Tim Bone From MasterChef House to the Bakehouse Pages 4-5 - Summer - myNews | City of Ballarat
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Summer
2019–20
Tim Bone
From MasterChef House
to the Bakehouse
Pages 4–5
ballarat.vic.gov.au 1
myContact
Customer Service
myMayor’s message
Open hours Monday to Friday, I’m thrilled to be writing my very Ballarat is also open for a huge
8.15am–5pm
first Mayor’s Message for the range of events this summer,
Address
summer edition of myBallarat. including Eureka 165 celebrations,
The Phoenix
25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat Christmas festivities, the Ballarat
What a great time of the year it is in
Short Film Festival and the return
Postal our beautiful city, with our streets,
PO Box 655, Ballarat, VIC, 3353 of our popular Summer Sundays.
sporting fields, lakes and gardens
Phone all buzzing with activity. We also have an amazing array
5320 5500 of sporting events including a
However, another area of Ballarat
Email Women’s National Basketball
info@ballarat.vic.gov.au that buzzes all year round is our
League game, the FedUni Road
Website
hospitality venues.
National Cycling Championships,
ballarat.vic.gov.au Ballarat is rapidly gaining a the Ballarat Gift and Western
NRS-friendly reputation as a mecca for food United will play two A-League
Hearing or speech impaired? lovers, with a wave of recent new games for points at our very own
Call via the National Relay Service
offerings making this town a true Mars Stadium.
on 133 677
culinary destination.
I urge you to get out and enjoy all
Connecting with As our own homegrown these wonderful events on offer.
myCommunity MasterChef contestant Tim Bone
Also in this edition, we highlight
attests, people are now driving
@BallaratCityCouncil the work of some amazing Ballarat
from Melbourne to eat out in
residents. Learn about the work of
Ballarat. What a great testament
@cityofballarat the late Ray Mackay, and now his
to the fantastic growth in our local
son Peter and grandson Andrew,
cityofballarat hospitality industry offerings.
in laying the foundations for one of
And as we move into the warmer our most successful businesses,
TheCityofBallarat
weather, what a wonderful time Field Air. Ballarat can rightfully be
to sit outside, enjoy a beautiful very proud of the contribution Field
meal and soak up all the beauty of Air makes across Australia every
Ballarat in summer. fire season.
We are midway through the We also speak to our Ballarat
engagement process for the changemakers – the people power
Ballarat is Open strategy which behind the community push to
is a way for the community and keep the Brown Hill Swimming
business to have a say on what Pool – the local pedal power
Ballarat will be in the future, on behind the FedUni Road Nats, the
Cover: Ballarat’s homegrown
how we position the city and how people charged with telling our
MasterChef semi-finalist Tim we market the city as the best Eureka story in a more accessible
Bone is part of a new generation place in Australia to visit, to live way and the absolutely wonderful
of foodies delivering mouth- and to run a business. work of Ballarat Regional Industries
watering fare to Ballarat.
As an example, the Ballarat is – truly some of our unsung heroes.
The City of Ballarat respectfully
acknowledges the Wadawurrung Open strategy will leverage our
and Dja Dja Wurrung people - reputation as an emerging wining
traditional custodians of the land and dining destination. It will
on which we live and work.
showcase Ballarat as a place to
All information correct at time of going
to print.
visit for our great food and cool
climate wines, live here and enjoy
our produce year-round or even
start up your own hospitality
Printed by Low Co2 business in an environment
Certified Printer – Sovereign
Press Pty Ltd Ballarat designed to support food ventures. Mayor Cr Ben Taylor
2 myBallarat Summer 2019–20
Vines and wines: Michael Unwin and his wife Catherine with their dog Poppy at the site of the new Unwin Winery cellar door and
vineyard at Cardigan.
Unwin Winery moves to Ballarat
The decision by Michael Unwin The 40-hectare property on The Unwin’s well-known warmer
to relocate his cellar door and Remembrance Drive houses three climate varieties continue to be
establish a new vineyard at huge buildings, with a red (earth) sourced from the Grampians,
Cardigan is a coup for Ballarat, floor, believed to be the first in the Pyrenees and Moorabool regions.
adding to the list of local western world (Michael is unable to
After 15 years at Beaufort, Michael
attractions and a projected $2 find a modern precedent).
