Latest News
A message from Maryborough District Health Service Acting CEO Leanne Shea
As October comes to a close, we've had the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the staff who make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of our community every
30 October, 2026
General News
Remembering Sergeant John McNally at Cathcart cemetery
MEMBERS of the public, Victoria Police and the Ararat Blue Ribbon Foundation gathered at Cathcart Cemetery recently...
26 October, 2026
Local News
Milestone celebrated at Crowlands church
MEMBERS of Uniting Church congregations from across the district...
Intersection upgrade
TRANSPORT Victoria is about to commence work upgrading one of Ararat’s...
150 years of rail
THE Avoca community came together in big numbers on Tuesday to...
Council & Politics
Another week passes…. but no Donna
ONE Nation’s Candidate for Ripon remains a bit of a mystery and is yet to speak with local media or councils. Donna...
25 October, 2026
$8m pledge towards pool redevelopment
THE long-awaited redevelopment of Stawell’s indoor swimming pool has...
Trains return under Coalition promise
THE Liberal National Coalition will later today unveil a plan to return...
Safety fears remain despite servo approval
A NORTHERN Grampians Shire councillor has maintained his opposition to a...
Rural & Agriculture
Getting youth back into agriculture
THREE Ararat students have been busy exploring future career opportunities in agriculture after taking part in ‘Defy...
27 October, 2026
Local News
Optimism high at southern ram sales
THE Southern Victorian Merino Group’s on property ram sales were...
Local News
Spring rains a godsend
LOCAL farmers are delighted after more than two inches of gentle rain...
Local News
Farmers adding AI to their toolkits
FARMERS are training AI to help them make business decisions while...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Buangor Motor Show revs up
BUANGOR had its engines revving last weekend, with the Buangor Motor Show drawing close to 1,000 patrons to the...
25 October, 2026
The show goes on
Despite rain overnight, Ararat Show Society has posted on Facebook that...
Stawell Show set for today
THE wait is almost over, with the Stawell Agricultural Show returning to...
Ararat Show promises a fun-filled day for the whole family
THE annual Ararat Show is just under a week away, with the committee...
Our People
Final act of generosity from the Y-Zetts
THE Stawell Y-Zetts have donated $10,000 to the Stawell Hospital Foundation, marking the conclusion of more than 50...
25 October, 2026
Nepal ties run deep for Avoca
THERE is a long and deep connection between Avoca and Nepal. For Deborah...
Ararat virtuosos head to Sydney Opera House
Ararat’s Sing Australia group is preparing to take its voices to one of...
Race to the top for Stawell CFA
SEVEN members of the Stawell Fire Brigade recently took on the gruelling...
Sport
Wildcats under-14s finish runners-up
The Stawell Wildcats under-14 boys' representative basketball team finished runners-up at the Warrnambool Seaside...
29 October, 2026
Wildcats Under-12 boys light up Warrnambool
The Stawell Wildcats under-12 boys representative team lit up the...
Redbacks under-14 girls show growth
Ararat Redbacks’ under-14 girls showed plenty of determination and...
Wildcats Under-14 girls show promise
The Stawell Wildcats under-14 girls showed positive signs at the...
Business
GABN Member profile – G.J. Gardner Homes Ararat, Horsham & Hamilton
BUILDING a custom home should be an exciting journey backed by transparency and trust. At G.J. Gardner Homes Ararat,...
19 October, 2026
Who will take the Golden Mug?
THE second Golden Mug competition run by the Greater Ararat Business...
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...
Opinion & Perspectives
A message from East Grampians Health Service Chief Executive Nick Bush
It is with sadness that I write this Advocate column. This is due to the cowardly attack on the Federal Member for...
30 October, 2026
This Christmas, give Stawell a gift too
By Llewelyn Clark, President of StawellBiz
From your Mayor - Cr Bob Sanders
There is certainly plenty happening across Ararat Rural City at the...
Opinion - Preparing for summer starts with us
Preparing for summer starts with usWith elections and major projects...