takeover Ballarat is back, giving local teens the chance to turn their stories into professionally produced radio, video, and podcast features. Winners will work with ABC producers to bring their ideas to life. No experience required, just a story worth telling.

Whether it’s about resilience, identity, or a laugh-out-loud moment only Ballarat kids would get, this is your shot to be heard nationwide. Submissions are open now, so get writing as the next wave of young storytellers takes the stage.

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🎈 Bridge Mall Comes Alive for Children’s Week

Bridge Mall will turn into a playground of fun from Saturday 18 October, celebrating Children’s Week with a free family day out from 10 am to 2 pm. Activities include live music, dancing, storytelling, craft stations, and plenty of outdoor play (all in a traffic-free zone so kids can roam safely).

This year’s theme “Everyone Should Know About Children’s Rights!” encourages awareness and celebration of young people’s voices in our community.

BUSINESS

🍺 Ballarat Bitter’s Homecoming

After decades under corporate wings, the iconic Ballarat Bitter is returning to its founding family’s stewardship. The local brew that once told the story of this town’s working-class roots will be guided again by the folks who built it, no more faceless conglomerate.

The classic beer will be revived using its original recipe, with plans to pour the first pints again by 2026. Here’s to a taste of Ballarat history finding its way back to where it all began.

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☕ Wanted: A New Hero Behind the Coffee Machine

Got a knack for good coffee and clever ideas? The Eureka Centre is on the hunt for a creative café operator to bring life (and lattes) to its on-site café.

With the around 55,000 visitors a year, the café is perfectly placed to become a local hub for Ballarat East, welcoming park wanderers, pool-goers, history buffs, and caffeine devotees alike.

Expressions of interest are now open, so if you’ve got the flair and the beans, this might be your moment.

WHAT’S ON

🎭️ Happenings Around Town

Handpicked activities for all ages

Festivals & Major Events

ST. ALi Italian Film Festival at the Palace Regent Cinema | Thu, 16 Oct | Various Times | (Info)
Venue: Palace Regent Cinemas
Description: The final day of the annual Spring escape to Italy. A bellissimo selection of box office hits and award-winning films will dazzle screens in Ballarat for the first time.

Comedy

Ballarat Laughs Lineup Show | Fri, 17 Oct | 8:00pm - 10:00pm | (Info)
Venue: The George Hotel Ballarat
Description: Showcasing a killer mix of emerging and established comedians from Ballarat and Melbourne for a rib-tickling night of entertainment.

Markets

Buninyong Village Market | Sun, 19 Oct | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Buninyong Village Market
Description: Enjoy Buninyong in Spring! This quarterly Village Market features gorgeous handmade stalls, plants, food stalls, and local shops and cafes.

Performances

God of Carnage | Thu, 16 Oct - Sun, 19 Oct | Various Times | (From $10)
Venue: Minerva Space at the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
Description: Yasmina Reza's biting black comedy about two sets of parents whose cordial discussion unravels into chaos. Show times are 7:30pm Thu-Sat, and 2:00pm Sat-Sun.

The Australian Calisthenics Competition | Thu, 16 Oct - Wed, 22 Oct | Various Times | (From $20)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre
Description: Take a seat as an audience member at Australia’s most prestigious calisthenics competition, showcasing a unique combination of dancing, singing, gymnastics, and teamwork.

Alicia Bickett Psychic Medium Event - Ballarat VIC! | Thu, 16 Oct | 7:30pm - 10:00pm | ($45.00)
Venue: North Ballarat Sports Club
Description: Australian Psychic Medium Alicia Bickett connects with loved ones in spirit in a live show that is fast, funny, sometimes teary, and always a magical night.

The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) with Live Music | Sun, 19 Oct | 7:30pm - 9:30pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Performing Arts Centre
Description: A special screening of the silent masterpiece with a curated live score of gothic-inspired music by Erik Satie, performed by a chamber choir and musicians.

Community

Tea in the Garden | Thu, 16 Oct, Mon, 20 Oct | 1:00pm - 3:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Sebastopol Library
Description: Potter in the garden, drink tea, chat gardening, and help with garden tasks such as seed counting and harvesting herbs. Bring excess produce to share.

SpringFest Ballarat Harness Racing Night | Thu, 16 Oct | 6:00pm - 9:00pm | (From $22)
Venue: Ballarat & District Trotting Club Inc
Description: Join the Rotary Club of Ballarat for a night of harness racing, fundraising, and fun. Includes a three-course meal, entry, and race book.

National Veteran Motorcycle Rally 2025 | Mon, 20 Oct - Wed, 22 Oct | Various Times | (Free)
Venue: Various locations
Description: View motorcycles manufactured up to 1919. Public viewing at Doug Lindsey Rec Reserve, Creswick (Mon, 12-1:30pm), Main Street Clunes (Tue, 12-1:30pm), and Lake Wendouree (Wed, 10am-12:30pm).

Family & Kids

Mrs Claus Book Launch | Sun, 19 Oct | 10:00am - 11:00am | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Performing Arts Centre
Description: Join the official launch of the new children's picture book 'Mrs Claus' with a morning of Christmas festivities, a book reading, and craft activities. Bookings essential.

Kids Little Growers workshop | Tue, 21 Oct | 9:30am - 10:30am | (Free)
Venue: Barkly Square, Ballarat East
Description: A free gardening/nature/cooking workshop for children up to 6 years old, celebrating Children's Week. Includes storytelling, songs, and nature exploration.

