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📜One little park, a giant Ballarat story

📜One little park, a giant Ballarat story

Luciano Devoto
August 07, 2025

Morning, Ballarat! From honouring local legends to crowning pie royalty, this week’s a beauty. And with sunshine on the way, it’s the perfect excuse to grab a cuppa, soak it up, and enjoy what our city’s serving.

In today’s edition

Seniors Awards nominations now open
History Throwback : Gold Fever in August 1851
Foto Biennale set to light up the city
Schools planting thousands of trees
Help shape a more welcoming Ballarat
Ballarat’s Best Pie winners announced!
Interesting local events and live tunes

– Luciano Devoto

FEATURE STORY

👵 Seniors Awards Nominations Are Open

Credit: City of Ballarat

Alrighty folks, the 2025 Ballarat Seniors Awards are now open and it’s our chance to shine a light on the legends in our community who keep things ticking along. If they’re 60+ (or 50+ for First Nations locals), now’s the time to put their name forward.

There are five categories on offer, and one amazing person will walk away with Senior of the Year at a big celebration on 31 October during the Victorian Seniors Festival.

Nominations are open until 10 September, and it’s as easy as popping online or ducking into a City service centre to grab a form.

I already have a person in mind to nominate, so let’s give our seniors the standing ovation they deserve (without making them stand too long).

Submit your nomination to Ballarat Seniors Awards!

HISTORY THROWBACK

📜 Gold Fever Takes Hold in August 1851

Credit: Goldfields Guide

I reckon most of us know Ballarat for its gold rush roots, but did you know the real story kicked off in August 1851?

It all started when Thomas Hiscock, Buninyong’s local blacksmith, uncovered gold in a gully between Buninyong and Sebastopol on 8 August. A few short weeks later, between 21 and 24 August, at Poverty Point (now Golden Point), John Dunlop and James Regan struck gold in earnest. Their find triggered a massive influx of prospectors and set off the full-blown Victorian Gold Rush.

Today, Poverty Point (located at 414 Main Road) is a quiet little park with shade trees, a walking path, an info sign and a granite obelisk erected in 1941, marking the discovery.

COMMUNITY DIGEST

📸 Foto Biennale Program Announced

Credit: Visit Ballarat

Clear some space in your calendar because the 2025 International Foto Biennale is about to transform our city into one big gallery from 23 August to 19 October. This year’s theme, Lifeforce, is all about celebrating the energy that connects people, places and ideas.

Expect to see work from 360+ artists across more than 100 venues, from cafés and laneways to landmark galleries. Highlights include I ♥ Campbell by British-Ghanaian fashion photographer Campbell Addy at the Mining Exchange, a rare Robert Mapplethorpe showcase curated by British Vogue’s Edward Enninful at the Post Office Gallery, and a world-first retrospective of Vietnam War photojournalist Catherine Leroy at Ballarat Town Hall.

This Biennale promises to be Ballarat at its most creative, so don’t miss it.

. . .

🌱 Ballarat Schools Dig In for a Greener Future

So last Friday was Schools Tree Day and we had eight Ballarat schools out in the cold, planting thousands of natives to give our environment a boost. Alfredton Rotary provided a whopping 2,700 seedlings, while the City supplied tree guards and stakes.

From St James’ Parish School testing the Yarrowee’s water before planting by the creek, to Wendouree Primary’s mammoth effort with 800 new plants, the enthusiasm was contagious. Even the Pleasant Street Primary Green Team rolled up sleeves to cover their campus in fresh greenery.

This wonderful initiative is part of the ResourceSmart Schools biodiversity module, teaching kids to build habitat while clocking sustainability cred. More plants, more birds, more shade at recess.

. . .

🤝 Help Make Ballarat More Welcoming and Connected

The City is calling for locals to join a brand-new Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) and it could be right up your alley.

This initiative is about bringing people from all walks of life together to make our community more connected and welcoming. If you’ve ever felt left out, or you’re simply passionate about inclusion, your voice matters here.

