Detectives from Taskforce Lunar arrested an additional four teenagers last Friday as part of their investigation into incidents linked to the ongoing tobacco dispute.

With assistance from the Gang Crime Squad, the VIPER Taskforce and the Southern Metro Regional Crime Squads, warrants were executed simultaneously at five residential addresses in Springvale, Princess Hill, Cranbourne East, Brighton East and Preston about 7am last Friday morning, March 8.

Four boys have now been arrested and were to be interviewed by police. They include:

• A 16-year-old Springvale boy,

• A 14-year-old Princess Hill boy,

• A 17-year-old Cranbourne East boy, and

• A 16-year-old Preston boy.

In addition to four teenagers previously charged, investigators will now interview the additional four boys in relation to an aggravated burglary in Wonga Park, as well as two arson attacks at a Mill Park restaurant and a tobacconist in Ballarat last month.

A white Isuzu D Max and a silver Ford Ranger were stolen during an aggravated burglary in Wonga Park between 10pm on Monday 19 and 7am on Tuesday, 20 February.

The Ford Ranger was then used in an arson attack at a reception centre in Thomastown on Thursday, 22 February. It was later located burnt out in Bundoora.

A 20-year-old St Albans man was charged last month (Thursday, 29 February) in relation to that incident.

On Tuesday, 27 February about 3.40am, the Isuzu D Max was involved in an attempted arson at a Mill Park restaurant on The Link.

The D Max reverses towards the front door of the premises and a number of offenders exit the vehicle, with one reaching back in to remove a jerry can.

A witness observes the vehicle and runs towards the scene, causing the offenders to flee.

The same vehicle is then used the following day in an arson attack at a tobacconist on Sturt Street in Ballarat about 3.35am. The store was significantly damaged during the incident.

A short time later, the vehicle was located burnt out on Ballarat’s Eureka Street. A second vehicle, a stolen BMW X1 bearing stolen plates was captured on CCTV in convoy with the Isuzu.

The BMW was seized from a Springvale address during the recent warrants.

Four teenagers, a 15-year-old Springvale boy, a 14-year-old Mulgrave boy, a 16-year-old Mulgrave girl and a 16-year-old Pakenham girl, were charged earlier this month (Friday, 1 March) as part of the investigation into the incidents.

The investigation remained ongoing and anyone with information on any organised crime activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.

Ballarat-based duo One Part Gin like to play dark folk music that’s splattered with grit and gloom.

They do not apologise for that, nor for the fact that melodies and pain collide as you follow in the forlorn footsteps of fools and freaks.

This duo consists of Sam Bell on guitar and vocals and Holly Sewell on vocals and ukulele, and they’re headed to Clunes to bring their sound to this month’s Book Town festival where they invite their audience to “sink yourself into narratives that interweave throughout a family tree that roots itself in dirt filled with blood, tears, grief and hope”.

They also suggest that you may want to “grab a whiskey shot, shed a tear and surround yourself with stories of cursed convicts and deceitful drunks”.

If you haven’t caught them live to date, this talented duo has a sound that may well remind you of Graveyard Train, Tom Waits, Dead South, Toot Toot Toots, Crooked Fingers and Eric Bachmann.

They’ll be performing at this month’s Book Town festival in Clunes at the town’s central rotunda venue on Saturday March 23 from 11.45am-12.30pm and then again on Sunday March 24 from 10.30am to 11.15am.

The City of Ballarat says it’s striving to make access to sporting and recreation facilities as equitable as possible for all genders.

To lay the foundation to achieve this, a draft Fair Access Policy document has been created, which seeks to address known barriers experienced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports infrastructure.

The policy will be specific to the City of Ballarat and is a requirement under the State Government’s Fair Access Policy Roadmap. It is set to be developed in mid-2024.  

Community members and organisations are invited to view the draft Fair Access Policy document and complete a survey on a City of Ballarat MySay page. The survey is now open and closes on Monday 1 April 2024. 