Come and Try Balance Play at BALC! | Tue, 21 Oct | 1:15pm - 2:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre, Lake Gardens
Description: A free session for toddlers to five-year-olds to develop fundamental motor skills and self-confidence. A 1:1 child to parent ratio is required.

Health & Wellness

Calm within a FREE Community evening | Thu, 16 Oct | 7:00pm - 8:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Barkly Square, Ballarat East
Description: A free community evening blending breathwork, mindset practices, and creative expression to help reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and rediscover inner peace.

Symphony of the Cells Class | Sat, 18 Oct | 11:00am - 12:00am | ($10.00)
Venue: Elements Health & Fitness
Description: Learn about a holistic approach to wellness using a variety of tailored essential oil applications that target different body systems and related conditions.

Hearing Australia Information Session and Hearing Screenings | Tue, 21 Oct | 1:45pm - onwards | (Free)
Venue: Lucas Community Hub
Description: Free hearing checks available to help you rediscover the joy of sound. Bookings preferred.

Numerology Workshop | Sun, 19 Oct | 10:00am - 4:30pm | ($190.00)
Venue: Phoenix Alternative
Description: Explore how numerology can offer guidance and support. Your facilitator will explain the 10 foundational energy numbers and how they create a map for personal growth.

Exhibitions

Enninful x Mapplethorpe | Thu, 16 Oct - Sun, 19 Oct | 10:00am - 4:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Post Office Gallery
Description: A singular vision of Robert Mapplethorpe's work, curated by Edward Enninful. Enninful presents his selection of 46 prints in pairs, forging new dialogues between them. (Last Chance)

Catherine Leroy | Thu, 16 Oct - Sun, 19 Oct | 10:00am - 4:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Town Hall
Description: An exhibition showcasing the work of fearless photojournalist Catherine Leroy, who documented major conflicts from Vietnam to the Middle East, reshaping war photography. (Last Chance)

Leicolhn McKellar – Guma | Thu, 16 Oct - Sun, 19 Oct | All Day | (Free)
Venue: Alfred Deakin Place
Description: Budjiti photographer Leicolhn McKellar's visual exploration of contemporary pan-Aboriginal identity, challenging reductive visual tropes through collaborative portraiture in urban Darwin. (Last Chance) 

Ballarat Orchid Show | Fri, 17 Oct - Sun, 19 Oct | All Day | (Info)
Venue: Wendouree Senior Citizens
Description: The Ballarat Orchid Club presents their annual spring show, showcasing a beautiful display of orchids.

Merchants and Musicians by Casey McIntosh | Sat, 18 Oct - Sun, 19 Oct | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | (Info)
Venue: The Old Butchers Shop Gallery
Description: This exhibition features vibrant portraits and places celebrating diverse individuals who contribute to our local community, including chefs, a butcher, and musicians like Warren Ellis.

Talks & Ideas

Eco-Reads Spring Book Chat | Thu, 16 Oct | 6:00pm - 7:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Sebastopol Library
Description: Discuss environmentally themed literature in a relaxed and informal chat. This month's theme: Pictorial Books.

Ballarat Society of Artists Information Evening | Thu, 16 Oct | 6:00pm - 7:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Neil St Uniting Church
Description: Looking to join a supportive visual arts community? Drop in to this information evening to meet members and learn more about the society.

Mystery Readers' Book Chat | Fri, 17 Oct | 2:00pm - 3:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Library
Description: A lively discussion dedicated to mystery novels. This month's theme: Favourite Detectives. Share your thoughts and discover new reads.

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🎵 Live Music

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

Thu, 16 Oct

Civic Hall Ballarat | Pub Choir | 7:00pm - 9:00pm | ($45.50)

Fri, 17 Oct

Volta | Eliza & The Delusionals | 8:00pm onwards
JD's Bar & Lounge | Kaze Karaoke | 8:00pm - 11:59pm | (Free)
The Main Bar | Jessey Jackson | 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Irish Murphy’s Ballarat | Rewired Rock Band | 9:00pm onwards | (Free)

Sat, 18 Oct

Hop Temple | Saturday Live Music | 6:00pm - 10:00pm | (Free)
The Main Bar | Surfe | 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Freight Bar and Rooftop | Pranava Reunited | 8:00pm - 7:00am | (From $30)
Millers Arms Hotel | Love U Long Time | 8:00pm onwards | (Free)
The Deck Ballarat | Joel Fletcher | 9:00pm - 3:00am

Sun, 19 Oct

Piano Bar Ballarat | Santana and The Doobie Brothers Tribute | 1:00pm - 5:00pm | ($45.00)

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 16 October
23 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | 🌤️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 N 15 km/h

Friday, 17 October
14 °C 🌡️ 4 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~40% | 💨 W 25 km/h

Saturday, 18 October
17 °C 🌡️ 10 °C | ⛅ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 SW 20 km/h

Sunday, 19 October
22 °C 🌡️ 16 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~30% | 💨 N 15 km/h

Monday, 20 October
16 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~40% | 💨 W 25 km/h

Tuesday, 21 October
13 °C 🌡️ 4 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~50% | 💨 SW 30 km/h

Wednesday, 22 October
13 °C 🌡️ 4 °C | 🌤️ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 S 15 km/h

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Until next Thursday!