The group will help guide projects that tackle social isolation and celebrate diversity. Roles are paid and support’s available for things like transport and childcare so no one misses out.

Expressions of Interest are open until 25 August, with drop-in sessions at local libraries if you’d like to learn more before applying.

. . .

🏆 And the Winner of Ballarat’s Best Pie Is…

Drumroll… Mrs Browne Bakes’ raspberry Goldfields cookie pie (served at Naomi & I) has taken out the crown for Ballarat’s Best Pie 2025, also winning Best Sweet Pie.

Over in the savoury corner, Hotel Canberra’s Stables Café & Bar wowed judges with their lechon paksiw pie, nabbing both Best Savoury Pie and the Brilliantly Unexpected award.

Shout‑outs too to Turret Bakehouse for Best Bakery Pie with their beef rendang, and The Shared Table for their sustainable feral pie, which claimed the Pie with Purpose prize.

Check out all the winners on Visit Ballarat’s website.

Need help finding the best pies in town?

The Ballarat Life Interactive Map has you sorted! Pull it up on your phone, choose your preferred stop, and enjoy one (or two) delicious creations.

WHAT’S ON

🎭️ Happenings Around Town

Handpicked activities for all ages

Markets

All for Kids Market - Ballarat | Sat, 9 Aug | 10 AM - 2 PM ($5 for adults, kids free)
Venue: Ballarat Mining Exchange
Description: A family day out with preloved, handmade, and new baby & kids' gear. Featuring face painting, hair braiding, a wildlife encounter, an appearance by JJ from Cocomelon, and other interactive entertainment for the kids.

Ballarat Farmers Market | Sat, 9 Aug | 9 AM - 1 PM (Free)
Venue: North Gardens Reserve
Description: Enjoy fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, gifts, and more from 80-130+ stalls, depending

Clunes Farmers and Makers Market | Sun, 10 Aug | 9 AM - 1 PM (Free)
Venue: Fraser Street, Clunes
Description: A much-loved local event with a lovely mix of artisanal food producers, seasonal produce growers, and locally based artists and makers.

Wellbeing & Creative Arts

Morning of Mindfulness | Sat, 9 Aug | 10 AM - 1 PM ($149.55)
Venue: Ballarat Hospice Care building
Description: Take a pause from daily life to relax and experience deep replenishment, focusing on building personal resources for health and wellbeing through mindfulness.

Winter Reset Yoga Festival | Sat 9 & Sun 10 Aug | 8:30 AM - 4 PM ($399 - $599)
Venue: The Mercure Hotel & Convention Centre
Description: A rejuvenating two-day yoga retreat to nourish mind and body with yoga, meditation, breathwork, and wellness workshops guided by experienced instructors.

Guided Forest Therapy Session | Sun, 10 Aug | 1 PM - 3 PM ($35)
Venue: Kirks Reservoir Park
Description: A two-hour guided session exploring the calming benefits of Forest Therapy. Connect with nature through sensory exploration and guided activities.

Sound Healing Immersion | Sun, 10 Aug | 12 PM - 3:30 PM ($35)
Venue: Soul Barn - Creative Wellbeing Centre
Description: A deeply relaxing sound immersion using Yoga Nidra guided meditation and a beautiful harmonic soundscape of layered notes, tones and vibrations.

GROW Mental Wellbeing Program | Ongoing | (Free)
Venue: Eastwood Leisure Complex
Description: A free, confidential program offering strategies to deal with emotional crises, manage feelings, and improve relationships in a supportive group setting.

Trivia & Bingo

Hop Temple Musical Bingo | Thu, 7 Aug | ($2 to play)
Venue: Hop Temple
Description: It's Bingo with a twist! Instead of numbers, they play all your favourite hits. Mark them off your card until someone gets Bingo.

