🍴 Something new’s simmering in Ballarat

Good morning, Ballarat! This week’s got all the right ingredients. From recipes carrying more history than any cookbook should, to fresh arts grants, heritage wins, and a new twist on one of Ballarat’s best fine dining spots. Let’s get into it.

– Luciano Devoto
Support Ballarat Lifer, buy me a coffee ☕

FEATURE STORY

🍲 Recipes for Respect: When Wisdom Meets Whisk

Ballarat’s newest cookbook, Recipes for Respect, proves you can’t beat experience (or a well-seasoned wooden spoon). Cooked up by the City’s Ageing Well Team and storyteller Lynda Fleming, it celebrates the women who’ve been feeding this town long before Uber Eats learned our postcode.

Between the pages you’ll find more than just casseroles and sponge cakes; there are plenty of memories and a few saucy secrets waiting there for you. This book is comfort food with a side of community, reminding us that behind every perfect pavlova is a woman who’s seen it all and still turned up with dessert.

For a hard copy (did anyone say ‘Christmas gift’?) just contact the Ageing Well team.

COMMUNITY DIGEST

🎨 Arts Grants Making Dreams a Reality

This year the Ballarat Arts Foundation (BAF) handed out grant gold to seven brilliant locals. Among them: Anna Macak, the 23-year-old harpist from Ballarat East is using the funding to head to a NSW masterclass; Fehraz Lateef, Ballarat North filmmaker is completing a feature on grief; and Georgie Stokol is smashing steel in sculptural form with new welding gear.

These grants are a great way to support our people who’ve lived, worked or studied in Ballarat to take their art to the next level. .

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🏀 Selkirk Stadium Levels Up

Selkirk Stadium is getting a serious upgrade. The three-stage overhaul includes a new sound system, better lighting, CCTV, and even solar panels to keep things bright and green.

Funded through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, the works will boost televised events like Ballarat Miners NBL1 games and December’s WNBL match between Bendigo Spirit and Geelong Venom.

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🏠 Five More Pieces of Ballarat’s Story Locked In

Five new sites have just earned their place in Ballarat’s Heritage Overlay, strengthening the city’s legacy of protecting its historical charm. From a charming weatherboard in Soldiers Hill to a rare Edwardian villa in Golden Point, these homes tell stories from gold rush roots to early suburban expansion.

Council’s decision means these places are now protected, and won’t quietly vanish under development pressure. Instead, they’ll keep standing, shaping the streets we walk and the stories we tell.

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🗑️ Bin Night Just Got Less Confusing

New bins, new rules… mild panic? Relax, we’ve got an app for that. The brand-new Ballarat Waste App is here to rescue your bin night (and your reputation with the neighbours). It tells you what goes out when, what goes in where, and even pings you a reminder so you’re not wheeling glass out on a FOGO week.

With the four-bin system landing soon, it’s the slickest way to stay on top of your scraps. Download the Ballarat Waste app via the App Store or on Google Play. 

. . .

🐶 Adopt a Pet: Meet Simon

With soulful eyes and a gentle nature, Simon’s the kind of dog who wins hearts quietly. He’d thrive as your one-and-only or alongside a calm female dog, and he’s got a soft spot for older, dog-savvy kids. Loyal, curious, and food-motivated, Simon’s all set for his forever home.

BUSINESS

🥂 A New Twist at Underbar: Mediterranean Fridays

Ballarat’s beloved fine diner, Underbar, is flipping the script, just a little. Known for its intimate eight-course weekend degustations, the Lydiard Street gem has introduced Mediterranean Fridays - a more relaxed, three-course dinner that brings big flavour without the formality.

It’s still Underbar, still refined, seasonal, and hyper-local but now with a new rhythm. The move taps into a hunger for something approachable yet special, and it’s proving so popular they’re extending it into Saturdays come November.

WHAT’S ON

🎭️ Happenings Around Town

Handpicked activities for all ages

Markets

Ballarat Community Garden Annual Sale | Sat, 25 Oct | Morning | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Community Garden
Description: The annual plant sale is on! A great chance to pick up some seedlings and support the community garden.

Pop Up Collective Market | Sat, 25 Oct | 9:00am - 3:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Stockland Wendouree
Description: Explore a collection of pop-up stalls from local small businesses, presented by Melbourne Cheeky Monkey Market, right inside the shopping centre.

Ballarat Farmers Market | Sat, 25 Oct | 9:00am - 1:00pm | (Free)
Venue: North Gardens Reserve
Description: Browse a wide range of fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and delicious food stalls at the picturesque lakeside market near the Botanical Gardens.

Festivals & Tours

National Veteran Motorcycle Rally | Thu, 23 Oct - Fri, 24 Oct | Various Times | (Free)
Venue: Various Locations
Description: The Antique Motorcycle Club hosts a rally for motorcycles made up to 1919. Public viewing opportunities include Beaufort Memorial Rose Garden (Thu, 10:30am-11:30am) and Smythesdale (Fri, 12pm-1:30pm).

Ballarat Rodeo | Fri, 24 Oct | Evening | (Info)
Venue: Kryal Castle
Description: Giddy up, the Ballarat Rodeo is back in town for a night of thrilling action and entertainment.

Urban Wine Walk | Sat, 25 Oct | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | ($79.00)
Venue: Multiple Venues
Description: A self-guided tasting experience where venues like Aunty Jacks, Ellington's, and The George Hotel host incredible winemakers. Ticket includes tastings, food/wine vouchers, and a keepsake glass.

Oktoberfest | Sat, 25 Oct - Sun, 26 Oct | 11:00am - 11:00pm | ($25.00)
Venue: The Market Hotel
Description: A weekend of live music, Bavarian tunes, German beers, pretzels, bratwurst, and classic Oktoberfest games. Price includes a Stein to take home with your first fill.

