Jun – Aug 2021
Celebrating the people, places and events that make Ballarat
Discover a new first impression of Ballarat Cosy spots to warm up A winter adventure
SCAN ME
Make yourself at home (figuratively)
lucasdv.com.au
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Ballaarat Everything in this ephemeral world has the potential for magic. And if there is a season in Ballarat that is synonymous with enchantment, it is most certainly winter. The middle of the year has traditionally received somewhat of a bad rap. It’s raining, it’s pouring, it’s downright boring. If you ask us though, we think such talk has to do with a lack of imagination rather than any solid reasoning. Visiting Ballarat during the winter months will unexpectedly fill you with a sense of warmth, inside and out. Wander along the glistening streetscapes, cosy up next to a fire pit with a mulled wine in-hand, rug-up and enjoy a hearty meal at one of the local restaurants, and admire the historic buildings in our lightfilled boulevards. If you’re lucky, you might even enjoy a snow-laden day or two. The winter season also features a special program of events, including the return of the multi-million dollar Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights and the Ballarat Winter Festival
What’s Inside (featuring an ice-skating rink to boot). So yeah, you can see why enchantment prevails this time of year. But don’t take our word for it. All you need do is read the latest news and reviews, and you’ll discover exactly what makes our city worth visiting. In this edition of Made of Ballarat, renowned food and travel writer Michael Harden also speaks of his recent visit to the city – highlighting the richness of its art, culture, food, wine, and events. But more on that later! Ballarat’s name is derived from the Wadawurrung words Balla and Arat, meaning resting place. The fact that our city is the harbinger of rest is indisputable. No matter the season, you’re sure to find your peace while being immersed in a wealth of richness. So welcome to winter. Where magic and warmth awaits. – Team Made of Ballarat
Page 4 – 5
What’s On
Page 6 – 8 The Art of Surprise: discover a new first impression of Ballarat Page 9 The pick of the Pyrenees this winter Page 10 – 12 A Winter Adventure: your three-night itinerary Page 13 Threads of identity Page 14 – 15 Ready to Rock: what to expect from the Ballarat International Foto Biennale Page 16
Winter’s Wonder
Page 17 A taste of Ballarat: underbar Page 18
Things to do
Page 19
Stay
Page 20
Eat and Drink
Page 21
Map of Ballarat
Page 22
Cosy spots to warm up
Cover image Johnny Alloo by @mattdunnephoto Made of Ballarat is created and printed in Ballarat.
Acknowledgement
Published by City of Ballarat.
The City of Ballarat acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
madeofballarat.com marketing@ballarat.vic.gov.au All information correct at time of printing. Please check for COVID-19 restrictions changes ahead of your visit. Printed by Low Co2 Certified Printer – Sovereign Press Pty Ltd Ballarat
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
What’s On?
While the rest of the state decides to bunker down for the winter season (or escape further north for some sunny skies), Ballarat makes it its mission to bring out the big guns, and showcase the best the city has to offer.
Harvest your own truffles and sample the delicacy of truffle-infused fare, catch an AFL game in the big arena, lace up for an adventurous day of ice skating as part of the Ballarat Winter Festival, find a handmade treasure or two at the Design Exchange Market, and revel in the magic of a white winter at the Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights. Whether your interests lie in art, culture, recreation, food, retail, or if you’re simply looking for space to envelop yourself in warmth, Ballarat has you (literally) covered.
All information correct at time of printing. Please check for COVID-19 restrictions changes ahead of your visit. For up to date what’s on info head to visitballarat.com.au
Get your skates on at the CBD ice-rink.
Unearth and dine on black Perigold truffles.
Ballarat Winter Festival
A Taste of Truffles
Come for Winter Wonderlights, stay to discover more of Ballarat during your visit. Experience a one-on-one animal encounter at the Ballarat Wildlife Park then sit back and warm-up by a roaring fire while feasting on wintry comfort food.
Join Black Cat Truffles during the truffle season from June to August for A Taste of Truffles Experience – an invitation to find out more about this earthy, aromatic and elusive delicacy. Talk to the truffle growers, see their truffle dogs in action, harvest truffles and sample a range of delicious truffle-infused treats in the beautiful cafe adjacent to the truffiere, with tips on how to get the best from your truffle.
Recharged and refreshed, head to the heart of Ballarat’s CBD and lace up your skates. The popular pop-up ice skating rink will return to the city and is guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Truffles and the truffle-based product range will be available for purchase on the day.
What:
Ballarat Winter Festival
What: A Taste of Truffles
When:
26 June – 18 July
When: 6 June – 29 August
Where: Various locations
Where: 150 Howards Road, Wattle Flat
Visit: ballaratwinterfestival.com.au
Visit: blackcattruffles.com.au
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
What’s On?
Robyn Stacey brings historical collections to life.
Sovereign Hill’s highly anticipated Winter Wonderlights is back.
Robyn Stacey: As still as life
Winter Wonderlights
Robyn Stacey: As still as life leads audiences into the tantalising world of the still-life tradition.
