Best of Ballarat – January 2019

Summer

Chilled tunes. Delicious food. Relaxed vibes.

Sunday 6, 13 and 20 January 2019.

3–7pm at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Honey Hunter

Ruby Wragg

Sahara Beck

A selection of food vendors will be available each week

Publisher: Paper Crow

42035083635

Box 1289

Hill VIC 3354

Scott Bain

Sovereign Press Ballarat

© BEST of Ballarat, your independent pocket guide to discover the best of Ballarat each month. All rights reserved including advertising, editorial and maps. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this guide, neither the publisher or producers can be held responsible for errors, changes or omissions to the information included. All information was correct at the time of publication. Advertising content is the responsibility of individual advertisers and not the guide’s publishers or producers.

welcome to BALLARAT

The name “Ballaarat” is derived from the Wathaurung Aboriginal name for the area, balla arat, meaning “resting place”. Built on fortunes made from the 1850s gold rush, Ballarat is known for its rich history, culture and beautifully preserved Victorian era architecture.

Ballarat is still yielding treasure today, in the form of quirky shops, hidden bars and worldclass cafés and restaurants... not to mention our lively music, art and performance scene.

Best of Ballarat has been created to help visitors and locals make the most of what Ballarat has to offer... so start exploring!!

WHAT’S ON AT THE

Tuesday 8th

Saturday 19th

5th Friday 14th

Saturday 19th

Saturday 19th

January 2019

January 2019

Ballarat Pacing Cup

Saturday 30th

March 2019

Saturday 30th

Wednesday

Tuesday 29th

26th

Tuesday 29th

Ballarat Pacing Cup

March 2019

For more information on our dining packages, race night entertainment and events please visit www.ballarattrottingclub.com.au or call (03) 5335 9041

For more information on our dining packages, race night entertainment and events please visit www.ballarattrottingclub.com.au or call (03) 5335 9041

MONDAY 2

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

& Burger from $15.30 Schnitzel from $13.30

& Burger from $15.30 Schnitzel from $13.30

FOR 1 SPECIAL OFFER WHAT’S ON AT THE

Eat FREE $1 Wings Pizzas from $13.50

Purchase any main meal (excluding seniors, lunch menu & theme days)and received another meal of equal or lesser value for free when you present this voucher. Valid until 31.01.2019

Purchase any main meal (excluding seniors, lunch menu & theme days)and received another meal of equal or lesser value for free when you present this voucher. Valid until 31.01.2019

Only redeemable with main meal o er.

EAT & DRINK

Ballaratians are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. You’ll find a strong and vibrant cafe culture just like in the big smoke. Farm-gate to plate doesn’t come any fresher than direct from the heartland of regional Victoria. Gourmet menus matched with boutique local wines can be savoured in intimate restaurants, or sample hand-crafted beer and hearty pub fare in rejuvenated historic venues. Ballarat is a foodie’s delight.

A traditional Spanish tapas bar & restaurant, at Meigas it’s all about sharing and enjoying a different cultural experience, while sampling a variety of traditional dishes from all over Spain. Tue – Wed 4pm – late, Thu – Sat 12pm – late, Sun 12 – 4pm

33 Armstrong St Nth 5331 9444

Aroma of India

North Indian Cuisine dine-in (BYO), take-away & delivery available ($30 min.) Free rice with every curry

Lunch Deals: $9 veg thali, $10.50 non veg thali.

Lunch Mon – Fri 12 – 2:30pm

Dinner 7 Days 5 – 10pm

432 Sturt St 5340 0844

aromaofindia.com.au

Map1A4

Meigas Map1B3

Hop Temple is the place to eat, drink and socialise in Ballarat. Hop Temple pays homage to the frothy beverage itself. A place of appreciation, to worship beer – not just craft beer, but all beer –Hop does not discriminate.

Rear of 24-28 Armstrong St

5317 7158

hoptemple.com.au

A small comfortable cafe serving excellent coffee, light meals and nice sweet things. The prices are low and the service friendly. A great escape from daily pressures, recommended by a large, loyal following of satisfied customers.

Mon – Fri 8am – 4pm

2A Lydiard St Sth

Ballarista

5 Map1D5

Experience our beers with a tasting paddle or by the glass. We also serve local cider, wine & cordials. Wood fired pizza now available all weekend. We offer a relaxing, family friendly environment for you to enjoy. Wed-Thu 12 – 5pm, Fri-Sun 12 – 8pm.

884 Humffray St Sth

Mount Pleasant

CubbyHausBrewing.com.au

Red Duck has been brewing craft beers for over 11 years. We offer a small cellar door experience where you can taste & purchase some of our many delicious all-natural beers. Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm Sat – Sun 12 – 5pm

11A Michaels Drive Alfredton 5332 0723

redduckbeer.com.au

Cubby Haus Brewing Map2E7

Red Duck Micro-Brewery Map2A7

Kilderkin Distillery Map2A7

Kilderkin Distillery is rapidly becoming known for its high quality artisan gins. a SCOUNDREL is a dry gin and THE Larrikin is an Australian gin. Available at our Cellar Door. Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm Sat – Sun 12 – 5pm

11A Michaels Drive

Alfredton 5332 0723

kilderkindistillery.com.au

The Lost Ones

Bar

A welcoming den of fine wine, spirits, cocktails and European-influenced bar food. Our mellow, old-world ambience encourages you to linger in conversation and enjoy something delicious.

