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G'day Ballarat! The Marathon Festival is here and the weather cannot be any better. This week's edition has a fair bit in it (sorry for the length). A few markets worth checking out, the Council asking for your feedback, the Transfer Station is finally getting some attention, the events and much more. Grab a cuppa and enjoy the read.

– Luciano Devoto

The third Ballarat Marathon Festival is on this weekend, now the fourth-largest full marathon in Australia behind Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne. More than 12,000 runners will tackle the Marathon, Half, 10km, 5km and Mile, starting and finishing at Town Hall with the course winding past the Arch of Victory and around Lake Wendouree.

The Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Sturt Street kicks off at 6am, followed by gunfire breakfast at the RSL Midlands. Services also run at the Arch of Victory, Ex-POW Memorial, Sebastopol, Buninyong and Miners Rest, with the main march stepping off from Lyons Street North at 10.30am. Full service list.

The second Ballarat Community Disability Expo runs Wednesday 29 April at MARS Stadium, 10am to 1pm. It's free, with local providers, housing options and allied health services all under one roof. First 200 through the door get a free barista coffee, so get in early.

The Community Care Centre Ballarat is asking locals to help cover diesel costs so it can keep running its support trips out to Natimuk and Skipton. A small thing with a meaningful flow-on effect for the regional communities they serve.

The Food Truck Festival is back at The Goods Shed on Saturday 25 April, running 4pm to 10pm. A big lineup of trucks, live music, and free face painting from 4pm to 8pm for the kids. Entry is $2 for adults and $1 for kids aged 2 to 16.

On Sunday 26 April, The Goods Shed hosts a market day from 10am to 3pm with small business stalls, live music and free facepainting for the kids. A lovely way to wind down after the Marathon, with entry at $2 for adults and $1 for kids 2 to 16.

Grace Crowe, Mackenzie Estlick and Armani Anderson helped Victoria's relay squad claim national gold at the Under 20 championships in Brisbane, smashing the championship record in the process. Pretty special for three local runners to be part of that moment.

Council has confirmed plans for a second gatehouse and a new pricing structure at the Gillies Street Transfer Station, aimed at cutting the long wait times. And after years of asking, a hard waste kerbside collection service is being planned for next year, with details still to come.

Council is asking residents for ideas on what the old Llanberris Athletics Reserve should become next. The outdated track is being reshaped and there's a chance to help steer where it lands. If you've got thoughts, they're keen to hear them via MySay.

Victoria's free public transport period has been extended through until Sunday 31 May. Trains, trams, buses and V/Line coaches all free, and no myki needed. Handy for Marathon weekend, Anzac Day commemorations, and anyone heading into Melbourne over the break.

Once the free travel period ends on 31 May, Victoria moves straight into half-price fares until 1 January 2027. A full-day fare drops from $11.40 to $5.70, and the government says the average daily commuter will save more than $850 across that period.

Here’s the cheapest petrol and diesel around town:

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Until next Thursday!

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