Late Spring
Celebrating the people, places and events that make Ballarat
Ballarat International Foto Biennale Buninyong: a hamlet of history & charm Joining forces to create magic Ballarat’s creatives collaborate
SCAN ME
Make yourself at home (figuratively)
lucasdv.com.au
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
Ballaarat Ballaarat (the city’s original spelling derived from the Wadawurrung words ‘balla’ and ‘arat’, meaning resting place.) A season for rebirth, rejuvenation and revitalisation. A season that is identified by the blossoming of orchards, the lushness of landscapes and the richness of vast blue skies. There aren’t many who dare fault spring. And as the winter gloom has well and truly withered away, and the flowers have bloomed for a new day, Ballarat too is immersed in a season of renewal. Following an intense 18 months of lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions, God knows we all need it. Ballarat’s springtime schedule is typically characterised by immersive arts and cultural events. And while school holidays are now over, there are still plenty of opportunities to discover what lies within Ballarat’s creative landscape. The global pandemic has not waned the efforts of the city’s makers, artisans, leaders and changemakers from putting on a show that celebrates Ballarat’s intrinsic dynamism. There may be precautions put in place to ensure everyone’s health and safety, but the wonderment continues to seep through. Word is swiftly spreading about Ballarat’s position as a bustling holiday destination. Just recently, the city took out the gong for Victoria’s Top Tourism Town at the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Awards, solidifying its name as a tourism hotspot.
What’s Inside Adding further to its fame are the accolades received in dining and hospitality. Hatted restaurant underbar was named a finalist in the Australian Gourmet Traveller 2022 Restaurant Awards ‘Best Destination Dining’ category, while boutique hotel The Provincial came in at number 74 in Australian Traveller’s ‘100 Unique Stays Around Australia’ list. Ballarat’s honours, coupled with spring weather that provokes admiration, is reason enough to visit the city this season. The calendar of events is punctuated by the highly-anticipated Ballarat International Foto Biennale. Having initially been postponed, the program has now been extended through to January and will feature dozens of photography exhibitions around the city including Australian-first Linda McCartney: Retrospective. The Wadawurrung calendar comprises six seasons, each affecting how the First Nations people would live and move. Traditionally during the two springtime seasons, clans would gather and celebrate amidst the blooming of native flowers and the ripening of the harvest.
Page 4
What’s on
Page 5 WIN a Ballarat escape! Page 6 – 9 Ballarat International Foto Biennale: Exploring the world through many a lens Page 10 - 11 Ballarat International Foto Biennale: At the helm of creativity Page 13 Buninyong: A hamlet of history & charm Page 14 - 15 A taste of Buninyong: The Shared Table Page 16 - 17 Joining forces to create magic: Ballarat’s creatives collaborate Page 18
Eat and Drink
Page 19
Stay
Page 20 - 21
Things to do
Page 22
Map of Ballarat
In a spirit of utmost respect and admiration for the Traditional Owners of our land – Wadawurrung Country – we hope you will do the same. – Team Made of Ballarat
Cover image Cover image: Lake from Black Hill. Craig Mitchell @mitchell_harris 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 3 / Late spring 2021
What’s on? With a change in season comes a change in scenery, and the Ballarat springtime is speckled with quite the distinct dose of scenic allure.
Of course, it’s not just natural scenery we’re alluding to. While the parks, reserves and bushlands are indeed bounteous thanks to spring’s warm embrace, the city is also brought to life with events to further enrich the seasonal tidings.
Les Grandes Dames
Art Gallery of Ballarat
Veuve Clicquot & Lola at The Provincial Hotel present Les Grandes Dames: Madame Clicquot X Lola Montez.
Showing at the Art Gallery of Ballarat as part of the BIFB, Robert Fielding is a contemporary artist of Pakistani, Afghan, Western Arrente and Yankunytjatjara descent, who lives in Mimili Community in the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. In two distinct bodies of new photographic work making up the exhibition miil-miilpa (sacred), Fielding continues his work connected to the significance of Elders in his community, their stories and their understandings.
Hosted by Dean O’Reilly from Moet Hennessy Australia and media personality and boutique hotel owner Gorgi Coghlan, this unique evening will take guests through the history and tenacity of Madame Clicquot and Lola Montez, two women who took the world by storm, while enjoying the world’s finest champagne and delicious locally sourced French inspired food. Dean’s deep knowledge and experience of rare Clicquot wines will make for an exceptional and once in a lifetime dining experience in our award winning boutique hotel restaurant, Lola.
