The cafe is basic, very much what you might expect at a holiday camp. It is situated inside a caravan park at Lake Fyans. The setting is pretty with the lake outlook and there is plenty of parking. The front barrier near the office has to be lifted in order to get in, you cannot simply drive straight in. Finding the Holiday Park is much easier now there is clear signage from Stawell and Pomonal.

Despite the very warm evening and a crowd of people packed into the venue it remained a pleasant temperature all evening. Chilled water was available at all times from a dispensing unit near the door.

Our event was booked well ahead. I was disappointed that the restaurant was locked and unattended at 5.30 pm when the meal was billed as to be served at 6 pm, with entertainment beginning at 7.30 pm.

After opening, the place was clearly not ready for guests. The tables were not set. Much later, when everyone was seated, the bread and butter plates were delivered in stacks and left on the tables, for the dinners to dole out like dealing a pack of cards. Still setting up at 6.30pm. In addition the volume of music was too loud. People need to be able to hear each other talk.

The bar opened before the food arrived. Starter amounted to bacon and cheese loaf with margarine. No provision for vegetarians whom they had been informed were attending. People tore into those loaves like they were starving. The vegetarian main meal was adequate but not stunning, and certainly not worth leaving home for, unlike the standard meals which satisfied the people at our table.

At 7.15 no sign of a main course. At least when finally it arrived (put in front of the diner from any side) it appeared to be freshly prepared. The group booking meant that the “limited” menu was provided: a choice between a pasta dish, fish, beef pie, schnitzel, each with salad and chips. Each of the dishes was eaten by at least one person at my table and all were pleased by the generous servings. The salads were a bit more like a garnish than a side dish, but at least the effort was made and it was better than a pathetic piece of lettuce and slice of tomato: different coloured capsicums, salad leaves, onion, carrot...crisp and fresh tasting and nicely presented. It would have been improved by leaving off the dressing. Like sauce or salt, this should be applied by the eater according to his taste. There was no tea, coffee or desert.

Ignorance of proper table etiquette is common, not just at this cafe, and the waiting staff need tutoring in service. The purpose of a service industry is providing a service. The cafe is adequate with some good things going for it and potential to be first class in my opinion. Pity it isn't there yet and the heavy vinyl table coverings, instead of cloths, are not a good look. But at least they weren't bare "Laminex" tables.

Disappointed” sums up my attitude to this business.

It was recommended by a general dentist who added that visits were made to my local town. This more or less swung me because I wanted to avoid travelling to Ballarat every few weeks for a few minutes' consultation which virtually wastes the whole day because we have to come so far. The commitment is long term – a year and a half or more. It is hard to choose between orthodontists since they appear to offer the same service for very similar expensive prices so I felt shopping around had little point. (I did not know about womow then).

My child entered a process line.

The reception staff were always pleasant in a disengaged sort of way; I never have felt like we are anything more than another pair of bots moving through the process and their real word is their relationships with each other which we interrupted.

When I opted to pay as we went rather than everything up front, for which a discount was offered, I soon became confused as to why the business sent demands for overdue fees when I was paying at each attendance. I was quite upset having to telephone std and being treated like I was the dill, fobbed off with “that's the accounts department”. The female to whom I complained didn't have the nous to pass me on to accounts nor to explain what I eventually worked out myself: that I was paying per visit and they were billing per month, a difference in two weeks. Anyway, having overcome that glitch things went on with adjustments and payments but never was it anywhere else but in Ballarat - my major reason for turning to this business. Possibly they do make visits but we never benefited from it.

At the start, unexpectedly, there was a nice incentive program for the patients. (be punctual, no breakages, brush teeth, compliance) A good idea considering that mostly they are young people or children for whom the idea of orthodontic work is parent driven and the procedure is uncomfortable.

My young person scored a book voucher. Then the scheme changed without warning and everyone “went into a draw”. The client can't see any immediate benefit nor how he is working toward a goal. My own child was disparaging and off hand about the new one, glad to have taken the book instead of holding out for more points towards something else that would not have eventuated.

The orthodontist took responsibility for making the teeth straight. And did that well. For any other treatment and for general dental health the client is expected to attend another dentist. I prefer someone with a wholistic approach as happened when my eldest child had orthodontic work done a decade ago. Sadly for us that local dentist moved on, else we would have continued with him.