Drag Bingo | Thu, 7 Aug | 6 PM ($10)
Venue: Piano Bar Ballarat
Description: An electrifying three-hour extravaganza of interactive entertainment, featuring dazzling drag performances and fabulous campery.

Hop Temple Trivia | Wed, 13 Aug | (Free)
Venue: Hop Temple
Description: Ballarat's most entertaining trivia event with quirky rounds and exciting mini-games. Great prizes up for grabs each week.

EM J's Wednesday Night Trivia | Wed, 13 Aug | 7:30 PM - 10 PM (Free)
Venue: The Royal Mail Hotel
Description: Dive into a whirlwind of knowledge and fun. Test your wits, challenge your memory, and maybe even learn a thing or two. Great prizes to be won!

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER Trivia | Wed, 13 Aug | 7 PM - 9 PM (Free)
Venue: The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill
Description: An evening of amazing food, great drinks, games, and trivia on Avatar: The Last Airbender. Fun questions to take you back through all the best bits.

Theatre & Performance

A Sparkling Evening of Burlesque! | Sat, 9 Aug | 7 PM - 9 PM ($70)
Venue: Sip Champagne Bar
Description: Step into a night of rhinestones, feathers, and vintage tease. Our burlesque beauties will transport you to a more glamorous time with a glass of champagne.

A Month of Sundays-Richard Chew (piano) | Sun, 10 Aug | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM ($35)
Venue: Old Law Courts
Description: Acclaimed composer and pianist Richard Chew will play music from his new release and works by Erik Satie to mark Satie's 100th anniversary.

Lenny's Toddler Techno Tour | Sun, 10 Aug | 1 PM - 2:30 PM (From $35.10)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre
Description: Immerse yourself in a candy-world themed wonderland and dance the day away to Lenny's remixes of your favourite kids' songs. Recommended for ages 0-8.

1984 by George Orwell | Wed, 13 Aug | 11 AM & 7:30 PM Shows (From $25)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat
Description: Strap in for an electrifying take on the George Orwell classic from the multi-award-winning creative minds at Shake & Stir.

Community & Family

Thursday Movie Screening: The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (PG) | Thu, 7 Aug | 1 PM - 3 PM (Free)
Venue: Sebastopol Library
Description: A curious child, fascinated by maps and science, learns he is receiving a prize from the Smithsonian Museum and sets off alone on a rollicking train adventure.

Ballarat Hospice Care's 40th Anniversary Celebration | Thu, 7 Aug | 7 PM - 10 PM ($90)
Venue: The Goods Shed Events Hall
Description: A cocktail evening celebrating 40 years of compassionate care, featuring music, storytelling, and connection.

Screenings in the Atrium: Perfect Days | Sun, 10 Aug | 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Library
Description: A deeply moving and poetic reflection on finding beauty in the everyday world around us. Hirayama seems utterly content with his simple life as a cleaner.

. . .

🎵 Live Music

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

Friday, 8th August

Saturday, 9th August

Sunday, 10th August

Wednesday, 13th August

Piano Bar Ballarat | Piano Bar's Got Talent - Heat 1 | 6:00 PM

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 7 August
1 °C 🌡️ 10 °C | 🌥️ | ☔~10% | 💨 NW 15–25 km/h

Friday, 8 August
1 °C 🌡️ 12 °C | 🌤️ | ☔~10% | 💨 Light breeze

Saturday, 9 August
0 °C 🌡️ 14 °C | ☀️ | ☔~0% | 💨 Light wind

Sunday, 10 August
4 °C 🌡️ 13 °C | 🌤️ | ☔~0% | 💨 Gentle breeze

Monday, 11 August
7 °C 🌡️ 14 °C | 🌤️ | ☔~10% | 💨 Light wind

Tuesday, 12 August
3 °C 🌡️ 12 °C | 🌥️ | ☔~30% | 💨 Light variable

Wednesday, 13 August
3 °C 🌡️ 11 °C | 🌤️ | ☔~10% | 💨 Light breeze

. . .

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Until next Thursday!

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