Sound, lights, and wintry delights – an easy drive from Melbourne. With a dazzling light show, full theatre program, delicious treats, snow, hands-on kids’ activities and more, Sovereign Hill delivers a Christmas in July like no other. By day Sovereign Hill delights (check out the winter day program on their website), but when the sun goes down it really shines.
Stacey is one of Australia’s leading photographic artists whose fascination with the still life genre inspired the magnificent works in this exhibition.
Winter Wonderlights begins as soon as the sky is dark enough.
What:
Robyn Stacey: As still as life
What:
Winter Wonderlights
When:
Until 4 July
When:
25 June – 18 July
Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat
Where: Sovereign Hill
Visit: artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Visit: winterwonderlights.com.au
Find a one-of-a-kind piece at this popular indoor designer market.
AFL returns to Ballarat this July.
The Design Exchange Market
AFL Round 19 – Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows
Australia is bursting at the seams with amazing independent designers, artists and creators, and The Design Exchange is all about bringing them to you over two inspiring days this winter. It’s a celebration of small business, handmade, ethical trading and creativeness in an atmosphere that is inclusive and inviting.
The Western Bulldogs host the Adelaide Crows at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on the weekend of July 24-25. With a floating fixture, the specific date and time of this match is yet to be confirmed.
Step out of the cold and warm up with a mulled wine in hand as you wander the Design Exchange Market.
What:
The Design Exchange Market
What:
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows
When:
10 & 11 July
When:
Date to be announced
Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange
Where: Mars Stadium 725 Creswick Rd, Ballarat
Visit: thedesignexchange.com.au
Visit: westernbulldogs.com.au/matches/3121
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
The Art of Surprise Discover a new first impression of Ballarat
Pasta heaven at Ragazzone.
Having preconceived ideas overturned can be very satisfying. This hit me while I was chowing down on a superb fish taco at Pancho, a casual, very delicious Latin American restaurant in Ballarat Central. The taco and its applause-worthy spicy tangy pico di gallo salsa surely assisted the epiphany – I’d certainly had zero expectation that Ballarat would contain some of the best South and Central American food in the country. But my outdated notion of Ballarat being a city mostly defined by its gold rush glory days had started eroding even before the taco. I’d taken the 90-ish-minute train trip from Melbourne to Ballarat the day before, ditching the car for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I wanted to experience the place on foot, to get up close and personal with all that elaborate, famed Victorian architecture. Remembering Ballarat’s reputation for chilly, windy conditions (one of my preconceived ideas that actually proved correct) I’d packed appropriate outerwear, but was intending to keep warm in a less prosaic way, the other reason for walking. I’d been hearing rumours of a food and booze renaissance in Ballarat and wanted to get up close and personal with that too. All in the name of research, obviously.
First Impressions Ballarat Railway Station, a grand mostly-intact Victorian edifice, has been operating since 1862 and does a great job of scene setting. It’s a drum roll for the Victorian streetscape that envelopes you the moment you exit the station. Not that there was much time to be enveloped as I was staying at The Provincial, an Art Nouveau-style boutique hotel literally across the street. Wonderfully convenient, it also provided the first big hint that Ballarat may not be as stuck in the past as I’d imagined. The Provincial was built in 1909 and owners Gorgi and Simon Coghlan have done a superb job modernising it, giving the generous rooms and art-strewn public areas a breezy, casually luxurious, blue and whitethemed makeover without compromising any of the building’s lovely bones. There’s a cocktail bar that operates out of a converted caravan in the central courtyard and minibars that’ll keep you happy in your room but the main food and drink action is in Lola, The Provincial’s all-day diner. Perhaps it was the cocktail that was in my hand (a Lola Spritz – local Kilderkin gin, elderflower and prosecco) just minutes after checking in that endeared Lola to me. Or maybe it was the serene interior, all French bistro chairs and floods of natural light. Or the menu that will get you what you need most of the day, from excellent eggs benedict in the morning (local bread, eggs and ham, obviously) through to oysters, steak, beet-cured salmon and chargrilled spatchcock. Or a wine list bristling with wellselected labels, emphasising local heroes like Latta. It was tricky to tear myself away, but there was research to be done.
Just a couple of blocks from The Provincial is Mitchell Harris. It opened as a cellar door for local makers Mitchell Harris Wines eight years ago and has morphed into a bar/bottleshop/ café hybrid with a casual but sophisticated good time vibe. It’s also a template for the way eating and drinking in Ballarat has changed with a generational new wave that’s washed over the city, cleverly blending the old with the new. It’s a story you’ll hear quite a bit. Owner John Harris grew up in Ballarat, moved away for a while then returned, bringing with him the expectation of always having access to a good glass of wine and something decent to eat. He couldn’t find what he was looking for and so did it himself. He set up shop in a beautiful, cavernous old building, once home to a tentmaker then a car repair shop, now a bar diner dishing up treats like tuna ceviche, beef carpaccio and spicy chicken alongside a drinks list that stocks Mitchell Harris wines (the lean, clean sparkling wine Sabre is worth contemplating) and a thorough collection of local, Australian and Old World wines. Next door to Mitchell Harris is Fika, a café pumping out excellent coffee, courtesy of Melbourne’s St ALi, alongside a toastie menu and pastries. Ballarat is as fanatical about coffee as the rest of the country and there’s been an explosion in café numbers. The excellent bakery café 1816 Bakehouse over on Armstrong Street is a good place to recaffeinate while also picking up some of the city’s best sourdough and then there’s dark and handsome L’Espresso, one of the pioneers of Ballarat’s coffee rush that also, eccentrically and adorably, deals in vinyl and CDs.