Unwin is grateful for the support of
million economic benefit for the
The development is set to create a Ballarat people. “I just hope they will
region.
whole new cellar door experience continue to follow us, come out and
Award-winning winemaker Michael for visitors who will arrive via a enjoy the experience and watch us
Unwin is about to witness a three- picturesque drive. A storyteller at grow,” he says.
year plan come to fruition. heart, Michael is keen to share the
A ‘soft opening’ is expected in the
process of winemaking with his
It was that long ago that he and his new year.
customers, from planting to bottling
wife Catherine made the decision
and of course – tasting. The Michael Unwin venture is
to move their successful family
an example of where the City of
business from Beaufort to Ballarat Growing grapes and Ballarat’s Business Concierge
to be closer to their loyal customer
base and the growing population of
making and selling wine service works to assist new and
a regional city. will remain our core existing businesses when setting up
or growing their business. Delivered
Michael has spent that time
focus. by the City of Ballarat’s Economic
nurturing new vines in the rich, – Michael Unwin Development team, the concierge
fertile red volcanic soil at Cardigan – Expect some new varieties service provided Michael with a
perfect for cool climate wines – and to emerge out of this move – single contact within the City of
planning and building a winery that, chardonnay and pinot noir and Ballarat to facilitate and guide him
when open, will be three times the other more bolder varieties; gamay, through the planning and building
size of his Beaufort operation. pinot blanc and verdejo. processes to meet his business
relocation timelines.
ballarat.vic.gov.au 3
Tasty Toasties: Tim and wife Abbey at their first market stall at Lake Wendouree which was a sellout.
The new kids on the block
Ballarat has welcomed a new action when he presents a series of A number of Melbourne visitors were
wave of foodies with 1816 cooking demonstrations at the 2020 attracted to Tim’s sell-out five course
Bakehouse, Lola, Griffin Burger, Ballarat Begonia Festival. dinners at the Hydrant Food Hall,
and Pancho among the many a renovated heritage warehouse
“I received so much support
additions. Alongside tried and in Ballarat, where he cooked all
both during and after my time on
tested restaurants like Moon his favourite dishes, each course
MasterChef that I am inspired to give
and Mountain, Mr Jones and carefully matched with local spirits,
back to this beautiful city and help
Underbar, our choice for dining beers and wine.
put us on the map,” Tim says.
out has never been more
He is genuinely excited by the variety
appetising. “Ballarat has come such a long way
of food experiences now available in
in the food scene, in fact, we’re
Just ask Ballarat’s MasterChef semi- Ballarat and the potential to further
spoilt for choice.
finalist, Tim Bone. capitalise on the popular Armstrong
The young entrepreneur is There has definitely Street North food precinct.
embedding himself in the emerging been a shift in how “Imagine in summer closing off
Ballarat foodie scene, with a series of Ballarat is perceived. Armstrong Street to traffic from 5pm,
‘pop up’ food experiences. We no longer have to with outside dining and string lighting
across the street. There’s no reason
After returning from the MasterChef go to Melbourne for why Ballarat can’t create its own
house, Tim’s calendar remains full,
a memorable food summertime central food hub.”
with appearances booked at key
events including the Ballarat Beer experience. Tim is making a conscious decision
Festival and the regional farmers’ – Tim Bone in his own cooking to showcase
market circuit. “Melbourne people are coming Ballarat, partnering with local and
here to check us out as a food regional suppliers and producers to
Ballarat residents will have the
destination.” ensure his food is fresh and tasty,
opportunity to see his talents in
4 myBallarat Summer 2019–20
Custom Made: 1816 Bakehouse co-owner Josh Chapman at work at the popular new Armstrong Street bakery 1816_bakehouse
whether it’s smallgoods from the Salt “There’s a real synergy there,” says
Kitchen, fresh mushrooms straight
from the farm or bread from the local
1816 Bakehouse co-owner Josh
Chapman.
Tim’s
baker.
Tim believes collaborations, like
favourite
One of his valuable collaborations the one he has forged with 1816 toastie
came about partly by chance, Bakehouse, and the willingness of THE SMASHING PUMPKIN
discovering the 1816 Bakehouse on Ballarat businesses to work together, Roast pumpkin, bacon,
Armstrong Street, one of the newest is what sets Ballarat aside. caramelised onion, gorgonzola,
additions to Ballarat’s food scene. rocket and maple syrup on 1816
“Really, the sky is the limit where
I walked in one food is concerned and while we white sourdough
have amazing restaurants in Ballarat,
morning and discovered timbonefood #timstoasties
there is still room to grow,” Tim says.
the most beautiful bread
Looking ahead to his own future,
I’ve ever tasted. Tim hopes to create a bricks and
– Tim Bone mortar food business of his own in
The owner now bakes a custom- Ballarat. We’ll toast to that.
length sourdough loaf for Tim’s The City of Ballarat’s Ballarat is Open
tasty range of gourmet market stall strategy will further cement our
toasted sandwiches – known as reputation as a food destination and
‘Tim’s Toasties’. as the ideal place to live and work,
“What we really like about Tim is where you can enjoy a lifestyle of
that he is as passionate about food great food, coffee and wine.
