Please enjoy Edition 22 - June 2025. You can also download a colour PDF or collect a hard-copy (printed in black and white) from the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House at Barkly Square.

What is the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House?

The Ballarat East Neighbourhood House is your local neighbourhood house, a place that's more than just bricks and mortar. We're a living, breathing part of this community and we want to share our story with you.

One way of thinking about a neighbourhood is a collection of houses and streets and the people that live there. Sometimes people are friendly, but often people living in a neighbourhood don’t know many of the people living around them. It seems like this is a modern phenomenon - that maybe in the past, families and communities were more connected. However, in the 21st century, people frequently feel a sense of isolation and disconnection.

This is why neighbourhood houses are so important. We are passionate local residents, who have a shared vision - to create a space that everyone can call their own. We are not run by council. We are not here for a single interest or activity. We do receive a small amount of annual funding (around $100,000 in 2025) for our Manager position from the Victorian Government, so we can work to build community for everyone, regardless of their background, abilities or interests.

Ballarat East Neighbourhood House, based at Barkly Square, Ballarat East, is a big part of this story, and our committee, staff, volunteers and members have worked hard to transform two of the classrooms into the place you see today - a hub of activity and support. We also run activities in other spaces at Barkly Square, Eureka Centre and elsewhere in broader Ballarat East.

We are owned by broader Ballarat East, our community, and that makes all the difference. Every decision we make, every event we host, program we run or funding we seek is driven by the needs and dreams of people living in the eastern part of Ballarat.

We host everything from Auslan courses, playgroup, yoga, qigong and walking group to book clubs and from watercolour and sketchbook classess to chatty social groups. There's always something happening. We've seen friendships blossom, skills develop and confidence grow within these walls.

One of our proudest moments in the last few years has been seeing two of our newsletter delivery volunteers reconnect at a volunteer celebration. They had worked together for years at the Ballarat Library, but hadn't seen each other in a long time. They were so delighted to have found each other again!

Being community-owned means that every one of you has a stake in our success. It means that social and economic benefits stay right here, helping to build a stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods. It means that we can grow the unique character of our community, even as the world around us changes.

So, come on in! Whether you're looking to learn something new, meet new friends, or just find a quiet place to relax, we're here for you. Together, we can continue to build a neighbourhood that we all love and are proud to call home.

With love and warmth, Ballarat East Neighbourhood House

Find out about becoming a Member of the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House

Join us for Feldenkrais - Awareness Through Movement

Term 1, 2026 - REGISTER NOW 

Join Lynden for these classes which involve following simple instructions to move in unusual movement patterns that promote self-awareness and mobility.

In this class, movement habits and holding patterns are revealed and the movements presented offer alternative, more efficient choices.

Classes will be performed either lying on the floor, sitting in a chair or standing. Be prepared for all three positions.

These classes will encourage a fine inner-focus of yourself in action rather than working with a “hup 2,3,4” concept.

We have a set of yoga mats or you may bring a blanket to lie on over the carpeted floor.

Lynden is a qualified Feldenkrais practitioner with 25 years of experience.

Courses - Term 1, 2026 

Thursdays from 12 February to 19 March 2026, Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Community Room #102, running for 6 weeks: 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm - REGISTER HERE

Cost

Term bookings are priced at $15 per session, $90 for a 6 week term. 

Limited casual places may be available, when classes are not booked out with term bookings. Casual bookings are priced at $20, and are only available after term commences, if the classes are not booked out. Scroll down on the registration page to register for individual sessions, and please contact us if you would like to be notified if these places become available.

In order to secure your place in the course, please pay at the start of the term.

Location & getting there

Feldenkrais classes are held at Barkly Square, 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat East. 

Walking: The building has entrances on Barkly Street and also access from Princes Street South via the car park. 

Driving: You can park on Barkly Street, or behind the building in the car park or on the street along Princes Street South. You can access Princes Street South from Eureka Street or Barkly Street.

Bus: There is a bus stop close to Barkly Square: Route 20, near the corner of Barkly Street and Main Road.

Bicycle: There is bike parking available at Barkly Square.

Once inside the building, look for signs to locate our Neighbourhood House. If you enter from the courtyard next to the cafe, head to the end of the hallway, past the community area to the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Community Rooms. If you enter from the Barkly Street entrance, keep going straight ahead and you will see our Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Community Rooms on your right. 

Public toilets are available within Barkly Square.

View the Accessibility Map of Barkly Square.