6 copywriter and editor. His work has appeared in newspapers, Michael Harden is a freelance author, journalist, restaurant critic, magazines, books and journals both in Australia and internationally. He is currently working on a novel set in the food industry.
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
The Art Gallery of Ballarat - Australia’s oldest regional gallery.
The grand Ballarat Railway Station.
Art Attack L’Espresso is where I meet Fiona Sweet, the Creative Director of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. The biennale is a 60-day festival starting on August 28 with Linda McCartney as this year’s headline act. It will include her photo of Eric Clapton that made her the first woman to score a Rolling Stone cover and never-before seen photos she took during Wings’ 1976 tour of Australia. There are also multiple exhibitions in buildings throughout the city, themed dinners and local photographers exhibiting and selling their work. Listening to Sweet enthusiastically spruik Ballarat’s art credentials, including the long engagement the city has with photography, I realised, once again, I may have missed the point by mistaking the city for a museum. It’s actually more like a gallery, an ongoing conversation. Ballarat was named a UNESCO Creative City in 2019 and that bit of branding has helped focus the spotlight on the city’s artistic side. It’s helped generate an energy that’s a little similar to Hobart, post-MONA. It also necessitates a visit to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Australia’s oldest regional gallery. Over the past few years, under the stewardship of Director Louise Tegart and curator Julie McLaren, the multiple spaces have been energised with dynamic exhibitions hung by theme rather than by artist or period. Indigenous and modern abstract art and sculpture sits together with the important, extensive historical collection in thoughtful – and sometimes provocative – ways. In a nod to the strength of the local art scene, the gift shop is filled with the work of local artists. (continued next page)
The Art Gallery of Ballarat - Australia’s oldest regional gallery.
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Sip on expertly-crafted cocktails at 18th Amendment.
Johnny Alloo - a must-do by day or by night, or both!
Tasting Surprise
(from previous page)
Of course, there’s also art you can eat and there’s no better place in Ballarat to do that than underbar. First things first. This excellent 16-seat degustation restaurant is only open two nights a week so you need to plan ahead as it books out months ahead. It’s worth the effort. Behind an unmarked door on Doveton Street, chef Derek Boath, formerly of New York’s acclaimed Per Se, creates exquisite, artful and, most importantly, incredibly delicious tasting menus. I’d make a return trip for the cornbread served with maple butter and a cup of whipped corn soup alone. Or the cured ocean trout topped with flowers, roe and horseradish, as pretty as it was tasty. Almost as startling as underbar’s finesse was the number of quality places to eat, all within walking distance. Among the best is Ragazzone, a nattily designed Italian restaurant washed in pink that serves Italian classics given a modern twist and Johnny Alloo, where the daytime menu (try the anchovy chilli scramble) competes with the Friday-Saturday dinner of Euro bistro classics, as the optimum time to pay a visit. If you can manage, do both.
Art you can eat at underbar.
There are good places to drink too, all within an easy stagger. A must-do for cocktail lovers is 18th Amendment, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with some truly loopy (and well made) drinks to be had. For the craft beer crew, Aunty Jack’s, a new brewery bar, serves everything it makes on tap and has a constantly changing range of seasonal beers. Take shelter here in winter and you’ll want to grab a pint of the Vanilla Porter with its smooth chocolate, vanilla and sweet biscuit notes. Roy Hammond, on Armstrong Street North, has a superb range of quality booze (whisky lovers take note), Asian-influenced food (try the cheesy corn) and a party atmosphere that brings in a young, fun-loving crowd. I abandoned the walking-only rule just once, but it was in a good cause – a spa treatment at the Ballarat Sanctuary Day Spa. Again, all in the name of research. A tranquil place set amidst native gardens, it provided a good opportunity to contemplate all that had surprised me about Ballarat. Laying in the heated hydrotherapy pool, gazing up at eucalypts through large windows ahead of a foot bath and warm oil back massage, I contemplated the pleasant surprise of preconceived ideas being overturned and the exciting balance Ballarat is achieving between the historic and modern, the old and the young. I also started planning a return visit.
Latin American deliciousness at Pancho.
Tranquility abounds at Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa.
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
The pick of the Pyrenees this winter 1. Winter isn’t just for curling up inside. It’s also an amazing time to get out and explore the great outdoors. Discover the Pyrenees on foot where you can listen to the birds, encounter native wildlife, stop to take in the views, or find a secret waterfall. Mt Cole and Mt Buangor Parks are located just one hour out of Ballarat and are filled with lush green rainforests with stunning views, fern-filled gullies and offer scenic walking trails that are dwarfed by giant ferns and towering trees. Spoilt for choice.
