The Courier (Ballarat, VIC)

The Ballarat Courier is a daily newspaper that serves the Ballarat area in regional Victoria. It was founded in 1867 by Robert Clark and Edward J. Bateman, initially operating under the name Bateman Clark & Co. The first office was situated on the south side of Sturt Street, just east of Albert Street. The original newspaper featured four broadsheet pages and was produced on a hand press, capable of producing around 300 copies each hour. In 1871, the office relocated to 24 Sturt Street, and by 1889, the partnership between Clark and Bateman ended, with Clark taking full ownership. In 1922, the paper transitioned into a private company known as Ballarat Courier Proprietary, and the following year, it acquired its rival, The Star. The format of the newspaper shifted from broadsheet to tabloid in 1944.

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#118168

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#2082

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#116

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Uncertainty hangs over planned Ukraine peace talks

1 day ago | thecourier.com.au | Dmitry Antonov |Andrew Osborn

The Kremlin says the talks are on in Istanbul but won't say whether Vladimir Putin will be there. Photo: AP PHOTOUncertainty swirls around what could be the first direct peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv in years after the Kremlin held off disclosing who would represent Russia, and Ukraine demanded clarity before deciding on its own actions. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Alleged victim of Lucas carjacking 'has nothing left', court hears

1 day ago | thecourier.com.au | Bryan Hoadley

Ballarat Law Courts, where a man charged with aggravated carjacking applied for bail on May 13, 2025. Picture by Adam TraffordA tradie has been denied bail over an alleged aggravated carjacking in which a woman was beaten and had all her "worldly possessions" burnt. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Motorcyclist seriously injured in crash with car in Sebastopol

2 days ago | thecourier.com.au | Adam Spencer

A motorcyclist has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after a crash with a car in Sebastopol on Tuesday evening. Picture fileA motorcyclist has suffered serious injuries after a crash with a car in Sebasopol on Tuesday evening. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Proposed emergency services levy would cost struggling communities millions

2 days ago | thecourier.com.au | Monique Patterson

Hundreds of people, including Waubra Country Womens Assiation president Kate Tol (centre), protested on the steps of Parliament on Tuesday, urging the state government to "scrap the tax". Picture by Petra OatesThe proposed new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund will see small regional communities fork out millions of dollars extra each year. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
'What were you thinking?' Dad chastised over 186-metre burnout at Learmonth

2 days ago | thecourier.com.au | Bryan Hoadley

Ballarat Law Courts, where a man pleaded guilty on May 13, 2025, to a driving offence. Picture by Adam TraffordA Ballarat East dad who was caught doing burnouts in front of numerous witnesses has been chastised by a magistrate for "immature" and "dangerous" behaviour. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
'It has a build-up effect': Police plea after regional road tragedies

2 days ago | thecourier.com.au | Adam Spencer

Three people have been killed in two separate crashes in Pootilla and Eganstown in the Ballarat region, in a horror few days. Two people have also been flown to hospital following the incidents. Google MapsPolice in Ballarat and across Victoria are once again pleading with drivers and road users not to take risks, after nine fatalities in Victoria, including three in the Ballarat region, in three days. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Why were trucks under scrutiny on the Western Freeway on Tuesday?

2 days ago | thecourier.com.au | Adam Spencer

Ballarat Highway Patrol officers along with the National Heavy Vehicle regulator were inspecting trucks and their drivers as a part of Operation Vector on the Western Freeway in Bungaree on Tuesday, May 14, 2025. Picture by Lachlan BenceAt least one truck driver has allegedly tested positive for drugs during an operation focusing on heavy vehicle compliance in the Ballarat region. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
'His daughter?': Magistrate taken aback by man's explicit photo excuse

2 days ago | thecourier.com.au | Bryan Hoadley

Ballarat Law Courts, where a man pleaded guilty on May 9, 2025, to sending offensive messages. Picture by Adam TraffordA father who sent sexually explicit messages and photos of his genitals to a housing assistance worker later told police he thought he was messaging his daughter, a court has heard. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Sussan Ley becomes first woman to lead Liberal Party

2 days ago | thecourier.com.au | Brittney Levinson

NSW MP Sussan Ley will lead the federal Liberal Party, replacing Peter Dutton to become the first female leader of the party. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Hamas frees Israeli-American as Trump heads to Mideast

2 days ago | thecourier.com.au | Nidal al-Mughrabi |James Mackenzie

Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander has been freed by Hamas after 19 months of captivity. Photo: AP PHOTOAn Israeli-American hostage has been released from 19 months of captivity in Gaza during a brief pause in fighting and reunited with his family, but Israeli strikes on the battered enclave soon resumed. Subscribe now for unlimited access.