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
Gravity stays behind the cameras
THE team responsible for producing the television coverage of the Powercor Stawell Gift will remain behind the...
8 September, 2026
Commonwealth Bank backs food relief initiative
ARARAT’s Community Food Van has received a financial boost thanks to the...
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...
Council & Politics
On an island over farmer fines
A NORTHERN Grampians councillor has stood alone against calls for fines issued to Victorian farmers over property...
7 September, 2026
More police to make Stawell safer
MEMBER for Lowan Emma Kealy said operating hours at Stawell Police...
Liberals’ plan to make Ararat safer
THE Coalition says it will increase the operating hours of the Ararat...
Local News
Ripon candidate announced by One Nation
A speech pathologist from Gippsland has been selected as One Nation's...
Rural & Agriculture
Bird Flu detected in Pyrenees Shire
THE Pyrenees Shire has reported its first confirmed case of the H5 virus also knows as bird flu. The Department of...
4 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...
Ewe beauty, a ripper day at Marnoo
TORRENTIAL rain failed to dampen spirits at Marnoo last Wednesday as...
289 ewes stolen from Lexton
BEAUFORT Police are investigating the theft of 289 pregnant ewes from a...
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
A passion in full bloom
JOHN Welsh only has to step into his backyard to be surrounded by the...
Beers to flow again at Elmhurst
AFTER its closure six years ago, the Elmhurst Pub is preparing to...
Lexton pub set to pour again
LEXTON’S Pyrenees Hotel is preparing to open its doors once again, with...
Our People
Life membership for history stalwart
AROUND 31 years ago, Diane Western and her husband Tim were the driving force behind an initiative to preserve local...
7 September, 2026
Backing the Blizzard one parma at a time
ARARAT RSL is throwing its support behind local Olympian Sarah Blizzard,...
Summerfield Winery wins big
FAMILY owned Summerfield Winery is celebrating after taking home the...
Medal presentation at Government House
ARARAT’S Jane Richardson made her way to Government House in Melbourne...
Sport
Bulldogs roar into grand final
SMW Rovers’ 13-and-under netballers have booked their place in the Mininera District Netball League grand final after...
8 September, 2026
Eagles hold nerve to book grand final spot
Ararat Eagles A-Grade netballers have booked their place in the Mininera...
Tatyoon stars sweep best-and-fairest honours
Tatyoon’s Alice Astbury, Ella Wood and Alyssa Townsend all claimed...
Price falls one vote short in thrilling WFNL count
Ararat Rats’ 17-and-under netballer Bridie Price has capped off a...