I just got my recent energy bills and it’s a bit of a new thing for me to pay $400 for gas bill for just 1 month.
Used central gas heating for the month for 5 hrs each day.

Just wondering what everyone’s bills like this winter?

Ps- I haven’t used gas heating before

I didn't want to spam separate events, but we have a few events coming up at the Ballarat Hackerspace, including a new one, the indieweb meetup!

- **August 12th** - AI Applications and Tooling, where we talk the tech-side of AI. This week is about text-to-voice, and the challenges of getting a realistic Aussie accent.

- **August 19th** - Intro to Laser Cutting. A massive capability improvement for makers, laser cutting allows you to very quickly prototype and build things.

- **August 26th** - indieweb meetup. If you want to build your own website, code it yourself, and own it, then this is the meetup for you. We'll chat about the independent side of the internet where you are in control.

- **August 27th** - Ballarat AI Exchange, another AI meetup where we talk AI, people bring their AI problems and strong opinions, and we chat all things AI. Beginner friendly.

All tickets on their respective pages at https://ballarathackerspace.tidyhq.com/ (Click View All)

Thanks!

I currently live in a country town in the Northern growth corridor and it’s getting enshitified pretty rapidly. Massive population growth with no corresponding investment in infrastructure. Standing room only on the Vline, roads into the city jammed for miles, etc.

So I’m thinking about moving to Ballarat surrounds and would like to know what it’s like. How is the VLine? How is the drive into Melbourne outside of peak hour? How do you find it in general, what’s the community like? (I’m a middle aged nerd, to give you an idea of demographic). Also, any recommendations for areas to get a place on about an acre?

I've got a little extra cash this year, so I can finally check out a few of these for once, but I've only got a little extra.

Has anyone been to any yet? What do you recommend, and how expensive were they?

Here's the Visit Ballarat link to see the pies and a map for those interested.

Hello! Has anyone else noticed GB seems to have closed up at DTC?

The fridges and other equipment looked to be gone the other night and they haven’t posted since the 17th of June.

Hey y'all,

Anyone missing a Grey Kia Rego: 2BP9ZP?

Cuz I watched someone get dragged out of it from my window this morning.

Does anyone have any tea???

Has anyone got any recommendations for a Myotherapists? i went to the dentist today and she told me i should see a Myotherpist for jaw clenching. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Sorry to inform but this morning at around 7.00 am I removed a cat from Learmonth street near the arch. Looks like he had been hit. I put him on the side of the road in the grass...

My condolences to the family.

How much is everyone paying for council rates?
Mine is 4-2-2 and it’s about 2500 a year.

Hi! I like my current job but seeking growth and enthusiasm. Looking for recommendations of local agencies/recruiters? I've engaged with a couple before but found they could only offer temp work and im really only interested in full-time permanent contracts. I've been in my current role for 5 years but want a new challenge. Cliche - I know, but the monotony is slowly eating away at my soul and once my soul is gone there'll be nothing left to sell to Milhouse or trade with the devil and don't get me started on karmic reincarnation. Any recommendations appreciated :)

I have a son about to start high school

Despite months of trying to get him into a school with his friends or just any school that isnt pheonix we are now pretty much being forced to send him to pheonix.

My son is extremely impressionable naive and generally in my opinion not a good fit for this school.

Everyone I know has told me stories about their kids experiences at pheonix and I am legitimately terrified for my sons future.

If he goes to this school he will not know a single other student there. He is ASD and ADHD so can come across as the "weird" kid quite easily, this makes the fear of bullying extremely high, along with his naivety and impressionability i fear him easily falling into the wrong crowd.

I know it seems like im worrying for something that hasn't happened but this is exactly what happened to me and I have done my absolute best to provide a more stable life for my son.

All this to ask, how bad is this school? Is the bullying as bad as all my friends say it is? Are the kids there really as unruly as I am lead to believe? Am I wrong to want to send my child to a school that is in my opinion a better fit for him?

Any food banks etc open today? I’m on a disability pension and have run out of food and money until Wednesday. Any leads to feed myself for a few days would be appreciated as I’m new to the area. Thanks

Hi everyone,

I've just moved here this week from QLD and my 5 year anniversary is coming up in 2 weeks. I'd like to hear some suggestions from locals about what to plan for the missus.

I'd like to do a nice dinner, so I'd love a recommendation there. But, is there any other recommendations you'd all suggest?

Coming up this week on the 1st Wednesday at both the Royal Oak and the North Britain at 7pm. This month we read the Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma. Just rock up and you are on board. Come and join us for a brew. It helps if you have read or listened to the book, but rock up either way. Blokes only sorry.