as we are and about sourcing local
Go to mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au.
to deliver good quality produce.
ballarat.vic.gov.au 5
Ballarat gears up for the Road Nats
The most prestigious national Victory at the Road Nationals The summer events program
event on the Australian cycling entitles the winner to wear the reflects the direction outlined in the
calendar returns to Ballarat and Australian champion’s jersey for the City of Ballarat’s Events Strategy
Buninyong this summer with rest of the year. 2018–2028 and the Ballarat is
the Federation University Road Open project to attract and sustain
National Championships from 8 to It means a whole a vibrant events calendar and build
12 January. year of respect in the visitor economy.
Innovations this year include professional peloton “Securing hosting rights is extremely
changes to the time trial course to and it’s a super proud competitive. That we’ve retained
allow spectators to see more of the Road Nats for the past 14 years
the action, more often, while a new
feeling to be able to pull is mainly due to the event friendly
timeslot for the Gran Fondo and the on that jersey. environment created by the City
return of the popular community – Shannon Malseed of Ballarat and professional event
event in Buninyong are sure to be support provided by our events
Fans can look forward to some
highlights. team.
exciting additions to the event
Home crowd advantages are a rare program. “We’ve facilitated and encouraged
event for most Australian cyclists. changes to the program, like last
The time trials will run on a new
year’s shift of the criterium to Friday
But for Nick White and Shannon course which starts and finishes
night, to maximise the benefits
Malseed, racing at the Road at the Federation University Mount
for our accommodation, retail
National Championships provides Helen campus, providing a more
and hospitality sector, and we’re
an extra spur to success. technically demanding ride for
confident this year’s additions will
competitors and better viewing for
Shannon, who grew up in Victoria’s further enhance those benefits,”
spectators.
south west and spent five years in Heidi says.
Ballarat, took out the 2018 women’s The Gran Fondo, where fans can
road race, while Nick, also from ride the road race course, moves
Ballarat, won last year’s under-23 to a new timeslot on Saturday
men’s road race. afternoon, leading in to the popular
Saturday evening community event
Both riders say the unique
at Buninyong’s De Soza Park.
atmosphere generated by the
supportive local crowd provides a City of Ballarat Events Manager
huge boost. It’s like our very own Heidi Zukauskas says the Road
Tour De France, cow bells and all. Nationals is a key plank of Ballarat’s
summer events offering. The Federation University
“I spend most of the year racing
overseas where my family and “What was once a quiet time of Road National Championships
year for the city is now alive with will put Ballarat and
friends are on the other side of the
Buninyong in front of a
world. They don’t get to see most events like Christmas in Ballarat,
global audience via SBS On
of my racing,” Shannon says. Nitro Circus and Summer Sundays,”
Demand. In 2019, people as
Heidi says.
“To have them here and close far away as Belgium tuned in
enough to reach out and touch me, “The event also gives Ballarat to watch.
it’s an amazing feeling. It’s one of my unparalleled media exposure in
Australian viewers can catch
favourite races of the whole year.” Australia and to tens of millions the criterium, elite and U23
internationally, through live women’s road race and elite
Nick agrees: “To be able to pull off
broadcasts across SBS and Fox men’s road race live on SBS
a result for those people is pretty
Sports.” and Fox Sports.
special. It helps push you and
motivate you.” roadnationals.org.au
6 myBallarat Summer 2019–20
Race ready: Nick White and Shannon Malseed are all set for the 2020 Road Nats. ballarat.vic.gov.au 7
8 myBallarat Summer 2019–20
Leading the way: Nikki Foy is the City of Ballarat’s inaugural Aboriginal Cultural Liaison Officer.
One-stop shop for Ballarat families
Ballarat’s Girrabanya Integrated staff on-site to provide families with Nikki says the revamped centre is
Children’s Centre has almost information about early childhood “a culturally-safe, supportive and
doubled in capacity following a services. inclusive space”.
major renovation and expansion.
In 2008, Ballarat was recognised It is a place where
The Ballarat community can now by UNICEF as a Child Friendly
find expanded family and children’s City. Child Friendly Cities improve
our kids feel proud
services in the heart of the CBD outcomes for children and and strong in their
courtesy of a $1.25 million Victorian community and provide a framework cultural identity, where
Government revamp of Girrabanya to consider the needs of children
Integrated Children’s Centre. in planning. The City of Ballarat is
our culture is evident
committed to ensuring children’s throughout the facility
The upgrade of the City of Ballarat
centre in Steinfeld Street includes:
voices are heard and their rights and our culture is
are a central consideration in public
• a new 23-place occasional care acknowledged, valued
policies and decision-making.
room and respected.