This year, Ballarat’s spring program is headlined by the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB), bringing together photographers from Australia and around the world – both professional and emerging – in a citywide immersion of photographic art. Add to this the Les Grandes Dames event – a champagne-infused celebration of the formidable Madame Clicquot and Lola Montez, as well as the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Robert Fielding exhibition (another stellar feature of the
While you’re there be sure to explore the gallery’s collection which explores the themes of Place, Country, Home, Disruption, Belief and Tradition.
Image: Veuve Clicquot & Lola dinner
Image: Robert Fielding Alec Baker from series Mayatjara, 2020. type C photograph, 60 x 60cm. Courtesy Mimili Maku Arts. © the artist.
What: Veuve Clicquot & Lola dinner
What:
When: Saturday 13th November 6.30pm
When: Till 23 Jan 2022, 10am-5pm daily,
Where: Lola Restaurant 121 Lydiard St Visit:
BIFB), and you have a springtime of art, culture and admiration. There’s no doubt COVID-19 has kept everyone on their feet, but it hasn’t stopped Ballarat from delivering a creative program for those who seek a much-deserved escape. For up-todate information on events please check with organisers prior to your getaway. Planning ahead? Head to visitballarat.com.au for info on upcoming events including the Sovereign Hill Christmas Market, Ballarat Beer Festival, Rock Ballarat, the Federation University Road National Championships, Ballarat Begonia Festival and more! For information on current COVID restrictions visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au. For up-to-date event details check with the event organiser directly.
Ballarat International Foto Biennale Headlined by exclusive never-before-seen photographs, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB) is the only chance you will have to see works by American photographer Linda McCartney in Australia. Known for her portraits of Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, among many others, she was the first female photographer whose work was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in 1968, with a portrait of Eric Clapton. But that’s not all, the event also features an outdoor program, education programs, workshops, artist talks, foto walks and more. Image: Linda McCartney, self-portrait with Paul, London, 1970
Art Gallery of Ballarat What: Ballarat International Foto Biennale
check online for info
When: Till 9 Jan 2022, check online for info
North Ballarat
Where:
40 Lydiard Street North
Where:
Various locations
theprovincialballarat.com.au
Visit:
artgalleryofballarat.com.au
Visit:
ballaratfoto.org
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Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
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Exploring the world through many a lens.
Exploring the world through many a lens. Linda McCartney
Linda McCartney, Self Portrait, Sussex, England, 1992
Securing Linda McCartney A medium that lends itself to a complex exploration of the world, a deep dive into the happenings of our inner and outer life, a showcase of democracy, and the forging of community. When Fiona Sweet is asked what she loves about photography, the reasons flow in abundance.
“The whole idea is to encourage audiences to come to a place they wouldn’t usually visit and to get a feel for the beauty and history of our city,” Fiona says. While the 2017 BIFB was taking place, Fiona was in the midst of negotiations to try and secure Linda McCartney’s works for a future festival. The negotiations took four years, but it was well worth the effort. McCartney’s works will now be showcased as part of the festival’s headline 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 of photos from 1965-1997, Retrospective depicts the evolution of youth pop culture and captures raw moments of history’s most famous rock stars – the likes of 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. “I’ve always loved (Linda’s) work and always known her as a photographer,” Fiona says. “She’s someone who’s worked in rock n’ roll and celebrity photography and who hadn’t exhibited in Australia before. I thought she’d be interesting not just for photography and art lovers, but for people who love music and rock n’ roll. “My role as artistic director is to encourage the broadest cross-section of audiences to come along and engage in the biennale.
