Michaela SETTLE (Eureka) (09:56): Last weekend our wonderful township of Ballan came alive for the Ballan Autumn Festival, and what a magnificent weekend it was, with beautiful sunshine overhead and visitors flowing into town. The streets were full of colour, music and community spirit. The parade is always a highlight, and judging it is never easy, but it is great fun. The creativity on display was fantastic. This year the overall winner was a very deserving group, our emergency services, recognised by the crowd for the extraordinary work they do for our community every day. A particularly touching entry came from Norma and Bert Jarvis, who won most original for celebrating their remarkable 70th wedding anniversary, a beautiful milestone that brought smiles all along the parade route. Gordon Primary School took out best school with their joyful display of twirling umbrellas. Best community group went to the energetic Renegade Bootscooters. A shout-out also goes to the Gordon Ukestra, winners of best entertainers. I want to acknowledge the fantastic evening hosted on Friday by the Ballan chamber of commerce, led by president Laura Sims, but really a huge congratulations to all of the Ballan Autumn Festival’s small but incredibly dedicated group of volunteers, who make this event possible every year.