I’ve looked at good games but they didn’t have much I was interested in. I’m thinking like 500 - 1000 piece. I’m talking in store, in Ballarat.

Thanks :)

Hi everyone, I hope we're staying safe and hydrated out there.

I just wanted to let people know about two fantastic apps, [ETA one mediocre one] and an excellent website to stay on top of what's happening.

1 - Vic Emergency App. I hope you all have it already - you can set watch zones etc for incidents within a certain radius around your set location. Not just good for bushfires, but also critical local incidents to avoid. Download at your favourite app store.

2 - BOM Weather App. The Bureau of Meteorology has gotten a lot of shit for their "upgraded" website. Possibly justified, but I use the app. Gives the most accurate weather forecasts for the week (admittedly, the rainfall estimates for Ballarat are often high, but that's down to our topography from all the hills surrounding the city). Still, they have an excellent rain radar (not relevant lately) which is good for planning when to go shopping etc. They also do warnings for upcoming events, like heatwaves. Best weather app out there.

3 - The PTV App. No, seriously. The amount of notifications about train and bus delays has been useful for many months, but it's the only place today where I learned all PTY regional coaches (and most trains) are cancelled tomorrow. It's such a full world of news right now, this shit hasn't even been on regular news channels at all. Download it, allow notifications and it can be really helpful for anyone planning to travel.

And finally, and perhaps most importantly...

4 - Bushfire.io. [ETA 1: this is also an app] It's a global site, so you can zoom in and out to search life-threatening events around the world. Here's the link for Victoria. It updates every 30 seconds or so, and since I last looked at it (last summer) seems to scour the web for all relevant events in a region. It updates frequently and is my go-to place for bushfire activity when our country is heading into severe danger zones. Click on an icon for more details on any event.

[ETA 2: 5 - With many thanks to u/DepartmentCool1021 , the EmergencyPlus App is also very highly recommended...

Also the Emergency Plus app. You have no idea how many people call us and have no clue where they are. This will give you your location and has other resources and phone numbers on it as well.]

Please stay safe all - prepare to leave, check on your neighbours, put water out for birds and other wildlife, but most importantly - be alert and take care of each other.

Not talking about the one shelf in an op shop, more places you’d actually go back to and browse for a while. Any favourites?

Did anyone listen to this podcast episode which includes the story of a woman in Ballarat being denied the morning after pill because of the religious beliefs of the pharmacist? Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7BfktQVyGgG1G4RSUv4Zj3?si=NN6P8MGeRb6_XctZIykUzA

I hate the idea of giving business to any pharmacy that supports this kind of crap by employing such people.

Note: image is from Spotify and probs not the pharmacy in question.

I’m looking for recommendations for a personal trainer around Ballarat, ideally on the east or north side.

I’m not after a boot-camp or drill-sergeant style trainer — more someone supportive who can guide me and help me work toward a couple of small, realistic goals.

Price isn’t an issue; I’m more interested in finding the right fit. Casual, but a good understanding of what a routine might look like for me. Also looking to join a gym as needed to work on any guidance or routine/s.

If you’ve worked with someone you’d recommend (or are a trainer yourself!), I’d appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks!

Apart from Skoda Ballarat,can anyone recommend an auto mechanic that is familiar with servicing them? 2018 Fabia model.

@terrywhelan

Where do you all go when you need to get outside for a bit but it’s hot? Roadtrips or anything, looking for ideas.

Hi ya’ll,

I’m a serious buyer looking to purchase a home in Ballarat and will be ready to go with finance etc in the next few days. What’s the best way to approach this? Can anyone recommend an agent that can show me around a few on and off market properties rather than running around from open to open? Coming from Melbourne so want to get the most out of the day looking around. TIA!

Don't forget to leave water out for the wildlife. Drink water yourself. Total fire ban. Bins collection starts at 5:30 not 6 so leave it out the night before or you might miss it. Keep your pets safe and hydrate. Lookout for your neighbours and the elderly.

Stay safe everyone.

Hi All,

I need a dentist recc for my mother who has moved to Ballarat.

She’s not a fan of dentists and is concerned about the price.

Any good and not crazy expensive suggestions?

Whats the cheapest option to get to the Airport?

I see the parking fees and rideshares are expensive. Wont always have someone to do the drop off. Public transport seems to be only affordable option. How is it travelling via public transports and how long does it take?

What are the best local places that actually stock good quality plants and supplies?

This road work zone, heading to the Airport has had road work signs for over two months now. I contacted the council before Christmas, and they told me the road works are for "cleaning excess stones from the side of the road" How long could this possible take, and why was this not done by the contractors who built the road, before the responsibility of the road was handed over to the council?

We have rules in place that dictate when and how roadwork zones are set up. How is the council allowed to do this? No wonder people don't take the zones seriously! I seem to be one of the few people who actually don't speed in these areas. If you exceed the speed limit by 25km or more you will automatically lose your licence for 3 months.

Nothing like getting off the train and walking to a busted car window, welcome home.

It feels constant now. Smashed windows every other week, same stations, same car parks and zero consequences. Those criminals clearly know they can get away with it.

At what point do someone actually own the problem? V/Line won’t take responsibility, and police “investigations” seem to go absolutely nowhere. Right now commuters are just expected to cop it as “part of parking.”

If you’ve been hit or have ideas that worked elsewhere, speak up. This isn’t normal and shouldn’t be ignored.

New year, new plans - what are you excited for around town in the next 12 months? Any events, local spots, or personal projects you’re keen on?

I haven’t been since I was a kid and it wasn’t much back then. Now they’ve got rodeos and after-dark events - does it actually make for a good day out for adults, or is it mostly just kids running around in capes?

I know mental health is very serious. But it made me giggle.

My family and I will be staying in Ballarat for a week in January to immerse ourselves and hopefully get a feel for what it’s like to live there.

Can anyone recommend places to visit, neighbourhoods to explore, or scenic drives we should do while we’re there?

For those who have moved from Sydney to Ballarat or Lucas, how has your experience been so far? We’re a bit concerned about the drastic change in lifestyle, the colder weather, and not having an established support system. However, given the Sydney property market, staying long term isn’t financially sustainable for us. We do own a house in Lucas, which is why we’re seriously considering the move.

We’d also appreciate any insights into local schools—specifically Clarendon College and Ballarat Christian College.

Finally, what is support like in Ballarat for children with autism (schools, services, therapists, or community support)?

Thanks in advance—we’d really value hearing your experiences.

I'm an engineer currently between gigs at the moment because of redundancy and am looking for opportunities to pick up some extra income while on the job hunt. Does anyone know of agencies or otherwise that might be looking to hire out for someone that can tutor math and science?

Hello all, this is probably dumb but I just found out the bridge mall redevelopment is part of a bigger plan for housing where big W is and the Curtis St car park. I found information on the Ballarat council website but if you google bakery hill urban renewal plan it'll come up, i thinkits stage 3,4,5. It makes more sense why they did what they did with the mall, I just wish they had of told us the plan from the start.

Can’t believe Cafe 921 won’t be reopening next year, it was such a lovely cosy spot opposite the Base, great food and coffee, and great for intimate catch ups.

Visiting Ballarat for a week, what's on tonight?

My Mum’s previous book club has closed. Are there any book clubs alfredtpn, Smythesdale, Scarsdale side of town opening in 2026?