Wed – Fri 4 – 11pm, Sat 2 – 11pm, Sun 2 – 7pm

14 Camp St (via alley)

4343 1754

thelostones.com.au

Explore the exciting flavours of delicious Indian & fusion cuisine, using the freshest local produce paired with home grown aromatic spices. Perfect for a romantic night out, a business lunch or a family meal.

Lunch Thu – Sun 12 – 2:30pm

Dinner Tue – Sun 4 – 10pm

602 Eureka St 4343 2860

indiangrillballarat.com.au

Map1E4 Basement

Indian Grill Ballarat Map2J5

Ballarat’s original gastro pub and craft beer destination. Open until 1am on weekends. Happy Hour until 7pm weekdays. Trivia on Wednesdays, Locals Night Thursdays. Sunny outdoor spaces with pool table & giant games. Super upstairs function room. Open Wed – Sun.

20 Skipton St 5331 1073

themallow.com.au

Come in and enjoy the good Craic at Irish Murphy’s, with hearty meals and live entertainment, right in the centre of Ballarat. Open 7 days from 11:30am – 2pm for lunch and 6 – 9pm for dinner.

36 Sturt St 5331 4091

murphysballarat.com.au

Irish Murphy's Ballarat Map1E4

Ballarat Indian Restaurant Map2H6

Take yourself back to the balmy nights of Vietnam with the warm environment and infused flavors of Saigon Allee, with a hint of France thrown in to add that extra little flair. Fully Licensed. Open Wed - Mon for lunch and dinner.

Enjoy our welcoming atmosphere and authentic Indian cuisine. The perfect place for date nights, business meetings, family dinners and parties, located near the world famous Sovereign Hill. Lunch Wed – Sun 12 – 3pm, Dinner Tues – Sun 4 – 10pm.

7 Wainwright St

Golden Point 5332 2122

ballaratindianrestaurant.com.au

30 Armstrong St Nth 4373 1583

The Ballarat Shop

RETAIL THERAPY

The shopping hubs of Sturt St and Bridge Mall cater for almost anything you could need, but delve a little further and you’ll find some hidden gems. Ballarat’s shopkeepers bring colour to our streets in the form of beautifully curated spaces. Pay them a visit and find out why residents of our city love to #buylocalballarat.

Gems & Jewels

A burst of colour that is the whimsy and quirkiness of Playing in the Attic, a curious extraordinarium of all wondrous things, sourced locally and globally, to encourage creativity. At the entrance of the iconic Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute.

Open Wed – Sat 10am – 4pm.

119A Sturt St 0428 580 309

playingintheattic

Whether it’s for coffee and cake or a fashion shopping extravaganza Studio g.a.s Ballarat is a destination must!

A quaint little store whose eclectic fashion style sets the perfect foundation for a mix ‘n match smorgasbord between labels, styles and shoes.

M-F 10-5.30 S 10-4 207a Creswick Rd 53 388 202

Hattie and the Wolf offers a carefully curated selection of giftware, clothing, accessories and homewares from independent designers and makers. A ‘must visit’ creative hub for the social and eco conscious shopper.

Open Wed – Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3 218A Skipton St 0429 852 438 hattieandthewolf.com.au

Hattie

The Ballarat Shop specialises in Ballarat and Australian themed gifts and souvenirs. Also featuring a range of local artisan products, prints and paintings and Aboriginal Fine Art.

Open Monday – Saturday.

332 Sturt St

0411 766 592

theballaratshop.com

Boutique jewellers specialising in bespoke jewellery design. Unique collections handcrafted locally by our artisan jewellers. We transform a wish, a dream, into beautiful pieces of wearable art.

Open Monday – Saturday.

1/424 Sturt St

5333 4715

gemsandjewels.com.au

• CUSTOM FURNITURE DESIGNED & CRAFTED

• ART DECO, MID-CENTURY & ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORATION

• RESTORED PIECES ALSO AVAILABLE

Three Times Blest

We are a small boutique specialising in clothing & homewares, located in Buninyong. Sourcing only the finest Australian labels, we personally select every item in store. Garden art decor now available. We look forward to welcoming you! Open Tue – Sat.

308A Warrenheip St, Buninyong 4344 4164

threetimesblest.com.au

Lola and May is a locally owned boutique created to provide Ballarat women with a comfortable and relaxed place to browse. With a focus on Australian brands, activewear and accessories, we love welcoming you into our little space. Mon – Fri 10 – 5, Sat 10 – 3 623 Sturt St 0429 666 339

lolamayballarat.com.au

Lola & May Map2

ATTRACTIONS & TOURS

One of Australia’s best preserved heritage cities, Ballarat will have you intrigued with her grand historic buildings, beautiful gardens and cobbled laneways. Ballarat’s many museums and tours bring history to life, revealing secrets and stories of times past. With so much on offer in Ballarat you may just want to extend your stay!

Gold Rush Mini Golf

Escapade Puzzle Games

Escapade is a live-action escape experience that will test your mental strength in a fun & exhilarating environment. Pick a team of 2-6 people and try to solve the puzzle within 60 mins. Open every day by appointment only.

