For Ryan and Hayley Maher, life in Lucas is equal parts community spirit, family chaos and the occasional BBQ shift. Hayley originally from Melbourne and Ryan Ballarat, the couple returned home after some travel, settling in Ballarat for the same reasons many others do – affordability, being close to family and a welcome break from city hustle.
Ryan has worked in heating and cooling for 27 years, most of that time right here in Ballarat. As the owner of RJM Heating Cooling, he provides local homes with heating and cooling and employs a local apprentice who’s been with him for 18 months. Hayley, after two decades as a dental assistant, made the leap to payroll and HR, joining long-standing Ballarat business, Sectrol Security.
Their three bright and genuinely lovely kids Noah, Matilda and Hudson, are familiar faces around Ballarat’s courts, pools and dance classes. The kind of kids you’d be really happy to have as neighbours or classmates, they keep the family schedule packed most weeknights and Saturdays, yet there’s always time carved out for catch ups with friends and the odd trip to Melbourne or Portarlington to visit family.
When Noah started in prep at Siena it was their 2nd year of being open, there has been huge growth and change at the school over the years and Hayley has been part of that growth. She spent two years co-running the Siena Catholic Primary fundraising committee and continues to serve on the School Advisory Council. Ryan was often by her side, flipping sausages for school BBQs. Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2023, the couple received the Katherine King Award for Community Service from the school.
The kids have made plenty of friends, and as a result, the Mahers’ social life in Lucas has grown in ways they never could have expected. The most meaningful connection came through the school community, when they met the Love family, now considered more like extended family.
Matilda met Emily in prep, and not long after, Hayley crossed paths with Emily’s mum, Bec, during a school fundraiser. Although they had never met before, Bec volunteered to help with the event Hayley was organising. Within weeks, the two were working side by side on school fundraising efforts.
“We have a super strong bond with both families now; it would be unusual for us to go more than a week without seeing each other socially. We wouldn’t survive without them in our lives now. Both families have been a support network for each other, and will continue to be for many years to come.”
The families Lucas story includes two builds, after deciding to put their first Lucas home on the market during Covid. The decision Hayley admits was born initially out of a bit of boredom.
“I was not keen to start with but once we started to look at new builds and the new areas of land that were being developed, I was quickly on board.” The family built their first house in the fairly early stages of development in Lucas back in Oct 2016.
“We had no neighbours for quite a while, as the area around us was still being developed. This provided us with spectacular views of the beautiful Lucas sunsets that we all know and love. We sold in 2020, rented in Lucas while we built (we don’t go far as you can see).”
“We really wanted a slightly bigger house second time around, so the main difference was an extra room to give us more space. We also were a bit closer to the shops and the rail trail which we knew we would be of benefit to us.”
“We built both houses with the same local builder as we knew what to expect and had had a positive experience 1st time around. We feel it is important to use local trades and businesses where possible, especially at the moment.”
The Mahers appreciate that Lucas doesn’t feel like a ‘cut and paste’ suburb. The parks, waterways and thoughtful design make it feel considered and community focused. The littlest Maher, Hudson also appreciates the important fact that there are no sharks in Lucas which one can only imagine makes him feel pretty safe. Favourite parks have shifted as the kids have grown and as Lucas has developed, but Central Park remains a winner. The nearby playground and basketball courts get plenty of use.
Whether it’s riding bikes on the rail trail, attending local events, or simply enjoying a summer’s night in a nearby playground, the Maher family has created more than a house – they’ve built a life and friendships that will last a lifetime. And as Lucas continues to grow, it’s clear this close knit, community minded family will be part of its story for years to come.
A final word from Tilly Maher
“I love how I can just admire the beautiful views here it so peaceful and calming, Lucas is a great place to live. I hope we continue to live in Lucas for many more years. I am excited to see what new things come to Lucas over the next few years for the whole community to enjoy.” Tilly Maher
Lucas Locals is an initiative celebrating the unique stories and vibrant spirit that make this community truly special.
