In the last year, Daniel and his team installed a new gas stove and hot water system at my house. They worked very hard and had the work done quickly. Everything was left in a tidy state when the work was done. Best of all, the stove and the hot water after working well. Daniel demonstrated to me how the main features of the new equipment work and gave done helpful advice about other appliances that I have.

According to the business card, Ballarat Gasfitters specialises in, but not limited to, has distressed central heating, ducted evaporative cooling, split system air con, distressed add-on heating and air con and gas and solar hot water systems.

The whole team was polite and respectful.

A very professional family business in Creswick, Vic. They have done one routine service for me with which I was very happy. The owner explained everything they had done. Recently, I needed their assistance with a loose wheel guard and was fitted in even though they were incredibly busy.

Another customer told me he has used this business for decades.

Prices are competitive and it is nice to support a local family business.

This pharmacy is like an old-fashioned chemist shop. The service is very friendly and they greet customers by name. It's such good service that I'm willing to drive a bit further to get my meds there. When I was very ill last year, I phoned in and they delivered my script free of charge. (All of my scripts are held there which means nothing gets lost.) They also delivered my free pensioner covid tests last year before I got around to requesting them.

It's much smaller than its competitors, but has ample supplies for prescriptions, over the counter meds and other traditional chemist supplies. The pharmacy also offers free blood pressure testing.

Located downstairs from Ballarat Group Practice.

A lovely and caring team of people - Jenni, Ellie, Uma and Rob.

The arch cafe is a cosy and friendly place to have coffee, breakfast or lunch. Located near the Arch in Stuart Street, Alfredton, the surroundings are very peaceful and green. A delightful place that has plenty of natural light. There is outside dining as well.

The coffee is always good and I especially like their lemon tarts and almond croissants. A friend of mine recently ordered avocado smash which was beautifully presented and delicious.

The is plenty of free unlimited parking!

I only wish they were open more hours. Closing time is 3 pm.

Highly recommend.

PRD is the property manager for the house I rent. While, the tenancy deal is straightforward enough, it's great to have an approachable agent. She is respectful about home inspections that are scheduled every six months and tries to minimise the stress.

The counter staff are polite and responsive.

As a renter, I am happy with my experience with PRD.

I had tenosynovitis for most of eight months before I visited Newington Physiotherapy. I had one appointment with an occupational therapist who specialises in hand therapy. We went through a lot of lifestyle modifications that would ease the strain on my wrist. I still use a lot of the modifications that she suggested. She was very knowledgeable and professional.

I was given some hand exercises to do at home which were helpful to a point. I made my own adjustments as I went along according to my pain levels. Eventually, I chose to ease off the exercises as I began to heal. I only now have occasional pain flare ups that do not last long.

All of the above was undertaken in conjunction with two lots of cortisone therapy, which was arranged through my GP. I would really recommend that the whole treatment plan is coordinated through a doctor rather than going straight to a hand therapist. The two worked very well together. I only needed one appointment with the hand therapist.

I was satisfied with the advice and the treatment programme which was able to be undertaken by myself.

As I was on government benefits at the time, I was given a pensioner discount by Newington Physiotherapy. It's always worth asking!
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The clinic also offers mainstream physiotherapy treatments, remedial massage, dance rehab and clinical pilates classes.

Country Casseroles has become one of my favourite takeaways in Ballarat especially now that we're heading into winter. There is a huge variety of casseroles and side dishes. I've very much enjoyed the beef and veges, beef stroganoff and the chop suey. I always order a side of mashed potato, which complements any of the casseroles beautifully. They also have a yummy scalloped potato side dish and some salads. Plus, there are desserts, but I have not as yet tried these.

This is a way better option for dinner than run-of-the-mill fast food. There are regular to family-sized packages available.

The service is friendly and efficient and there is plenty of parking outside in Sturt Street or around the corner in Ascot Street.

Approximate cost: $13

Unlike the Salvos brand of op shop, the Salvation Army Thrift Stores are run directly by the local church and all profits go to people in Ballarat. I think this is an important consideration.

The store itself is a bit crowded and lacking in natural light, but there is a great variety of items: furniture, crockery, ornaments, books, jewellery, shoes and clothing. Every now and then I snag a nice bargain.

There is now a Facebook page where new and interesting items are shown. The pricing is better than many op shops in Ballarat, so it's well worth a look if you have the time to browse.

I've lived in Ballarat for six years and had never settled on a dentist here. I had to make my choice after an old filling started to deteriorate.

I found Dr Didaskalu to be very thorough and he has a lovely manner. While he's working, he always checks from time to time to make sure that I'm doing okay.

He also recommended a procedure with an oral surgeon that would help with my receding gums. I was sceptical about this one, but I went ahead and it made a huge difference. No dentist has ever said anything about this although I was aware of the problem and didn't think there was much that could be done.

The desk staff and the dental nurse are kind and polite to everyone who comes through the door. The waiting area is a bright and comfortable space.

If you are on a pension this dentist offers a small discount. Even a small discount can make a difference if one is a pensioner.

There is parking at the rear of the surgery, which is definitely a plus.

Reservoir Private Hospital is a day procedure centre. I've had two procedures (gastroscopy) and was generally satisfied with the professionalism shown and the friendly staff at reception.

The only thing that caused me true dissatisfaction is the time management both on the day of the procedures and for consultations. For one consultation, I waited two hours before I was seen and another time waited an hour.

It cost $330 for a gastroscopy in 2017 which is a reasonable price given that I was not covered by private insurance at the time. The doctor explained the results of the procedure on the day, so I was not left wondering.

The place is a bit old and faded, but as clean as it should be for its purpose.

Approximate cost: $330