The beautiful cellar door at Sally’s Paddock.
2. After exploring the outdoors, warm your back against the fire with a glass of Pyrenees red in hand. There’s plenty of options but it’s hard to go past a cosy cellar door with a fireplace for long lunches and afternoon tastings. In Moonambel, warm your heart and soul at Summerfield Winery with delicious woodfired pizzas and bold hearty reds. Head to Bigibila Winery to settle in by the wood fire while taking in the spectacular panoramic views out the windows. Sally’s Paddock Cellar Door offers live music Sundays and in Glen Patrick, Mrs Bakers Still House will keep you toasty, as will their gins!
3. Did someone say comfort food? Head to the Avoca Hotel, they’ve got you covered. We can’t go past the house smoked duck breast with chestnut gnocchi, kale and baby beets. Or, if we’re feeling a pub classic, it’s the schnitzel with apple slaw and cider gravy. 4. Get a winter art fix at Avoca and Beaufort’s restored railway stations, which are now home to bustling boutique galleries. Together they showcase an unimaginable collection of original work from the local talented arts community. Don’t miss the fibre arts focused Tiny Lola Café located right on the platform at Avoca. Sit down, place your order, then enjoy your coffee with a spot of knitting. www.visitpyrenees.com.au
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
With the Ballarat Winter Festival also at play, a visit to the city is sure to conjure warmth for each and every guest, regardless of the temperature outside.
Misty morning walks, warming fireside meals, boutique stays and thrilling outdoor adventures winter in Ballarat really does deliver.
We’ve created a special three-night itinerary with all the inspiration you need for a wholesome, soulful, Ballarat getaway. All you need to do is turn up and enjoy the season’s offerings – brolly and parka in tow!
Misty Lake Wendouree.
Day one Stay in style Settle in at one of Ballarat’s newest boutique accommodation providers – Battista. The fully restored 1800s Baptist church epitomises Ballarat – steeped in history but laden with contemporary wonder. A one-bedroom apartment boasting a king-size bed, two living areas and luxurious ensuite, Battista is flanked by grand windows and heritage-protected walls that beautifully preserve the past. A cosy and refined space, you won’t be blamed for wanting to cocoon and spend your entire Ballarat stay here. Spanish feast Hit up Ballarat’s food precinct and find your spot at the traditional Spanish tapas bar and restaurant that is Meigas. The local favourite prides itself on its fresh produce and authenticity, with tapas, delicatessen and dishes from across Spain. A cultural experience in its own right, dining at Meigas is as much about the ambience as it is about the cuisine. Paint and sip Enjoy a night of BYO wine as you harness your inner artist at Australia’s leading paint and sip experience – Pinot & Picasso. Learn basic and more advanced techniques of painting on canvas as your host delivers a step-by-step session allowing for your captive Picasso to run free.
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Get the crew together for shared plates at Meigas.
Vintage goodness at Rocket and Belle.
Day two
Day three
Morning stroll
Intimate breakfast
Rug up, slip on your runners, and walk or drive to Ballarat’s recreational hub – Lake Wendouree. Embrace the mist that the winter morning brings and admire the glistening waters with their abundant birdlife. Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a keen jogger or a leisurely walker, this morning jaunt will set you up for a bountiful day ahead.
Walk around the corner to the funky L’espresso cafe and order a warming breakfast and quality coffee to boot. While you’re at it, check out their impressive CD and record collection. The perfect remedy on a chilly Ballarat morn. Vintage therapy
Lakeside breakfast Once you’ve completed your six-kilometre trek, indulge yourself in a breakfast and warming coffee at one of the lakeside cafes or nearby restaurants. Webster’s Market and Cafe is one of the town favourites, located down Ballarat’s historic, tree-lined Webster Street.
Rummage through one of the newest Ballarat retail offerings – Rocket and Belle. Specialising in everything unique, old or unusual, the store is filled with antiques, industrial pieces, vintage furniture and homewares that will act as the perfect token to remember your Ballarat getaway.
Farm forage
Wine tasting
Get set for a real paddock-to-plate experience as you head to the farmside and stock up for a home-cooked lunch. The Ballarat Mushroom Farm at Smythes Creek boasts its very own farmgate with locally produced staples including honey, milk, vegetables, meat, and of course, organic mushies. Take your goods back to the comfort of your accommodation and whip up your own regional showcase.
A ten-minute drive west of town, at Windemere, wine-lovers can take in the bracing air and warm welcome at Michael Unwin Wines. On the vineyard’s 100 acres, Michael has planted tens of thousands of trees and plants that contribute to the health of the soil, create a home for bird and wildlife and, of course, allow visitors to the winery to enjoy picturesque views and country surroundings.
Winter Wonderlights
Dinner date
Travelling solo, as a family or a romantic duo, the Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights will whisk you away to a mystical land of wonder and awe. Delight in the rare trades of yesteryear, take a wander down the Main Street and fossick through the shops of yore, dine-in at the New York Bakery, strike it lucky at the gold diggings, and then marvel at the light projections and faux snow as the wonder of winter is celebrated.