The City of Ballarat’s draft Fair Access Policy focuses on ‘intersectional gender inequality’, which recognises that gender inequality may be compounded by other forms of disadvantage or discrimination that a person may experience based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and other attributes.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said although there had already been a major focus on creating female-friendly sporting facilities in Ballarat in recent years, there was always more work that could be done.

“For many years now we have invested heavily in female-friendly infrastructure in Ballarat because we know that not having the right facilities can be a major barrier to encouraging participation,” he said.

“Having said that, we still want to hear from the community about what else can be done and how we can continue to improve in this area because we know there is still a lot of work to be done.”

In the last four years the City of Ballarat has completed 12 projects with a focus on female-friendly access, with new builds or refurbishments at seven football/netball facilities and five soccer facilities.

Most recently, this includes the North Ballarat Netball Changerooms, the Victoria Park Sport and Community Facility, and the Strengthening Wendouree Community Recreation Precinct – Soccer Pavilion, all completed in 2023.

Ballarat City Councillors have resolved to shift the city’s annual fireworks display to New Year’s Eve.

Since 2021, the annual fireworks have been aligned with the city’s Summer Sundays free music event and held in mid-January.

In an officer’s report tabled at last week’s February council meeting it was noted that alternative options, including a drone show or a sound and light show, have been explored.

A drone show was estimated to cost between $250,000-$290,000 and would still be subject to wind conditions. Analysis showed that wind conditions on three out of the last four fireworks events would have resulted in the cancellation of a drone show.

A sound and light show was also estimated to cost about $250,000 and would not be as widely accessible to the public as it would require spectators to sit closer to the show.

The fireworks display budget was $36,200 for the most recent event. City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said recent feedback had suggested the alignment with Summer Sundays hadn’t resonated with the community.

“This free event for our community is about offering them the opportunity to come together in a family-friendly environment,” he said.

“There are a significant number of people that are in Ballarat during New Years Eve that would like an event to help celebrate, so we’re expecting that this change of date will be well supported.”

The report also considered factors including: wildlife impact, potential anti-social behaviour, tourism visitation and expenditure on various dates, and previous public engagement.

It also followed public engagement in 2021 that showed a clear majority of respondents were in favour of retaining the fireworks display in some form and that the summer period was the most popular option.

The exact timing of the fireworks display on New Years Eve has not yet been decided. 

Anticipation is building at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat as the beloved venue edges closer towards a grand reopening.

With works now primarily focusing on installing the two lifts, upgrading fire protection in the auditorium and completion of the Unicorn Lane fire escape, the project remains on track for completion in mid-2024.

It is expected the doors to the iconic theatre will re-open to the public in the third quarter of 2024.

The Stage 3 works being undertaken will improve the capability, accessibility, and safety of the 149-year-old theatre.

In addition to the two new lifts which provide full accessibility to the theatre for patrons, staff and performers, the completion of the project will also see an improved front-of-house area, new toilet facilities, administration area, and associated compliance works.

Works are significantly advanced throughout the theatre with the major demolition and structural works now almost complete.  

This includes new southern escape stairs and reconfiguration of the back-of-house area. The back-of-house area is key to providing the accessible pathway from Lewis Street to Lydiard Street South.  

Works in the theatre are now moving towards final fit out and finish in many areas, with finished colour schemes evident through the new administration hub.  

Installation of joinery including the ticket box and bar is yet to commence, with most items now in production off-site.  

Works to upgrade the back-of-house amenities is underway and fire protection upgrades throughout the building are ongoing.

The Her Majesty’s Theatre Stage 3 Redevelopment was identified by the City of Ballarat as a priority project. Successful advocacy on behalf of the local community has seen funding secured from the State Government to deliver this project.  

The project is supported by $10,000,000 from the State Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and $6.3 million from the City of Ballarat.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison joined City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson and construction contractors Nicholson Construction for a tour of the theatre last Wednesday.

Cr Hudson said the $16.3 million project would ensure the long-lasting legacy of Her Majesty’s Theatre as a significant and integral part of Ballarat’s creative and artistic life.

