Mostly sunny day today, but expect some scattered showers during the late afternoon and evening. We will reach a top of 14. With high winds predicted today SES unit controller in Ararat Donna Dunmore warned residents to tie down loose objects after several backyard items, including trampoline netting became a projectile during Tuesday's storm.

What's On Today:

Daniel Champagne will perform for Ararat Live tonight at the Ararat Hotel’s Red Room. And for an extra treat Candice McLeod will warm up the audience before Daniel’s show. Entry is $20 and bookings can be made by contacting Dave Nicholson on 0409 848 960 or email: araratlive@davidsmedia.com with your details or check out the website. There is also a Facebook group ‘Ararat Live’. Full story

Today is Red Nose Day across the country. Red Nose Day, held annually on the last Friday in June, is the major fundraiser for SIDS and Kids. Funds raised through Red Nose Day activities assist SIDS and Kids in providing vital services and programs to the Australian community. More info

The Ararat Musical Comedy Society's production of The Witches of Eastwick comes to an end this weekend, with the penultimate show tonight, before tomorrow's final curtain. Tickets are available at the Ararat Performing Arts Centre box office or at www.trybooking.com

This Weekend's Football:

Saturday: Ararat Eagles v Wickliffe/Lake Bolac (Alexandra Oval), Great Western v Hawkesdale/Macarthur (Great Western), Tatyoon v SM&W Rovers (Tatyoon), Moyston/Willaura v Glenthompson/Dunkeld (Willaura).

Sunday: 'Battle of the Great Divide' - Ararat v Stawell at Alexandra Oval.

FOOTY HQ for match reports

Quote of the Day:

"If we are not on our game early and let them have control like we did in the first round, if the weather conditions aren't real flash, then they are going to be hard to beat." - Rats' joint-coach Andrew Louder on this weekend's clash with bitter rivals Stawell.

Trains:

Coaches will replace trains between Melbourne and Ballarat from Saturday June 28 to Tuesday July 15. Trains will continue to operate between Ballarat and Ararat/Maryborough. Ballarat trains will no longer stop at North Melbourne station from July 16.

Competition:

The Build and Renovating Expo is renowned for connecting trade professionals and keen renovators with hundreds of quality suppliers. Ararat Advertiser readers have the chance to win tickets to the 2014 Expo. To win, send in your name, address and telephone number on the back of an envelope marked ‘Build and Renovating Expo Competition’ to our office at 3 Ligar Street, Ararat. The Build and Renovating Expo 2014 will be held from July 4 - 6 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.