Latest News

Ararat rail gains hard to measure after free fares
VICTORIA’S free public transport initiative may be over, but questions remain about how much impact it had for Ararat passengers.
9 June, 2026
General News
Reject shop takes on a new look
AFTER a month long closure, customers flocked back to Ararat’s Reject Shop on Wednesday to find a new look shop with...
7 June, 2026
Ararat rallies behind Brodie Hunter
THE Ararat community is getting behind a young kidney transplant...
160 Years of family winemaking
BEST’S Wines at Great Western celebrated a remarkable milestone over the...
Fro Yo Fun scoops up fans in Halls Gap
A NEW dessert destination in Halls Gap is quickly building a loyal...
Council & Politics
Council records strong community satisfaction results
ARARAT Rural City Council has welcomed the results of the 2026 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey, which...
7 June, 2026
CEO resigns
Ararat Rural City Council Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Harrison has...
Local News
Coalition guarantees a fair share
THE Liberal-Nationals coalition has promised 25 per cent of all...
Kick Start grant sweetens the deal
ARARAT Rural City Council has congratulated Ange Leithhead and the team...
Rural & Agriculture
Increased local crushing capacity key to scaling up canola production
EXPANDING domestic crushing capabilities will be key to scaling up Australian canola production in the future,...
26 May, 2026
Ararat News, Avoca News, Beaufort News, Stawell News
Fox bounty extended as $84 million flows to agriculture
LAST week’s state budget will deliver $84 million to support...
Ararat News, Avoca News, Beaufort News, Stawell News
Australia to have another 'crack' at Indian trade deal
AUSTRALIA will go back to the drawing board with India on expanding its...
Local News
The 'horrific' disease hitting regional Aussies hardest
By Duncan Murray/AAP. EXPOSURE to pesticides and other environmental...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
GLOW festival countdown begins
HALLS Gap is preparing to shine again, with GLOW — Bringing Light to Halls Gap — now less than a month away. The...
9 June, 2026
Beaufort ready for big art weekend
BEAUFORT will become a lively creative destination this King’s Birthday...
Grease tickets now on sale
DON’T be a beauty school dropout, be liked greased lightning and book...
Ararat Live Host the Deserters
THE Deserters will return to Ararat Live this week comprising of the...
Our People
Pumpkin Rivalry at Men’s Shed
MEMBERS of the Pomonal Men's Shed last week celebrated their victory from the Moyston Easter Market earlier this...
7 June, 2026
Shannon's push for mental health awareness
ON average, nine people die by suicide every day in Australia — seven...
Black and Ginger Wines chasing young gun honours
LOCAL winemaker Hadyn Black of Black and Ginger Wines is once again...
Ararat artist takes flight in Paper Bird Illustration awards
Ararat artist Janette Lucas has been recognised after being shortlisted...
Sport
Redbacks under-16 boys reach quarter-finals
The Ararat Redbacks under-16 boys produced a strong showing at the McDonald's Ballarat Junior Basketball Tournament...
9 June, 2026
Redbacks under-12 boys reach semi-finals
The Ararat Redbacks under-12 basketball team produced an impressive...
Mounties win hard-fought contest
Last Sunday, in round seven of the ADJFA at Richardson Oval, Mounties,...
Grampians United juniors display determination
Grampians United Soccer Club hosted a full day of junior action at...




