If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of swapping city chaos for regional calm, Lesley’s story might just resonate with you. Moving from Melbourne’s inner suburbs to the leafy haven of Lucas was a leap of faith for her family, but one that turned out to be a jackpot of lifestyle wins.
Lesley’s a triathlete, but she’s far from the image of a lone, intense workout warrior. She’s a fun, family first, outdoors loving dynamo who balances training, work, and toddler life. Talking with Lesley leaves you genuinely inspired to lace up your runners and hit the trail, her achievements are impressive, but it’s her down to earth spirit that truly motivates.
“I grew up playing netball and was always sporty, and then when we moved over to Australia in 2013, I decided to take up a new challenge. I couldn’t swim, and so decided to give triathlon a go, so I could learn. I’ve been hooked ever since!”
Lesley just completed the Cairns 70.3, winning her age group and 3rd overall. This isn’t your casual Sunday jog, it’s a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride, and a half marathon run all rolled into one epic race. “It’s my fourth time doing the Cairns 70.3 and my 20th time completing that distance,” she says, “and yes, we do love escaping to Far North Queensland for some winter sun, even if the weather here doesn’t quite prepare me for it!” She’s also aiming for the Surf Coast Century cycling event in September as a team with some friends, a perfect blend of competition and good company.
Recently Lesley won her age group in both the Long Course triathlon and Standard-Distance Duathlon at the World Champs in Townsville. But even more exciting was placing third in her age group at the Ironman 70.3 World Champs in Taupo last December. The event itself is held in high prestige and had a very competitive field.
Clearly, Lesley’s no stranger to chasing, and smashing big goals.
But training for big events is a family affair. “My husband and I both plan our training schedules around work and family life. My training gets priority, which I’m incredibly grateful for!” The family are always there to cheer for Lesley at races, and this means Alex her son gets to see that health and fitness are a big part of life.
Speaking of Alex… he completed a one-mile race at the recent Ballarat Marathon and ran the whole way. At 3.5 years old! He was so pumped he needed a race t-shirt (thanks, Gran). According to Lesley everywhere he goes, it’s a race. Plus, he loves kicking balls, basketball, and riding his Spiderman bike. Future triathlete in the making? Could be!
Living in Lucas close to tracks and trails helps with training “For me, I love the accessibility of the rail trail and could run on it for hours (depending on the wind direction!!). But one thing that’s great about being here, is the oval. I have done A LOT of laps around the oval for my training over the past year. It’s so convenient, it’s great for doing specific intervals and quality runs, and I don’t have to worry about cars or traffic. I can be really efficient too. Trying to fit so much into the week, I need to make the most of starting straight from my door, instead of having to drive somewhere, as much as possible.”
Lesley loves the peace and quiet that comes with regional living, too. “I’m swimming now with a great bunch of people from Swimace Swim Squad, which is great for improvements and meeting like-minded people. Plus, I’m exploring new cycling routes around Ballarat, which keeps things interesting.”
On family life, she says, “Alex’s daycare is local, and he’s got a great group of friends. It’s lovely that they grow up together in the community.”
From triathlon triumphs to local races, Lesley’s life in Lucas is a masterclass in mixing passion with practicality. It’s proof that with the right location and a lot of family teamwork, you can have your cake – and run, bike, and swim it too.
Lucas Locals is an initiative celebrating the unique stories and vibrant spirit that make this community truly special.
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.
Nestled in Coltman Plaza, the Lucas Town Café has been a beloved local gem since it first opened its doors on September 25, 2013. But back then? It was a whole different scene.
When Lynn and Malo decided to open their very first café, there was hardly a bustling street to speak of. Just cows and sheep casually crossing the road! The only neighbors at the time were wide open spaces and a vision. Over the years, the community grew around them, with Wilsons building, McDonald’s, Ballarat Community Health, and the Integra office all opening nearby, turning Lucas from a quiet patch of land into a lively neighborhood hub.
Malo’s passion for hospitality was the initial spark. Having studied cookery, Malo and Lynn spotted a fresh opportunity when Coltman Plaza was originally seeking tenants. It just so happened to align with Malo graduating. “Melbourne felt too busy, too competitive,” Lynn recalls. “So we decided to move to Ballarat from Melbourne and give it a go.” And so, they packed up and moved, ready to share their love of great food and warm company with the locals.
Lucas Town Café isn’t just about great coffee and tasty treats, it has become a cornerstone of the community. Over 12 years, Malo and Lynn have seen countless milestones. From watching their own children grow to witnessing families start, settle, and thrive around them. The café is a backdrop to a lot of people’s daily ritual.
Lynn and Malo acknowledge the communities unwavering support during the challenging days of the pandemic. “Our customers came every day, often refusing to redeem free coffees on their loyalty cards because they wanted to support us as much as possible,” Lynn shares. This extraordinary kindness inspired Malo to keep prices steady even as supplier costs kept going up. An act that deeply resonates with the community spirit they’ve organically nurtured here.
If you’ve ever visited the café, you know the warm welcome that comes with every order. The team’s knack for remembering customer’s favorite drink isn’t magic, just genuine enthusiasm. “We love making people feel like friends, not just customers, it’s about connecting, about hearing about your day.”
Reflecting on Lucas’ transformation, Malo and Lynn are in awe of the community’s thoughtful growth. “We love the Lucas Community. People here are so nice and warm. Even though Malo and I are a different nationality, we feel so involved and supported. We are proud we are a part of the Lucas Community.”
