Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre engaged Sebastopol born and raised street artist Cax One, to design and paint this vibrant urban mural on the side of Totally Workwear at 29 Albert Street, Sebastopol.

The artwork incorprates many facets of the 'Burra' community, including the old municipality logo, a nod to its gold mining and shoe manufacturing history and the kookaburra mascot of the Sebastopol Football Netball Club. Cax also added personal elements childhood in Sebastopol, including his first BMX bike, signs for Albert Street and take-away food, and a pink and purple cloud representing Hubba Bubba bubblegum. Another addition is a Murnong Daisy, which the local Indigenous mob farmed for the yams attached to the roots.

This art project was coordinated by Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre with funds from Regional Development Victoria, allocated by City of Ballarat through Spotlight on Sebastopol, 2023.

Former tram driver Jim Maher, shares his story about working on the Sebastopol tram on its final run on Sunday 19th September 1971. The Lydiard St North to Sebastopol tram line was the last tram route in Ballarat, and was a much-loved feature of the local community, with a crowd of over 5,000 people gathering outside the Royal Mail Hotel to bid farewell as it departed on its final journey.

Sebastopol has a rich history of gold mining and the Star of the East mine was one of the most significant sites in the area. In this video, hear stories about the workings of the Star of the East mine and battery stand from former Borough of Sebastopol Mayor, Paul Jenkins.

The area around the Albert Street – Rubicon Street roundabout once housed a butcher, grocer, hairdresser, shoe store, grain store and service station. In this video, former Borough of Sebastopol Mayor Paul Jenkins shares some fascinating stories about the workings of these stores.

Kabluum is the result of a Literacy Through Art project at Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre. Students were guided by professional artist Pauline O'Shannessy Dowling, to explore themes of community, people, growth, the environment and their inter-connectedness. The class incorporated these ideas into designing and painting a series of artworks which are now proudly installed on the front of the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre. This class provided an opportunity for students to learn, explore, gain a sense of belonging and make their mark on their community.

As part of Lead On Ballarat's Take Back the Streets art program, young people designed and painted bus shelter panels to be installed on bus shelters in Albert Street Sebastopol in 2014. This project was supported by the City of Ballarat, BGT Youth Connections and the Ballarat Arts Foundation.

Development of ‘Our Garden’ began in 2015 and thanks to the dedication and support of staff, volunteers, local community groups and numerous grants, the garden has flourished and grown over the years. The space has been the site of creative art murals, children’s teddy bear picnics, working bees, adult education classes and more. The garden helps supply fresh herbs and produce to the Centre’s 'Our Kitchen Social Enterprise’ and provides opportunities for all members of the community to participate, learn and connect with others. To find out more, contact Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre: (03) 5329 3273 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.