“I’ve been delighted to see these works progressing throughout and cannot wait until we can have the facility open again,” he said.  

“Restoring such a grand venue that dates back to the 1870s certainly comes with its challenges, but it is promising to see the project remain on track and edging nearer completion.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the substantial government investment had helped secure the future of the theatre.  

“The Allan Labor Government’s $10 million investment into Her Majesty’s restoration and redevelopment guarantees the theatre’s future and makes it accessible to all,” she said.

“I am thrilled that many generations of patrons and performers to come, will enjoy this remarkable venue, particularly those who have not been able to previously.”

The City of Ballarat will soon be calling for Expressions of Interest for community and commercial hire of Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad have this afternoon charged a 22-year-old man with the murder of missing Ballarat East woman Samantha Murphy.

Victoria Police arrested the man shortly after 6am on Wednesday at his Scotsburn home south of Ballarat. He was questioned by police before being charged with one count of murder and was to face the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

Ms Murphy, 51, went missing on February 4 after leaving her Eureka Street home for a morning run. Despite a significant investigation and extensive searches of the Canadian Forest area, no trace of the mother of three has been found.

“Police are yet to recover Samantha’s body and the investigation remains ongoing,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

The last sighting of Ms Murphy came from CCTV footage outside her own home. She was wearing a maroon running shirt, black leggings, and an Apple watch. Ms Murphy’s phone, watch, and headphones have still not been found.

Her home is close to the northern border of the Woowookarung Regional Park, or Canadian Forest, where she was known to run.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.

Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt, Crime Command: “Our thoughts today are with Samantha’s family and friends.

“Since Samantha’s disappearance at the start of February, a significant search and investigation has been undertaken in an effort to find her.

“This has included a dedicated and committed investigative effort led by the Missing Persons squad and also involving detectives from right across Crime Command, Counter Terrorism Command and Western Region.

“This has been further supported by a range of specialist resources from across Victoria Police.

“To get to a position where we have been able to charge someone is testament to the commitment and dedication from all those areas.

“We have also had exceptional support from many people in the Ballarat community, particularly local search volunteers and members of the SES and CFA.

“I know that Samantha’s disappearance has had a profound impact on the Ballarat community and I want to thank all of those people who have assisted police in many different ways over the past month.”

Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged four teenagers in recent days as part of their investigation into a number of incidents linked to the ongoing tobacco dispute.

With assistance from the Gang Crime Squad, the VIPER Taskforce and the Eastern and Southern Metro Regional Crime Squads, warrants were executed simultaneously at three residential addresses in Springvale, Mulgrave and Pakenham about 7am on Friday March 1.

Two boys and two girls were arrested and charged early this morning by investigators:

• A 16-year-old Pakenham girl has been charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life, conduct endangering serious injury and theft of motor vehicle. She was remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date

• A 15-year-old Springvale boy has been charged with two counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of handle stolen goods, car theft and possess prohibited weapon,

• A 14-year-old Mulgrave boy has been charged with aggravated burglary and theft of motor vehicle, and

• A 16-year-old Mulgrave girl has been charged with theft of motor vehicle

The three other teens were all bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

The charges relate to an aggravated burglary in Wonga Park, as well as two arson attacks at a Mill Park restaurant and a tobacconist in Ballarat last week.

A white Isuzu D Max and a silver Ford Ranger were stolen during an aggravated burglary in Wonga Park between 10pm on Monday 19 and 7am on Tuesday, 20 February.

The Ford Ranger was then utilised in an arson attack at a reception centre in Thomastown on Thursday, 22 February.

It was later located burnt out in Bundoora.

A 20-year-old St Albans man was charged on Thursday in relation to that incident.

On Tuesday, 27 February about 3.40am, the Isuzu D Max was allegedly involved in an attempted arson at a Mill Park restaurant on The Link.

The D Max reverses towards the front door of the premises and a number of offenders exit the vehicle, with one reaching back in to remove a jerry can.

