Opinion & Perspectives
18 October, 2026
From your Mayor - Cr Bob Sanders
There is certainly plenty happening across Ararat Rural City at the moment. Wherever you look, there are signs of a busy spring, and some of the most noticeable are the roadworks underway in Ararat and our surrounding areas.
The final stages of the Mount William works are now underway, a new safety crossing is going in at the intersection of King and Barkly Streets, and the works at Coral Road are looking very impressive. It is pleasing to see these projects moving along and to watch the improvements taking shape.
Roads are something residents regularly speak to me and my fellow councillors about. They are part of everyday life, whether you are heading to work, taking the children to school, getting into town for an appointment or travelling between our smaller communities.
That is why it is good to see progress on the ground. There is always more to do, but each project is important to the people who use that road or intersection.
I know roadworks can be inconvenient, particularly when they affect a route you travel every day. I appreciate everyone’s patience while the work continues, and I ask motorists to take care around the crews and allow a little extra time where needed. We all want to see the work completed safely.
With so much happening, it is also worth taking a moment to recognise the people who keep our community going, often without much fuss or attention.
Nominations for the Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to do just that, and I urge residents to look around and consider who deserves to be recognised. You can nominate someone you know today at https://engage.ararat.vic.gov.au/
January might feel like a long way away, but it will come around quickly. Rather than leaving it until later, have a think now about someone whose contribution has made a difference.
We were thrilled with last year’s award recipients. It was a pleasure to recognise their efforts and hear more about the work they have done for our community.
There are many more tremendous people in our patch doing good work. They might be the person who is always there to help at the local club, someone who puts hours into a community organisation, or a resident who quietly lends a hand whenever it is needed.
Often, these people would be the last to put themselves forward. They simply get on with the job because they care about their town and the people in it.
A nomination is a chance to say that their efforts matter and have not gone unnoticed. It also gives the rest of us an opportunity to appreciate just how much happens through the generosity of local people.
As we head through this busy time of year, let us make sure we recognise not only the improvements around us, but the people who make our community what it is.
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