Latest News
Who will take the Golden Mug?
THE second Golden Mug competition run by the Greater Ararat Business Network has come to an end, but the winner won’t be revealed until October 28. The Golden Mug competition was
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...
Ararat CFA open day puts fire safety in the spotlight
THE Ararat Fire Brigade will open its doors to the community on...
Ararat rallies behind Nepal flood fundraiser
A FUNDRAISING dinner organised to support families affected by...
Council & Politics
Coalition pledges Halls Gap to zoo shared trail
A NEW 3.3-kilometre shared walking and cycling path connecting Halls Gap with the Halls Gap Zoo and Wildlife Art...
3 October, 2026
Farewell Dr Tim
LONG-serving Ararat Rural City Council chief executive officer Dr Tim...
Local News
Regional road maintenance needs to de-privatised say Greens
THE Greens candidate for Lowan wants road maintenance to be brought back...
Work underway
AFTER a delay of eight years, work has commenced on the next stage of...
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
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...
289 ewes stolen from Lexton
BEAUFORT Police are investigating the theft of 289 pregnant ewes from a...
Local News
Perfect mix: stage set for 'maximum' bird flu damage
THE concentration of a bird flu outbreak near the mouth of the Murray...
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
Celebrate diversity and connection
ARARAT residents are invited to come together for a special Welcoming...
Speed, science and human power
MAROONA Primary School students are gearing up for this year’s Energy...
Backing the Blizzard one parma at a time
ARARAT RSL is throwing its support behind local Olympian Sarah Blizzard,...
Sport
Taylor secures first Rats best and fairest
Ben Taylor has claimed his first Ararat Rats senior best and fairest after a standout season in the midfield.
1 October, 2026
McLoughlan claims best and fairest
Laney McLoughlan's outstanding season was rewarded last week, claiming...
Quixley claims Giants best and fairest
Players and supporters gathered on Friday, September 11, at a dinner...
Rats fall short in fightback
Last Saturday morning at the Horsham City Oval against the Nhill Tigers...
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
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,...
Opening success for Elmhurst Hotel
ELMHURST Hotel has wasted no time welcoming locals back through its...