☀️ The most uplifting thing in Ballarat right now

Good morning, Ballarat! Plenty happening around town this week. There’s a burst of colour at the Mining Exchange, free summer swims, festive singing at Civic Hall, and even a ginger lad named Nigel looking for a new couch. Grab a cuppa and let’s jump into what’s new around town.

– Luciano Devoto
If you’re enjoying Ballarat Life, my coffee mug is accepting donations

FEATURE STORY

🌈 Last chance to wander through Sunnyside

If you’re craving a hit of colour before the weekend’s out, then Sunnyside at the Mining Exchange is worth a stickybeak. It’s not your typical art exhibition though, it’s more like stepping inside a giant mood-lifting artwork.

UK artist Morag Myerscough teamed up with locals to build a vibrant, geometric “sunbeam” installation filled with colour, light, and sound. You walk through a series of bright structures, listen to community stories woven into the soundscape, and basically get drenched in good vibes.

It’s joyful, interactive, and a bit like Ballarat’s version of stepping into a kaleidoscope. It all wraps up this weekend, so if you’re after something uplifting (and highly Instagrammable), this is your last window.

COMMUNITY

🏊 Free summer swimming is back!

If you’re looking for a cheap way to cool off this summer, here’s a win. From Saturday 29 November, both Buninyong Pool and Black Hill Pool will be completely free for City of Ballarat residents.

The pools open whenever the temperature hits 24°C or above, which feels about right for a proper splash. All you’ve got to do is grab a free Season Pass online, bring proof of residency and cannon-ball your cares away.

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🧑‍🎤 Get your voice ready for The Big Christmas Sing in Ballarat

I’m already humming carols just thinking about it. The annual Big Christmas Sing is coming to Civic Hall Ballarat on Sunday 30 November at 2pm, hosted by Victorian Opera with support from the Ballarat Choral Society and Ballarat Symphony Orchestra. It’s an afternoon built for singing, festive music and big community vibes.

Whether you know all the lyrics or only mumble the “fa la la” parts, you’re absolutely welcome. Tickets are available now, so round up a friend or two and kick off the festive season on a high note.

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🦈 A local author makes a splash with Surprise Shark

If you’ve got little readers in your life, here’s something sweet and very Ballarat. Local author and Loreto College library assistant Sarah Lane is launching her brand new children’s book Surprise Shark! this Saturday at Loreto. It’s a bright, funny picture book about a shark who just wants to make friends, even if he pops up in the most unexpected places.

The launch is on Saturday 29 November at 11am, and it’s a proper little book party with reading time, craft, cake, book sales and signings.

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🚌 Time to weigh in on Ballarat’s bus network

Our bus network is getting a proper once-over, and the state wants to hear from the people who actually use it. The idea is to make routes simpler, quicker and a bit more “Ballarat-friendly” for the way we get around now.

Feedback is open until 7 December, and you can share your thoughts on the Engage Victoria website.

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🛑 Train disruptions ahead at Ballarat Station

Heads up if you’re heading to Melbourne or back this month. From 18 to 28 November, trains will be swapped for coaches on parts of the Ballarat line while crews work on new station infrastructure.

The biggest disruption lands from 21 to 24 November, when a huge crane is brought in to install the new pedestrian overpass and lift shafts. During that window, the station will be closed and all services will run as coaches.

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ADOPT A PET

😺 Meet Nigel, the ginger boy ready for his forever couch

Nigel is one of those cats who just gets along with everyone. He’s a friendly ginger lad with a soft spot for humans and other cats, which makes him perfect for a lively family home or a quieter place that just needs a bit of daily purring.

He’s adaptable, gentle and genuinely enjoys company. If you’ve been thinking about adopting, Nigel might be your new favourite housemate.

BUSINESS

Mount Helen’s cosy little crowd-pleaser

Pompeii Woodfired Café Pompeii Woodfired Café is one of those spots locals quietly rave about, and once you visit, you get why. Tucked away at 4 Boak Ave, the place has that unmistakable woodfired warmth thanks to long-fermented sourdough, organic flour and a menu full of honest, hearty flavours.

The outdoor deck is a winner on a sunny morning, with good music and a relaxed, family-friendly feel. And whether you’re into Reubens, calzones or anything cooked in that beautiful woodfired oven, it’s a Mount Helen gem well worth the short drive.

WHAT’S ON

🎭️ Happenings Around Town

Handpicked activities for all ages

Markets

Ballarat Farmers Market | Sat, 22 Nov | 9:00am - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: North Gardens Reserve
Description: A large market with 80-130+ stalls featuring fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, olive oil, cheese, gifts, plants, and much more.