Proud Gunditjmara/Wotjobaluk
• an expanded 33-place woman Nikki Foy joined the City of – Nikki Foy
kindergarten room Ballarat in 2019 as its first Aboriginal “Girrabanya staff incorporate
• an overall increase of 11 long day Cultural Liaison Officer. Koorie perspectives throughout
care places Nikki’s role within the City of Ballarat their programs. For example, at
• an upgraded foyer, meeting space is to work with the community, the beginning of each day, the
and kitchen. Councillors, officers and customers children acknowledge the Traditional
to achieve outcomes for the Koorie Custodians of the land and all
The City of Ballarat’s occasional care Koorie community who live on
community in Ballarat – to strive
service relocated to the centre after Wadawurrung country.
for reconciliation, maximum self-
more than 30 years of operation in
determination, or control of their “It’s always great to walk into any
Market Street. The move provides
own future, and sustainable positive service and see links to our culture,
greater flexibility for families, with the
change. Nikki will also work with for example, acknowledgement
ability to transfer between different
City of Ballarat officers and the wider plaques, Aboriginal flags and
types of childcare.
community to deliver, monitor and artwork.”
“The expansion of occasional care, report on the third Reconciliation
long day care and kindergarten Action Plan that was launched in Nikki is a big advocate of the
services at Girrabanya is in response July 2019. Victorian Government’s Early
to a growing demand for childcare Start Kindergarten initiative, which
Nikki also works to ensure the Koorie provides Aboriginal and Torres
and kindergarten services in central
community has equal access to Islander children with 15 hours of
Ballarat,” City of Ballarat Director
the City of Ballarat’s programs and, free kindergarten a week for two
Community Development Neville Ivey
where appropriate, work to increase years prior to attending school. To
says.
the use of council services to the be eligible, children must be three
“Having a range of early childhood Koorie community. years of age by 30 April in the year
services integrated on the one site they’ll start kindergarten.
The name Girrabanya – an
provides a one-stop shop for local
Indigenous word for “place of To find out more about Girrabanya
families.”
possums” – was chosen in Integrated Children’s Centre, call
Maternal and child health and consultation with the Ballarat 5320 5720 or visit ballarat.vic.gov.au
immunisation services continue to Aboriginal Co-operative in the lead
operate from the centre, with extra up to the centre’s opening in 1992.
ballarat.vic.gov.au 9
Summer of events
December 22 Ballarat Carols by Candlelight
City Oval, 7pm
1 Pose: Portraits from the
Gold Museum Collection
ballaratcarolsbycandlelight.org.au
FREE Gold Museum, 9.30am–5.30pm
sovereignhill.com.au
28 Western United v Wellington
Phoenix
Mars Stadium, 5.15pm
1–31 Christmas in Ballarat
christmasinballarat.com.au
find us on facebook
FREE
31 New Year’s Eve Family Event
1 Eureka 165 Community Day
Eureka Centre, 10.30am–2.30pm
Kryal Castle, 2–8pm
find us on facebook
FREE find us on facebook
3 Eureka 165
Commemorative Service
January
FREE Eureka Centre, 9am
find us on facebook 4 Farmers Market
Bridge Mall, 9am–1pm
FREE bridgemall.com.au
3 The Eureka Rebellion
Sovereign Hill, 2.15pm
sovereignhill.com.au 5 Summer Sundays
Ballarat Botanical Gardens,
FREE 4.30–7.30pm
6 WNBL Game
Bendigo Spirit v Canberra Capitals
find us on facebook
Ballarat Sports Events Centre, 7pm
ballaratbasketball.com
8–12 FedUni Road National
Championships
Federation University,
6 Christmas Fest by the Lake
Pleasant Street Primary School, 5pm–9pm
Sturt Street and Buninyong
roadnationals.org.au
christmasfestballarat.com.au
7 Buninyong Village 10 2020 Organs of the Goldfields
25th Annual Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields
Christmas Market ballaratorgans.com.au
FREE Buninyong, 7pm
buninyong.vic.au
12 Summer Sundays
Ballarat Botanical Gardens,
7 Buninyong Community Carols
De Soza Park, 4.30pm–9pm
FREE 4.30–7.30pm
find us on facebook
buninyong.vic.au
7 Farmers Market 18 Ballarat Short Film Festival
The Mallow Hotel, 3pm
Bridge Mall, 9am–2pm (extended hours) find us on facebook
FREE bridgemall.com.au
8 Mt Pleasant Christmas Carols 19 Summer Sundays
