Latest News
Suspected killer bird flu found on Australian mainland
A single suspected case of bird flu has triggered fears a deadly strain that has killed millions of animals worldwide has reached the Australian mainland.
21 June, 2026
General News
Community battery switched on
BATTERY installation works at Pomonal Community Hall were successfully completed this week, marking an important...
20 June, 2026
Big investment in Beaufort Pool
BEAUFORT’S ageing swimming pool is set to receive a maintenance overhaul...
Tiny Towns grant delivers $33,000 for Warrak playground
THE rejuvenation of the Warrak Recreation Reserve has taken another big...
A lesson learned on a park bench
NORTHERN Grampians Shire chief executive Brent McAlister still remembers...
Council & Politics
Another candidate enters the race
A fourth candidate has entered the race for the seat of Ripon. Ararat resident Bernard Quince confirmed this week...
13 June, 2026
Council records strong community satisfaction results
ARARAT Rural City Council has welcomed the results of the 2026 Local...
CEO resigns
Ararat Rural City Council Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Harrison has...
Local News
Coalition guarantees a fair share
THE Liberal-Nationals coalition has promised 25 per cent of all...
Rural & Agriculture
Snake Valley unites against gorse
THE distinctive yellow flowers of gorse are appearing across the region to the dismay of local farmers. Gorse is a...
6 June, 2026
Local News
Increased local crushing capacity key to scaling up canola production
EXPANDING domestic crushing capabilities will be key to scaling up...
Ararat News, Avoca News, Beaufort News, Stawell News
Fox bounty extended as $84 million flows to agriculture
LAST week’s state budget will deliver $84 million to support...
Ararat News, Avoca News, Beaufort News, Stawell News
Australia to have another 'crack' at Indian trade deal
AUSTRALIA will go back to the drawing board with India on expanding its...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Music and coffee for a good cause
STAWELL residents gathered at the Town Hall Hotel Lounge Bar recently for an afternoon of live music, coffee and...
10 June, 2026
GLOW festival countdown begins
HALLS Gap is preparing to shine again, with GLOW — Bringing Light to...
Beaufort ready for big art weekend
BEAUFORT will become a lively creative destination this King’s Birthday...
Grease tickets now on sale
DON’T be a beauty school dropout, be liked greased lightning and book...
Our People
Top award for Skipton grocers
THE staff at Skipton Country Grocers have been recognised for excellence at a recent awards ceremony. Skipton Country...
18 June, 2026
The long way home: Fifty years of friendship, service and community
FOR most people in Stawell, the Monaghan name probably arrives with...
Celebrating 45 years of dedication to education
AFTER nearly five decades of dedication to education, Beaufort Secondary...
Joyce Dowsett OAM recognised posthumously in King’s Honours
As the sun set on Stawell resident Joyce Dowsett’s life in September,...
Sport
Refreshed Warriors eye return to winners list
The Stawell Warriors are refreshed following a two-week bye and will look to hit the ground running and rebound from...
19 June, 2026
Bulldogs set for Swans showdown
SMW Rovers will be searching for their first win of the season when they...
Warriors ready for Roos challenge
Following two weeks off the court, the Stawell Warriors’ A-Grade...
Titans set for season-defining clash
Two of the Mininera District Netball League's benchmark teams will go...