10% DISCOUNT CODE: BESTOFBALLARAT

3/61 Curtis St (rear)

0411 491 008

escapadepuzzle.com.au

Ride an authentic Ballarat tram (some over 100 years old). Buy real tram tickets from the conductor and travel 1.3km of original track through the beautiful Botanical Gardens on the west side of Lake Wendouree. Open weekends, school and public holidays.

Wendouree Parade

5334 1580

btm.org.au

Step back to yesteryear and enjoy the ambiance of the elegantly restored Cuthberts 939 tram as it trundles along the track at Lake Wendouree. Available for private charter as an exclusive function tram. High Tea first Sunday of the month.

CHARTER BOOKINGS: 5334 1580

High Tea: trybooking.com/TSKD

cuthberts939.com.au

Summer Sundays

WHAT'S ON

What’s on? Plenty!

Our mission is to make sure you never miss an event, and we love seeing visitors share these experiences with the locals. What better way to get under the skin of a city?

There’s so much to do each month in Ballarat: exhibitions, comedy, theatre, live music, festivals, markets and so much more. Get amongst it!

Ballarat Beer Festival

SUMMER EXHIBITIONS

Louiseann King: solis

Marlene Gilson

The Numina Sisters

Locals Rule: Identity

Strange Garden

Eliza-Jane Gilchrist

Echoes

Lumina Collective

image: installation view of Louiseann King: solis, photo Danny Wooton

EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITIONS

UNTIL 29 JAN DAVID MELLOWS: A COLLECTION OF WORKS

Paintings by Creswick based artist David Mellows. Having the opportunity to hang in a large room with a vast wall is perfect to bring out some of his large works of the past decade, including locally sourced images and those of travels.

The Gallery Lounge at Mercure Ballarat

613 Main Rd

2 - 31 JAN

V/LINE LANDSCAPE

Pippa Tandy and David Bromfield. Most of Tandy's work comes from her experience of travelling on foot or by public transport, especially in her daily V/Line journey between Ballarat and Footscray. She is fascinated by the mystery and magic of the landscapes beyond the window, especially in low light and wet weather. Bromfield will present a sequence of rough and ready landscape improvisations on the age old trope of figure and landscape, but which is which? Are the Highlands hills really sunbathing giants?

RAT Art Space at Ballarista

2A Lydiard St Sth

2 JAN - APR

TALKING SHOP: BALLARAT IN BUSINESS & CITY LIFE

Historic ephemera and imagery of local shops and businesses, contemporary images of favourite Ballarat businesses via The Ballarat Life on social media, and opportunities for members of the community to contribute their own memories, knowledge and images.

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

117 Sturt St

4 - 31 JAN REGENERATION

A compilation of recent works by local artist Fiona Andrews, semi-finalist in the Moran Portrait Prize and Archibald entrant. Some works are inspired by her previous travels and exhibition overseas.

MacSpace

Gallery

110 Armstrong St Sth

10 - 13 JAN

at Radmac

YOU'RE AN ANIMAL: BALLARAT VEGAN FESTIVAL EXHIBITION

The title of this year’s Ballarat Vegan Festival art exhibition aims to encapsulate the universality of animal kind and the concept that we are all part of the same ecosystem. By treating all living creatures with respect and kindness, we celebrate our own humanity and potential. Open daily through the Festival. Opening Sat 12 Jan, 2pm.

Backspace Gallery

15 Camp St

17 - 27 JAN ART BIKES BALLARAT

Art Bikes are commissioned sculptural objects which will enliven the Ballarat CBD in association with the 2019 FedUni Road National Championships cycling extravaganza, hosted by the City of Ballarat from 4 – 8 January. Twelve bikes have been designed and created by six local artists, each working individually and with a community group.

Backspace Gallery

15 Camp St

31 JAN - 17 FEB NATURAL ABSTRACTION

For this joint multimedia exhibition, artists Lynden Nicholls, Rosalind Lawson, Andrew Thomas and Peter Coogle have used a range of mediums to provoke enquiry into our engagement with artmaking and nature itself. All works are sourced from the natural world and question our assumptions of nature’s beauty and powers of destruction. Curated by Lynden Nicholls.

Backspace Gallery

15 Camp St

LEN HYATT: NEAR AS, DAMN IT, TO THE SACRED COW

15 Dec – 15 Feb

YOU’RE AN ANIMAL: BALLARAT VEGAN FESTIVAL EXHIBITION

10 Jan – 13 Jan

FRANCES GUERIN: THE FERTILE DARKNESS

5 Dec – 31 Jan

artsatlas.com.au

ART BIKES BALLARAT

17 Jan – 27 Jan

artgalleryofballarat.com.au

see page xx for details

see page 33 & 36 for details

EXHIBITIONS THROUGHOUT JANUARY

MARLENE GILSON

Aunty Marlene Gilson is a Wathaurung Elder living on country in Gordon, near Ballarat. A visual artist who discovered painting later in life, Aunty Marlene’s paintings explore Aboriginal myth and stories of the goldfields. Her work is marked by a naive style which references her Indigenous and European ancestry. Aunty Marlene positions Koorie stories within the context of these Precolonial and Postcolonial times which are often absent in the understanding of Australian history.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