Ballarat Botanical Gardens,
Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, 6pm–8pm FREE 4.30–7.30pm
FREE find us on facebook find us on facebook
12 Brown Hill Lions Club
Carols in the Park
25 Farmers market
Brown Hill Hall, 9am–1pm
FREE Progress Park, 5.30pm–8pm FREE ballaratmarkets.com.au
brownhill.vic.au
26 January 26 Survival Day
14 Ballarat Motorcycle Toy Run
Crown Hotel Buninyong to Victoria Park, FREE Dawn Gathering
Lake Wendouree, 5.30am
arrive at Crown Hotel at 9.30am
find us on facebook
26 Fireworks at Lake Wendouree
Lake Wendouree, 9.30pm
14 Motor City Sound Concert FREE
Minerva Space at the Ballaarat Mechanics’
Institute 26 Lunar New Year
Sovereign HIll, 10am–5.30pm
ballaratmi.org.au sovereignhill.com.au
10 myBallarat Summer 2019–20February
7–9 ROCK Ballarat
Civic Hall, Mining Exchange, 5pm start
find us on facebook
8–9 Ballarat Gift
City Oval
ballaratgift.com
9 Ex–Prisoners of War Memorial
Commemoration Service
FREE
Ex-POW Memorial, 11am
powmemorialballarat.com.au
15 Ballarat Beer Festival
North Gardens, 11am
find us on facebook
16 Ballarat Cycle Classic
Lake Wendouree, 7.45am
find us on facebook
16 Western United V Brisbane
Roar
Mars Stadium, 4pm
find us on facebook
16 Cricket for Causes – Super 7’s
Victoria Park, 9am
FREE
22–3 Next Gen 2020
May Art Gallery of Ballarat
artgalleryofballarat.com.au
FREE
22– Victorian Goldfields
Medieval Faire
23 Polocrosse Grounds, Airport Road
vicgoldmedievalfaire.com.au
22 Farmers Market
Brown Hill Hall, 9am–1pm
ballaratmarkets.com.au
27 Ballarat Lyric Theatre
presents Les Miserables
Her Majesty’s Ballarat
ballaratlyrictheatre.com.au
28– Ballarat Swap Meet
Airport Road Ballarat, 7am–6pm
29 ballaratswapmeet.com.au
find us on facebook
29 Nitro Circus
Mars Stadium, 5–7.30pm
find us on facebook
ballarat.vic.gov.au 11A fresh vision for the Eureka Centre
It’s the site of Australia’s most Representing the committee’s advice “This experience has helped me
famous rebellion and the home of to Council, the 2030 Vision presents see the emotional ties and collective
the flag under which it was fought. strategic recommendations in the memories connected with the
focus areas of place, partnerships, people of Ballarat as well as further
Now a new 2030 Vision for the
advocacy and programming to afield.”
Eureka Centre has been developed
inform ongoing strategic and
to position it for a sustainable future. One consideration was the bid
business planning.
Together with an Interpretation Plan by 13 councils, including the City
for the centre and Eureka Stockade The committee’s diverse skillsets of Ballarat, to have the central
Memorial Park, the vision will guide and backgrounds include education, Victorian goldfields region added to
how the Eureka story is told over the history, heritage, culture, business, UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
next decade and beyond. marketing, government and tourism.
I think it is important
Finding new ways to bring historic For Samantha, that includes
sites to life is familiar territory for more than two decades curating,
to view this location
Samantha Fabry. researching and advising on historic and its history not only
Samantha is a member of the
collections and sites in Australia and as a ‘site of memory’
Eureka Centre Community
abroad, including a stint as curator but also as part of a
at Sydney’s World Heritage-Listed
Advisory Committee, formed in World Heritage site, as
Hyde Park Barracks Museum.
2018 to advise on the promotion, it maintains local, state,
commemoration and celebration of “It’s a been a great experience, and
national and international
the Eureka Stockade and its legacy. I‘ve met some wonderful people as
part of this process who have a vast significance.
The committee’s primary task over
amount of knowledge and expertise – Samantha Fabry
the past year has been to define
in this field,” Samantha says.
a vision for the Eureka Centre and As part of the process, the
surrounds. committee also considered
12 Vision for the future: Eureka Centre Community Advisory Committee members
Phillip Moore, Serena Eldridge, Samantha Fabry and Ron Egeberg.submissions from the public Eureka Centre Manager Anthony
gathered through consultation for an Camm says the committee
accompanying Interpretation Plan for is confident the centre is well
the centre and its surrounds. positioned for sustainable growth.