Ballarat Preloved Fashion Event | Sat, 22 Nov | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Barkly Square
Description: Explore over 50 stalls filled with women's, men's and children's preloved clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewellery.

Comedy/Fun

Ben Knight: The Parent Teacher Interview | Fri, 21 Nov | 7:30pm - 9:00pm | ($35.00)
Venue: Ballarat Mechanics Institute
Description: An hour of brutally honest comedy hosted by teacher Ben Knight. Recommended Age: 16+

Dave Hughes - WTF? | Sat, 22 Nov | 7:30pm - 8:30pm | ($49.00)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre
Description: Join comedy legend Dave Hughes for an unforgettable evening of laughter as he takes the stage with his brand-new hour, "WTF?".

Granny Bingo - Christmas Edition | Wed, 26 Nov | 6:00pm - 9:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Piano Bar Ballarat
Description: Join Edith Vale and Maureen McGillicuddy for a festive edition of Granny Bingo—filled with laughs, mischief, and holiday spirit.

Performances

Bob Downe: 40 Ridiculous Years | Fri, 21 Nov | 7:00pm - 8:15pm | ($55.00 - $69.00)
Venue: Her Majesty's Theatre Ballarat
Description: Australia's beloved Prince of Polyester celebrates four fabulous decades with his brand-new show, 'Choose Bob'—a high-energy comedy concert.

Dancing Queen - The ABBA Tribute Show | Sat, 22 Nov | 7:00pm - 10:00pm | ($86.02)
Venue: The George Hotel Ballarat
Description: An interactive ABBA tribute experience featuring roving performers, mass singalongs, and a delicious two-course meal included in the ticket.

Vinegar Tom | Fri, 21 Nov - Sun, 30 Nov| 7:30pm - 9:00pm | ($30.00 - $35.00)
Venue: The Chapel - Ballarat Performing Arts Community
Description: A play by Caryl Churchill exploring the story of ambitious, rebellious women in a society that cannot handle their free spirits.

Community

Santa's Red Telephone Booth and Letter Writing Station | Thu, 20 Nov - Wed, 26 Nov | All Day | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Visitor Information Centre
Description: Step into Santa's Red Telephone Booth to leave a voice message for Santa, or write him a letter at the dedicated letter-writing station.

Ballarat Open Day & SDA Information Sessions | Fri, 21 Nov | 10:00am - 3:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Brand new SDA
Description: A community day and interactive information sessions designed to help families, carers and participants better understand Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

Errard Hall Open Garden & Devonshire Tea | BMI Fundraiser | Sat, 22 Nov - Sun, 23 Nov | 10:00am - 4:00pm | ($27.50)
Venue: Errard Hall
Description: Open Garden and Devonshire Tea at Errard Hall, built in 1902 in the grand Victorian style. The garden was designed by Janene Byrne in 2014. Tickets include Devonshire Tea.

Sebastopol COMMUNITY SHOWCASE | Sat, 22 Nov | 12:00pm - 3:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Marty Busch Reserve
Description: A free, all ages event showcasing community organisations in Sebastopol. Features free sausage sizzle, kids’ activities, performances, and a fire truck.

Arts & Craft

Petra Rodgers - Song in the wood | Ongoing | 10:00am - 5:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Backspace Gallery
Description: For Ballarat artist Petra Rodgers, timber has become her chosen material for carrying memories. The drawings, paintings and assemblages explore aspects of her life.

Within Sight: Photographs by Paul Lambeth | Ongoing | 10:00am - 5:00pm | ($5.00 - $7.00)
Venue: Eureka Centre Ballarat
Description: An ongoing series by Paul Lambeth emerging from a practice of slow, attentive walking, observing transient patterns where light and form converge.

Kerry Fletcher Exhibition - Weathering | Thu, 20 Nov - Sun, 23 Nov | 12:00pm - 4:00pm | (Free)
Venue: The Old Butchers Shop Gallery
Description: The exhibition reflects climate differences and world news through local landscapes, traversing a multiverse of emotions.

EYE: End of Year Visual Arts Exhibition | Thu, 20 Nov - Sun, 23 Nov | 12:30pm - 5:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Post Office Gallery
Description: Showcasing the work of Federation University's Arts Academy's Visual Arts students across a diverse range of styles and media.

