Latest News
$8m pledge towards pool redevelopment
THE long-awaited redevelopment of Stawell’s indoor swimming pool has received an $8 million election commitment from the Victorian Liberals and Nationals, potentially bringing the
23 October, 2026
General News
All aboard the election express
PASSENGER rail services could return to Stawell under a $51.2 million election commitment from the Victorian Liberals...
23 October, 2026
Local News
Mount William Road upgrade nears completion
THE finish line is in sight for the Mount William Road upgrade, with...
60 years of the SES
LOCAL residents flowed into Ararat’s SES headquarters last weekend for a...
New playground marks fresh chapter for Warrak
THE rejuvenation of Warrak Recreation Reserve took another important...
Council & Politics
Trains return under Coalition promise
THE Liberal National Coalition will later today unveil a plan to return passenger train services to Mildura and the...
19 October, 2026
Safety fears remain despite servo approval
A NORTHERN Grampians Shire councillor has maintained his opposition to a...
The waiting game
FIVE weeks ago, more than 1000 people descended on Marnoo for the...
Construction begins on Beaufort's new dog park
CONSTRUCTION is underway on the new Beaufort Off-Leash Dog Park,...
Rural & Agriculture
Spring rains a godsend
LOCAL farmers are delighted after more than two inches of gentle rain fell across the district in recent weeks.
19 October, 2026
Local News
Farmers adding AI to their toolkits
FARMERS are training AI to help them make business decisions while...
Good times return to sheep country
THERE is a renewed sense of optimism among sheep producers. The paddocks...
Bird Flu detected in Pyrenees Shire
THE Pyrenees Shire has reported its first confirmed case of the H5 virus...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Ararat Show promises a fun-filled day for the whole family
THE annual Ararat Show is just under a week away, with the committee gearing up for a fun-filled day of...
19 October, 2026
Stunning local garden opens this Sunday
13 Brewster Road Ararat is arguably the best garden in Ararat and local...
A beast of a production
TAKING on a tale almost everyone already knows has brought Stawell...
Buangor ready to rev up for motor show
BUANGOR is gearing up for a big day of motoring, music and community...
Our People
Nepal ties run deep for Avoca
THERE is a long and deep connection between Avoca and Nepal. For Deborah Barravecchia and her late husband, Mark,...
15 October, 2026
Ararat virtuosos head to Sydney Opera House
Ararat’s Sing Australia group is preparing to take its voices to one of...
Race to the top for Stawell CFA
SEVEN members of the Stawell Fire Brigade recently took on the gruelling...
Race to the top for Stawell CFA
SEVEN members of the Stawell Fire Brigade recently took on the gruelling...
Sport
Lee continues winning form
Lachlan Lee had a highly successful season with his local Grampians Giants All Abilities Football team and continued...
22 October, 2026
Grampians juniors launch season with victory
The Grampians Junior Cricket Association’s under-15 mixed team has...
Stawell club's win pennant thrillers
Stawell and Stawell Golf Bowling Clubs recorded thrilling victories in...
Baird blasts 155 to power Marnoo to victory
A blistering unbeaten century from Nic Baird has propelled Marnoo to a...
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...
Back in the market
BRUCE McIlvride had been out of real estate for more than two years, but...
Opinion & Perspectives
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...
18 October, 2026
Opinion - Preparing for summer starts with us
Preparing for summer starts with usWith elections and major projects...
Opinion - Cr Tanya Kehoe
What a busy weekend it has been but what a great start to October. The...
Local News
OPINION - GAYLE TIERNEY MP
As we move into spring and look to the challenges and opportunities that...