Advisory Committee member “We’re fortunate to be the home of
Phillip Moore is past president the Eureka Flag, one of Australia’s
and honorary life member of most alluring destination objects,”
Eureka’s Children, an association Anthony says.
of descendants of those involved
in the Eureka Stockade. Phillip “We’re in a landmark building on a
says the Eureka story has enduring National Heritage listed site. Pathway of
significance for all Australians. “These are features both the 2030 Remembrance
“Eureka is the first stand for Vision and the Interpretation Plan Tuesday 3 December marks
rights and liberty in this country hope to build on.” the 165th anniversary of the
– their demands for democracy Eureka Stockade.
City of Ballarat Heritage and Cultural
are embedded in our Australian
Landscapes Officer Catherine McLay As part of this year’s
constitution,” Phillip says.
says the ideas the community and commemorative activities,
“It’s up to every Australian to protect stakeholders shared had shaped the City of Ballarat is partnering
and enhance our democracy which direction of the Interpretation Plan. with Eureka’s Children to
is being challenged every day of our formally open the Pathway of
lives. “It’s clear there is a strong attachment
Remembrance at the Eureka
to this important story we all share,
“That’s the importance of Eureka and Stockade Memorial Park. The
and a groundswell of support for the
the Eureka Centre, which will inspire pathway acknowledges those
Eureka Centre to go from strength to
us to become more engaged in our who died during the battle on
strength,” Catherine says.
democracy.” 3 December 1854.
A unique place: The Eureka Stockade Memorial Park is National Heritage listed for its connection to the Eureka Stockade. 13Ballarat changemakers
Almost 15 years ago, the Brown voice for groups such as the Brown Brendan says the committee
Hill Progress Association rallied Hill Partnership and Local Area Plan manages the workload thanks to
to save the Brown Hill Pool from Working Group. the many community groups and
closure. Today, the dedicated residents willing to lend a hand
Brendan says the pool means a
community group continues or provide sponsorship but they
lot to the local community, with
to manage this outdoor City of always need more.
many families spanning several
Ballarat aquatic facility to ensure
generations having spent their “I’ve never lived in any other part of
the community can get together
summers there. Ballarat where there’s been such a
to make a splash each summer.
strong community feel,” he says.
“The pool is over 50 years old and
The Brown Hill Pool is much more
the council built the pool but the “It is great to see families have
than a fun place to cool off on a hot
community built all of the other birthday parties and family
day or evening.
facilities here,” he says. celebrations at the pool – it is like a
Brown Hill Progress Association great big shared backyard for the
(BHPA) secretary Brendan Stevens The actual bricks Brown Hill community over summer.
says it also brings the community in the walls of our
“People are really proud of the
together through events such as an changerooms were community area. The kids who live
annual Australia Day party, Learn to handmade bricks, made in the area know this is their asset
Swim program and Toys at the Pool
Day.
by volunteers in working and they look after it.
bees and laid by local “There’s a strong sense that this
“Last year we had about 90 kids
participate in our low-cost learn to bricklayers. pool is ours and we want to make
sure it stays here.”
swim program for children aged four – Brendan Stevens
years and older,” Brendan says.
Located in Humffray Street North,
“We also run Zumba water classes
for adults and kids in the evenings
the Brown Hill Pool features a 30
metre unheated outdoor pool, a
Cool summer
in January and February. One night, toddlers’ pool, waterslide, barbecue Ballarat’s aquatic facilities
we had 68 people in the pool, and picnic facilities, a kiosk and a include:
leaping around and doing Zumba basketball half-court. • Ballarat Aquatic and
with the music going. It was just Lifestyle Centre (BALC)
“Our customer demographic is
fantastic.”
mostly primary school kids and • Brown Hill Pool
A recently retired X-ray and younger, their parents and their • Eureka Pool
ultrasound technician, Brendan grandparents. It is very family
• Buninyong Pool
joined the BHPA when his orientated,” Brendan says.
neighbour asked him to help fit out • Black Hill Pool
Brown Hill is the only City of
the pool’s first aid room. • Midlands water play space
Ballarat-owned aquatic centre
BHPA is the umbrella association • Sebastopol water play
managed by the community.
under which is a committee of space
“The pool has gone from strength
management for the Brown Hill For more information
to strength each year,” Brendan
Pool. The group also works closely about the facilities visit
says. “Last year the City of Ballarat
with the Brown Hill Community ballarataquaticcentre.com
put a whole new pump system into
Hall Committee, produces a local
the pool and it made our job a lot
newsletter six times each year,
easier.”
runs an annual community festival
and maintains an online presence There’s a lot of work that goes into
through the Brown Hill Community running the centre, from cleaning
Online Hub. the pool after winter and carrying
out repairs to recruiting lifeguards
BHPA also assists the local
and managing the centre’s day-to-
kindergarten, primary school and
day operations in summer.