Film

Russell Hobbs British Film Festival 2025 | Thu, 20 Nov - Sun, 7 Dec | All Day | (Info)
Venue: Palace Regent Cinemas
Description: The festival showcases British brilliance with new releases, documentaries, and retrospectives, including 'The Choral' and 'Hamnet'.

Food & Drink

Squires Loft x Taltarni Winemakers Dinner | Fri, 21 Nov | 6:00pm - 10:00pm | (Info)
Venue: Squires Loft Ballarat
Description: Indulge in a five-course menu expertly curated to complement a hand-selected range of Taltarni's premium wines.

Champagne Masterclass | Sat, 22 Nov | 1:00pm - 3:00pm | ($159.00)
Venue: SIP Champagne Bar
Description: Champagne Ambassador Kyla Kirkpatrick (The Champagne Dame) joins for a special Champagne Masterclass to celebrate her 20 Year Anniversary.

Talks & Ideas

An evening with Peter FitzSimons | Thu, 20 Nov | 6:30pm - 8:30pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Mechanics Institute
Description: Australia's bestselling non-fiction writer Peter FitzSimons AM will be in Ballarat to celebrate his latest book 'The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop'.

AI Forum Ballarat: Driving Productivity | Fri, 21 Nov | 10:00am - 3:00pm | (Info)
Venue: The Goods Shed
Description: An opportunity for the AI-curious to explore the capabilities of AI in business and industry, highlighting available tools and resources for SMEs.

The Under 35 Edit (Ballarat Business Women) | Fri, 21 Nov | 5:00pm - 8:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Hop Temple Ballarat
Description: A networking event for women (18-35) with guest Zara Jarvis, a marketing strategist. Relaxed after-work drinks and honest conversation.

An Evening With Colonel Catherine McGregor AM | Sat, 22 Nov | 7:30pm - 9:00pm | (Free)
Venue: Ballarat Golf Club
Description: Join freelance writer, broadcaster, and author Catherine McGregor AM for a keynote address followed by an interactive Q&A session.

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🎵 Live Music

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

Fri, 21 Nov

Odessa at Leaver's Hotel | Minor Gold with special guests Tin Town | 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Freight Bar & Rooftop | Dylan Okeeffe | 7:00pm - 9:00pm
The Painted Lady 1862 | Jeremy Beggs & Maverick Ambassadors | 7:30pm
Irish Murphy’s Ballarat | Hi-Strung | 9:00pm

Sat, 22 Nov

Trades Hall | Sonika Emo Nite (TRERA, Skaer, Venus Half Shell, DJ Wishy Washy) | 3:00pm - 7:00pm | (Free)
Ballarat Mechanics Institute | Small Things | 6:45pm - 10:30pm | ($21.50)
The Main Bar | Morton Planes + The Bedridden & Cosmonaut | 7:00pm - 11:00pm | ($15.00)
Millers Arms Hotel | MidLife Crisis | 8:00pm - 11:00pm | (Free)
The Munster Arms Hotel | The Last Detail | 8:00pm - 11:00pm | (Free)
Irish Murphy’s Ballarat | Bitter Sweet | 9:30pm | (Free)
Freight Bar & Rooftop | Liam Orton | 7:00pm

Sun, 23 Nov

The Grand Ballarat | HIGHWAY 8 | 3:00pm | (Free)
Freight Bar & Rooftop | Hootenanny Up Late /Uproar, Re-Spin, The Neutron Flow, Venus Half Shell, Frogriders, Leo Gunn/ | 4:00pm

🌤️ Weather

Thursday, 20 Nov
15 °C 🌡️ 5 °C | ☁️ Cloudy | ☔ 25% (0–1 mm) | 💨 SW 15–20 km/h

Friday, 21 Nov
16 °C 🌡️ 3 °C | 🌤 Partly cloudy | ☔ no rain | 💨 S→SE 15–25 km/h

Saturday, 22 Nov
22 °C 🌡️ 5 °C | ☁️ Cloudy | ☔ 25% (0–1 mm) | 💨 SW 15–25 km/h

Sunday, 23 Nov
27 °C 🌡️ 10 °C | 🌦 Shower or two | ☔ 25% (2 mm) | 💨 Light winds

Monday, 24 Nov
27 °C 🌡️ 13 °C | 🌦 Shower or two | ☔ 25% (1 mm) | 💨 W→NW 15–20 km/h

Tuesday, 25 Nov
24 °C 🌡️ 12 °C | 🌦 Shower or two | ☔ 25% (4 mm) | 💨 W 15–20 km/h

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Until next Thursday!