About: darrenmclean

Posts by: darrenmclean

February 4, 2026

‘Mystery’ books prove a hit with market shoppers

BLIND dates can be unsettling and sometimes forgettable, but Amanda Parker has a better option: a blind date with a book. That's the catchphrase for...

February 2, 2026

More help for families, fathers in Cafs programs

CHILD and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) will next month launch a new suite of free parenting programs designed to support parents, carers and fathers...

January 30, 2026

Forage and Feast a winner so far: organisers

THE 2026 instalment of the Forage and Feast festival is proving popular with both hosts and visitors, according to an organiser. Commerce Ballarat project coordinator...

January 29, 2026

Greens announce Eureka candidate as McCracken steps away

THE Greens have announced emergency services worker and long-time community volunteer Sam McColl as the party's candidate for Eureka in the November Victorian election. In...

January 28, 2026

State sporting awards open for nominations

NOMINATIONS for the state's most prestigious sporting awards will be open until the middle of February. The Victorian Sport Awards are presented by the State...

January 26, 2026

Community and professional work recognised in Australia Day honours

A HIGH-profile advocate for the Ballarat Botanic Gardens, a military identity and a cybersecurity expert have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day honours...

January 23, 2026

Vacant Black Hill block to be transformed in community project

AN undeveloped block of land in Peel Street North, Black Hill, will soon be transformed into a vegetation wonderland with the creation of a...

January 22, 2026

Fire reunion a mix of good and bad memories

AS most were busy preparing for Christmas last month, a large group gathered to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Scotsburn bushfire. More than 110...

January 20, 2026

Hopetoun and Beulah reunion plans in full swing for 2026

ORGANISERS of a long-running reunion of former residents of Beulah and Hopetoun are gearing up for their next annual event. The Hopetoun Beulah Reunion is...

January 19, 2026

Get involved with heritage committee

YOUNG people with an interest in safeguarding Ballarat's past are being invited to sign up for the City of Ballarat's Heritage Advisory Committee. The City...

January 15, 2026

Helping hand for threatened Yarrowee species

THREATENED species on the Yarrowee River in Sebastopol will soon enjoy restored habitats through multimillion-dollar renewal works known as the Platy Patch Project. Improvements will...

January 12, 2026

Groups learn how to lift impact during workshops

COMMUNITY groups have been shown how to make a greater impact during workshops hosted at the Buninyong Community House. The capacity-building workshops were presented by...

January 10, 2026

New SoupBus to serve southern suburbs

THE Rotary Club of Ballarat launched a new SoupBus last month – the club's major project in its centenary year. The refurbished bus will serve...

January 10, 2026

Felicia focused on making the most of opportunities

NEW Committee for Ballarat chair Felicia Mariani is settling into her role with a laser focus on how the city and its region can...

January 3, 2026

Word-of-mouth spurs rapid growth of Bannockburn Facebook charity group

A BANNOCKBURN Facebook group that distributes handmade items to charities throughout Victoria is enjoying fast-growing popularity on the social networking platform. Create and Share Victoria...

December 25, 2025

Big response to Christmas appeal

THE Ballarat Foundation has distributed donations worth a total of $100,000 to partner charities from its 2025 Christmas Appeal. The foundation described this year's support...

December 24, 2025

Mall post office replaces Bakery Hill outlet

A NEW post office will open in Ballarat's Bridge Mall in February, replacing the existing Bakery Hill outlet. Australia Post announced the new outlet just...

December 7, 2025

Sunflower program introduced to Cafs offices

CAFS has introduced a program designed to support people with non-visible disabilities across its offices in Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Daylesford and Avoca. The Hidden Disabilities...

December 5, 2025

Sleep bus debuts at SpringFest as committee prepares for launch

THE latest addition to emergency services for the homeless and others in need, the Ballarat Snoooze Bus, has made its first public appearance. The bus...

November 30, 2025

Veterans, families win government funding for support projects

THE Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre and Ballarat Legacy will receive a combined total of close to $43,000 of State Government funding to help pay...

November 29, 2025

Cafs sharpens focus on gambling harm after public forum

LAST week's gambling harm awareness forum in Ballarat has given Cafs a clear focus as it plans its next 12 months to two years'...

November 23, 2025

Funding for Bungaree, Lal Lal after school programs

THE Bungaree and Lal Lal primary schools will receive State Government funding to help pay for their Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) programs next...

November 22, 2025

Adam takes message for men public

GORDON man Adam Toohey is one of the faces of a new Respect Victoria campaign aimed at encouraging men to think about what their...

November 21, 2025

Gabrielle’s membership milestone with Bacchus Marsh CWA

WHEN Gabrielle Shanahan turned up at the recent annual meeting of the Bacchus Marsh CWA branch, she was not expecting the surprise she got. What...