A speaking event featuring former AFL player Ben Cousins was axed at a Ballarat hotel. The decision came after local anger. This is the second time a scheduled appearance for Cousins has been cancelled in recent days. Community outrage led to the decision to cancel. The venue cancelled the booking. This recent cancellation follows a previous cancellation earlier in the week. Cousins was planned to talk at the venue. Organisers said they acknowledged the anger from the community.