A witness observes the vehicle and runs towards the scene, causing the offenders to flee.

The same vehicle is then allegedly used the following day in an arson attack at a tobacconist on Sturt Street in Ballarat about 3.35am.

The store was significantly damaged during the incident. A short time later, the vehicle was located burnt out on Eureka Street.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information on any organised crime activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.

Visitors to this year’s Ballarat Begonia Festival are being encouraged to be a “super sorter” and put their waste in the right place.

A dedicated Sustainable Environment Ballarat stall at the festival, run by the City of Ballarat, will feature a fun, educational and interactive game that challenges participants to correctly sort their waste into the four waste streams – general waste, recycling, garden organics and glass.

Placing items into the correct bin prevents contamination including general recyclables, garden organics and glass. Contamination contributes to more waste going to landfill.

At last year’s Begonia Festival, 2.1 tonnes of general waste and 5.3 tonnes of recyclables were collected, highlighting the importance of effective waste management.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson (pictured above) tested out the new interactive game with local children recently.

Cr Hudson said the game, set to be featured at the Sustainable Environment Ballarat stall, is a fun way for both kids and adults to test their super sorting skills to win prizes and be a champion for the environment.

“I encourage everyone to come along, test out their sorting powers and be a super sorter who is working to help save the environment,” he said.

“The better we sort our waste, the more we can recycle and that means less waste that goes into landfill – and more waste being reused and repurposed.

“It’s never been more important to reduce and reuse our waste and this game is one out of a range of fantastic sustainability initiatives taking place at this year’s Begonia Festival.”

Sustainability initiatives at the Begonia Festival include:

• Six waste stations located across the festival site with staff available to help guide patrons to dispose of their waste into the correct bin – including general waste, recycling, garden organics and glass.
• All packaging sold from food vendors and stallholders will be recyclable or compostable.
• Local company ‘GroundUp Coffee Recyclers’ will collect the used coffee grounds from the coffee vendors, which will then be delivered to regenerative and small-scale farmers in the Ballarat region.

Ballarat’s Bridge Mall redevelopment is revitalising the historic retail precinct in the centre of Ballarat.

The significant project has led to new investment in the Bridge Mall, with the redevelopment of Norwich Plaza under way and businesses planning to open in the mall.

Once completed, the redevelopment will showcase a range of design features including an illuminated portal to the Yarrowee River.  

The Yarrowee River flows underneath the mall, stretching from the Big W car park to Alfred Walk at Norwich Plaza, across the centre of the mall and under Coliseum Walk.

The 1871-built brick and steel Yarrowee River bridge that has been enclosed underground as part of the mall and uncovered as part of the works, is heavily corroded – significantly more than anticipated.

To ensure pedestrian and motorists’ safety, as well as a certified load rating for the bridge to meet modern standards, the structure is expected to be replaced. A new bridge design is being explored, with the project team seeking to achieve a timely and cost-effective outcome.

Given the historic nature of the area, the 153-year-old bridge is one of a number of latent conditions (existing structural issues) that the construction team has encountered that require rectification.

While many of the issues were anticipated, the extent of rectification works required has been more significant than expected and could not have been reasonably anticipated during the design phase.

The Bridge Mall sits above a surrounding floodplain on top of a highly contaminated alluvial mining landscape. This area has been subject to significant change over the years, resulting in challenging ground conditions.    

The swampy sub-grade has proven particularly challenging from a construction perspective, resulting in the need to remove more contaminated soil from the sub-grade than expected. Additional reinforcement has been required to provide a solid foundation for the construction of the new space and carriageway.