LOUISEANN KING: SOLIS

Louiseann King is a sculptor/installation artist based in Eganstown. King is a maker and a collector of time and place; her practice is one where she works with nuance, subtlety, the liminal, the forgotten and the lost. She is an oddity and, at times, a curiosity: a woman artist working in bronze in a field dominated by men, with a practice which is inherently feminine and ‘other’. In her practice, bronze is both inherently monumental and heroic, and also deeply seductive and sensual in its potential to enable transformation.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

THE NUMINA SISTERS

The Numina sisters are a talented family of artists who were taught to paint by their female relatives connected across the Central Desert region of the Northern Territory. Subjects of importance in their work include bush tucker like wild berries, plums, onions, yams & seeds and animals like the Thorny Devil lizard and dingo. The exhibition features individual & group works by Selina, Lanita, Louise, Sharron, Jacinta & Caroline Numina Napananka and their mother Barbara Price Mtjimbana.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

LOCALS RULE: IDENTITY

LOCALS RULE showcases the talents of eleven local artists who explore the theme of identity and what it means to be an artist working in a regional centre. The sculptural works in the exhibition present a series of unique perspectives on the theme, examining how a mask can conceal or reveal an artist’s identity. Artists include: Aislinn McKinnis, Bacondrum, Ben Mangan, Bren Luke, Cax One, Cody Joy, Karl Stehn, Karl Woodward, Kat Barrand, Merda and Travis Price.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

ELIZA-JANE GILCHRIST: STRANGE GARDEN

Eliza-Jane Gilchrist creates sculptural installations out of cardboard. Gilchrist imagines that cardboard retains a cellular memory of being a plant which wants to reform itself into organic shapes. She draws inspiration from shapes and patterns found in the natural world, to highlight the strangeness of the microscopic and minute. By working with packaging material, Gilchrist invites a reappraisal of the value of the discarded and re-invests the mundane with significance.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

LUMINA COLLECTIVE: ECHOES

Founded in 2017, Lumina Collective comprises eight leading female Australian photographers who are committed to revealing diverse stories and narratives. Echoes investigates ideas of identity through explorations of family history, loss and trauma, home and self, migration and environmental upheaval within the scope of social and cultural Australian identities. Lumina Collective are Donna Bailey, Chloe Bartram, Jessie Boylan, Aletheia Casey, Anna Maria Antoinette D’Addario, Lyndal Irons, Morganna Magee and Sarah Rhodes.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

WONDERFUL THINGS

A celebration of the Gold Museum’s 40th anniversary, displaying the weird and wonderful diversity of the collection en masse.

Gold Museum Bradshaw St, Golden Point

Karl Woodward, Signal to Noise Ratio LOCALS RULE - Art Gallery of Ballarat

RELOAD: BACK TO THE 80s

The hair was high, the jeans skin tight and the shoulder pads broad but what was the art like, and where are all the artists now? Acknowledging the extraordinary achievements of FedUni's Visual Arts alumni who graduated during the period 1980 to 1989, some of whom have gained national and international recognition.

Post Office Gallery Cnr Sturt & Lydiard St

OLAF/KERSTENS

Presented by Ballarat International Foto Biennale. Erwin Olaf’s trademark is to address social issues within the framework of a highly stylised mode of imagery. Hendrik Kerstens' photos capture the relationship between every day scenes and events, projected against the images of Dutch painters of the 17th century, creating a conceptual and humorous dialogue between past and present.

Craig's Royal Hotel 10 Lydiard St Sth

NEAR AS, DAMN IT, TO THE SACRED COW

New works by local artist Len Hyatt take us on a kaleidoscopic journey through a spectrum of layers, textures and imagery.

Unicorn Lane Gallery (viewing 24/7)

Laneway next to The Unicorn, 131 Sturt St

THE FERTILE DARKNESS

Works by Frances Guerin. An exploration of life in the Wombat Forest in ceramics, wood, paint and photography.

ContainART Mobile Gallery (viewing 24/7)

Grevillea Rd & Dowling St, Wendouree East

Celebrating Ballarat’s 80s Visual Arts Alumni

federation.edu.au/pogallery

KIKIE WILKINS

International film photographer Kikie Wilkins' work offers a glimpse into the artist's home town of Tucson, Arizona, Mexico and surrounding areas.

Infocus Photography & Video 102 Main Rd

THE CORRIDOR ART SPACE

Various works by members of the Ballarat Society of Artists Inc. All art is for sale.

Trades Hall 24 Camp St (side passageway)

A REGIONAL COLLABORATION

Featuring a variety of local and regional artists across many mediums.

Red Door Gallery on Fraser 69 Fraser St, Clunes

STITCHES THRU TIME

19 - 20th c. dresses and underwear. Accessories, embroidery, lace and patchwork, plus artworks donated by Mrs. Henry Shaw (Pearl Lindsay's daughter) and by female artists in the collection.

Creswick Museum 70 Albert St, Creswick

LOCAL ARTISTS

Contemporary works by Ballarat artists including paintings, photography, jewellery, sculpture and more. Works are for sale.

