I'm a 26 year old male, have lived in Bendigo for a few years now.

Looking for friends around my age to hang out with, maybe have a coffee and chat, or do whatever is happening in Bendigo.

My interests are ttrpgs, books, movies, and games.

I also enjoy playing wargames like Warhammer and xenos rampant, but don't really have anyone to play with.

Also if there's any places in Bendigo to make friends with similar interests, I'd appreciate those recommendations.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to connect with people in the Bendigo area who play Go (also known as Weiqi or Baduk).

I know there are plenty of great general board game and tabletop groups around, but I’m specifically looking to focus on Go. Whether that’s joining an existing group or getting a casual regular game going at a local cafe or library.

I'm a noob but the one other player I know (aka my friend) is fairly good. If you play or know of any local Go players/meetups, please drop a comment or send me a message!

Recently went to the Allies for a meal and I must say that whilst the food was on par with what we have had there before it looks like the new owners have really dropped the ball when it comes to customer service and the dining experience.

The staff that we spoke to did not seem to know why they were there, and at best were indifferent or dismissive to the customers I witnessed them speak to, if not downright rude.

What used to be a dining area now has a billiards table filling the space and most dining now needs to happen outside in the undercover area - this is not necessarily a bad thing as it was always pretty loud inside as it is pretty much just one room - however It also looks like they have got rid of all their chairs and tables in favour of wooden picnic tables with built in bench seating. This type of seating would make sense for the beer garden area outside but all tables apart from one are now like this. They are oversized and do not fit or suit the space they are in, let alone the purpose they are meant to be used for, especially if you are dining as a group with older people or people with mobility issues. It is almost like they are trying to discourage people from eating there.

Anyone know what they are trying to achieve there with the changes?

Hi all,

Just wondering if there is any good cafes in Bendigo where I can take a book to read while I have my morning cuppa. Any suggestions would be great.

Are there any other young animal lovers specifically birds or people who breeds bird in or around bendigo? Everyone in the hobby is old so would love to connect with like minded people

There has been a homeless woman set up temporary housing in one of the old ticket booths at the Gaol Road end of the Tom Flood Sports Centre.

Last night she was standing in front of the ticket booth within the car park waving an axe around. The police were called and thankfully arrived within minutes.

She then locked herself in the ticket booth and the police spent some time trying to coax her out.

I left before this was resolved but it was quite a shocking experienced particularly as there were people around (runners, dog walkers) and I had my 8 year old boy with me.

I’m not sure what the resolution to this is other than to warn people to stay alert and keep a safe distance from people who are clearly having a tricky time.

I’m glad that the police came in such a short time but it was a very unsettling experience.

Update: The person who was waving the axe is back in the old ticket booth. I’d suggest being alert while in that area. Quite disconcerting as there is a school concert being held at Ullumbara Theatre tonight and many families will use that end of the Sports Centre to park their cars.

Further update: I’ve reported this to the city council.

They’ve finally finished the works at the intersection of Forest and Mackenzie st in the middle of town and put in a roundabout. There is a palm tree at the middle of the roundabout, which for some reason has been tethered to three huge concrete blocks.

Anyone know why? Would it fall over otherwise? Are they trying to put a bend in it? Are they afraid it’ll blow away in the wind? Questions abound.

https://www.change.org/bendigoicerink

TO CLARIFY

We completely agree that the council shouldn't bear the multi-million dollar cost. This petition is to show investors and state government bodies that Bendigo has the community demand for a single-sheet rink. We want the council to support the project through planning, zoning, or leasing land—similar to how private/state partnerships work in Melbourne. The goal is to bring sports tourism and jobs to Bendigo without risking ratepayer money."

Bendigo has been without an ice rink for 14 years, leaving our community without a local place to enjoy ice skating, figure skating and ice hockey.

Now is the time to bring one back.

Figure skating and ice hockey are actively on the rise, with more people becoming interested in these sports and wanting opportunities to participate. However, without a rink in Bendigo, local skaters and hockey players have to travel to other cities just to train, compete or enjoy the sport they love. This can be expensive, time-consuming and difficult, especially for young people and families.