Works undertaken since the project began in July include:

• Demolition of the centre of the mall, including removal of three fixed canopies, street furniture and pavers, and removal of remnant sections of tram track dating back to 1905 in accordance with heritage approvals
• Named pavers removed, stored safely and ready to be laid in the new streetscape
• Bulk excavation from the Peel Street end of the mall right through to Grenville Street, including removal of a significant amount of contaminated soil
• North and south stormwater pipe installation
• Coordination with Central Highlands Water as they replace water mains through parts of the construction zone
• Night works to remove and dispose of asbestos-containing telecommunication pits, and installation of new communications pits
• Installation of services, traffic signal pits and electrical conduits for smart street lighting
• Installation of smart poles, which will light the space and highlight historic facades. These will also be equipped with power supplies and CCTV
• Installation of tree pits to support the growth of the new landscaped gardens
• Reinforcement and stabilisation of the material beneath the carriageway (known as the sub-grade)
• Concreting to forge the base of the road alignment and planned central event space
• Concreting of footpaths in preparation for paving works
• Removal and cutting of bluestone salvaged from the former La Trobe Street saleyards
• Opening up the portal to the Yarrowee River
• Demolition and excavation of Time Lane
• Commencement of kerbing works.

Countless eyes from art galleries and museums around Australia will turn towards Ballarat this year after the city secured hosting rights for a major conference.

The Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) will hold its annual conference in Ballarat for the first time in September.

Up to 700 people are expected to attend the conference held by Australia’s peak body for the museums and galleries sector.

It is expected the event will contribute more than $1.15 million to the Ballarat economy, with local accommodation and hospitality businesses to benefit greatly.

The AMaGA received a $20,000 grant via the City of Ballarat’s Tourism Events Grant Program to assist with this event.  

Most recently, the event was held in Newcastle in 2023 and Perth in 2022.

Final locations for the conference are yet to be finalised, but are expected to include the Civic Hall, The Goods Shed, Mining Exchange, The Art Gallery of Ballarat and the Ballaarat Mechanic Institute.

Eureka Centre Manager Anthony Camm is chairing the conference’s Programming Committee, which is responsible for developing content related to this year’s theme of (un)Common Ground.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said securing the event was further proof of Ballarat’s position as the leading cultural destination in regional Australia.

“We are thrilled to be able to host such a magnificent event and look forward to welcoming people from throughout Australia to our great city,” he said.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Ballarat’s cultural sector in Ballarat. This conference will shine a light on our city’s many brilliant museums and art galleries, including the Art Gallery of Ballarat and the Eureka Centre and of course Sovereign Hill, as well as our creative community, unique heritage and dynamic street life.

“To be able to secure a major business event like this shows we are a true events destination and further cements Ballarat’s reputation as a hive of cultural activity.”

AMaGA National Director Katie Russell said Ballarat would be a brilliant city to host the conference.

“We’re absolutely delighted Ballarat is the site for our 2024 national conference and awards ceremony,” she said.

“A regional venue enables conference delegates from across Australia to immerse themselves in rich stories of place – plus experience cultural offerings and heritage sites unique to Ballarat. We can’t wait to meet you in September.”

The conference will run from 17-20 September, 2024.

Firefighters of the Eureka Group Strike Team have told how CFA training helped save their lives during a burnover on the fireground in Pomonal earlier this month.

The crew arrived in Pomonal, near the Grampians National Park, at around 4pm on Tuesday February 13, to protect homes impacted by the fire, when a wind change occurred not long after they got there. 

Jarrod Pegg, member of the Ballarat CFA, said the blaze went from slow moving and predictable to increasing in height several metres at a time. 

“We were attacking the fire and the rapid change in wind caused a significant fire wall to approach our truck which came over us while we were still out of the truck,” he said. 

“At that point in time I enacted our burnover protocol at CFA, ensured my crew were in the truck safely, then radioed through a mayday call to our strike team leader to inform them of our situation, from there other units from our strike team approached and assisted in our safety. 

“We had little time to act to the situation but were able to get in the truck safely with minimal injuries. 

“Fortunately our training kicked in, we train for this type of activity, we don’t like to see it and hope it never happens, but we still train for it every season,” Jarrod said. 

Jarrod said a burnover was a situation no CFA member wanted to be in, but their training guided them. 

