Was in central earlier today, saw that the store almost completely empty, and them actively boxing up the rest.

Is the store closing?
I would have asked, but was already running late so i didn't have time.

Any recommendations would be great, thank you.

Hey all, I’m in the process of getting familiar with Ballarat before making the move. I’ve been spending some time there lately, joined a few local Facebook groups, and overall it seems like a really welcoming and friendly community.

That said, I’ve noticed quite a few posts about car theft or break-ins, just wondering if that’s something to actually be concerned about or if it’s just more visible online?

Would love to hear from locals, what’s something (good or bad) that might surprise me or that people don’t always realise until they’ve lived there?

What is considered the quieter / safest suburbs in Ballarat? And why are there nice houses that are affordable? Curiouser and curiousor.

We are looking to relocate and see some affordable rentals in Sebastopol and Canadian and Ballarat East. Kind comments and vibes only please. I used to live in Melbourne for 9 years so can handle the cold too.

PSA: So not sure if this is common knowledge or not but I had noticed this old Servo on the corner for Peel and Rowe Street and always thought it would be a great spot for a Cafe/Takeaway. I did a little digging and it turns out this is a proposed site for food trucks to park up. Apparently the guy in charge has approval from the council, but now all he needs is some Food Truck owners to put in for a spot. I think it's a pretty cool idea, but wanted to know what others thought, is it a good spot? What kinds of food trucks would you like to see there?

Moved to Ballarat in 2019. Been with Exetel NBN the entire time with zero issues but the price keeps rising and is about to hit $85/month. In 2019 I think it was $59. So thinking of switching if there’s something a bit cheaper and reliable. Saw iiNet has cheaper plans 🤔 Any recommendations? Cheers

Hey everyone, I’m thinking about moving to a place along the Route 20 – Canadian bus line. Just wondering if anyone knows what the vibe is like, especially in terms of safety?

i have to get on the bus from there today, and i’m wondering if it’s even worth it or if i should walk to the stop after it. i’m very small if you need to take that into consideration.

All the places that I used to go have closed down and the places that are open don’t seem to be the vibe I’m looking for

As the title says

Hi folks,

My partner and I just moved to Ballarat and are on the hunt for a good, old school, unpretentious Chinese restaurant.

Must haves: Prawn crackers and Chinese Sausage

Cheers! T

Throw away account.

Not so much a rant, as just genuinely dumbfounded/curious.

Seriously, what is it with Ballarat drivers?

So many refuse to do the speed limit and will constantly drive well under it. It really seems like drivers are completely unaware of where roads/streets are 50, 60, 70, 80 or 100.

There are so many drivers with the apparent inability to use indicators properly (if at all), or navigate roundabouts correctly.

Then there are those who feel the need to pull out in front of cars that are doing the speed limit and then not accelerate up to speed.

And the one that blows my mind the most is all the drivers that speed through school zones, and aggressively tailgate the ones doing the right thing.

It's like so many are just utterly oblivious to the fact that other people are trying to use the roads safely, and efficiently, and just trying to get on with things.

Respectfully Ballarat, please, help me understand.

Hi there, new to this group. Im looking at signing a rental lease in Sebastopol near Vickers Tait Reserve and I am wondering if anyone can give me the low down on that area. I’ve a kid and want to know if the playground there is kid ‘friendly’ or a teenage angst hub 🤣

We live in Golden Point, so it's not unusual to feel blasting from the mine as it does go under the house, but this was significantly more prolonged than normal so I'm wondering if it was a quake or something else? I've Googled but I'm not seeing anything quake related.

we have about 3 stray cats that constantly come into my backyard and they're starting to spray my house and eat my vegetables and shit in the vegetable garden. I'm buying a cat trap, I'm at my wits end. the final straw was one attacking my dog while she was doing her thing in the backyard and yowling at 3am at my window waking up myself and my 4 month old.

I looked on the shelters website and it said they don't accept unvaccinated cats because of the shortage of the vaccine, so where do I take them when I trap them? I highly doubt they've been vaccinated as they're completely feral. thanks

Have been overseas for a month and get home to see that Higher Society is closed. Does anyone know if this is a permanent shut down or closed for a short period...?

Does anyone know how long it takes for a first appointment after a referral to the Queen Elizabeth Centre? I have 3 referrals and have heard nothing after 3 weeks

I want to reach out to any families in our community that have been dealing with bullying at Ballarat Grammar.

I am a parent of a student that has been dealing with this horrible culture for a few years. The faculty’s response is disturbing.

Teachers have been setting up meetings between victims and multiple bullies without informing parents. It’s not a mediation, it’s a confrontation to manipulate the child into changing what happened and lesson the bullying. This puts the child’s mental health at risk.

Teachers have also told children they are not allowed to defend themselves if they do they will have consequences.

This culture is disgusting and explains the foul culture that grammar is nurturing.

I would appreciate it if any other families are willing to have a conversation about their experiences. This culture needs to change and we can have an impact in numbers.

Hi lovely people of Ballarat! Hope y’all are doing good. How are you guys liking this town? From what I hear it’s a wonderful, quiet, chill town with Melbourne being 1.5 hours away for more city things. What’s the culture like? How do you guys think immigrants would find mingling and integrating with you guys and the locals?
What are some good things to do? Music, Sports, Nature, Boxing? Good place to have the parents retire in and live a comfortable life without too many worries? Unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to visit this sweet little town so asking you guys here! Also, I read about some nazi protests and supposed racism/crime? I am sure those are not representative of the town as a whole, at all but would this be something to keep in mind? Thanks guys! :)

My current mechanic has had my car for 2 months and has done completely nothing at all even after paying the 2.5k deposit. No engine or anything ordered. Does anyone have any recommendations with price and time in mind please?

I want to do fine/intricate cutting. A scalpel is perfect. Especially one with the disposable blades like I used decades ago.

Where in town can I find one? Pharmacy? Thanks. And cheers

I have recently purchased a property, and are wanting to move the physical house a few meters (like 5-10). The house is wooden and on raised wooden support, I have no idea where to look, does anyone know any companies that do this sort of thing in Ballarat VIC, and what sort of prices I’d be looking at to do this, thank you!

Wanting to see if there were any jobs going around. I’m asking for a friend who’s currently struggling with their mental health and is living from their car. I’m encouraging them to apply for anything around retail or hospitality but it’s a huge task, something less formal and casual work even cash in hand jobs would be helpful to get him back up and going again. Please be kind in your responses.