👵 Retirement? These locals didn't get the memo

Good morning, Ballarat! Spring's having a bit of a wobble this week and the weekend's looking properly wet. But that won't stop us celebrating the locals who never stopped giving back, our loved Ballarat Show that's finally found its forever home, plus an iconic pub that's getting its soul back. So let's dive in.

– Luciano Devoto
Keep Ballarat Life brewing by shouting me a coffee

FEATURE STORY

💚 Celebrating our legends who just don’t quit

Ballarat’s Seniors Awards rolled out the red carpet last week for a bunch of locals who prove retirement’s more of a suggestion than a rule. From decades of volunteering to quietly keeping clubs, charities and neighbourhoods humming, these legends are what make this city feel like home.

Big nod to Jan Antosiewicz, named Senior of the Year for nearly 50 years of service across Red Cross, Soroptimists, and Buninyong Senior Citizens.

Find out more about the 2025 Seniors Awards.

COMMUNITY

🎪 The show's back and it's got a brand new home

After a year away, the Ballarat Show is rolling back into our lives this weekend, and it's going to be bigger and better than ever.

From Friday through Sunday, the brand-new Ballarat Showgrounds at Mount Rowan will come alive with show rides, farm animals, showbags, and all the dagwood dogs you can handle.

Gates open Friday at 1pm-10pm, Saturday 9am-10pm, and Sunday 9am-4pm.

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🌺 Pause and remember this Tuesday

Next Tuesday is Remembrance Day and services will be happening right across Ballarat to honour those who served.

The main service is at the Ballarat Cenotaph on Sturt Street, but there are also ceremonies at the Arch of Victory Memorial, Buninyong RSL, Sebastopol RSL, and the Ex-POW Memorial at Lake Wendouree throughout the morning.

Road closures will be in place around Sturt Street from 10am, so if you're heading into the CBD, give yourself extra time. For full details on service times and locations, head to the City of Ballarat website.

Lest we forget.

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🏐 Ballarat to host 2026 Water Polo Championships

Ballarat's about to make a splash on the national sporting stage.

The City of Ballarat will host the 2026 Australian Country Water Polo Championships, welcoming the nation's top country water polo players to our city.

It's another win for Ballarat as a regional sporting destination, and it'll bring athletes, families, and supporters from right across Australia — good news for local accommodation, cafés, and businesses.

Details on dates and venues are still to come.

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🏐 Have your say on the new ‘Sally McLean Courts’

The City of Ballarat is inviting feedback on a proposal to name the netball courts at C.E. Brown Reserve after Sally McLean who coached the Lake Wendouree Football Netball Club for over a decade, racked up 10 grand-final appearances, and led the side to 7 premierships.

Community consultation is open until 1 December via MySay Ballarat.

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ADOPT A PET

🐶 The sweetheart with a tough-guy name

Meet Cujo! Don’t be fooled by the name though. This little bloke’s all love and no drama. Cujo’s a playful, people-loving pup from the Kath & Kim litter, born just a day after their mum was rescued from the pound.

He’s been raised in foster care with kids and other dogs, so he’s confident, well-mannered and ready to slot right into family life.

If you’re after a loyal mate who’ll join in every game, walk and couch cuddle, Cujo might just be your guy.

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Get your business or event featured in Ballarat Life

BUSINESS

☘️ New owners pour fresh life into Irish Murphy’s

There’s a new crew behind Irish Murphy’s. Donald and Michelle Mace, along with sons Will and Matt, are the new local owners, taking over the much-loved Sturt Street pub with big plans to restore its soul.

They’ve already rolled up their sleeves with new flags flying, barrels scrubbed and a call-out to locals for what they’d love to see return. From live music, hearty meals, great convos and the best Guinness in town, the revival’s already taking shape.

Oh, and yes, Monday night trivia is back.

🍻 Follow Irish Murphy’s on Facebook to see what’s pouring this weekend.

WHAT’S ON

🎭️ Happenings Around Town

Handpicked activities for all ages

Markets

Ballarat Farmers Market | Sat, 8 Nov | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Free)
Venue: North Gardens Reserve
Description: Enjoy a coffee, hot food, fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, olive oil, cheese, jams, chutneys and sauces, clothing, gifts, eggs, honey, wine, and hand-made jewellery.

Comedy

Lawrence Mooney – Dead Set Country | Sat, 8 Nov | 8:00pm - 9:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat
Description: Mooney's gone country. Deep country. Dead Set Country. This time he's covered in dust, speaking slower and line dancing. It's Clarkson's Farm meets Lawrence Mooney's head.

Comedy Hypnosis Show | Sun, 9 Nov | 7:00pm - 8:30pm | (Info)
Venue: The Goods Shed, Terminus Theatre
Description: As seen on Seven Sharp (TVNZ) and going viral on TikTok, Comedy Hypnotist Haiming Jiang is bringing his hit show to Ballarat. It’s a night of unforgettable fun.

Festivals & Outdoors

Ballarat Show | Fri, 7 Nov - Sun, 9 Nov | (All Day) | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Showgrounds and Events Centre
Description: For three incredible days... Experience world-class acts, breathtaking stunts, thrilling rides, and delightful encounters with friendly farm animals, all while uncovering the true magic of the country.

Creswick Garden Lovers Weekend | Sat, 8 Nov - Sun, 9 Nov | 9am - 4pm | (Info)
Venue: 19 Victoria St
Description: This annual community event offers new and exciting gardens, including large and small town gardens, quirky and eclectic gardens, sustainable gardens, and real country gardens.

Performances

Romeo and Juliet | Thu, 6 Nov | 7:30pm - 10:00pm | (From $25.00)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat
Description: This raw portrayal of Romeo & Juliet will envelop you in the passion, the intensity and the heartbreak of Shakespeare's most evocative tragedy.