“It’s a wonderful medium,” the artistic director of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB) expresses with keen elation. “It can be split up in so many different ways – documentary, fine art, social change, history. And since photography has been invented, so many seminal images have been created that have been really important in order for us to understand the happenings of the world. “It’s really a democratic art form, and easily accessible. When we go into schools or public programming, there is no barrier in engaging in our programs. Looking at community engagement and broader reach, it breaks down barriers for audiences not usually comfortable going into the white box of a gallery.” While she doesn’t claim to be a photographer herself, Fiona has had years of experience as a designer and art director, and her love for this particular art cannot be downplayed. Fiona was appointed as the biennale’s artistic director in 2016, and immediately made creative decisions that would influence the festival’s reach and popularity for years to come. “I wanted to ensure we didn’t have artists exhibiting who had been exhibited elsewhere in Australia,” Fiona says. “Also, because we are a regional town, I wanted to ensure we had the kind of exhibition that was going to attract large audiences.” In 2017, internationally acclaimed artist David LaChapelle exhibited as the festival headline, attracting droves of art lovers to the city. According to Fiona, 41 per cent of festival goers that year had never been to Ballarat. Linda McCartney, The Beatles, Abbey Road, London, 1969
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
A most significant festival 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. While this year’s festival saw a delay in its opening due to COVID restrictions, it is still set to take place over two months and will feature education programs, workshops, artist talks, foto walks as well as an extended outdoor program. One of the highlights of the outdoor program is the Say it with Flowers site-responsive exhibition at the Ballarat General Cemetery. Curated by Wotjobaluk curator Kat Clarke, the showcase features the work of artists from around the world, each responding to memory, mortality, longing and community through the medium of photography.
The show includes the work of Ballarat’s renowned indigenous artists the Pitcha Makin Fellas. The group’s work further contributes to the exhibition’s aim of challenging the cemetery as a dormant space and demystifying it as an arena for contemplation and reflection. The 2021 BIFB will also include a special After Dark component punctuated by a series of Black Lives Matter projections on the Town Hall, and the chance to dine at six of the city’s most loved restaurants.
Image: @medadesignau of Aïda Muluneh’s outdoor exhibition The World is 9
Fiona says this year’s festival will provide visitors an opportunity to discover some of Ballarat’s beautiful buildings and spaces, some of which have never been explored before – such as the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s recently-opened basement. And while her team has had to grapple with the struggles presented by COVID, she proudly proclaims this festival to be the best yet. “It has been quite difficult, but what we did was make sure we complied with COVID safe indoor spaces and increased our outdoor and public programs,” Fiona says. “This is my third festival and even though we’ve had COVID in our midst, it is absolutely the best.”
Exploring the BIFB outdoor program. Image @vegasandrose
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A poetic experience inspired by the tyranny of distance
Issue 2 / Winter 2021
London-based photographer Alix Marie has one surmounting objective when creating her work.
“Water, remoteness, death, and “in between” states were all important seeds for the project.”
“I just hope to create a physical and poetic experience,” Alix says.
Alix says it is difficult knowing she cannot be present for the world-premiere of her work, but says it will be intriguing to hear of the audience’s response and experience – albeit virtually.
Her world-premiere, titled Styx, will be taking place in Ballarat’s grand National Centre of Photography as part of the BIFB Core Program. The exhibition sees the French artist delve further into her interest in water deities and the intersection between the body, its representation and an expansive idea of photography. “I often explore the persistence of myths and their relation to the contemporary in my work,” Alix explains.
“It has been interesting to work in such a way, and the project was made with the situation in mind,” she says. “The idea of going through and seeing through was omnipresent. Going through an experience, as with the pandemic or mourning, going through spatially as going through water across the world, translated in the installation.”
“In my last project, I addressed the mermaid/siren figure, the ambiguity of its evolution and symbols in relation to gender construction, so creatures linked with water were still on my mind. “When I was approached to be part of the (festival), two things resonated strongly: the ceiling of the exhibition space made from ship metal, and of course the fact that I would be creating the work across oceans, in the midst of a global pandemic.
Alix Marie, Styx, 2021 (detail)
The Ballarat International Foto Biennale runs until January 9, 2022. Festival tickets are now available and can be booked online at ballaratfoto.org
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
At the helm of creativity
Craig Mitchell, Se7en Car, 2021
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Craig Mitchell, Wick Hock, 2021
Set in an historic warehouse, Mitchell Harris Wine Bar has fastbecome a mecca of fine wine and food, and one of Ballarat’s most coveted destinations.
Anaesthesia, winemaking, and photography may not have anything in common to the untrained mind.
Craig affirms the venue’s moody Barrel Shed and the ability to soak up his images – vino in-hand – makes the bar the ideal backdrop for his exhibition. He says he is looking forward to yet another festival where Ballarat is promoted as a hub of creativity. “The biennale gives Ballarat a real pillar of creativity to inspire locals and encourage visitors now and into the future. There’s something for everyone in the exhibits and events, and the legacy of Ballarat as a creative, photographic city will continue to pay dividends,” Craig says. Craig Mitchell’s Cinematic Ballarat at Mitchell Harris Wine Bar runs until January 2022. For more information, visit ballaratfoto.org.
