r/ballarat

Every year Alluvium update their signs to say the shopping centre, headlined by Coles, will open the next year. First it was 2024, then it was 2025, now it’s 2026 - and besides some earth works done early last year (I think?) nothing has progressed. In the meantime, a new Coles is Delacombe is nearly complete

It kind of feels like Coles has pulled out of Winter Valley and the mythical shopping centre will never eventuate

I don't drink coffee (yeah, yeah, I know) but I love a good hot chocolate. Has anyone tried any of the hot chocolates from the 'Ballarat Hot Choc Showdown' competition? How would you rate them? Worth it? Would love to hear people's reviews.

There's 34 different ones and I will probably only be able to try a few before it's over... wanna make sure I try the best of the best.

Here's a link to more info if people don't know what I'm talking about: https://www.ballaratwinterfestival.com.au/program/hot-choc-showdown

Have noticed on the Vic emergency app that there's been a fire at Sovereign Hill almost every day for the last week. I would have assumed it was a false warning because of Winter Wonderlights but the alerts say "vehicles responding". Anyone have the inside scoop?

Hi everyone,

We're looking to buy in the Ballarat area, but the market is so dry at the moment that we're now seriously considering building instead.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's built a home in the last couple of years.

I know it's not the easiest time to build with rising costs and delays, so I'm interested in hearing about recent experiences.

A few questions:

• Who did you build with, and would you recommend them?
• Did your final cost stay close to the original quote?
• How was the build process overall?
• Were there any unexpected issues or lessons you'd share?

We're also considering land in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) area. If you've built on land with a bushfire overlay, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience: Did it add significant costs?

Was there anything you wish you'd known before buying a block?

Any recommendations, advice, or builders to avoid would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm looking into booking a first-aid course (blended). The email says there will be an online component as well as an on-site component (which it says lasts for three hours).

I guess I'm just kind of curious what will be expected of me so I can centre my expectations.

Does anyone know how long the online module is?

What do they have you do on-site?... I kind of don't want to perform CPR on a stranger haha... Is it independent or will they partner you?

my mother has gotten her tires poked with rods, or otherwise deflated. its always the same tires and its when she parks on the road. is this a general problem others have to deal with or should we be more worried?

we suspect its someone, doing it but it also hasn't happened often enough for us to be sure either. but my mum barely knows anyone in Ballarat so i doubt its because she's done anything.

thoughts?

This month we are reading The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma. Grab a copy and we'll see you in August on the 1st Wednesday at 7pm at the North Britain or the Royal Oak. Just rock up and you are on board.

https://preview.redd.it/rad64iqwrrah1.jpg?width=1339&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e667ffdc7476741057a3ceb31c52d265e735080a

https://preview.redd.it/w350aarxrrah1.jpg?width=400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a24abcbd01fccc75e48b636e181f54f9dbe1a59c

I’ve given up on relying on the youth and child mental health team after repeated issues, so I’m starting to look for any psychiatrists in the area that are informed on Bipolar and neurodivergence. Preferably not too expensive or someone that has a portion of payments taken by medicare rebates. Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!

Hey everyone- we recently moved to the area and are struggling to find a GP that is great with toddlers.

Happy to pay if we have to!

Thanks in advance

Does anyone know a good place for historical Ballarat records online? I work night shift, so going in person is kinda a pain for me if I’m honest. I’m mostly looking for mining records if that makes a difference.
Cheers in advance

I want to get a table saw for various reno/DIY purposes, but am a bit nervous about it due to how dangerous they can be with kickback etc. Would rather not lose a hand or my spleen if I can avoid it.

Anyone know if there's somewhere I can do a short course on safe table saw operation locally?

G’day Ballarat.
Just checking in to see if anyone has had any luck getting Hi8 camcorder tapes transferred to digital locally? Seen a few options online that require posting far away but would prefer to keep them close by to avoid losing/damaging them.

Thanks

Any recommendations for a great sports physio, even better if they are familiar with Olympic lifting or CrossFit?

Same for a GP. We move next week and I’m loosing a great healthcare team!

Kindergarten teacher (29f) Moving to Ballarat with the family in September. What are the best kindergartens to work with and who should I avoid? Looking for places with good ethics and good teamwork.

Looking to travel to Melbs in the morning on the train. Which service is the most packed in the morning?

Cheers!

So, is there any way of knowing which platform this train will run from without wandering around all over the place like an idiot?

I get off a city loop train on plat 9 and then take a guess in which direction to walk. Surely I'm missing something here?

Edit: vline app sounds like the way to go. I didn't know it had that feature, thanks all!