GoatHouse Studio Shop 9, Block Arcade

Hendrik Kerstens, Doily

Olaf/Kerstens - BIFB at Craig's Royal Hotel

WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS

TUE 15 JAN 10am - 12pm or 1 - 3pm

STRANGE GARDEN WORKSHOP

With Eliza-Jane Gilchrist. Build your own cardboard plant and learn about patterns and geometry. We’ll draw patterns with black textas on cardboard shapes that fit together to form 3D organic shapes. Start with the most simple geometric shapes and move to more intricate ones with more pieces to assemble. Suitable for all ages.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

16 - 17 JAN 10am - 4pm

ART & DESIGN DISCOVERY

This two-day art and design discovery workshop will help you to find sources of inspiration and to experiment with materials and techniques. Explore the Gallery collection to develop an understanding of how artists and designers find inspiration for their work. Pick up skills, advice and guidance from practising artists and designers at Federation University in intensive art-making sessions. Ages 15+. Free but bookings essential.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

19 - 20 JAN 10am - 3pm

SUMMER DRAWING INTENSIVE

Immerse yourself in two days of drawing with experienced drawing teacher Maggie Dannatt. Participants will at times be working on a large scale using different materials, ink and wash and pastels after preparing your own grounds. There will be long poses and time to study heads, hands and feet. This workshop will be focusing primarily on life drawing but is very relevant to portrait artists, so all are welcome to participate.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth

SUN 20 JAN 10am - 4pm

INTRODUCTION TO GREEN

WOODWORKING

Learn the basics of working with unseasoned wood, and how to use a drawknife on a shaving horse and operate a foot-powered (pole) lathe. All materials provided and the opportunity to make some useful woodware for your home, but most of all have some fun experiencing old style woodworking! This is a one day introductory course to learn all the basics of using freshly cut (green) timber.

Bookings: madeofballarat.com.au/events

....AND MORE ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

CASEY JENKINS MAGIC LANTERN STUDIO PERFORM PRINT CAKE INDUSTRIES

ZLATKO BALAZIC

OLOLO

DEAN SMITH STELARC

HAPPENINGS HAPPENINGS

MECHA - Festival of Experimental Art is an exciting new addition to the arts calendar this month. We spoke to the brains behind this venture - artist duo Cake Industriesto find out more.

MECHA sounds very exciting and like a real first for this region. Where did the idea come from? We saw similar initiatives in Germany recently, where experimental robotic and performance artists organise their own festivals. We went to several artist-run festivals that had become massive operations, supporting and growing opportunities for large groups of artists and the work they make. We want to make that happen here in Australia, where these kinds of artforms don't have much of a platform.

You’ve got some great artists on board in a short space of time. What were some reactions when you approached them? They were really excited and even offered to help out setting it up in various ways, so it's been a lovely feeling of kinship with artists we admire. We've known most of them for some time, having either worked alongside them at festivals, or holding a mutual respect for each others' work. They're as excited as we are to create a space for these forms of performative art, a place where these artforms can be presented alongside others on an equal footing, as well as promoting and growing this scene in Australia.

Ballarat people will remember Magic Lantern Studio's The Man who Cannot Sleep at White Night Ballarat in 2018. What have they got planned for MECHA?

Magic Lantern are always mysterious, appearing with some of the most surreal brain-bending theatre and puppetry we've seen. We know it'll be their special brand of wildness but to be honest, we're not totally sure what they'll bring yet. We're giving the artists as much freedom to improvise and experiment as possible, so that we can be as surprised as everyone else on the night. We hope to see some of those nightmare inducing characters we've come to love.

And you have Madame Tulalah’s Magnificent Box, tell us about that. We first saw this work at Sydney Festival earlier this year, and were blown away by it. Part drag queen, part fortune-teller automaton, this intimate performance for one person at a time is like nothing we'd seen before. Audiences lined up every night to be part of it, and came back for more. There were laughs and tears, with this tiny theatrical performance punching well above its size.

Any other teasers you can reveal about what the artists have in store for MECHA?

All we can really say is that it's best to put aside any preconceptions of what a festival should be. Expect robotics, strange creatures, expansion of the human body, experimental performances and humorous incursions. The site will change over time and works will come and go, transforming slowly over the day and night. You'll be able to grab a drink and a meal at the bar area, experience a series of surreal moments in a mysterious place and at the end of the night sleep in the camping area under the stars.

And this is all happening at your rural property in Scarsdale - we imagine tickets will be limited? Yes it'll be on our couple of acres 30 minutes southwest of Ballarat. We don't have unlimited space or resources, so we're keeping it pretty intimate. We definitely suggest buying tickets as soon as possible. We've had a lot of interest in the lead up, so tickets at the gate may be extremely limited if available at all.

MECHA - Festival of Experimental Art is on Sat 19 January: http://mecha.website

MADAME TULALAH

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

Michael Watson

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St Nth 5320 5858 • artgalleryofballarat.com.au

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117 Sturt St 5331 3042 • ballaratmi.org.au

Ballarat Mining Exchange 12 Lydiard St Nth • 5333 5888

Cubby Haus Brewing 884 Humffray St Sth, Mt Pleasant 4343 1777 • cubbyhausbrewing.com.au

Flying Horse Ballarat & District Trotting Club Cnr Bell & Sutton St, Redan 5335 9040 • ballarattrottingclub.com.au

George Farmer Building 328 Eureka St

Her Majesty’s Box Office 8A Lydiard St Nth (Mining Exchange) 5333 5888 • hermaj.com