Round off your day with a dinner date at Ballarat’s prized Ragazzone. The pasta and vino restaurant prides itself on its handmade dishes, with a set menu that will bring your palate to life. But you better book this one in advance. Seats to this much-loved haunt sell out quick smart! After-dinner stint
Woodfired wonder
Still not ready to call it a day? Ballarat’s Aunty Jack’s brewery is the place to be for your local lager, pale ale or stout. With regular gigs taking place as well as a menu of pub grub to accompany your pint, you’ll farewell the night feeling full and filled.
If you’re still after some wonder to fill your tum, return to the city’s foodie hub where you’ll find The Forge pizzeria. Boasting gourmet woodfired pizzas, wholesome pasta dishes and some seriously decadent desserts, this pizza house will round off your night perfectly.
(continued next page)
One of Ballarat’s most recent additions, Ragazzone, Get comfortable at the incredible Battista.
delivers in spades.
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Day four
(from previous page)
Lace it up The Ballarat Winter Festival will see the return of the city ice-skating rink - because what’s winter without some ice? Lace up your skates and pirouette away, or simply circle the arena - we’re not here to judge. Lazy brunch Just up the way, you’ll find your place at Higher Society eatery for one of the best coffees (and feeds) in town. The local has also had a recent refurb, with both the menu and interior bursting alive just in time for the peak of winter.
Too pretty to eat at Higher Society, image: Lisa Holmen.
Wildlife wonder Winter is a breeze at the Ballarat Wildlife Park, with the outdoor sanctuary offering a full program as part of this year’s Ballarat Winter Festival. Guests will be able to digitally view animal presentations thanks to the park’s new digital-guided QR codes with exciting prizes also up for grabs. Add to this the launch of the new penguin encounters, as well as the opportunity to see some of Australia’s most cute and cuddly animals up-close-and-personal, and you have an enriched wildlife experience. For more things to see and do in Ballarat during the winter season, make sure to check out ballaratwinterfestival.com.au
Barrels of fun at Michael Unwin.
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Threads of identity Proud Wadawurrung woman Kait James was born and raised in in Melbourne, in Wurundjeri country, and studied media arts and photography. She started making textile-based works around two years ago, souvenir tea towels which show Indigenous people and ‘Aboriginal’ designs. She reclaims these images by over-stitching the fabrics with designs referencing popular culture, Indigenous history and contemporary social issues. Kait discussed her practice with Curator Julie McLaren in the lead up to her exhibition Kait James: Hang us out to dry which is on show at the Art Gallery of Ballarat until 1 August 2021. Julie: Kait, how did you come to select textiles as your preferred creative practice? Kait: My cousin from Ballarat, Tammy Gilson organised for a group of Indigenous women from Tasmania to teach us weaving – a traditional skill that was lost to my Wadawurrung ancestors when they were placed in missions and not allowed to continue their cultural practices. We learned how to weave with reeds and dried grasses as well as non-traditional materials like raffia and wool. It is so much easier to weave with wool and the bright colours you can use piqued my interest. I am obsessed with colour and I find that a lot of Indigenous work uses a traditional colour palette – natural colours from the landscape – but that’s just not me. I decided to weave with wool and also discovered punch needle embroidery. Can you explain the punch needle process? A punch needle looks like a hollow pen with a little hole at the top. You have a continuous thread and punch it into the material, but you don’t have to weave the thread all the way through, so it’s much quicker than traditional embroidery. I found a punch needle at a craft shop in Maroochydore and tried it out on a Scottish souvenir tea towel I had bought in the op shop. I changed the word Scotland into Stolen Land and then I found I was changing everything and reclaiming the image. I remembered seeing Aboriginal-themed tea towels and hunted for some and found all these 1970s and 80s calendar tea towels to work with.
How do you get started on each work? I look at the year printed on the calendar tea towel and think about that year – what I was doing or what was happening that meant something to me. I also reference current topics that I want people to think about, such as Black Lives Matter and Treaty, in a colourful way, so people are more likely to look at the work more closely. There are also references to your family heritage in your work. Queen Mary of Ballarat was my great great great-grandmother. When I look at photos of her, I feel really sad – she has such sad eyes. She spent time at the Coranderrk mission in Healesville and was moved around quite a bit. She had such a hard life but was obviously a very strong woman and I wanted to create a piece to give her back the power. I am obsessed with Ru Paul’s Drag Race and the term ‘Yas Queen’ came to mind with a mirror ball. I want to use that to give Queen Mary the power and say, ‘You did it, we did survive’ – that the sacrifices she made were worth it.
