Latest News
Scott rewarded after years of near misses
After numerous second-place finishes, Liam Scott has claimed his maiden best and fairest, winning the CKS Swifts vote count by 23 votes ahead of Scott Carey.
8 October, 2026
General News
Police remembered at Ararat service
A MEMORIAL service was held in Ararat last week to remember police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in...
6 October, 2026
Lions fire up fundraising campaign
STAWELL Lions Club has set itself a $32,000 fundraising challenge as it...
Halls Gap News, Ararat News, Stawell News
Deer monitoring trial launches across the Grampians
PROJECT Platypus has officially launched a new community-led initiative...
Coalition boost for neighbourhood houses
VICTORIA’S Neighbourhood Houses will receive a $10 million funding boost...
Council & Politics
Both sides back Skipton Reserve rebuild
SKIPTON Recreation Reserve will get funding for a complete rebuild no matter who wins November’s election. The...
6 October, 2026
Labor commits to old school site
THE first major announcements of the Victorian election campaign were...
Councils walk away from VNI West process
NORTHERN Grampians Shire has walked away from a key VNI West assessment...
Coalition pledges Halls Gap to zoo shared trail
A NEW 3.3-kilometre shared walking and cycling path connecting Halls Gap...
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
Native Flower Show returns this weekend
THE districts biggest gardening event of the year, The Pomonal Native Flower Show, returns today and tomorrow at the...
3 October, 2026
100 years on canvas, 25 in the bottle
ONE hundred years after Sir Arthur Streeton painted one of western...
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...
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
Fowkes backs up with another Warriors best and fairest
Stawell Warriors ruckman Josh Fowkes has continued his dominance at club level, claiming a second consecutive senior...
8 October, 2026
Top marksmen take aim at Stawell
Stawell Rifle Club is putting the final preparations in place ahead of...
Combine begins title defence with Cocks back at the helm
Swifts/Great Western will begin its Horsham Cricket Association campaign...
Taylor secures first Rats best and fairest
Ben Taylor has claimed his first Ararat Rats senior best and fairest...
Business
Who will take the Golden Mug?
THE second Golden Mug competition run by the Greater Ararat Business Network has come to an end, but the winner won’t...
6 October, 2026
Seppelt revival starts with wine
GETTING Great Western’s historic winery ready for the 2027 harvest will...
Back in the market
BRUCE McIlvride had been out of real estate for more than two years, but...
Last day of business for Steve Hughan
AFTER a lifetime serving the gardeners of Ararat, local businessman...
Opinion & Perspectives
OPINION - Cr Bob Sanders, Mayor Ararat Rural City Council
Council is now well into planning for the festive season, and I am pleased to say there will be plenty happening...
8 October, 2026
Local News
Canberra Calling - Dr Anne Webster MP
OPINION I am livid that - yet again - the Albanese Labor Government are...
Message from Leanne Shea, Acting CEO, Maryborough District Health Service
Spring is here, and as we welcome in the new season with all its...