G'day Ballarat! How's the wallet looking after the Melbourne Cup? A little fatter, or are you avoiding eye contact with your bank balance? Either way, I hope you enjoyed a cheeky glass of bubbles and the great weather on Tuesday!

Speaking of horses, a Ballarat mother and daughter have come home with eight Special Olympics medals, competing on horses they'd only just met. We've also got a steam train making an unexpected appearance on Lydiard Street, plans for a whole new suburb north of Ballarat, and much more.

Enjoy the read.

– Luciano Devoto

Imagine competing at a national equestrian event on a horse you've only just met. Now imagine coming home with eight medals!

That's exactly what Ballarat mother and daughter Joanne and Isabelle Cuddy achieved at the Special Olympics National Games in Melbourne.

Joanne teamed up with former racehorse Spud for two silvers and two bronzes, while 19-year-old Isabelle rode Charlotte to dressage gold and three more medals.

That gold also puts Isabelle in the running to represent Australia at the 2027 World Games in Chile. Quite the mother-daughter achievement!

Don't panic if you spot a steam train rolling down Lydiard Street. It's probably just your phone playing tricks on you!

The Roam Discovery Trail was unveiled on Monday, with 10 markers stretching from the Goods Shed to Dana Street.

Using augmented reality, you'll soon be able to discover the stories behind familiar buildings and see Ballarat's past come to life, including a full-sized steam locomotive.

The paddocks around Mount Rowan and Miners Rest could look very different in the coming years, with the State Government approving plans for nearly 6,000 new homes.

The development could eventually house around 13,000 people, with four schools, sporting facilities, parks and $164 million in proposed infrastructure.

Construction is still some way off, but that's practically a small town being added to Ballarat.

A food hamper shouldn't come with a guessing game about what to cook!

The Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council has secured $59,000 for Cultural Kitchens, partnering with the Salvation Army to offer culturally familiar ingredients, cooking demonstrations and shared meals.

It's a simple but thoughtful idea: making sure food assistance actually suits the people receiving it.

With athletics moving to the brand new Wendouree facility, what's next for Llanberris Reserve?

Council has approved plans to open the reserve for everyday public recreation, keeping the running track but removing the grandstand and timing tower in early 2027.

Good news for anyone wanting somewhere to run laps without having to dodge traffic.

From Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 November, Council is offering free green waste disposal at the Ballarat Transfer Station in Alfredton.

You can drop off up to 4.5 cubic metres of grass clippings, leaves and small branches without paying a cent. Your garden gets a tidy-up, and your wallet gets a break.

V/Line is replacing evening trains with coaches from Sunday 8 to Tuesday 10 November for maintenance works.

Services will be affected from 7 pm or later, depending on the day and direction, with coaches running the entire journey. Allow an extra 40 minutes to get where you're going.

Council is inviting locals to have a say on its 2027/28 budget, covering everything from roads and parks to libraries and community services.

There's a short survey about budget priorities, with feedback closing Sunday 15 November.

Eight private gardens around Creswick are opening their gates this Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November for the Garden Lovers Weekend.

Now in its 11th year, it's a rare chance to wander through some beautiful gardens, meet the owners and pinch a few ideas for your own backyard.

There's also a flower show, plant sale and scarecrow competition. All proceeds support local Creswick projects.

4🛏️ 3🛁 5🚗 | House | 4,550m²

It's not every day a house comes with its own roundabout!

Hidden behind bluestone and wrought-iron fencing, this 1930s estate features marble fireplaces, gardens cultivated over 40 years, a charming sunhouse and even a private tennis court.

And it's just steps from Lake Wendouree. Plenty of room to lose the kids, or perhaps the in-laws!

What's your price guess?

Discover all events, activities, and live music around Ballarat each week inside our events calendar. Check it out!

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Until next Thursday!

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