NDIS Community Participation in Ballarat: 25 Ideas to Get You Out and About

Getting involved in your community is one of the best ways to build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy meaningful connections. At Ballarat Support Services, we love helping participants plan days that are fun, inclusive and built around their interests — without the stress of organising everything alone.

If you have NDIS Core funding for “Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation”, you can use it for activities that help you connect, build independence and try something new.

Below are 25 local ideas to inspire your next outing — whether you’re joining one of our group sessions or booking 1:1 community access with our team.

Outdoor & Nature Activities

1. Explore the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Lakeside walking paths

2. Visit the Lake Wendouree playgrounds and birdwatching spots

3. Take a short drive to You Yangs Regional Park for a wheelchair-friendly walk

4. Enjoy a relaxed picnic at Victoria Park

5. Spend time gardening or learning plant care at a local nursery

 Arts & Culture

6. Visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat for a quiet sensory-friendly session

7. Try a paint-and-sip art workshop or pottery class

8. See a live performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre

9. Explore the Ballarat Heritage Centre

10. Visit a local craft market or community art show

Social & Local Cafés

11. Meet friends for coffee at an accessible café in Buninyong or Creswick

12. Take part in a “coffee and chat” morning with your support worker

13. Visit the Ballarat Farmers Market and try local produce

14. Enjoy a lunch outing in the Bridge Mall precinct

15. Support small local cafés during weekday quiet times

 Fitness & Fun

16. Try a session at an accessible gym or pool

17. Take a beginner yoga or gentle movement class

18. Walk the Ballarat Wildlife Park and meet the animals

19. Try indoor bowling, mini-golf, or laser tag with your group

20. Join a casual local walking or fitness group

Volunteering & Learning

21. Volunteer at a community garden or animal shelter

22. Attend a life-skills workshop (budgeting, cooking, goal setting)

23. Visit the Ballarat Library for classes or quiet reading

24. Join a community event or festival to meet new people

25. Help plan and run one of our own BSS weekend or day activities

Planning Your Day with BSS

When you book through Ballarat Support Services, we help with:

• Transport (including wheelchair-accessible vehicles)

• Scheduling and tickets

• Meal planning and budgeting

• Support to build independence and confidence

Ready to Start?

Book 1:1 Community Access

See Upcoming Activities

At Ballarat Support Services, there’s no out-of-pocket cost for participants joining our group and respite activities — we handle the details so you can simply show up and enjoy your day.