Conditions of participation

• Please read the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Activity Terms and Conditions. You will be asked to agree to these upon registration for this class.
• If you have any injuries or issues which may affect your ability to partipate fully in the activity, and/or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please arrive early to discuss with your tutor.
• Turn off your phone/digital devices and store your possessions in the room.
• Registrations are not transferable.

Questions?

Please call Ballarat East Neighbourhood House on 0422 612 052 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you are having trouble booking or paying for this activity, we are very happy to find a solution that will work as we want everyone interested to be able to participate.

Join us for Qigong

Term 4, 2025 - REGISTER NOW

Experience the Inner Flow of Qi

In traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, "qi" (pronounced "chee") refers to the vital life force or energy that flows through everything in the universe, including the human body. Qigong uses gentle movement, breathwork and guided meditation to stimulate and regulate the flow of energy and blood around the body. These practices allow areas of stagnation within the body, mind and spirit to be revitalised and refreshed.

The form of Qigong Klyti practices is suitable for all bodies and capabilities. Its gentle and informative nature make it an incredibly inclusive activity.

Participating in Qigong classes within group settings is known to bring a deep level of connection between participants. This deepened sense of connection breeds kindness towards oneself and others.

Term 4, 2025

Thursdays at Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Community Room #103

Starting 16 October, running for 8 weeks, with 2 weeks break on 30 October and 6 November, through to 18 December:

11.15 am - 12.15 pm - REGISTER NOW (If booked out, contact us to join the waiting list. Limited casual places may also become available if the class is not full.)

1.00 pm - 2.00 pm - Contact us to express your interest. This class will run if we have enough interest.

Cost

$120 for a 8-week term. 

Limited casual places may be available, if classes are not booked out with term bookings. Casual bookings are priced at $20, and are only available after term commences, if the classes are not booked out. Scroll down on the registration page to register for individual sessions, and please contact us if you would like to be notified if these places become available.

In order to secure your place in the course, please pay at the start of the term.

Registration

Please use the link above to register for the Qigong course.

There is a limit of 10 places available in each class.

About Klyti

Klyti first experienced the transformational effect of Qigong while improving her physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing with local Ballarat OpenSky Qigong Practitioner, Howard Evans. Upon experiencing the transformative power of this form of Qigong Klyti felt inspired to become a practitioner herself to share the joys of this practice. She has since studied with the founder of OpenSky Qigong, Marg Wyatt.

Klyti says, “I know what it feels like to experience stress, tension and anxiety. I have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), interrupted sleep and what workplace stress can look like.”

Based on her personal experience of the transformative effect of practising OpenSky Qigong, especially in relation to these symptoms, Klyti leads a Qigong practice which focuses on personal relaxation and rejuvenation.

Klyti has run Qigong classes within the mental health and community health sector and has seen first hand the impact that these classes have on personal development and growth, alongside increasing the ability for participants to relax and be themselves. One participant, Di, says, “Klyti's guidance and knowledge are instructive and have a powerful effect on body awareness, mood and posture."

Through OpenSky Qigong, Klyti has experienced personal growth and transformation especially around being a mother, releasing trauma and relating to friends, family and colleagues in a meaningful way. Her greatest wish is to share the practice of Qigong with you.

Location & getting there

Qigong classes are held at Barkly Square, 25-39 Barkly Street, Ballarat East. 

Walking: The building has entrances on Barkly Street and also access from Princes Street South via the car park. 

Driving: You can park on Barkly Street, or behind the building in the car park or on the street along Princes Street South. You can access Princes Street South from Eureka Street or Barkly Street.

Bus: There is a bus stop close to Barkly Square: Route 20, near the corner of Barkly Street and Main Road.

Bicycle: There is bike parking available at Barkly Square.

Once inside the building, look for signs to locate our Neighbourhood House. If you enter from the courtyard next to the cafe, head to the end of the hallway, past the community area to the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Community Rooms. If you enter from the Barkly Street entrance, keep going straight ahead and you will see our Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Community Rooms on your right. 

Public toilets are available within Barkly Square.

View the Accessibility Map of Barkly Square.

Conditions of participation

• Please read the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House Activity Terms and Conditions. You will be asked to agree to these upon registration for this class.
• If you have any injuries or issues which may affect your ability to partipate fully in the activity, and/or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please arrive early to discuss with your tutor.
• Turn off your phone/digital devices and store your possessions in the room.
• Registrations are not transferable.

Questions?

Please call Ballarat East Neighbourhood House on 0422 612 052 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you are having trouble booking or paying for this activity, we are very happy to find a solution that will work as we want everyone interested to be able to participate.