Uniting Church and is a community
14 myBallarat Summer 2019–20Going from strength to strength: Brown Hill Progress Association members ballarat.vic.gov.au 15 Rachel Zuidland, Liz Mason and Brendan Stevens.
Field Air’s big vision
In April 1963, armed with a big “We extended the dealership to Better facilities
vision, the late Ray Mackay include Asia and the west Pacific
chose carefully when he started region, selling into China, Malaysia,
at the airport will
his agricultural aerial spraying the Philippines, Indonesia, New improve employment
and spreading company at Zealand and in Australia.” opportunities, open the
Ballarat Airport.
Fire fighting possibility of commercial
Fifty-six years later Field Air is
When the Australian fire season hits
passenger flights,
a Ballarat success story. Ray’s
Field Air is at its busiest, contracting provide for air freight
son Peter and grandson Andrew
run the thriving business in
its fleet of specialist firefighting and the development of
conjunction with a long-serving
aircraft – Air Tractor AT- 802F’s – to an Emergency Services
battle the devastation caused by
team of dedicated employees and
blazes in Victoria, New South Wales
and Innovation Hub.
management staff.
and Tasmania. Ballarat can be proud – Peter Mackay
Field Air has expanded its services of the role this local company plays
Peter says Field Air’s capacity to
to include aerial firefighting, in protecting communities around
expand further at Ballarat Airport
pilot training, aircraft sales and the country.
and to create more jobs, is limited
maintenance and regional bases
“The AT-802F’s have a 3200-litre by the length of the runway.
in Deniliquin, Finley and Hay,
capacity and computerised
supported by 50 permanent staff “We’d like to expand our aircraft
technology for accurate placement
and a fleet of 18 aircraft. maintenance capabilities at Ballarat
of fire suppressants, they’re
Airport but because larger planes
Peter Mackay is the company’s recognised around the world as
can’t land here our engineers
managing director. He says his extremely effective initial fire attack
have had to go off site to carry
father chose to set up business in aircraft.
out maintenance on these aircraft.
Ballarat because it offered good
“We’re also responsible – in We’re spending money out of town
infrastructure and a great lifestyle.
conjunction with Canadian to do business, we’d much prefer
“Ballarat Airport offered excellent company Conair – for the Australian to have the facilities in Ballarat to
facilities and was centrally located operations of the Avro RJ-85, larger do this work – access to a longer
to the Western District, Wimmera air tankers which are deployed on runway to bring in larger aircraft is
and Mallee, where demand for contract to fight fires around the essential for us.”
aerial agricultural support services country.”
was greatest. These were essential
Field Air has recently installed an
factors in my father’s decision to
Air Tractor flight simulator to train
start Field Air in Ballarat. In the
local and international pilots and has
beginning there were two pilots,
expanded its maintenance facility
two small Piper Pawnee aircraft,
to employ 25 aircraft maintenance
two loading trucks, a couple of
engineers.
Holden utes and three ground
support personnel,” Peter says. A longer runway
A turning point The north south runway at the
Ballarat Airport was cut in half by
In 1978 Field Air imported two Air
an access road in the 1960s. The • 20+ community groups
Tractor aircraft from the USA to
City of Ballarat is seeking $22.5 use the Ballarat airport
provide larger, more cost-effective
million funding from the Victorian
aircraft to service rice growing • 10+ businesses operate
and Australian governments to
operations in the Riverina. from the airport
reconnect and upgrade the runway
Ray Mackay secured the Australian to reduce ongoing maintenance • During the Second World
dealership for Air Tractor, the cost. A business case to support the War it was home to
world’s largest manufacturer of investment is underway. This is core around 2,000 personnel
agricultural and firefighting aircraft. infrastructure for a regional city the and the RAAF radio
Peter says it was a turning point. size of Ballarat. training facility.
16 myBallarat Summer 2019–20The sky’s the limit: Field Air’s Andrew and Peter Mackay. ballarat.vic.gov.au 17
No glass: Andrew Clarke and Lisa Forssman with the new recycling message.