But to Ballarat anaesthetist Craig Mitchell – they are all built on a foundation of creativity. “I really enjoy the process of learning the basic tenets of the craft, then the practice of continually applying them in more creative ways to (hopefully) achieve better results each time,” Craig says. “The technical fine-tuning in both photography and anaesthesia is a challenge that I really respond to, be it aperture and shutter speeds or life-support equipment. “Even in administering an anaesthetic, no two situations are the same, and there’s a fair degree of creativity in coming up with a recipe and executing it to give the patient the best outcome. “In photography also, I’m continually trying to apply what I’ve learned to come up with an image that best tells the story at the time.”
Craig Mitchell, Harry met Sally, 2021
Well regarded in Ballarat’s medical field, Craig is perhaps less known for his work as an avid photographer.
Make memories with
But his love for this artform stems back over three decades. “I’ve loved the process of photography ever since Mum brought home a cool old Minolta X-300 from her trip to Hong Kong in 1985,” he recalls. “Through school and university, I devoured photo magazines and books, trying to continually learn whilst documenting my life with shots of holidays, parties, mates and the world around me.” Craig is set to exhibit as part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale’s Open Program – the third time he has done so. His exhibition, titled Cinematic Ballarat, will be hosted at his second home – the local institution that is the Mitchell Harris Wine Bar. Using original film scenes as inspiration, in style and setting, Craig has produced images that pay homage to certain films and which use his Ballarat friends as protagonists. “Cinematic Ballarat is a plan I’ve had cooking in my mind since the last Foto Biennale, and the shots have come together over the last 12 months,” Craig says. “Certain movie scenes have stuck in my head over the years, and as I wander the Ballarat streets each day, I’ve thought how they could be the inspiration to shoot some filmic vignettes here in town. “It’s a way of injecting some cinematic fantasy into our usual prosaic view of the city.”
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Buninyong
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
A h am let of h istory + c h arm
Mount Buninyong
Sitting unassumingly on the outskirts of Ballarat lies the charming village of Buninyong – basked in history and serenity and conjuring up feelings of warmth and delight.
Lal Lal Falls
The Red Door Pizzeria
The beauty of Buninyong is further enriched by the township’s surrounding villages. Lal Lal Falls, located in the nearby Lal Lal township, is yet another natural wonder that offers a scenic paradise to behold.
Serving handcrafted woodfired pizzas which also promote the region’s producers, The Red Door strives to create healthy and quality takeaway options for the town’s locals and visitors.
Flowing fervently during the wet seasons, but equally awe-inspiring year-round, the waterfall and walking tracks offer an ideal space for reflection and respite.
Located in a charming red brick building that exudes warmth both inside and out, this cafe and restaurant has fast become a local favourite.
Lal Lal Falls Road Lal Lal
401 Warrenheip Street Buninyong
goldfieldsguide.com.au
thereddoorpizzeria.com
Located at the foot of Mount Buninyong, this hamlet’s heritage buildings, characterful eateries and sprawling farmlands endow it with a spirit of tranquility that can’t be beat.
Saltbush Kitchen
Mount Buninyong
Hiding down an elusive Buninyong laneway lives the intriguing shopfront that is Saltbush Kitchen. Founded by Ballarat’s Brigid Corcoran, Saltbush is about celebrating and honouring the people and cultures of the First Nations through a showcase of native bushfoods.
The jewel in Buninyong’s crown, Mount Buninyong is more than an extinct volcano to be perused. Covered in lush native bushlands and boasting a peak that overlooks the district, the mountain is a place of solace and adventure alike.
Founded in 1841, the township boasts quaint cafes and restaurants, picturesque surroundings, and lush walking trails, all imbued with the wonders of yesteryear. Playing host to regular markets and events year-round, it really has become a destination in and of itself, boasting many an offering for the discerning traveler.
Having spent several years learning about, and experimenting with, Australian bushfoods, Brigid has curated a food range that invites visitors to unearth their connection with Australia while also enhancing their kitchen repertoire. Commercial Street Buninyong saltbushkitchen.com.au
The Red Door Pizzeria
Saltbush Kitchen
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Mount Buninyong Road Buninyong buninyong.vic.au
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
A taste of Buninyong
The Shared Table
Design by IF Architecture, Melbourne, whose previous clients include Attica, Cutler and Co and The Prince Dining Room. Image: Matt Ray Photography.