“ This embroidery is my own personal expression of being Indigenous.” - Kait James
How do you feel looking at the images of Indigenous people while you’re stitching? It’s hard to say, they are basically racist, stereotypical images that don’t represent all Indigenous people. There are also no women, where are the bugarook, where are the women? I have had discussions with other Indigenous people about these tea towels because Indigenous people also collected these objects – it’s like this lovehate relationship with Aboriginal kitsch and Aboriginalia. You want to collect it – almost to save it – I want to reclaim them and give them a new life. I really love the traditional, cultural side of things. I love dancing with my cousins – I have danced in Ballarat for White Night and for the launch of my cousin Deanne Gilson’s Murrup Larr stones in the North Gardens. My cousins have so much cultural knowledge and I always learn something new and amazing from them, I love the sharing of knowledge.
Kait James, ‘Let me breathe’, 2020
This embroidery is my own personal expression of being Indigenous.
Kait James, ‘Every day is like survival’, 2020 Artist Kait James
Linda McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, London, 1967
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
The reasons why Ballarat has been titled as a UNESCO Creative City stem to the days of yore. Since the very beginning, Ballarat has been a treasure trove of creativity, a melting pot of art and culture, a hotbed of innovation. It is this very artisanal spirit that makes it a creative lodestone. So it should come as no surprise that this year’s Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB) has attracted the works of one of the world’s most acclaimed, experimental and celebrated photographers – Linda McCartney (1941-1998). McCartney’s works will be showcased as part of the exhibition Linda McCartney: Retrospective, curated by Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney. Featuring more than 200 exclusive photographs, the display will present the spontaneous and unique experiences involving the iconic people and places that shaped Linda’s life. With over three decades’ worth of photos from 1965-1997, Retrospective depicts the evolution of youth pop culture and captures raw moments of history’s most famous rock stars (think Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Eric Clapton). Other highlights include never-before-seen prints from the McCartney family’s trips to Australia in 1975 and 1993.
Dubbed one of the most significant photographic arts festivals in Australia, the BIFB consists of two major photographic programs – a curated Core Program showcasing work from Australian and international artists as well as an Open Program that fosters the development of new and emerging artists.
The two-month event also features an outdoor program, education programs, workshops, artist talks, foto walks and more. The BIFB has enriched the cultural landscape of regional Victoria since 2005. There’s no doubt this year’s program will further solidify Ballarat as an arts and cultural destination.
Linda McCartney, The Beatles, Abbey Road, London, 1969
The Ballarat International Foto Biennale will be held between August 28 and October 24. Festival tickets are now available and can be booked online at ballaratfoto.org
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Issue 1 / Autumn 2021
Winter’s Wonder Experiencing a white Christmas is an ardent hope for many Australians.But the reality of snow falling outside as the smell of ginger and spice fills the air is often limited to picturebooks and movies. Furthermore, with travel restrictions in place for the foreseeable future, an adventure to the northern hemisphere isn’t likely to be on the agenda anytime soon.
Enter Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights. A multi-million dollar phenomenon that is the closest thing to celebrating a white Christmas than the real deal. Returning after a year’s hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 event will shine with all the glory of previous years – lights, snow, gingerbread, music and all. Visitors are set for a true delight of the senses during the day, as they wander beneath the ‘snow’ and enjoy winter treats, mulled wine, pantomimes, theatre shows, Christmas-themed arts and crafts, and the chance to share a photo with St Nicholas.
Winter Wonderlights shines.
The magic continues when the sun sets, with ever-changing projections bringing Sovereign Hill’s Victorian streetscapes to life thanks to a spectacular light show that illuminates the entire museum.
“After such a long absence we’re absolutely thrilled to be in a position to offer one of Victoria’s most significant and iconic events and shine once more,” she said.
According to Sovereign Hill chief executive officer Sara Quon, the 2021 Wonderlights will be a celebration for all Victorians.
The Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights will take place between June 25 and July 18.
WINTER WONDERLIGHTS
For all the information and ticket bookings, head to winterwonderlights.com.au
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
A taste of Ballarat
underbar (oon-de-bar)
There’s intimate dining and then there’s Ballarat’s underbar. Seating just 16 and only open on Friday and Saturday nights, underbar is the brainchild of head chef Derek Boath – formerly of New York’s three-Michelin starred Per Se – and with a chef’s hat from the Good Food Guide, visiting foodies and locals are lining up. Book well in advance and then take your place on the long table. The tasting menu changes weekly, showcasing the very best of Ballarat’s local farms and gourmet producers. Derek shares a taste of underbar’s winter menu highlight below, a very mouthwatering buttermilk panna cotta. “This is a really great recipe that we use a lot at the restaurant. It’s perfect in a winter menu as way of refreshing the palate after the rich, fatty, and salty dishes that come before it. Very soft and delicate, it has a wonderful texture. We tend to serve this set in a little bowl or ramekin. This allows us to minimise the amount of gelatine as the panna cotta doesn’t need to be turned out to serve.
This recipe is super versatile, and layers of flavour can easily be added to suit your taste. A drop or two of rose water. A split vanilla bean. A shot of coffee or simply served with some poached fruit, crumbled cookie or amaretti biscuit on top can elevate this recipe to another level. This autumn version from the restaurant had flavours of lime, kefir lime, passionfruit, mango, and milk kefir. As a small restaurant that can dish up over 250 plates during service and just me in the kitchen, it’s important that there can be a couple of dishes that can be pre-set to help service. The same applies to a dinner party at home – having a partially prepared dessert gives you more time to focus on the main course.”
