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_