Though they don’t have immediate plans for big changes at the cafe, Lynn and Malo do dream of refreshing the café’s look, aiming to create an even more inviting space for their customers. And no matter what the future aesthetic is we hope that Malo and Lynn keep serving up cups of coffee for many years to come and we thank them for being such incredible Lucas Locals.
In a world that can sometimes feel rushed and disconnected, Lucas Town Café stands as a pillar of warmth, friendship, and belonging – a reminder that sometimes the best ingredients for a thriving café are love, care, and a genuine community spirit.
So next time you’re in Lucas, drop by for a coffee, a chat, and a taste of the kind of neighbourly love that only a place like this can brew.
Lucas Locals is an initiative celebrating the unique stories and vibrant spirit that make this community truly special.
For the past twelve years, Dr Michael Akindeju has called Lucas home. Arriving in 2012, he quickly fell in love with the suburb’s unique blend of community spirit, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient amenities—a place where city life meets a welcoming, close-knit neighbourhood.
Lucas is more than just a location to Michael; it is a vibrant, multicultural hub where diverse backgrounds thrive side by side. He affirms that for many residents, especially those from multicultural and African heritage, “opportunities drew people here, but community made it home.”
A committed leader and advocate, Michael has been deeply involved with the Ballarat African Association (BAA), a non-profit organisation supporting Africans and their families in Ballarat. Founded in 2006, the BAA fosters cultural exchange, social connectedness, and empowerment for African Australians.
Serving as President from 2019 to 2023, Michael spearheaded initiatives to celebrate African identity, combat discrimination, and nurture self-confidence within the community. Under his leadership, the association launched workshops and programmes that not only challenged stereotypes but also encouraged entrepreneurship. His efforts helped establish eight African-owned businesses in Ballarat, creating over 40 employment opportunities and amplifying the African community’s influence in local and state policy and social spheres.
Beyond his community work, Dr Akindeju is a leading figure in nanotechnology—a highly specialised field focused on manipulating materials at the atomic and molecular level. Through his consultancy, MKPro Engineering Pty Ltd, he develops innovative nanoparticles with wide-ranging applications, from medicine to electronics. His company strives to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical industry needs. Michael is also an Adjunct Assoc. Professor at the Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability | Federation University, Australia.
Operating a business in Ballarat comes with challenges but also unique opportunities. “Ballarat has limited diversity in chemical process engineering, which means there’s a real need for innovation and specialised expertise,” Michael explains. Balancing his professional ambitions with family life, he remains committed to pushing technological boundaries while meaningfully contributing to his local community.
One of MKPro’s latest ventures, IntoxiSense by MKPro, exemplifies its mission to drive innovation. This groundbreaking tool provides a non-invasive, precise solution for detecting substances and assessing cognitive impairment—a technology with potential applications across law enforcement, defence, healthcare, mining, and aviation. Michael invites community members to explore this exciting technology through the MKPro website, emphasising the importance of local engagement in advancing science and industry.
As he envisions the future, Dr Akindeju remains deeply rooted in Lucas. For him, the suburb is more than just a place to live—it is a place to grow, connect, and thrive. With his unwavering dedication to community building and technological innovation, he continues to shape Lucas into a hub of progress and inclusivity.
Lucas Locals is an initiative celebrating the unique stories and vibrant spirit that make this community truly special.
Meet Mark Simmonds, a passionate communicator and creative professional who’s making a meaningful impact in our community.
As Marketing and Communications Manager at Ballarat Community Health, Mark is part of a dedicated team of approximately 300 staff with approximately 100 of those staff being based right here in Lucas. This facility, serves as a cornerstone of healthcare in the western region of Ballarat, providing a range of services including GP and other specialist clinics, mental health support, and allied health services. People travel far and wide to access our services, “it really makes me feel like I’m part of something big here in Lucas.”
His days might involve rolling out health campaigns on issues like vaping, cardiac health, healthy ageing in the community and coordinating various awareness initiatives, but don’t expect cold corporate speak from Mark. His style is grounded, thoughtful, and deeply people focused – kind of like the man himself. Whether he’s chatting with colleagues or capturing moments through his lens, Mark has a calming presence and a knack for putting people at ease.
But let’s rewind a bit. Mark’s career started with a Bachelor of Arts and a leaped into the world of acting. He landed roles in TV commercials, radio spots, and short films – though he’s quick to acknowledge that the challenges of the entertainment world didn’t suit him – too many hours spent agonising over landing a notable role. That twist in the plot led him to communications in the healthcare sector, where storytelling meets impact – and he hasn’t looked back.
When he’s not at the office, Mark is likely to be found trackside, camera in hand, capturing the sweat, spirit, and triumph of some of Australia’s top athletes. Under the brand “Marked Moments,” he specialises in capturing the raw emotion and energy of professional athletics, particularly in running events. His work has garnered attention for it’s personal, raw and connected style, covering events like the prestigious Stawell Gift, Australian Cycling Championships and the Australian Athletic Championships.
Mark enjoys a balanced lifestyle in Lucas, appreciating the community atmosphere, proximity to work, and access to parklands. He values the flexibility and freedom his location offers, often commuting by bike or on foot. You may spot Mark walking around with his beautiful Golden Retriever, Ellie, who would love to say hello to any passer-by.
Mark Simmonds’ journey is a proud thread in the fabric of Lucas, having lived here since 2019. Lucas Locals is an initiative celebrating the unique stories and vibrant spirit that make this community truly special.
For more information on Mark’s photography work, you can visit his portfolio at markedmoments.shootproof.com or follow on Instagram, marked_moments_