Buttermilk Panna Cotta Ingredients: + 600g buttermilk + 400g crème fraiche + 350g pouring cream + 175g caster sugar + 1g salt + 5 gold leaf gelatine sheets
Method + Bloom gelatine sheets in cold water until soft and pliable + Bring pouring cream and crème fraiche to boil + Add sugar and salt to cream mixture and stir to dissolve + Squeeze water out of gelatine sheets and add to cream mixture to melt and dissolve + Remove from heat and add buttermilk + Strain and pour into moulds then place into the fridge until set + Prepare your choice of flavours for serving.
underbar.com.au
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Things to do With its award-winning attractions, serene outdoor reserves, boutique retailers and creative spaces, keeping oneself occupied in Ballarat is quite the easy feat. Dabble in some ceramics, search out the makings of a new designer, stock up on local produce, or seek out the city’s most elusive offerings.
Beck Davies Ceramics Create your own prized keepsake at a personalised pottery workshop or masterclass.
Backspace Ballarat Admire the artworks of creatives and artists from the region in this space which provides emerging regional artists with the opportunity to exhibit.
When Polly Met Murphy Indulge your love of plants at this boutique hub of greenery, pots, and garden goodness.
40 Lydiard St Nth
36 Doveton St Nth
Ballarat
Ballarat
beckdaviesceramics.com.au
artgalleryofballarat.com.au
whenpollymetmurphy.org
Saltbush Kitchen
Explore Mount Buninyong
Local Markets
Experience the flavours and ingredients of Australia at this hidden Ballarat shopfront. On Sundays in June check out the Kittelty’s Cakes pop-up ‘The Sweet Spot’ with cakes, chocolates, tea, bubbles and more all packed with Australian bushfood flavour. Commercial St Buninyong saltbushkitchen.com.au
This extinct volcanic mountain reaches 745m above sea level. It’s a great landmark of the Buninyong district and only a 20-minute drive from Ballarat. Walks through the crater and up to the lookout tower are popular among visitors and if snow falls in the district it will always be heaviest here.
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Stock up on the bounties of the region this winter Ballarat Farmers Market Second and fourth Saturday of every month Bridge Mall Farmers Market First Saturday of every month Buninyong Village Winter Market 31 July Various locations - visitballarat.com.au
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Stay A stay in Ballarat is characterised by the merging of history and modernity. No matter where you choose to rest your head during your getaway - in a romantic chateau for two, a caravan park for the whole clan, a boutique hotel boasting comfort and luxury, or a budget motel with all the necessities, you’ll find a stay that ticks every box.
Craig’s Royal Hotel Treat yourself like royalty at Ballarat’s renowned Craig’s Royal Hotel, located on the historic Lydiard Street South.
Casa De Familia Centrally-located luxurious family home boasting stunning period features and warming woodfire.
Grayling’s Gift A calming refuge in a restored 1800s church, located amidst the bounteous Pyrenees Shire.
10 Lydiard St Sth
513 Dana St
3512 Sunraysia Hwy
Ballarat
Ballarat
Lexton
craigsroyal.com.au
facebook.com/casadafamiliaballarat
graylingsgift.com.au
Sovereign Park Motor Inn
Kryal Castle
The Californian
Make the most out of your Kryal Castle experience by staying at one of the attraction’s on-site Castle Suites.
Fully renovated 1920s Californian Bungalow with luxurious modern amenities and special entertainers’ zone.
223 Main Rd
121 Forbes Rd
515 Dana St
Ballarat
Leigh Creek
Ballarat
sovpark.com
kryalcastle.com.au
facebook.com/californian.ballarat
Stylish accommodation in the gold precinct, a stone’s throw away from Sovereign Hill and the Eureka Centre.
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Eat & Drink Surrounded by an abundance of local produce, rich farmlands and fresh ingredients, and home to countless culinary gurus, Ballarat is a gastronomic hub that continues to prove itself and its wealth. Located in the centre of western Victoria’s food belt, the city has fast-become a hub of food and wine, with new and vibrant offerings making their mark on locals and visitors alike.
Ragazzone
Renard
The Shared Table
319 Mair St
In the words of the owners, the brand new Renard (French, Re•Nar — ‘Fox’) is a ‘cocktail bar & social club that serves booze alongside small dishes and disco ‘til late’. We’re sold!
317 Learmonth St
Ballarat
209—211 Mair St, Ballarat
Buninyong
ragazzone.com.au
renardballarat.com.au
thesharedtable.com.au
Mr Jones Dining
Gor Gai Thai Noodle and Street Food
Lola
Indulge in handmade pasta and fancy European fare as you sip on the finest vino around.
Savour the authentic tastes of Asian cuisine at the acclaimed fine dining establishment of culinary gurus Damien and Danielle Jones.
Experience the flavours of Bangkok with a selection of traditional Thai food including noodles, salads, and street fare.
Devour the fresh and flavourful ingredients of Ballarat served with love and flair.