Recycling revolution
Tucked away in Mitchell Park’s and empowering them to live rich, There’s also a kiln on site which
industrial area is a perfect independent and fulfilling lives. heat treats timber for export while
example of the circular economy old broken wheelie bins from across
As well as providing employment
in action. Victoria, truck mudguards and
opportunities, BRI helps with
some types of drums are broken
Ballarat Regional Industries (BRI) workplace training, person-
down, put through the granulator
not only has the City of Ballarat centred plans that help people
and re-purposed.
contract to deliver new garbage with disabilities live the life they
bins but it also takes away old bins, want to lead and a range of “We also have a landscaping
puts them through a granulation support services to help with social division that does some mowing
process to break them down into participation. and roadside clean ups.”
tiny pieces and sells them to a
Andrew has been with BRI for eight BRI’s events division helps with
plastic re-modeller to be made into
years and still marvels at the range decorations for City of Ballarat
new products then used across the
of services they offer, particularly for events, installing the Christmas
municipality.
the City of Ballarat. decorations in Sturt Street every
“It’s like a really round circle,” BRI year.
manager Andrew Clarke says. We have over 50
One of the recent contracts BRI
business customers in
“It’s actually a really, really good carried out for the City of Ballarat
story because it’s a Ballarat the Ballarat region who was the placement of ‘No Glass’
company (Replas) that we sell it to. we collect cardboard stickers on all of the municipality’s
“They mould it into different types of and paper from and recycling bins.
products – it might be a park bench we do document According to Andrew, the process
or a bollard.” destruction for more flowed “very smoothly”.
Established in 1984, BRI provides than 500 businesses. And he has a message for all
jobs for people with disabilities – Andrew Clarke Ballarat households, particularly in
18 myBallarat Summer 2019–20Waste not, want not: BRI recycles cardboard and paper from over 50 business customers.
light of the recent recycling changes it contaminating the rest of the
caused by a push to use more of recycling load, especially as glass
the product in local manufacturing. can shatter in the bin and embed in
the product.
“With any form of recycling, the
better you sort it, the better dollar The City of Ballarat is taking a lead by
value we get for it.” working closely with industry to find
solutions that involve recycling glass.
Recycling changes
By separating glass from recycling,
With overseas markets no the glass product remains clean
longer taking as many Australian and can be used for research and
recyclables, and with the collapse development opportunities, including
of former recycling contractor road making materials and concrete
SKM, the City of Ballarat appointed
a new contractor, Australian
product trials.
Circular
Paper Recovery, which specialise The intent is to use all glass economy
in sourcing paper, cardboard, recovered for the highest and
aluminium and plastics for local best recycling purposes, with this
in action
markets. ideally being the production of food The park bench you sit on
and drink class containers of the may have once been an
To meet the requirements of these old, broken rubbish bin put
future. The market within Australia
manufacturers the material needs through the granulation
is reasonably limited. The City of
to be as clean as possible. As a process at BRI, broken down
Ballarat is also exploring less high
result, the focus of no glass, bagged into tiny pieces and given
end uses such as road making
rubbish and clean and empty bottles
materials. new life by plastic remodeller
and containers is really important.
Replas.
Residents across the municipality Visit recyclingballarat.com to
have been asked to take all glass discover how you can better recycle
out of their recycling bin to avoid and reuse.
ballarat.vic.gov.au 19SOUTH WARD
NORTH
Mayor Cr Ben Taylor
5320 5685
bentaylor@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Cr Des Hudson
CENTRAL 0409 865 093
deshudson@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Cr Jim Rinaldi
0407 325 693
SOUTH
jimrinaldi@ballarat.vic.gov.au
CENTRAL WARD
Deputy Mayor Cr Belinda Coates
0417 456 513
belindacoates@ballarat.vic.gov.au
The Ballarat municipality is divided into three
wards – South, Central and North – with three
elected Councillors representing each ward. The
Cr Mark Harris
City of Ballarat Council is made up of a dynamic
0409 930 928
group of people, led by Mayor Cr Ben Taylor.
markharris@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Council encourages community participation at its
Ordinary Meetings, which are open to the public and
held at the Ballarat Town Hall every three weeks, on a
Cr Samantha McIntosh
Wednesday, from 7pm.
0458 004 880
The next Council meeting will be held on 11 December, samanthamcintosh@ballarat.vic.gov.au
with meeting dates for 2020 to be confirmed. Follow us on
Facebook to find out more.
NORTH WARD
SOUTH WARD
• Delacombe • Sebastopol • Canadian • Mount Clear Cr Amy Johnson
• Mount Helen • Buninyong and part of Mount Pleasant. 0417 018 369
amyjohnson@ballarat.vic.gov.au
CENTRAL WARD
• Ballarat East • Eureka • Black Hill • Soldiers Hill • Redan
• Newington • most of Mount Pleasant and Brown Hill
• part of Alfredton Cr Daniel Moloney
0418 165 503
NORTH WARD danielmoloney@ballarat.vic.gov.au
• Ballarat North • Invermay Park • Wendouree • Lucas
• Cardigan • Miners Rest • Learmonth • Burrumbeet
• most of Alfredton and part of Brown Hill.
Cr Grant Tillett
0417 256 671
granttillett@ballarat.vic.gov.auYou can also read