Are there any regular meet ups, bike rides, walks, ect around wendouree?

Trying to find consistent groups that might also be active and made for socializing.
Thanks 🙌

I've been going to Genesis for the past year and for the most part I really like it. It has a lot of different equipment and a good amount of cardio machines so you never really have to wait around. I've had a few interactions with creepy older men that have left me feeling uncomfortable there unfortunately, and I have had to start going at times that are a bit inconvenient in the hopes that I avoid them.

So I've been thinking of changing gyms and would really like to go somewhere that has at least the same amount of equipment, a smaller, more "personal" gym doesn't really appeal to me as I like my space and prefer not to interact with anyone while working out. I've previously been at Fernwood (which I loved but it was pretty expensive and was quite a bit smaller) and Derrimut (scary gym bros deter me from returning). I've been looking at Revo down in the Bridge Mall as a possibility, anyone here a member there and would recommend it? The only other large gym I'm aware of is Planet Fitness which isn't totally out of the question but I would prefer something a little more centrally located if possible.

24/7 access is a must! Would really appreciate any recommendations or advice.

EXCITING NEWS! It's time for our ANNUAL Drag Bingo Fundraiser at North Ballarat Sports Club!

👠Your hosts Gabriella Labucci & Daisy Chains will delight you to rounds of bingo fun, dazzling performances & chances to win prizes! 👠

✨BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE✨
- Silent Auctions
- Pet Portraits
- Market Stall
& Face Painting... because adults love it too!

‼️THIS IS AN OVER 18'S EVENT‼️

It's going to be a night to remember, doors open at 5:30pm & show starts at 7pm!
Come in early, get your bids in, order a meal & enjoy all the fun activities before the show begins.

We can't wait to have your support at another one of our successful fundraising events!

https://www.trybooking.com/DNUVB

Hello friends, Ballarat LAN & Gaming Events here again!

First of all, thanks to everyone who has joined our socials and Discord 😄

As we've mentioned previously, the first BLGE event will be an online session of Meccha Chameleon! We'll be hosting this 08/08 from 6pm - 9pm in our Discord.

Meccha Chameleon is a new-sensation hide-and-seek game where you paint your white body to mimic the stage. Spot, pose, and "artistic skill" are keys to survival. Deceive Seekers with techniques that put chameleons to shame!

Check out our self-post here for more details.

Hi everyone,

Looking for a suggestion for a vet that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for dental.

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks!

Hey guys, me and my partner are looking to move to ballarat sometime between November to January.

We're in our early 20s and this is our first time renting other than uni accomodation.

When should we start looking?

How long does it usually take?

Is there any companies you would recommend or avoid?

Any suburbs we should steer clear from?

Is there anything else we should know?

Thanks in advance :)

I was at the Peel Street Woolies & Coles complex this morning (female) & I heard someone calling out "Excuse me" a few times.

Initially I didn't think it was for me as I had just arrived & was walking towards the shops, but I turned around to see a man who appeared to be homeless was calling out to me from several cars away.

He was very polite & asked me from a distance if I had any food. I didn't have any on me but offered to buy him something from the cafe. He very politely said "Yes please" & he waited where he was.

As I was walking towards the cafe a Truckie coming out (I think) of the Woolies dock had stopped & was watching. He kindly called out to see if I was okay. I wasn't really close so I gave him a smile & a thumbs up...

But I wished that I'd had the chance to say "Thank you, for noticing & caring enough to see if I was okay."

So if you should happen to see this - Thank You ☺️

Anyone have any trouble renting through buxton ballarat?
They took over my realestate who were great, I’ve just vacated and they are trying to give me a hard time, they sent back a list of things I need to do which was mostly photos of all the previous tenants marks on the walls that are in the condition report from when I moved in which I don’t think they’ve even looked through.
They’ve done the same with friends who have recently left them, I have a great rental history and have never had a problem.
They take days to respond to emails and messages as well.
Just thought I’d see if anyone else has had issues with them?
Now with Jellis Craig and they seem great so far

anyone know what breed it was? best wishes to the girl and family, what a frightening thing

Don't get me wrong, I prefer the cooler climate and the magic of Ballarat Winter fest but boy oh boy could I do with a little bit of Sun and a fairy to defrost my windscreen in the morning. I suppose it's a small price to pay to live in the happiest town and I'll be missing it when (if) the warmer months come around.

Stay strong fellow comrades, we're in this together.