Latest News
More than a secret handshake: Freemasons dispel the myths
FREEMASONRY has been part of Ararat’s history for more than 165 years. Freemasons first arrived in the district in 1856, with formal Freemasonry commencing in 1859. Despite its
8 September, 2026
General News
Commonwealth Bank backs food relief initiative
ARARAT’s Community Food Van has received a financial boost thanks to the Commonwealth Bank. The Community Food Van...
8 September, 2026
Lions’ care continues at Lowe Street
MARY Schwencke may no longer work at 70 Lowe Street, but leaving the job...
Clinic supporting women during Women’s Health Week and beyond
‘DO it anyway’ is the theme of this year’s Women’s Health Week, which...
Work underway at Alluvial Estate
WORK has commenced on the next stage of a new housing project expected...
Council & Politics
Liberals’ plan to make Ararat safer
THE Coalition says it will increase the operating hours of the Ararat Police Station front counter if successful at...
31 August, 2026
Local News
Ripon candidate announced by One Nation
A speech pathologist from Gippsland has been selected as One Nation's...
Council appoints new CEO
ARARAT Rural City Council has announced the appointment of Phuong Au as...
Treasurer tackles regional issues
NEW Victorian Treasurer Colin Brooks spent Tuesday in Ararat meeting...
Rural & Agriculture
Bird flu edges closer to the Grampians
POULTRY farms and people with backyard chickens are being urged to monitor their birds as the deadly bird flu virus...
25 August, 2026
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...
Kelvin remains Australia’s top sheep assessor
ARARAT’S Kelvin Donnan has been crowned AuctionsPlus' Top Throughput...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Old blankets tell new stories
WOOLLEN blankets once made to keep people warm have found a very different purpose in a new exhibition at Ararat...
6 September, 2026
Beers to flow again at Elmhurst
AFTER its closure six years ago, the Elmhurst Pub is preparing to...
Ella Hooper brings the songs of Linda Ronstadt to Ararat
ARARAT will welcome Ella Hooper and an all-star band to the Ararat Town...
Local News
Dolly Parton, queen of country music, dies at 80
Queen of country and the singer songwriter behind Jolene, 9 to 5 and I...
Our People
Backing the Blizzard one parma at a time
ARARAT RSL is throwing its support behind local Olympian Sarah Blizzard, launching a new promotion that will see $1...
6 September, 2026
Medal presentation at Government House
ARARAT’S Jane Richardson made her way to Government House in Melbourne...
A hot meal and a friendly face
EVERY week, a team of dedicated volunteers go to work delivering a vital...
Steve closes the garden gate
For 96 years, the Hughan family have been providing plants, seeds and...
Sport
Tatyoon stars sweep best-and-fairest honours
Tatyoon’s Alice Astbury, Ella Wood and Alyssa Townsend all claimed Mininera District Netball League best-and-fairest...
8 September, 2026
Price falls one vote short in thrilling WFNL count
Ararat Rats’ 17-and-under netballer Bridie Price has capped off a...
Harrington crowned WFNL’s best and fairest
Ararat Rats’ footballer Patrick Harrington has been crowned the Wimmera...
Rats to face Saints for grand final berth
Ararat will face Horsham Saints at Central Park, Stawell, this Saturday...