About: chrisoleary

Posts by: chrisoleary

February 23, 2026

Sessions to help students in life online

STUDENTS in Ballarat were empowered last week with knowledge on how to increase their online safety. On Friday 13 February, year 5 to 10 students...

February 23, 2026

Popular festival features back for 2026

NEXT month's Ballarat Begonia Festival will see the return of two popular attractions for the young, and young at heart. The popular Sustainable Garden Displays...

February 22, 2026

Pottage move to help mould upgraded Bridge Mall

POSSIBLY one of Ballarat's biggest social media mysteries was answered last week when a business popular for its hands-on ceramic making revealed its new...

February 21, 2026

Applause and paws for award to wildlife park

KOALAS had a chance this week to take a closer look at the international award Ballarat Wildlife Park had won. One even got a paw...

February 21, 2026

Shop owners sold on Bridge Mall vibe

CONFIDENCE is what's emanating from a cluster of creative businesses in Bridge Mall almost 12 months after the $23.3 million upgraded centre was reopened. The...

February 20, 2026

Opportunity to shape vital road upgrade

THE community now has a chance to have a say about how to improve a notorious intersection in Warrenheip. Consultation opened on Monday 16 February...

February 20, 2026

Tree to help address mental health stigmas

CRESWICK farmers and residents have united to create a striking reminder about the importance of mental health. Members of the community – some of whom...

February 20, 2026

Sir Peter honoured to mark Ballarat’s 100-year Legacy

A FORMER governor-general and Australian army general visited Ballarat this week to acknowledge 100 years of service from the city's Legacy club. Sir Peter Cosgrove...

February 14, 2026

Celebrating women in science

CHRISTOPHER O'LEARY A RATIO of more women than men inside the labs of a Ballarat cancer research institute was based on merit and the effectiveness...

February 13, 2026

Florist ready for Valentine joy to bloom

WITH 35 years' experience behind the counter of her Sturt Street florist, Julie Collins can safely say Valentine's Day is the busiest time of...

February 13, 2026

Historic shop site takes the cake

THE well-known baking brand Kittelty's is set to return to a public shopfront, this time in Ballarat East. Owner Sara Kittelty, who last had a...

February 13, 2026

Runway, recycling, roads and library on council priority list

UPGRADES to Ballarat's roads and airport, along with plans for a recycling facility as well as a library and learning centre, headline a list...

February 12, 2026

Kryal Castle’s Baroque Horse Festival 14-15 February

THE power and style from one of history's most notable eras will be on display on horseback at the weekend. Kryal Castle will host its...

February 11, 2026

A safe night out: Ballarat Pride Ball set to return

THE BALLARAT Pride Ball is set to return this year, backed by state government funding. The Victorian government announced $10,000 last month for QHub to...

February 10, 2026

Festival’s musical plants aim to hit the right note

NEXT month's Ballarat Begonia Festival will add the sound of music to its garden, with an installation to entertain children and those young at...

February 10, 2026

City’s cinephiles set for silver screen season

THE Ballarat Film Society is set to kick off another year of thought-provoking cinema next month. Sue Nunn, the film society's president, said the 2026...

February 10, 2026

Cybersecurity vanguard to meet in Ballarat

THE mysteries and community behind the critical practice that is cybersecurity will be on display this month when Ballarat hosts back-to-back industry conferences. Industry experts...

February 9, 2026

Chance to book in more time at Ballarat’s libraries

EXTRA weekend and evening hours at Ballarat's libraries would offer residents more access and flexibility, the city's council said. The additional time the libraries would...

February 9, 2026

Tucker Tent fires up ahead of Golden Plains Festival

THE meat and eggs have been ordered, and Golden Plains Festival's famous Tucker Tent is ready to raise funds for Meredith community groups. It comes...

February 8, 2026

Ballarat gathers to honour St Brigid

A CELEBRATION of Irish culture was held in Ballarat this week, as a large crowd gathered to honour a saint and the women inspired...

February 7, 2026

Cash for camps, excursions and sports

FUNDING for students to attend camps and excursions is available from this term, the state government has announced. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund is...

February 7, 2026

Ballarat rallies to support young girl

BALLARAT residents and businesses have rallied behind a three-year-old girl with a rare and serious medical condition, raising funds and offering support at a...

February 6, 2026

Downward dog meets real puppies in Sebastopol

ADORABLE puppies will share a healthy dose of cuteness and wellbeing on Valentine's Day when they hit the yoga mats in Sebastopol. Elements Health and...

February 4, 2026

Powerful messages stitched into art

ART lovers will have the opportunity to indulge in thought-provoking pieces at the 2026 Biennial Textile Palette Exhibition in Clunes later this year. Entries are...