Lola offers stylish, European inspired dining. Don’t miss their winter events including the Bastille Day Dinner & Mushroom Masterclass.
42-44 Main Rd
320 Sturt St
121 Lydiard St Nth
Ballarat
Ballarat
Ballarat
mrjonesdining.com.au
gorgaithaifood.com.au
theprovincialballarat.com.au
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21
Don Pl
ondon Pl
oo Pl
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Art Gallery of Ballarat Town Hall Ballarat Railway Station Her Majesty’s Theatre Regent Theatre Craig’s Royal Hotel Mechanics Institute Ballarat Library Civic Hall
Attractions
PLACES OF INTEREST
BALLARAT BASE HOSPITAL
ST JOHN OF GOD HOSPITAL
Victoria Av
Mill St
URQUHART ST
E3 D4 E2 E4 D3 D4 E4 D2 D3
STURT ST
MAIR ST
WEBSTER ST
DANA ST
Leechs Ln
Pencilmark Ln
Dickson St
CENTRAL SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE
Mckenzie St
Wigton Pl
9
FEDERATION UNIVERSITY Camp St Campus (Arts)
Police Ln
FEDERATION UNIVERSITY (SMB Campus)
Chancery Ln
Hancocks Ln
Seymour St
Lewis St
Field St
m
r
Scott Pde
Ebden St
Eastern Oval
Steinf ld St Sth
EASTWOOD ST
BRIDGE MALL SHOPPING CENTRE
CURTIS ST
Shepperd St
MAIR ST EAST
rC ou Se y
North
Haymes Cr
Pennant Pl
Nicholls Av
MELBOURNE - 90 MINUTES
T IA S TOR VIC
Corbett St
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
Cosy spots to warm up Break up your wintry day of exploring by heading to one of Ballarat’s many bars, pubs and cafés where a roaring fire is waiting to help defrost your fingers. Mitchell Harris The multi-award-winning cellar door and wine bar is described by happy visitors as “dark and moody” and “perfect for a winter night.” – we couldn’t agree more. RJM’s Wine Bar If live music is your thing head to RJMs. Order something delicious – we recommend the ploughman’s board – then grab a spot by the fire. Michael Unwin Wines Just a little bit out of town is Michael Unwin Wines. Take in the aroma of maturing wines at this cellar door while you soak up the views of the surrounding vineyards. Don’t forget to grab a few extra bottles of wine to take home on the way out. Hop Temple If beer is more your thing, head to the trendy lounge at Hop Temple. Grab a seat on one of the vintage chairs or couches by the fire and enjoy something from Hop’s extensive beer list which has been paired perfectly with some of their mouth-watering
eats, like the Hop Sidewinders, popcorn chicken or brisket tacos. The Mallow There’s no better time of year than winter to visit a great pub, so head to one of Ballarat’s most loved. Enjoy a hearty pub meal with a contemporary twist as you indulge in some warming craft beers on tap. The Boatshed Restaurant Take in the beautiful views of Lake Wendouree while you indulge in the seafood platter for two, then find your way to the ‘cosy corner’ for espresso martinis by the fire.
Get cosy at The Boatshed.
The Hydrant Food Hall Don’t be fooled by the industrial warehouse façade, Hydrant Food Hall is a beautifully restored building from the early 50s with a cosy wood fire taking centre stage and a seasonal menu just as impressive. Johnny Alloo Housed in a beautifully restored 1870s building, this relatively new addition to the city’s café scene becomes a very popular spot in winter for locals looking to escape from the wintry chills outside. After one visit it will be easy to see why. Find out more at visitballarat.com.au Retro cool at Hop Temple.
Enjoy a break this Winter at LAKE WENDOUREE LUXURY APARTMENTS caption
Nestled in the heart of Ballarat, just a stone’s throw from picturesque Lake Wendouree, you’ll find our fully self contained, two bedroom apartments. Our family friendly accommodation is the perfect warm place to return to after a long day to relax by the fire and enjoy a glass of wine.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Gather your family and friends and book your wintery getaway with us!
WINTER OFFER Stay 2 & Save 10% off your midweek getaway! Book direct to receive our special guest benefits • Best rate guaranteed • Bottle of regional wine on arrival • Early check in/late check out* • Your choice of apartment • 10% off food and beverage at local cafes and restaurants *Subject to availability Rates valid from 25th June – 31st August 2021. Stay 2 save 10% (not incl school holidays)
REV 1384 Lake Wendourie half page ad_v3.indd 1
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Issue 2 / Winter 2021
26 JUNE – 18 JULY WINTER WONDERLIGHTS ICE SKATING KNIGHTS OF FIRE + MORE 23
BALLARATWINTERFESTIVAL.COM.AU
REVEL IN
the path unknown
Discover what Ballarat is made of. From natural wonders and flavour fusions, to retail heavens and cultural treasure troves, there’s no limit to the riches you’ll unearth in one of Victoria’s most enchanting destinations. After all, the best weekends aren’t made of moments spent at home; they’re made of Ballarat. Start planning an adventure to revel in at madeofballarat.com 24
