Latest News
Peaks trail back in business
ONE of the region’s most iconic overnight hiking trails has reopened to visitors following extensive safety works following bushfire damage. The 164-kilometre Grampians Peaks Trail
16 March, 2026
General News
Heritage hurdle cleared for Western Highway duplication
EASTERN Maar Aboriginal Corporation has approved the Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the Buangor–Ararat section...
15 March, 2026
Funding boost for Ararat North Primary School
STUDENTS at Ararat North Primary School will soon benefit from a big...
Pick up your copy today
Your local Ararat Advocate is out today with a big wrap of local news...
Ararat News, Buangor News, Beaufort News, Stawell News
No Date. No Cost. No Finish Line.
MORE than 15 years after governments first promised to duplicate the...
Council & Politics
Urban roads to be sealed
A number of local streets in Ararat township will be upgraded to a sealed standard this financial year as part of...
2 March, 2026
Ararat News, Avoca News, Beaufort News, Stawell News
New rules aim to ease rate pressure
VICTORIANS doing it tough financially are set to receive clearer and...
Buangor Ben-Nevis bridge works reach construction milestone
PILING works on the new Buangor Ben-Nevis Road bridge are now complete,...
Tehan resigns from front bench, runs for deputy
THE Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is one on many Liberals who resigned...
Rural & Agriculture
Agricultural production on track to exceed 2030 industry target
AUSTRALIA’S farm gate production value is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year – four years ahead of...
9 March, 2026
More water for local farmers
CONTSRUCTION has commenced on the Mininera Rural Pipeline Project,...
Ararat News, Avoca News, Beaufort News, Stawell News
Virtual fencing gets the green light
VICTORIAN cattle producers can now harness cutting-edge technology to...
Ararat News, Avoca News, Beaufort News, Stawell News
Start of harvest brings fire warning
THE harvesting season has begun and is prompting warnings from CFA to...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Barkly Street set to shine
CHROME is gleaming and the engines are rumbling in Barkly Street this morning with the Show Us Your Wheels exhibition...
14 March, 2026
Barkly Street set to shine
CHROME will gleam, engines will rumble and Barkly Street will become...
No victory lap for Ross Wilson
ANNIVERSARIES tend to tidy things up. They package a life into a phrase...
A year on, the Mess and Barracks continues to raise the bar
IT was a long time coming but the Mess and Barracks has certainly lived...
Our People
Clippers, cheers and community spirit
STUDENTS at Ararat College went under the clippers this week as part of the World’s Greatest Shave, raising $2633 to...
8 March, 2026
Unforgettable surgeon left lasting mark on Ararat
Garry James Thomas Lewis — known by some simply as “GJT” or "Mr Lewis" —...
Volunteers planning Harmony Day feast
VOLUNTEERS are preparing to cook up a feast for Harmony Day celebrations...
Ararat Scouts building skills for life
ARARAT Scout Group is continuing to bring young people together each...
Sport
Pumas focus on growth in 2026
After a challenging 2025 season without a win, Moyston Willaura’s A-Grade netball side is entering 2026 with renewed...
13 March, 2026
Magpies begin rebuild with new coach and strong recruits
Wickliffe Lake Bolac’s senior footballers are embarking on a rebuild in...
Like a Phoenix, Pauline surges to National Championships
Streatham Masters Athlete Pauline Graham has taken up the challenge of...
Kookaburras lose thriller to conclude season
Halls Gap Kookaburras fell five balls short of making the Horsham...