Latest News
Both sides back Skipton Reserve rebuild
SKIPTON Recreation Reserve will get funding for a complete rebuild no matter who wins November’s election. The Liberal-Nationals Coalition and Labor both made substantial promises
2 October, 2026
General News
REZ fight may not be over
THE fight over the eastern boundary of the Western Renewable Energy Zone may not be over after all. Three months...
29 September, 2026
Keeping Stawell’s history alive
STAWELL’S past is keeping a dedicated group of local volunteers busy,...
Lessons in resilience and opportunity
MORE than 100 people from the Beaufort district gathered recently for an...
Ararat CFA open day puts fire safety in the spotlight
THE Ararat Fire Brigade will open its doors to the community on...
Council & Politics
Regional road maintenance needs to de-privatised say Greens
THE Greens candidate for Lowan wants road maintenance to be brought back in house under state management via a...
30 September, 2026
$1.5 million owed
PYRENEES Shire Council has seen a five-fold increase in unpaid rates and...
Setting the stage for the future
THE Stawell Entertainment Centre has been serving the community for more...
Work underway
AFTER a delay of eight years, work has commenced on the next stage of...
Rural & Agriculture
Good times return to sheep country
THERE is a renewed sense of optimism among sheep producers. The paddocks are green, dams are full, wool prices are...
28 September, 2026
Bird Flu detected in Pyrenees Shire
THE Pyrenees Shire has reported its first confirmed case of the H5 virus...
Ararat News, Avoca News, Beaufort News, Stawell News
Bird flu edges closer to the Grampians
POULTRY farms and people with backyard chickens are being urged to...
Ewe beauty, a ripper day at Marnoo
TORRENTIAL rain failed to dampen spirits at Marnoo last Wednesday as...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
100 years on canvas, 25 in the bottle
ONE hundred years after Sir Arthur Streeton painted one of western Victoria’s most celebrated landscapes, the country...
30 September, 2026
Grampians Brass to raise the roof
ARARAT’S Town Hall is set to come alive with the sound of brass music...
Footy rocks hidden around Ararat
HAVE you seen any rocks ‘rocking’ footy colours around town? 70 Lowe...
Costa to headline Lexton expo
ONE of Australia’s most beloved and recognisable TV personalities has...
Our People
Ready to rumble
FINDING a Brisbane supporter in Ararat might be hard, but finding a Freemantle supporter is even harder. But the...
26 September, 2026
Old mates weave plans for reunion
A SIMPLE idea to bring a few former workmates together for a photograph...
Avoca firefighters rise to stair climb challenge
AVOCA firefighters Jesse Leenaerts and Patrick McKinnis recently took on...
Celebrate diversity and connection
ARARAT residents are invited to come together for a special Welcoming...
Sport
McLoughlan claims best and fairest
Laney McLoughlan's outstanding season was rewarded last week, claiming the Ararat Rats A-Grade netball best and fairest.
30 September, 2026
Dowling claims second consecutive best and fairest
Great Western A-Grade netballer Monique Dowling has won the club's best...
10th time's a charm for Clarkson
Stawell Warriors stalwart Jemma Clarkson has cemented her place among...
Wotherspoon claims best and fairest honours
In his second full season since returning to football, Jack Wotherspoon...
Business
Last day of business for Steve Hughan
AFTER a lifetime serving the gardeners of Ararat, local businessman Stephen Hughan closed the doors to his Ararat...
27 September, 2026
Cheers! It’s a deal for Seppelt
ONE of Great Western’s most important institutions is changing hands,...
Opening success for Elmhurst Hotel
ELMHURST Hotel has wasted no time welcoming locals back through its...
Grampians Vinegar wins gold
GRAMPIANS Vinegar has brought home an impressive haul from two of...