“A burn over is what we try to avoid, no one wants to be in. But all across CFA and fire services we practice it. I am comfortable with the training I have received. I had no concerns about what was happening yesterday. 

He credits the success not only to the training, his team too. 

“All I had to do was inform my team we were going into a burnover and didn’t have to think twice about what was happening next. Everyone played a part in the protection and safety of ourselves.”  

And in true CFA spirit, after getting medical clearance the strike team decided to continue fighting fires.  

“I’m proud of my crew, they were very adamant they wanted to get back to the fire ground as soon as they could. They wanted to continue protecting the community they were there to save.” 

“For me personally, this incident reinforces for volunteers to exist in CFA and continue to support communities, particularly communities during their time of need.” 

Road maintenance, the improvement of cycleways and footpaths, and increasing investment in climate change have emerged as top priorities for the community in the City of Ballarat’s 2024/25 Annual Budget consultation. 

The consultation occurred throughout October last year. It followed the announcement that the City of Ballarat was changing its budget engagement processes in which there would be a singular round of consultation ahead of the 2024/25 budget development process instead of the previous two rounds of consultation — one prior to the development of the budget and one following its development.  

The comprehensive, earlier engagement period was designed to improve upon past engagement processes to ensure the council is better informed of residents’ priorities within the context of the council plan 2021-2025 prior to beginning the development of the annual budget.

The new budget engagement process will also allow the council officers to present the budget to councillors at the May council meeting — a month earlier than previous years.  

The October consultation resulted in improved levels of engagement, with the following themes also emerging out of the engagement process:  

• Improved waste management and recycling
• Increasing investment in recreation and sporting facilities
• Improved town planning / reducing urban sprawl
• Increased investment in council buildings 

Council officers are now using the information gathered through the consultation process, along with a review of the City of Ballarat’s 2023/24 year to date financial performance, to develop the 2024/25 annual budget.  

The financial performance review ensures the City of Ballarat’s financial position is consistent with the objectives set out in the 2023/24 budget and long-term financial sustainability objectives.  

Updated budget forecasts for the 2023/24 financial year will be presented to the council at the 28 February council meeting.  

The budget will be reviewed and workshopped by councillors during March and April and is scheduled to be considered for adoption at the May council meeting. 

City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Evan King said the City of Ballarat was actively seeking to improve consultation processes to ensure residents’ priorities are reflected in decision-making and in strategic documents, such as the Annual Budget.  

“I’d like to thank all community members that contributed to the budget consultation,” he said.  

“In order to prepare a balanced budget, we need to ensure it can fund the core services and strategic objectives contained in the Council Plan, along with any additional initiatives.

“This will require council to consider such variables as borrowings, cost efficiencies and the level of revenue we are able to raise, given the minister for local government has set the rate cap for the 2024/25 financial year at 2.75 percent.”  

Ballarat’s new community hub and kindergarten in Alfredton officially opened last Wednesday, with City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson welcoming Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison for a ribbon cutting and tour of the new facility.

The Donegal Drive facility is now forecast to prove a valuable asset for the rapidly-evolving western suburbs, boasting three kindergarten rooms, as well as two further community rooms, a meeting room, and associated staff facilities.

The kindergarten rooms will support children in Alfredton and surrounding areas to be ‘school ready’ and cater for up to 99 children at one time.

There are already more than 50 children currently enrolled in three and four-year-old funded kindergarten at the hub.

The kindergarten will continue to accept enrolments and expand sessions as needed throughout the year. Attendance at funded kindergarten is free in Victoria for all three and four-year old children.  

The community meeting spaces will be publicly available to service the growth areas and provide spaces for education, training, events and social connections.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it was a thrill to cut the ribbon on the new facility.

“Not only does this facility look incredible, but it also delivers so much community benefit in Ballarat’s west,” he said.

“Already we are seeing dozens of families using the kindergarten and the smiles on the children’s faces are terrific to see.

“The community is hub is still in its infancy and I can’t wait to see it once it is firing on all cylinders.”

