Meet some of the women shaping Ballarat’s tourism scene

Ballarat is buzzing with creative energy and a big part of that is thanks to the amazing women leading the charge in our local tourism and hospitality scene. From unforgettable dining experiences to leading Australia’s most iconic outdoor museum, these female leaders are pivotal in giving visitors to Ballarat an unforgettable experience.

Jane Baker & her daughters: Mrs Baker’s Still House

Tucked away in the quiet Glenpatrick about 50 minutes northwest of Ballarat, Mrs Baker’s Still House is a mother-and-daughters run micro-distillery that celebrates the art of distilling, specialising in small-batch gin.

Jane Baker and her daughters, Elizabeth the distiller and Georgette the designer, have built an award-winning business which offers tours and tastings that give visitors an inside look at how these beautiful spirits are made. With their welcoming atmosphere and top-notch gin, the Baker family has created a destination that’s become a must for anyone visiting the region – and it’s the perfect spot to sip, relax and learn a little something new.

Dianne Ray: The Shared Table

Dianne Ray is a chef and owner of The Shared Table in Buninyong, with the restaurant recently celebrating its fifth anniversary. Growing up on a dairy and pork farm in northern Victoria, Di developed a deep respect for produce from an early age.

After a career in emergency nursing and raising four children, she pursued a mature-age apprenticeship under renowned Ballarat chef Peter Ford. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Di’s resilience has shaped her culinary journey.

The Shared Table emphasises local ingredients by working directly with local growers, producers and artisans to create a menu that celebrates the community and supports a vibrant, sustainable future.

Sara Quon: Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill has long been the crown jewel of Ballarat’s tourism offering – and much of that is thanks to the incredible work of CEO Sara Quon. This iconic attraction takes visitors on a journey back to the 1850s gold rush era, offering an immersive, living history experience like no other.

Under Sara’s leadership, Sovereign Hill has continued to evolve, adding interactive exhibits and new events like accessible gold panning and the Heritage Harvest Festival. Perhaps most notably, the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, where skills from the past are preserved through workshops and masterclasses, opened in 2022.

Lilly Wright: Flying Chillies & Not Your Grandma’s Pantry

Lilly Wright is the force behind Flying Chillies, and more recently, Not Your Grandma’s Pantry – two local food businesses that bring flavours that pack a punch to the Ballarat community.

Lilly’s love affair with cooking began when she was a child in her mother’s kitchen. Her ever-evolving business now sees her serving delicious authentic Malaysian and Indonesian food at a variety of local markets while also leading cooking classes covering topics like Indonesian street food, laksa, dumplings and more.

These women are just a few of the incredible forces shaping Ballarat’s tourism and hospitality scene. Their businesses and organisations are proof that passion, creativity and a deep connection to the local community are what make Ballarat such a unique destination.