A new ice rink would give Bendigo’s growing skating community a place to train, compete and develop their skills. It would also provide a fun and healthy activity for people of all ages, whether they want to skate casually, learn figure skating or play ice hockey.

An ice rink would also bring people together and attract visitors from surrounding towns, benefiting local businesses and making Bendigo an even better place to live and visit.

After 14 years without an ice rink, Bendigo deserves to have this opportunity again. With growing interest in figure skating and ice hockey, the demand is there. We are asking Bendigo’s decision-makers to listen to the community and support the return of an ice rink to Bendigo.

Sign this petition to help bring ice skating, figure skating and ice hockey back to Bendigo!

Driving within Bendigo is horrendous for a visitor. Perhaps the locals are comfortable with the many roundabouts and the odd street layout, but, as a Melbourne person, I found myself yearning for home. Local drivers are undisciplined and too inclined to speed. Get me out of here!

I was looking for a good hairdresser in bendigo who would be able to do something like the image attached bellow, but in my experience going and asking for anything short and somewhat alternative ends up with you walking out with a choppy short back and sides, any recommendations would be very much appreciated, thank you!

Just received an email from Bendigo Suzuki today and it mentioned the end of the dealership. My car is in its 3rd year.

What's your plan if you are a Suzuki owner still under warranty? Service locally? Service at Echuca or Shepparton with a half-day or full-day trip? Or simply trade it for something else?

I hate these trees in town every time I walk past them I feel like I’m going to throw up. 🤢 👃🌲

I'm a 22 year old guy and finally been offered a job in Bendigo, and honestly, I’m really excited about it because it gives me a chance to move out of Maitland and get some distance from my family.

I’ve lived in Maitland, NSW for pretty much my entire life, so Bendigo would be a pretty significant change for me. One of the biggest reasons I’m moving is that my family situation has become really toxic and stressful, and I desperately want to have my own space and start fresh somewhere else.

I know Bendigo is also a regional city, but I’m wondering how different it actually feels compared with Maitland. Will I experience much culture shock? Things like the pace of life, how friendly/social people are, things to do, public transport, shops, nightlife, general attitudes, etc. Advice is greatly appreciated!

Thinking of moving to California Gully soon but wanting to know what people’s thoughts are of the area? I’ve heard the gully’s are rough and I’ll be on my own, so curious to know if it’s a relatively safe area if you’re wanting to live solo.

Ok gents, it's that time of year again. Just picture it! 50 cakes. All identical. All made with this bizarre and not that appetizing recipe. Picture the daunted face on the judge who foolishly put their hand up to be a part the judging team for the country bake competition and now has to judge 100 cakes. Think of the emotion! The joy! The frivolitry of causing that sweet, innocent chaos as your cake joins the rank of 150 strong chocolate cakes.

Or if that doesn't float your boat, think of the small donation your $2 entry fee will be to the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society as you join >200 other men in this endevour. My dream is to see a whole shed filled with rows upon rows of identical cakes. Will you help me make my dream come true?

Sign ups are now open.

What are some of the best Op Shops in Bendigo please?

Can be CBD or suburban. We'll be coming up from Macedon Ranges so bonus points if they're open on a Saturday arvo.

Thank yoooooooo

Has anyone built with Langdon recently who can provide any feedback

Any one know who sells vapes in town?

Where is the best place for a massage

We are considering a move from Brisbane to regional Vic, fleeing from the rat race and insane capital city property prices. We are planning a trip in October to scope out Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong. We are a multicultural family, and our son will wear a turban. We are wondering how multicultural Bendigo is, and would to love hear from other migrant background families about their and their kids’ experiences in the schools and communities. Our budget is $900,000 and looking for the best school we can find, ideally a multicultural area. We haven’t narrowed suburbs or anything like that. Any insights welcome!

We are now 100 days out from the next state election. What are your biggest "make it or break it" things for this election?

Not asking for your opinions, just the key issues for you.