Latest News
Continuity at the top
ARARAT Rural City Council has re-elected Cr Bob Sanders as Mayor, with Cr Teli Kaur also returned as Deputy Mayor for the 2026/2027 year. The appointments were confirmed at a
13 November, 2026
General News
Outdoor pools remain free
ARARAT Rural City Council will continue to open outdoor pools for free over the summer months, with opening dates and...
6 November, 2026
Generous gift to help Legacy families
ARARAT Legacy has received a substantial donation to assist the families...
Local businesses amongst the state’s best
VICTORIA’S best tourism businesses, attractions and experiences are in...
Construction to commence next week on highway duplication
MAJOR construction is planned to start in November to duplicate the...
Council & Politics
Hyslop to contest state poll
NORTHERN Grampians Shire Mayor Karen Hyslop is a surprise nomination for the November 28 Victorian election. Cr...
8 November, 2026
Donna’s here. Has anyone seen Craig?
AFTER weeks of unanswered emails, increasingly exasperated headlines and...
Local News
335 new fire trucks promised by Vic Coalition
THE Liberal-Nationals Coalition has promised to address the issue of...
Push to restore an Ararat icon
ARARAT Rural City Council and Grampians Community Health are calling on...
Rural & Agriculture
‘Race to the bottom' on migration hurts rural Australia
MIGRANTS are wrongly blamed for fraying social cohesion in the bush, with cost-of-living, isolation and populist...
8 November, 2026
Local News
Hot hay, high risk
HARVEST has started and so has the risk of heating hay. Every year,...
Getting youth back into agriculture
THREE Ararat students have been busy exploring future career...
Local News
Optimism high at southern ram sales
THE Southern Victorian Merino Group’s on property ram sales were...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Ararat Gold Cup to showcase club upgrades
The Ararat Turf Club is looking forward to welcoming the community to the Bet365 Ararat Gold Cup today, with...
8 November, 2026
Seven beautiful gardens open today
GARDEN lovers will have the opportunity to explore some of Stawell’s...
Orchid enthusiasts prepare for annual summer show
ORCHID enthusiasts from across the region will converge on Stawell this...
Step back in time at two gothic mansions
HISTORY lovers will have a rare opportunity to explore two of the...
Our People
Ararat virtuosos head to Sydney Opera House
Ararat’s Sing Australia group is preparing to take its voices to one of Australia’s most iconic stages, with members...
14 October, 2026
Ready to rumble
FINDING a Brisbane supporter in Ararat might be hard, but finding a...
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...
Sport
Grampians Playing Area Lawn Bowls pennant review - Round Four
Following another wet morning, the rain cleared to allow bowlers to take to the greens in the afternoon. In Division...
4 November, 2026
Stawell News, Pomonal News, Tatyoon News, Buangor News, Ararat News
Junior cricketers shine in round two
Round two of the Grampians Junior Cricket Association competition...
Landsborough News, Elmhurst News, Amphitheatre News
Landsborough win by a whisker
Landsborough and Elmhurst Amphitheatre played out a thriller in the...
Rhymney/Moyston make emphatic statement
It was third time lucky for Rhymney/Moyston, which finally got its...
Business
GABN Member profile – G.J. Gardner Homes Ararat, Horsham & Hamilton
BUILDING a custom home should be an exciting journey backed by transparency and trust. At G.J. Gardner Homes Ararat,...
19 October, 2026
Who will take the Golden Mug?
THE second Golden Mug competition run by the Greater Ararat Business...
Seppelt revival starts with wine
GETTING Great Western’s historic winery ready for the 2027 harvest will...
Last day of business for Steve Hughan
AFTER a lifetime serving the gardeners of Ararat, local businessman...
Opinion & Perspectives
A message from Ararat Mayor Cr Bob Sanders
There is a great deal to be proud of in our local business community, and this year’s East Grampians Business Awards...
3 November, 2026
Local News
A message from Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
One of the biggest reasons I got into politics was healthcare. That...
A message from East Grampians Health Service Chief Executive Nick Bush
It is with sadness that I write this Advocate column. This is due to the...
From your Mayor - Cr Bob Sanders
There is certainly plenty happening across Ararat Rural City at the...