At no time did the practitioner nor a dental technician/hygienist explain the basics of maintaining good oral health, such as demonstrating exactly how to clean and floss. Although literature was provided it is vastly inferior to a demonstration, especially for children. Nor was any procedure every explained fully. Stuff just got done.

From our experience the client will get straight teeth.

The straightening may not last since individuals vary. The teeth may rot since it is difficult to clean them and children in particular lack dexterity. (The choice of good or poor food is your own and it is hardly the practitioner's fault if your teeth are assaulted by sugars and other gunge).

I am not comfortable recommending this business.

We found the practitioner to be just another degree wielding specialist who appears to see no need to explain and treat his patient, nor the parent, as thinking intelligent decision making people. The manner is superficially pleasant but follow orders or cop a sneering comment. I find the practitioner's sarcasm unacceptable.
I was prepared for expense as I know it is a costly service. But there were a number of expensive extras not included in the quotation although necessary to the orthodontic work. I felt mislead.

In addition, a year subsequently I am very annoyed to have discovered by a visit to another dentist that my son needs impacted wisdom teeth removed. This is something that must have shown on the initial X-rays and no mention was made, although leaving them would have a huge negative impact on the success of the straightening procedure. Unforgivable.

Approximate cost: $over $5000

This has the calm friendly atmosphere of a family store and there seems to have been a long term policy of providing employment to mentally handicapped people. I approve. The many friendly and willing staff have made shopping here pleasant most of the time but at least one of the young female staff needs to fix her manners. I was annoyed when the queue I was in summarily closed, without warning nor apology, leaving me, the next in line, supposed to find another check out.
On the other hand an older female member of staff was obliging and helpful with my child's school project, which we appreciated very much since it lay beyond her duty.
The range of products offered is quite good. I am impressed by the availability of specialty dietary items for coeliacs, vegetarians and others. Many are on the pricey side though. Generally the fruit and vegetables are good quality and there is a big range of fresh bread products, not just white sliced and wholemeal.

Although this site is not as picturesque as the former (Alexandra Gardens),there is now a better layout and easier to access with plenty of close parking. In the past there has been such limited variety of goods it made going shopping hardly worthwhile: there is only so much olive oil or lavender products a person can use... however, it has improved.
From organically grown vegetables to Turkish takeaway or from garden ornaments to plants and sheep manure, there is a good chance you will find something you need or want, especially when the day coincides with Trash and Treasure at the hall.
Ararat Farmers Market
2nd Sunday of each month
9am to 1pm

I never have had a long wait for service and the tellers always have been pleasant even with awkward transactions when they have been immensely helpful and patient.

Another bank where the wait for service is rarely long, and the staff are pleasant with a friendly manner. Enquiries have been dealt with patiently and efficiently. The manager was approachable and the experience relaxed rather than intimidating.

Great place to browse but it is hard to come away without having bought a CD or record (old fashioned vinyl) because the eclectic nature of the stock means it highly likely there will be something that appeals. No matter how obscure your taste in music the proprietor is happy to look it up. We have found the second hand items to be in good condition and considered the prices reasonable. It is a well lit, centrally placed business and the layout is easily navigated.

I find shopping in big stores intimidating, add crowds and I can't cope. I made a happy discovery that the early part of the day, just after opening is ideal. Very quiet and the staff are not yet harassed. Without difficulty I found some garments I needed that were very cheap, so all round I came away a satisfied customer. Nice central location, close to public transport is a big plus.

I have only positive experiences with this business. This store supplies a wide range of automotive parts and tools, also accessories. Locally there are other similar businesses but I prefer Repco Ararat. The staff are knowledgeable and everybody I have dealt with has been pleasant and polite, and thorough, even for a little sale like a spark plug. I never have had any problem with any product bought here nor with the staff.
As a woman I am appreciative of respectful service when in a "male" dominated industry, when treated like I an intelligent person rather than being patronised.

This is an under appreciated gem - a well stocked bookshop - highly unusual outside large urban centres like Ballarat. Some local newsagents (eg Ararat) stock a few bodice rippers and pulp novels but if you are looking for a serious read or a nice gift this is the place to go. Up to date releases, a wide range of genre and subjects, including a children's and young adult section, and a changing supply of reduced price books out the front. Some discounts apply. Ask.
The very pleasant staff are ready with a smile and help.
The shop has cards, DVDs and so on. There is too the Tattslottto and other gambling.