The project has a budget commitment of $9.9 million, inclusive of $2.25 million from the State Government’s 2022-23 Building Blocks Capacity Building Grants.

The official name of the facility is currently in the final stages of being formalised, following a period of public consultation earlier this year.

Further information will be provided to community members wishing to tour the facility in the coming weeks, with a Community Welcome Day expected to be held in April.

All children enrolled in a funded kindergarten service are eligible for 15 hours of free kindergarten each week as part of the state government’s Free Kinder program, with enrolments still being taken for the 2024 year.

This year’s Ballarat Begonia Festival will feature a novel throwback to the very early days of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

The 2024 ‘Begonia Maze’ will be a key feature of the festival, paying homage to two mazes that once existed in the gardens precinct.

Creative Mazes, a company owned by former Ballarat local Chris Bennett, will set up a temporary maze for the festival, which is likely to provide a highlight for families.

Festival goers will be invited to immerse themselves in a world of colour as they attempt to complete a quiz and successfully navigate themselves to the end of the maze.

The maze will pay tribute to two mazes that once featured in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens with an interesting history.

It will operate from 10am-5pm on all three days of the festival.

The first maze was developed in the gardens in 1862 at the site of the current Robert Clark Conservatory.

Made of a prickly wattle bush, it was removed in 1881 in readiness for a new conservatory, which was built in the early 1900s.

The second maze was first planted in the North Gardens in 1888 to the same design as the United Kingdom’s oldest surviving hedge maze in Hampton Court Palace in London.

With privet and whitethorn hedges planted and a watch tower in the middle, the second maze proved more user-friendly and a popular community asset.

However, after more than 70 years of community use, it was removed in 1959 due to persistent vandalism.

City of Ballarat Councillor, Cr Daniel Moloney said the 2024 Begonia Festival maze would be a brilliant family activity.

“We saw last year the Begonia Festival attract more than 65,000 people and contributed $4.5 million to the Ballarat economy, which shows just how important it is to the City of Ballarat,” he said.

“The program that is on offer once again this year looks incredible, and I can’t wait for another bumper weekend.”

The 72nd annual Ballarat Begonia Festival will be held at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens across the Labour Day long weekend (9-11 March).

Applications are now open for the City of Ballarat’s third Nature Stewards program offering community members rewarding new opportunities to care for nature.

The 10-week program, a partnership between the City of Ballarat and the Victorian National Parks Association, is an environmental education program for adults.  

The program is designed to enable everyday people to discover more about their local environment, connect with others in the community, and learn how to support nature at home and through local volunteering.  

Participants will learn about the local and wider Victorian ecosystems and natural places with sessions on topics such as rocks and soils, fungi, plants and animals, climate change and seasons as well as ways to look after nature and help it thrive.  

It’s a chance to meet and learn from passionate environmental experts, including Traditional Owners, City of Ballarat Sustainable Environment officers, volunteers and industry representatives.

It’s also a chance to participate in class and field sessions in a friendly group setting and explore new interests and career opportunities in the environmental sector.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said after strong interest in the last two years of programs, it is fantastic to offer a third Nature Steward program to the community.

“Nature Stewards will provide you with a greater understanding and practical skills you can use to take action to support our nature,” he said.

The program is open to anyone aged 18 years or over and is best suited to people with little or no formal environmental education, who want to learn more about their local environment, as well as ways to support nature and explore environmental volunteering opportunities.

The program features 10 weekly 3-hour class sessions plus up to five 4-hour field trips after some of the classes.

Sessions will be held at the Lucas Community Hub on Saturday mornings from 6 April to 15 June (excluding the King’s Birthday long weekend) between 9.30am–12.30pm, with additional field trips held on Saturdays from 1.30-4.30pm.  

The costs associated with participating are: City of Ballarat residents $90, non-City of Ballarat residents $350 or $90 concession for full time students, healthcare card or pension card holders. Places are limited to 25. Applications close Friday 22 March.