Hop Temple

Rear of 24 Armstrong St Nth 5317 7158 • hoptemple.com.au

Irish Murphy’s 36 Sturt St 5331 4091 • murphysballarat.com.au

VENUES

Karova Lounge 15 Field St • 5332 9122 Oztix 1300 762 545 • karovalounge.com

Regent Cinemas 49 Lydiard St Nth 5330 5555 • regententertainment.com.au

The Cabaret Club 4/9367 Western Hwy, Warrenheip 5334 8150 • thecabaretclub.com.au

The Eastern 81 Humffray St Nth theeasternballarat.com

The Lane Cider Bar 27 Lydiard St Nth (The George Hotel) 5333 4866 • georgehotelballarat.com.au

The Lost Ones Basement Bar 14 Camp St (via alley) 4343 1754 • thelostones.com.au

The Main Bar 28 Main Rd • 0439 311 668

The Mallow 20 Skipton St themallow.com.au

Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts (WCPA) 1220 Howitt St, Wendouree 5338 0980 • wcpa.com.au

Photo:

LIVE MUSIC

MUSIC

Ballarat was born with live music in its veins... from jazz, classical, funk, soul & dub to punk & hardcore, music lovers of all kinds unite to support local musicians and see international acts in intimate venues.

WED 2 JAN

Meigas

LIVE FLAMENCO 6:30pm

Craig's Royal Hotel

AMIE BRÛLÉE 7:30pm

SINGS 1930S & 1940S

FRI 4 JAN

The Lane Cider Bar

ROB BARON 6pm

BRODIE FARLECH 9:30pm

Irish Murphy’s

SCORCHING TONES 9:30pm

SAT 5 JAN

Hop Temple

LIVE MUSIC 1:30pm

ORGANS OF THE BALLARAT GOLDFIELDS

11 - 20 JAN 2019

24th Annual Festival of Classical Music

23 one hour recitals in heritage churches and halls.

Bookings: Trybooking.com or ballaratorgans.com.au (prior to 1 Jan 2019)

Program Enquiries: 5333 1195 or 0401 826 466

Irish Murphy’s CHASING MOJO 9:30pm

The Lane Cider Bar

STEFFII 9:30pm

SUN 6 JAN

Hop Temple

LIVE BLUES 1:30pm

Irish Murphy’s CELTIC JAM SESSION 2:30pm

JOSH PYKE

SAT 9 DEC

WED 9 JAN

Karova Lounge

LET'S DANCE: 8pm

DAVID BOWIE CELEBRATION WITH DJ SALINGER

THU 10 JAN

Karova Lounge TROPHY EYES 8pm

FRI 11 JAN

The Lane Cider Bar

KAILEE O’BEIRNE 6pm

RETRO REVIVAL 9:30pm

Karova Lounge

WAAX 8:30pm

Irish Murphy’s HORIZON 9:30pm

SAT 12 JAN

Ballarat Botanical Gardens 3pm

SUMMER SUNDAYS

FULTON STREET, HONEY

HUNTER, FRASER GORMAN, RUBY WRAGG

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

SUNDAY SESSION 3pm

Hop Temple LIVE MUSIC 1:30pm

The Eastern CREPES 8pm

SUPPORTS: BANANAGUN, SLEDGEHAMMER, SKIVVY

The Cabaret Club

JORDIE LANE 8:30pm

SUPPORT: AYLEEN O

Irish Murphy’s MISSBEHAVIN’ 9:30pm

The Lane Cider Bar

BRODIE GLEN 9:30pm

SUN 13 JAN

Hop Temple LIVE BLUES 1:30pm

Irish Murphy’s CELTIC JAM SESSION 2:30pm

Ballarat Botanical Gardens 3pm SUMMER SUNDAYS

ALICE SKYE, GANGZ, FLOC, KEE’AHN

The Lost Ones Basement Bar SUNDAY SESSION 3pm

WED 16 JAN

Meigas LIVE FLAMENCO 6:30pm

THU 17 JAN

Karova Lounge

THE CHATS, 8:30pm PIST IDIOTS

FRI 18 JAN

The Lane Cider Bar

ANNA OLIPHANT-WRIGHT 6pm

DAVE ANDERSON 9:30pm

Flying Horse

FRANKIE 7pm

Irish Murphy’s

MAD COW 9:30pm

The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute Presents A Celebration of the Great Scottish Poet

Robert Burns

A Ceilidh night of fun, food, music, song & dance

Friday 25 Jan 6:30pm

BMI - Minerva Space

117 Sturt St

Tickets:

BMI Library 5331 3042 or 0428 753 856

Irish Murphy’s BLANK CANVAS 9:30pm

The Lane Cider Bar

JESSE ZAHRA 9:30pm

SUN 20 JAN

Hop Temple LIVE BLUES 1:30pm

Irish Murphy’s CELTIC JAM SESSION 2:30pm

19

North Gardens, Lake Wendouree BALLARAT

CRAFT

BEER FESTIVAL 11am

BUTTERFUNKED, KELLY AUTY, JUSTIN YAP BAND, BLUES ROULETTE, FRANK SULTANA, PJ O’BRIEN, CASS EAGER, CHRISTINA CROFT, 80S COLLECTION