Where did the idea for the restaurant come from? The inspiration behind The Shared Table was borne of many fabulous dinner parties with new and old friends, where you would go to a friend’s home, sit down with people, be fed, enjoy wine and the good company. All you needed to do was let them know what you didn’t eat and the rest of the evening was in the host’s hands. Often you would chat to the host in their kitchen and have interactions as they prepared and served the meal.
Squid ink macaron with scallop and cashew filling. Image Matt Ray Photography
Dining at The Shared Table is anything but conventional. And it’s this unconventional, and surprising, approach that has elevated the eat and drink experience in one of Ballarat’s most beloved villages.
Sit down at this Buninyong restaurant and you’ll discover an exciting menu that reflects eating what is fresh, available and at its absolute best. Talking to owner and head chef Dianne Ray, we learn that they also only cook what they need and reduce their footprint by minimising waste through minimal choices – a move that allows Dianne to change the menu as often as she likes. But for Dianne, it’s more than just a varied menu that makes a great dining experience.
This is why we have a very interactive and open kitchen at The Shared Table restaurant. Tell us about the space. The building we are in was built in the 1850’s and was a local provider of goods and equipment to the miners. It has been many things since then, and basically, we have brought an 1850’s building of disrepair into the 21st century. The design of the building was by IF Architecture in Melbourne and Iva’s (founder of IF Architecture) vision was extraordinary. She has also designed restaurants such as Attica, Cutler and Co and The Prince Dining Room. I project managed the build of the restaurant so we could use all local tradespeople and source as much locally as possible. All our tables and chairs were made in Ballarat by local companies. Our famous mirrors are also locally made. Buninyong local Tim Williams was the artisan builder of the venue, with many wonderfully designed pieces throughout including the large table featured in our dining room. The timber was English oak sourced from my property and Blackwood sourced from Tim’s property.
It’s about creating a surprising experience that can be shared with those around you. We caught up with Dianne to talk to her about her restaurant’s share table concept.
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What inspires your recipes? My recipes are inspired by how much commonality there is between different cultures in how they process and cook ingredients. For example, Koreans preserve cabbage as kimchi and Germans have sauerkraut. I am particularly drawn towards elements of Japanese food as I love how the Japanese treat ingredients with minimal, simple treatments, and can achieve incredible flavours and textures. I am inspired to surprise people and challenge their perceptions of what food is and make it delicious. An example is to make a macaron savoury – squid ink or saltbush flavoured macaron with scallop and cashew fillings. What do you love most about the Ballarat region? The colours, the seasons, the countryside and villages that surround a city of history. The growers, artisans and characters that make up our rural places. What’s Ballarat’s best kept secret? Buninyong – the mountain, the incredible history, community, our rare village. What are the top three recommendations of things to do in Ballarat? Walk the crater walk on Mt Buninyong. Visit Saltbush Kitchen, taste and learn about our native bush foods and their many wonderful culinary uses from Brigid. Gather fresh organic vegetables from Spring Creek Organics Farm Shop. The Shared Table 317 Learmonth Street Buninyong thesharedtable.com.au
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
The Shared Table comes from a dinner party concept, you come, get fed delicious food which is at times surprising, share company, laughter and experiences. Owner and head chef Dianne Ray. Image: Matt Ray Photography.
Be surprised by what lies behind the heritage façade. Image: Matt Ray Photography.
Conveniently located just over an hours drive from the Melbourne CBD, Mercure Ballarat is set amongst three hectares of beautifully manicured gardens. The hotel is situated opposite the multi-award winning Sovereign Hill and within close proximity to the historic centre of Ballarat.
Food takes centre stage at The Shared Table. Image: Matt Ray Photography
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Joining forces to create magic Collaboration.
This is what Saltbush Kitchen owner and operator Brigid Corcoran staunchly believes is the key to a thriving community.
“It is about harnessing the value of the individual for the benefit of the community as a whole,” Brigid says.
“Sara and I love a collaboration, mostly because it means we get to hang out,” Brigid laughs.
