Latest News
Blizzard embracing fresh start ahead of World Cup campaign
Australian bobsleigh Olympian Sarah Blizzard is leaving no stone unturned as she prepares for the upcoming World Cup season, with a renewed focus on improving every aspect of her
30 July, 2026
General News
Carers group reconnects families across the district
CARERS are among the community’s quiet achievers, providing support around the clock, often with little recognition....
28 July, 2026
Local News
McCracken says regions paying price for Big Build scandal
REGIONAL communities may have missed out on billions of dollars’ worth...
Early Learning Centre on track for 2027 opening
CONSTRUCTION of Avoca's new Early Learning Victoria centre is...
Call for more foster carers in Ararat
WITH family violence, housing instability and cost-of-living pressures...
Council & Politics
'Goodbye': premier bows out of Labor leadership contest
Ben Carroll is set to become Victoria's 50th premier as Jacinta Allan stands aside to avoid a bloody leadership...
28 July, 2026
Local News
Ben Carroll crowned Labor leader after caucus stoush
Ben Carroll will be sworn in as Victoria's 50th premier after Jacinta...
Lowan remains a desert for political candidates
THE safe National Party seat of Lowan isn’t attracting much interest...
Local News
Defiant premier to fight for leadership if challenged
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced she will fight to keep her...
Rural & Agriculture
One life lost on farms every six days
ONE person died on an Australian farm roughly every six days last year, according to new figures released as part of...
24 July, 2026
Local News
Help to build a stronger wine industry
THE Federal Government has introduced new legislation to boost...
Local News
Tiny ancient fungi could slash Aussie fertiliser bill
A team of scientists has built Australia's first highly detailed...
Local News
Precautions urged as sixth bird flu case confirmed
AUSTRALIA’S sixth bird flu case has been confirmed as the nation's top...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Local singer embraces country roots with latest release
TRAWALLA local and independent singer-songwriter Stephanie Skidmore, better known by her stage name Steffii, is...
26 July, 2026
Beaufort rugged up for winter twilight market
There was a real sense of winter magic in the air as locals wrapped...
Clever towns set to battle it out in crossword challenge
SEVEN townships across three central Victorian shires will go...
ARTS presents awards for Grease
FOLLOWING the successful staging of Grease at the Ararat Town Hall in...
Our People
Margaret Hunter celebrates 90th birthday
AVOCA resident Margaret Hunter celebrated her 90th birthday recently surrounded by family, friends and plenty of...
29 July, 2026
Strength of Women leaves a lasting legacy
THE success of the book The Strength of Women, produced by Dean and...
Above and beyond - Skipton Fire Brigade celebrates its people
SKIPTON Fire Brigade recently held its annual Awards Presentation Night,...
As I Remember - Brad Hunt
BRAD Hunt has had an extraordinary life journey. From attending Stawell...
Sport
Slow start costs Warriors against Tigers
The Stawell Warriors were left to rue a sluggish start in round 14 of the Wimmera Football Netball League, falling to...
29 July, 2026
Warriors close in on finals berth
The Stawell Warriors A-Grade netballers have moved one step closer to...
Warriors advance to preliminary final
Last Sunday, in perfect sunny weather for football with little or no...
Baggies honour Carey with dominant 69-point victory
CKS Swifts celebrated Scott Carey's 300th game in the best possible...