Hop Temple

LIVE MUSIC 1:30pm

Cubby Haus Brewing

MOONSHINE BLUES 3pm

Flying Horse

LIVE MUSIC AT THE 9pm

BALLARAT PACING CUP

Ballarat Botanical Gardens 3pm

SUMMER SUNDAYS

JAZZ PARTY, SAHARA BECK, LAURA IMBRUGLIA, CANDI

The Mallow

PAIGE & WAYNE JAZZ DUO 3pm

The Eastern

MATT WALKER 3pm

The Lost Ones Basement Bar

NINA ROSE 3pm

FRI 25 JAN

The Lane Cider Bar

HARRY LAMB 6pm

UNTAPPED 9:30pm

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

ROBERT BURNS 6:30pm

CELEBRATION

Flying Horse

JEFFERSON SMITH 7pm

Karova Lounge

COSMIC PSYCHOS 8:30pm

Irish Murphy’s NO MISTAKE 9:30pm

SAT 26 JAN

Hop Temple

LIVE MUSIC 1:30pm

Cubby Haus Brewing

DJ COREY HEWITT 3pm

Karova Lounge 5pm BLAZE FESTIVAL DEAD CITY RUINS, DESECRATOR, HADAL MAW, WHORETOPSY, ENCIRCLING SEA, DARKER HALF, SEEDY JEEZUS, DREADNAUGHT, FRANKENBOK, SOUTHEAST DESERT METAL, FALL AND RESIST, THE ETERNAL, TOXICON, NEVER, DIE IN A DREAM, HEXREIGN, WOLFPACK, ANKL

Irish Murphy’s NO PLANS 9:30pm

The Lane Cider Bar BRODIE GLEN 9:30pm

SUN 27 JAN

Hop Temple

LIVE BLUES 1:30pm

North Gardens, Lake Wendouree RED HOT SUMMER TOUR 2pm

JIMMY BARNES, THE LIVING END, JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS, DIESEL, RICHARD CLAPTON, CHOCOLATE STARFISH

Irish Murphy’s

CELTIC JAM SESSION 2:30pm

The Lost Ones Basement Bar CHLOE ST CLAIRE 3pm

WED 30 JAN

Meigas LIVE FLAMENCO 6:30pm

THU 31 JAN

The Eastern CHAINSAW (SWEDEN) 8pm SUPPORTS: ORDER OF TORMENT, FEAST, DISTORTA

2 Course Meal And Show $70 Early Bird $65 (Closes 28th February 2019)

Book online via www.trybooking.com/ZWRQ www.ballarattrottingclub.com.au Phone: (03) 5335 9041

STAGE STAGE

WED 9 JAN 1pm and 4pm ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Tumble down the rabbit hole and join Alice, one of literature’s most beloved heroines, in her adventures through Wonderland in this dazzling, internationally acclaimed production. A starstudded cast of talented actors and puppeteers use their ingenious stagecraft and limitless possibilities of imagination to bring this beloved story to life. Don’t miss your chance to tumble with the Tweedle twins, chase the White Rabbit, boo the boisterous Queen of Hearts and have tea with the Hatter at the Maddest Tea Party of all! Tix: wcpa.com.au

WCPA

1220 Howitt St, Wendouree

9 - 1O JAN 11am and 2pm HANSEL & GRETEL

Presented by Tilly Dog Productions

Get set as Tilly Dog Productions bring you a contemporary and hilarious pantomime of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale, Hansel & Gretel. Come and "BOO" the wicked witch as she attempts to cook Hansel and Gretel in her oven!

Fun for all ages! Tix: trybooking.com/450641

Housey Housey

12 Armstrong St Nth

MON 21 JAN 1pm and 4pm

DEADLY 60 DOWN UNDER

Steve Backshall - the star of the ABC ME hit TV show Deadly 60 - returns to Australia with his deadliest show ever, featuring some of Australia’s deadliest animals live on stage! Join Steve as he shares stories and videos from his Aussie adventures, with audience participation and opportunities to ask Steve about his travels and the amazing animals he has encountered along the way. Tix: wcpa.com.au

WCPA 1220 Howitt St, Wendouree

THU 24 JAN 8pm

THE LET-DOWN REFLEX IN DEVELOPMENT

Presented by Megan J Riedl

"No one prepared you for this. They prepared you for awesome. For joyous. Maybe for tough. Or for tiring. But not for torture. So you feel quite... how shall I put it, let down?" A showing of work-in-progress in a new solo comedy by local theatre-makers. Incorporating stand-up style storytelling, theatrical monologues and poetry, the play draws together poignant stories from new parents, proving that negative experiences are not unusual in the first few years of parenthood. Free entry. Bookings required: meganjriedl.wordpress.com

Ballarat Trades Hall 24 Camp St

TUE 1 JAN 10am - 7pm

MORE TO DO MORE TO DO

BURRUMBEET CUP

Come and experience racing that’s different. There’s food and beverages, loads of free kids' activities and entertainment, and you’ll find yourself right amongst the racing action.

Burrumbeet Racecourse

32 Cassidys Rd, Burrumbeet

4 - 8 JAN

FED UNI ROAD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

See Australia’s best under 19, under 23, elite and para cyclists battle for the coveted green and gold national champions jerseys in the criterium, road race and time trial.