“You only need to look at our community over the past 18 months to see the worth, and the need, for collaboration. (It) can come in the form of local businesses working together, local people supporting those businesses, or simply seeing people genuinely showing care and support to others.”
“We are both addicted to sweet Australian flavours, so we came up with the idea for the Sunday Sweet Spot. Held at Saltbush Kitchen, it was our own version of an Australian high tea, bringing bushfoods to Sara’s incredible cakes and slices.”
Saltbush Kitchen is a purveyor of native bushfoods. A much-loved operation, the venture aims to encourage a deeper connection and understanding of indigenous ingredients and culture. Just recently, Brigid joined forces with acclaimed Beaufort baker Sara Kittelty to infuse her baked treats with native flavours, thereby showcasing the talents of both women while also celebrating native culinary offerings.
The Sunday Sweet Spot was a roaring success, selling out within only a couple of weeks. The duo’s bushfood cakes are now sold every weekend at Saltbush Kitchen so everyone can get a piece of the pie. According to Brigid, such collaborations create new energy, new experiences and are a benefit for all involved – particularly the customers. “For Sara and I, it was the opportunity to work together again and shape a new tasty experience for our customers. “This collaboration was a little more special than most. It came at a time when people were seeking a pop of happiness in an otherwise stressful time. “It was so lovely to host this event and see people spend time together, share food and find a little joy.” Saltbush Kitchen’s Brigid Corcoran
Keen collaborators Sara Kittelty and Brigid Corcoran.
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Bushfood flavoured beauties at Saltbush Kitchen.
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
Owner of The Provincial Hotel Gorgi Coghlan.
Another Ballarat business which appreciates the necessity of collaborative efforts for the flourishing of community is boutique property The Provincial Hotel.
Kilderkin Larrikin ‘Lola’ Gin – when two greats combine. Image Emma Duzhnikov
“We see collaborations as a wonderful chance for two like-minded brands to connect and work together to enhance both parties and produce magic,” The Provincial owner and operator Gorgi Coghlan says. “It’s the old adage, two minds are better than one. The more ideas and people contributing to something, the better.” Since its inception, The Provincial has made a point of partnering with local producers, makers and businesses in order to further enhance Ballarat’s visitor offerings. “It also exposes your brand to a completely new audience when both collaborators promote the relationship,” Gorgi says. “Our community can benefit enormously from collaborations because it means you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You’re pooling wonderful resources and you’re working together on a new and exciting concept.” The Provincial Hotel has joined forces with the likes of Kilderkin Gin, Grampians Goods
Co, artist Camilla Watson, and more recently, the coffee-ground collection enterprise GroundUp. “GroundUp approached us to offer to collect our coffee grinds to turn into compost, resulting in a win-win for us and the environment,” Gorgi says. “The aim of our collaborations is always to grow our brand and grow our audience, so I tend to work with people who really want to push an idea to a new level. “From my experience, good collaborations align easily and flow, and both parties make it work for each other.” Even though The Provincial’s partnerships are far too many to count, Gorgi says there are still many more plans in the works for future collaborations. “The sky is literally the limit with what we can do with our brand, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the creativity of collaborations continues to lead us.”
The Provincial Hotel, home to numerous local partnerships.
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Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
Eat & Drink There’s no better time to indulge in Ballarat’s culinary delights than when the sun is peeking through the clouds, the streets are bustling with avid foodies and the season’s produce is finding its way direct from the paddock to your plate. Springtime soirees never tasted so good.
18th Amendment
Pancho
Cafe Sidra
Ballarat’s dedicated mecca of beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, housed in an elusive laneway in the heart of the city.
An authentic South American eatery bringing the best in Latin cuisine and culture to Ballarat’s central food precinct.
14 Camp Street Ballarat
36 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat
321 High Street Learmonth
the18thamendmentbar.com.au/ballarat
F: @panchoballarat
cafesidra.com
Higher Society
Clothesline Café
Carboni’s
A contemporary CBD cafe that prides itself on its quality Melbourne coffee, service and its joy-inducing menu.
One of Ballarat’s newest eateries, serving up a refined cafe experience of fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Ballarat’s formidable Italian restaurant serving delectable pizza, pasta, dessert and wines, and headed by Italian chef Dona Pietrantuono.
413 Sturt Street Ballarat
202 Humffray Street South, Ballarat
152 Eureka Street Ballarat
I: @highersocietyeatery
clotheslinecafe.com.au
carbonis.com.au
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A Learmonth cafe lying on the outskirts of Ballarat and serving up casual eats and locally-produced cider from nearby apple orchards.