RocKwiz Live in ’25 | Fri, 7 Nov | 7:30pm - 10:00pm | (From $75.00)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat
Description: Join Julia Zemiro, Brian Nankervis, Dugald and the legendary RocKwiz OrKestra. Expect big names alongside tomorrow’s stars, riotous singalongs, and that unmistakable buzz when live music and comedy collide.

The Beatles tribute band Beatnix | Sat, 8 Nov | 7:30pm - 9:45pm | (From $69.00)
Venue: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts
Description: In the first half, meet the Beatles in their rock n roll Twist and Shout cavern days. After intermission, the mood gets trippy with a live string section for a breathtaking experience.

Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owens | Sat, 8 Nov | 8:00pm - 10:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Civic Hall Ballarat
Description: Performing a dynamic repertoire featuring their iconic original hits alongside timeless classics (Islands In The Stream, Take Me Home Country Roads) that we all know and love.

Bonegilla The Migrant’s Journey | Sun, 9 Nov | 2:00pm - 3:30pm | (From $25.00)
Venue: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts
Description: A multimedia show that uses two screens on stage to play the filmed interviews of post-war migrants... The musical soundtrack is played by a grand piano and violin live on stage.

The Animals (UK) – The Final Curtain Tour | Tue, 11 Nov | 8:00pm - 10:00pm | ($79.90)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat
Description: Sixties British Legends The Animals. Do not miss your last chance to witness one of rock's most influential bands ('House of The Rising Sun', 'We Gotta Get Out Of This Place') take their last bow.

Community

Lazer Tag - FREE youth event | Fri, 7 Nov | 4:15pm - 6pm | (Free)
Venue: 502 Howitt Street
Description: Dive into the ultimate FREE laser tag experience for young people aged 12-25. This workshop is all about fast-paced action, laughter, and letting loose with friends.

A Pressing Engagement | Tue, 11 Nov | 4pm - 5:30pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Library
Description: Utilising the ‘Hot off the Press Cookbook,’ this program is for teens (13-18) to learn how to prepare simple, affordable and nutritious meals with minimum fuss.

Russell Hobbs British Film Festival 2025 | Thu, 6 Nov - Ongoing | (All Day) | (Info)
Venue: Palace Regent Cinemas
Description: This year's sensational lineup showcases British brilliance at its best with hotly anticipated new releases, documentaries and retrospectives including 'The Choral', 'The History of Sound', and 'Hamnet'.

Album Club | Wed, 12 Nov | 6pm - 7pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Library
Description: Get together to discuss the chosen album of the month: "Born Sandy Devotional" by the Triffids. This month's discussion topic is "Music documentaries."

Arts & Culture

Within Sight Photographs by Paul Lambeth | Ongoing | 10:00am - 5:00pm | (From $5.00)
Venue: Eureka Centre Ballarat
Description: An ongoing series by Paul Lambeth, emerging from a practice of slow, attentive walking. Observing transient patterns where light, form, and natural processes converge.

SUNNYSIDE | Chasing Sunbeams by Morag Myerscough | Fri, 7 Nov - Thu, 12 Nov | 11am - 12pm | (Info)
Venue: Ballarat Mining Exchange
Description: Step inside and immerse yourself in 'Chasing Sunbeams,' a new large-scale, wonderfully colourful and fantastical installation by internationally renowned artist Morag Myerscough.

"8": David Jones, Sarah Curro, ReVerse Butcher | Sun, 9 Nov | 1:00pm - 2:00pm,  4:00pm - 5:00pm, | (From $15.00)
Venue: The Arts Incubator (The Film Studio)
Description: For the first time, the acclaimed multimedia work 8 comes to life on a physical stage, blending music, virtual reality visuals and immersive performance by David Jones, Sarah Curro, and ReVerse Butcher.

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🎵 Live Music

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

Thu, 6 Nov

Odessa at Leavers Hotel | Wildwood Voices ~ Rising Women of Folk, Harp & Heart | 6:00pm | (From $20.00)

Fri, 7 Nov

Odessa at leavers | Frank Yamma | 7:00pm | ($40.00)
The Main Bar | James Ramsay and Sam Buelke | 7:00pm | ($10.00)
Itinerant Spirits | Down to the River | 7:00pm - 10:00pm | (Free)
Kilderkin Distillery | Sadie Mustoe | 7:30pm - 10:30pm | ($20.00)
JD’s Bar and Lounge | Kaze Karaoke: Friday Nights | 8:00pm - 11:59pm

Sat, 8 Nov

The Boatshed Restaurant | Piano by Request | 6:00pm - 11:59pm | ($10.00)
Odessa at leavers | David Bridie 'On Karen's Piano' Album Launch | 7:00pm | ($40.00)
The Deck Ballarat | Tigerlily | 9:00pm

Sun, 9 Nov

Ballarat Golf Club | Ballarat Jazz Club 40th Anniversary | 1:00pm - 4:00pm

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 6 Nov
19 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | ☁️ | ☔ ~30% | 💨 W 15 km/h

Friday, 7 Nov
22 °C 🌡️ 8 °C | 🌦️ | ☔ ~40% | 💨 NW 20 km/h

Saturday, 8 Nov
10 °C 🌡️ 5 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~70% | 💨 SW 25 km/h

Sunday, 9 Nov
13 °C 🌡️ 3 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~50% | 💨 SW 20 km/h

Monday, 10 Nov
14 °C 🌡️ 4 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~60% | 💨 W 20 km/h

Tuesday, 11 Nov
13 °C 🌡️ 3 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~70% | 💨 SW 20 km/h

Wednesday, 12 Nov
13 °C 🌡️ 4 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~50% | 💨 SW 15 km/h

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Until next Thursday!