Info: roadnationals.org.au

SUN 6 JAN 3 - 7pm

SUMMER SUNDAYS

A fantastic line-up of Australian musical talent + a delicious selection of food, in the beautiful surrounds of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. A free community event, presented by the City of Ballarat. See MUSIC section for line-up.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Lake Wendouree

10 - 13 JAN

BALLARAT VEGAN FESTIVAL

An annual series of vegan themed events. Info: facebook.com/ ballaratveganfestival

11 - 20 JAN

ORGANS OF THE BALLARAT GOLDFIELDS

An internationally acclaimed ten day festival of fine music, held in historic venues in Ballarat and surrounds. Info & tix: ballaratorgans.com.au

SUN 13 JAN 3 - 7pm

SUMMER SUNDAYS

A fantastic line-up of Australian musical talent + a delicious selection of food, in the beautiful surrounds of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. A free community event, presented by the City of Ballarat. See MUSIC section for line-up.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Lake Wendouree

Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields

Summer Sundays

SPOKEN WORD

THU 17 JAN 6:30pm

WORDS OUT LOUD

Poets, writers and raconteurs gather to share their love of words.

The Printers Room, Sebastiaans

60 Lydiard St Nth

FRI 18 JAN 6:30pm

Swimming Pools & Water Play

DINNER

BALLARAT BEER FESTIVAL

GALLAGHER’S FRIDAY NIGHT DEGUSTATION DINNER

Mix & mingle with the brewers as you enjoy a delicious 5 course menu served with perfectly matched beers. Bookings essential: ballaratbeerfestival.com.au

Housey Housey

12 Armstrong St Nth

SAT 19 JAN 11am - 8pm

BALLARAT BEER FESTIVAL

Over 200 craft beers, ciders and wines, live bands, gourmet food, beer master classes, kids activities and much more. Tix: ballaratbeerfestival.com.au

North Gardens

Cnr Zoo & Nursery Dr, Lake Wendouree

SAT 19 JAN 11am - midnight

MECHA

A new & unique arts festival showcasing the best of robotic and mechanical sculpture, performance art, sound, and video art – a home for hybrid and experimental artforms. Info & tix: http://mecha.website

SAT 19 JAN 5pm

PETSTOCK BALLARAT

PACING CUP

Showcasing the best in harness racing action and entertainment, with dining packages, kids' activities, tug-of -war, fashions on the field, live music & more!

Ballarat & District Trotting Club

Cnr Bell & Sutton, Redan

SUN 20 JAN 9:30am - 2:30pm

ALL JAPANESE CAR & BIKE

SHOW

Entry by gold coin donation, with all proceeds to Dragons Abreast Ballarat.

Ballarat Showgrounds

Cnr Howitt St & Creswick Rd, Wendouree

Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre

Gillies St Nth. Ph 5334 2499

Brown Hill Aquatic Centre

Humffray St Nth, Brown Hill. Ph 5338 8663

Black Hill Aquatic Centre

Chisholm St, Black Hill. Ph 5334 4641

Buninyong Aquatic Centre

Forest St, Buninyong. Ph 5341 3302

Eureka Aquatic Centre & Outdoor Water Play

Stawell St, Ballarat. Ph 5334 4641

Midlands Outdoor Water Play

SUMMER FUN

Midlands Reserve, Doveton St, Ballarat North Sebastopol Outdoor Water Play

Victory Park, Vickers St, Sebastopol

SUN 20 JAN 3 - 7pm

SUMMER SUNDAYS

A fantastic line-up of Australian musical talent + a delicious selection of food, in the beautiful surrounds of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. A free community event, presented by the City of Ballarat. See MUSIC section for line-up.

Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Lake Wendouree

FRI 25 JAN 6:30pm

SCOTS

BURNS SUPPER

A ceilidh night of fun, music, song, dance and supper, in celebration of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

117 Sturt St

SAT 26 JAN

AUSTRALIA DAY FIREWORKS

Celebrate Australia Day on the Lake Wendouree foreshore, featuring a spectacular fireworks show at sundown. Lake Wendouree

COMING FEBRUARY 2019

MARKETS

Discover the very best fresh food and produce and buy direct from local farmers and producers. Join the slow food revolution and you’ll see why foodies only source their ingredients from local farmers markets.

BALLARAT MARKET

SUNDAYS 8am – 1pm

Ballarat Showgrounds

Cnr Creswick Rd & Howitt St

BRIDGE MALL FARMERS MARKET

SAT 5 JAN 9am – 1pm

Bridge Mall

BEAUFORT MARKET

SAT 5 JAN 9am – 1pm

Memorial Park, Beaufort (50km from Ballarat)

DAYLESFORD FARMERS MARKET

SAT 5 JAN 9am – 1pm

Daylesford Primary School (45km from Ballarat)

BALLAN FARMERS MARKET

SAT 12 JAN 9am – 1pm 96 Inglis St, Ballan (39km from Ballarat)

BALLARAT FARMERS MARKET

SAT 12 JAN 9am – 1pm

Wendouree Pde (opp. Botanical Gardens)

CLUNES FARMERS MARKET

SUN 13 JAN 9am – 1pm

Fraser St, Clunes (35km from Ballarat)

CRESWICK MARKET

SAT 19 JAN 9am – 1pm

Victoria St, Creswick (18km from Ballarat)

TALBOT FARMERS MARKET

SUN 20 JAN 9am – 1pm

Scandinavian Cres, Talbot (52km from Ballarat)

BROWN HILL MARKET

SAT 26 JAN 9am – 1pm

375 Humffray St Nth, Brown Hill

For more information and details head to www.ballarattrottingclub.com.au

For more information and details head to www.ballarattrottingclub.com.au