Kids & Family

Blue Light Disco | Fri, 24 Oct | Evening | ($8.00)
Venue: Sebastopol RSL Hall
Description: A fun and safe supervised disco for primary school-aged kids to dance and have a great time.

Moonhack | Fri, 24 Oct | 4:00pm - 5:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Library
Description: Join a global coding celebration for kids to create, code, and make a difference in this year's Moonhack challenge. Ages 8-12.

Ballarat Youth Services goes to an AFLW game!! | Sun, 26 Oct | 12:45pm | (Free)
Venue: Mars Stadium
Description: A free social outing for young people aged 12-25 to connect with others and cheer on their team at the Geelong vs Bulldogs AFLW game.

Performances

The Australian Calisthenics Competition | Thu, 23 Oct | Various Times | (Info)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre
Description: Take a seat at Australia’s most prestigious calisthenic competition, showcasing a unique combination of dancing, singing, gymnastics, and teamwork.

Opera’s Bad Girl | Fri, 24 Oct | 7:00pm - 8:10pm | ($20.00 - $35.00)
Venue: Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute
Description: A thrilling theatrical experience telling the untamed true story of Anna Bishop, opera's original rebel, through beloved arias performed by acclaimed soprano Sarahlouise Owens.

Ballarat Dance Works - Aladdin | Sun, 26 Oct | 2:00pm - 5:15pm | (From $25)
Venue: Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts
Description: Discover a whole new world with Ballarat Dance Works' 2025 annual full-length performance, whisking you away on a journey shimmering with courage, love, and magic.

Community

Power FM Ladies Day | Fri, 24 Oct | 11:30am - 6:00pm | ($90.00)
Venue: Ballarat Turf Club
Description: Grab your friends and get ready for a day full of racing, fashion, fun, and entertainment, with live music by Frankie Says Sax.

Daytime Dance Parties | Fri, 24 Oct | 5:00pm - 5:55pm, 6pm - 6:55pm | (Info)
Venue: Victoria Bowling Club
Description: An all-abilities daytime dance party where you can have fun, get fit and make friends. NDIS participants are welcome. Bookings essential.

Candlelight Vigil Evensong for World Peace | Fri, 24 Oct | 6:00pm - 7:00pm | (Free)
Venue: St Pauls Anglican Church
Description: An ecumenical gathering to pray for world peace, open to everyone. The service will include readings and music of peace as part of the vigil.

Karaoke and Dumplings | Sun, 26 Oct | 4:00pm - 6:00pm | (By Donation)
Venue: Buninyong Church Hall
Description: Join a relaxed afternoon of music, laughter, and good food. Sing a song to earn a dumpling (or a whole bowl!) in a fun community event.

Arts & Culture

Art Hub Ballarat Artist-in-Residence | All week | 11:00am - 5:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Art Hub Ballarat
Description: Meet Artist-in-Residence Alana Smith (Cut Off Your Hands Jewellery), a silversmith inspired by Brutalist architecture who captures the roughness of eroded concrete in her work.

Merchants and Musicians by Casey McIntosh | Sat, 25 Oct - Sun, 26 Oct | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | (Info)
Venue: The Old Butchers Shop Gallery
Description: This exhibition features vibrant portraits and places that celebrate the diverse individuals who contribute to our local community, including chefs, musicians, and café owners.

Big City Lights by Leah Torly | Wed, 29 Oct - Thu, 23 Oct | 11:30am - 4:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Art Space Ballarat
Description: An exhibition honouring Impressionism and cyberpunk, with cityscapes incorporating a high-contrast blend of vibrant, neon hues with dark tones and bold brush strokes.

. . .

🎵 Live Music

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

Thu, 23 Oct

Terminus Theatre (The Goods Shed) | The Australian Eagles Show | 7:00pm - 9:50pm | ($87.63)

Fri, 24 Oct

Itinerant Spirits | Down to the River | 6:00pm
Volta | Reliqa & Future Static | 7:00pm | ($29.90)

Sip Champagne Bar | Twilight Gypsi Band | 5:00pm - 9:00pm | (Free)
The Main Bar | Crank Williams and Patsy Decline | 8:00pm - 10:00pm | ($10)

Sat, 25 Oct

Millers Arms Hotel | Rock Lobsters - 80s night | 8:00pm | (Free)
Rafters @ The George Hotel | Power Surge | 10:30pm onwards | (From $15)
The Deck Ballarat | RAVE 2 - SAMMY LA MARCA & 3AMDISCO | 10:00pm | ($23.5)
Sip Champagne Bar | Mitch Matheson | 6:00pm - 8:00pm | (Free)

Sun, 26 Oct

Odessa at Leaver's Hotel | Tim Rogers (with Milly Strange) | 1:30pm - 4:30pm | ($45.00)

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 23 October
14 °C 🌡️ 4 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~60% | 💨 SW 20 km/h

Friday, 24 October
14 °C 🌡️ 3 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~50% | 💨 W 20 km/h

Saturday, 25 October
15 °C 🌡️ 7 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~60% | 💨 W 25 km/h

Sunday, 26 October
18 °C 🌡️ 3 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~50% | 💨 SW 20 km/h

Monday, 27 October
9 °C 🌡️ 1 °C | 🌧️ | ☔ ~80% | 💨 SW 30 km/h

Tuesday, 28 October
13 °C 🌡️ 2 °C | ⛅ | ☔ ~20% | 💨 W 15 km/h

Wednesday, 29 October
16 °C 🌡️ 6 °C | ⛅ | ☔ ~10% | 💨 NW 15 km/h

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Until next Thursday!