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
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Unyoked Cabins at Blue Pyrenees Estate
Originally built in 1901, this magnificent building has been restored and converted into 11 selfcontained luxury suites in the heart of Ballarat.
Secluded yet accessible cabin stays surrounded by native bushlands in the heart of the Pyrenees wine region Image: Adam Dyson.
7-11 Dawson Street North, Ballarat
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Vinoca Road, Avoca
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The Railway Carriage
A three-bedroom heritage cottage laden in style in the historic suburb of Soldiers Hill.
A luxe home-away-from-home that’s a stones throw away from Lake Wendouree and the bustling Ballarat CBD. A self-contained luxury cottage nestled in a private estate in the midst of lush and bountiful gardens.
A quiet country retreat filled with 1920s-inspired furniture, just minutes away from the charming village of Buninyong.
Image: Marnie Hawson
Buninyong airbnb.com.au
settlerandsons.com.au
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airbnb.com.au
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
Things to do Ballarat is a haven of discovery year-round. And with the day lengthening, there is ample opportunity to explore the city. As such, an itinerary comprising the region’s finest outdoor attractions becomes not only possible, but essential. Ballarat has also long been highly regarded for its tourist attractions – both major and humble. Take advantage of the warmer spring weather and book a visit, whether it’s your first or your fifth.
Lake Wendouree Ballarat’s natural icon and a hub of recreation, dining and natural admiration.
Ballarat-Skipton Rail Trail A 50-kilometre historic trail made for riding and the discovering of yesteryear’s landmarks.
Mount Cole A natural wonder and campground in the Pyrenees region, characterised by its serenity, native beauty and calmness.
Wendouree Parade Ballarat
Skipton-Ballarat Rail Trail Smythesdale
Mount Cole State Forest
visitballarat.com.au
railtrails.org.au
visitpyrenees.com.au
Woowookarung Regional Park
Ballarat Botanical Gardens
Ballarat Public Art Walks
Woowookarung - ‘place of plenty’ is part of the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung Aboriginal people. Perfect for bushwalking, trail running and cycling among the Messmate Stringybark, Grass Trees, and native heath.
One of Australia’s most significant cool climate gardens, boasting mature trees, marble statues, meandering pathways and vibrant floral displays.
A contemporary self-guided outdoor art walk showcasing the finest public works from artists in Ballarat and beyond. Available at the Town Hall Information Centre or online.
Recreation Rd, Mount Clear
114 Gillies Street North, Ballarat
Various Locations
parks.vic.gov.au
ballaratbotanicalgardens.com.au
visitballarat.com.au
Image Chippy Rivera.
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Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
Things to do
Hand feed roaming roos at the Ballarat Wildlife Park
Candle dipping at Sovereign Hill
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Sovereign Hill
A giant crocodile, cute koalas, lazy kangaroos, a tiger and prancing penguins – these are some of the animals you’ll encounter at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. The much loved animal sanctuary is known for its focus on native fauna and its commitment to conservation and education. Get up-close during the park’s animal encounters, feed the kangaroos as they laze about, learn about indigenous Australian animals and endangered species, and soak up the sweet spring sunshine.
Arguably the jewel in Ballarat’s crown, award-winning outdoor museum Sovereign Hill is one of the country’s leading tourist attractions.
250 Fussell St Ballarat wildlifepark.com.au
During spring, Sovereign Hill explores history through nature, agriculture, health and well-being to discover, reflect and inspire a better future for all. Plus enjoy the attraction’s everyday offerings as you explore life on the goldfields in the mid-19th century. Pan for gold, admire the Victorian-era buildings of the 1800s, devour boiled lollies, and more! Bradshaw Street Ballarat sovereignhill.com.au
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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 3 / Late spring 2021
Issue 3 / Late spring 2021
Jill Orr Avoca’s children
From 7 December 2021
Anindita Banerjee: Ondormohol Until 16 January 2022
Marie Mason: From the Murray to the sea
Backspace Gallery exhibition 11 November – 9 January
RE DISC OVER
Linda McCartney: Retrospective Until 9 January 2022
Robert Fielding: Miil-Miilpa Unti 23 January 2022
Escape to Australia’s most engaging regional gallery
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