Latest News
Swans rebound as Hawks, Tigers and Grasshoppers cruise
Natte Bealiba A-Grade netballers returned to the winners' list in round 15 of the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League, while fellow finals contenders Talbot,
28 July, 2026
General News
McCracken says regions paying price for Big Build scandal
REGIONAL communities may have missed out on billions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure because of alleged...
27 July, 2026
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...
Local News
AusAlert testing today
TESTING of Australia’s new emergency alert system will take place later...
Council & Politics
Lowan remains a desert for political candidates
THE safe National Party seat of Lowan isn’t attracting much interest with an election just four months away. Unlike...
27 July, 2026
Local News
Defiant premier to fight for leadership if challenged
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced she will fight to keep her...
Local News
$5 billion pledge to fix roads
NATIONALS candidate for Ripon Jo Armstrong said a $5 billion road...
CCTV push reaches Opposition Leader
A campaign for public CCTV cameras in Stawell has reached the state’s...
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
Above and beyond - Skipton Fire Brigade celebrates its people
SKIPTON Fire Brigade recently held its annual Awards Presentation Night, recognising the remarkable dedication and...
25 July, 2026
As I Remember - Brad Hunt
BRAD Hunt has had an extraordinary life journey. From attending Stawell...
From a town in crisis to a running success
WHEN floods struck Halls Gap in 2011, the damage was measured not only...
Stawell volunteers in running for state honours
THE culture of volunteering at Stawell Little Athletics has earned state...
Sport
Emus stay in finals hunt as Roos rise and Crows respond
The race for Central Highlands Netball League finals spots intensified in round 15 as Skipton kept its top-eight...
27 July, 2026
Swifts' champion Carey reaches 300-game milestone
CKS Swifts' great Scott Carey will join an elite group when he lines up...
Baggies show fight in defeat
Harrow Balmoral has returned to the winners' list with an 85-point...
All-Abilities Blue Ribbon football a huge success
The Police Blue Ribbon Foundation-Ararat Branch "Spirit of Sport" All...