Latest News
Both sides back Skipton Reserve rebuild
SKIPTON Recreation Reserve will get funding for a complete rebuild no matter who wins November’s election. The Liberal-Nationals Coalition and Labor both made substantial promises
6 October, 2026
General News
First concrete sleepers arrive for rail upgrade
THE first concrete sleepers have arrived along the Maroona–Portland rail line, marking a major milestone in the $166...
5 October, 2026
Local youth programs in jeopardy
A local organisation assisting young people with employment and...
Local News
REZ fight may not be over
THE fight over the eastern boundary of the Western Renewable Energy Zone...
Keeping Stawell’s history alive
STAWELL’S past is keeping a dedicated group of local volunteers busy,...
Council & Politics
Councils walk away from VNI West process
NORTHERN Grampians Shire has walked away from a key VNI West assessment group, accusing the process of becoming...
5 October, 2026
Coalition pledges Halls Gap to zoo shared trail
A NEW 3.3-kilometre shared walking and cycling path connecting Halls Gap...
Both sides back Skipton Reserve rebuild
SKIPTON Recreation Reserve will get funding for a complete rebuild no...
Farewell Dr Tim
LONG-serving Ararat Rural City Council chief executive officer Dr Tim...
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
Combine begins title defence with Cocks back at the helm
Swifts/Great Western will begin its Horsham Cricket Association campaign tomorrow with both its A-Grade and B-Grade...
2 October, 2026
Taylor secures first Rats best and fairest
Ben Taylor has claimed his first Ararat Rats senior best and fairest...
McLoughlan claims best and fairest
Laney McLoughlan's outstanding season was rewarded last week, claiming...
Dowling claims second consecutive best and fairest
Great Western A-Grade netballer Monique Dowling has won the club's best...
Business
Seppelt revival starts with wine
GETTING Great Western’s historic winery ready for the 2027 harvest will be the first major priority for Seppelt’s...
5 October, 2026
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...
Cheers! It’s a deal for Seppelt
ONE of Great Western’s most important institutions is changing hands,...
Opinion & Perspectives
Canberra Calling - Dr Anne Webster MP
OPINION I am livid that - yet again - the Albanese Labor Government are treating farmers and our food security like a...
3 October, 2026
Message from Leanne Shea, Acting CEO, Maryborough District Health Service
Spring is here, and as we welcome in the new season with all its...