General News
18 April, 2026
Anzac appeal gains ground
AS Anzac Day approaches, a small army of volunteers has hit the streets selling traditional Anzac Badges to fund services for returned service men and women. Across Ararat Rural City, badges are on sale at more than 20 locations including special stalls outside Woolworths, Bendigo Bank and IGA along with other local businesses, schools and organisations including, local retirement villages, EGHS reception, Foster’s Mensland, Willaura Supermarket, Willaura Bakery and the Mess and Barracks.
Ararat RSL is preparing for a full day of commemorations this ANZAC Day, with services planned across the municipality.
Newly appointed RSL President Scott Rigby said the day will begin with the traditional dawn service at the Ararat Cenotaph.
“At the dawn service from 5:45am there will be a visual display for 15 minutes, then at 6 o’clock the service starts,” he said.
“It will be your regular dawn service, fairly short, followed by the gunfire breakfast.”
Later in the morning, the Anzac Day march will step off at 10am, making its way down the main street from the Edith Cavell memorial led by the Ararat City Band, with a Navy catafalque party and RSL members taking part.
Mr Rigby said this year’s guest speaker is local former RAF member Brad Hunt, who was raised in Stawell.
“It came to me last year, we were talking at the Mess and Barracks having a coffee and I said, how do you feel about being our guest for next year,” Mr Rigby said.
“I think it’s a great story to tell. The Air Force is a bit of a mystery to most people.”
Mr Rigby said the RSL was proud to have a local voice leading this year’s address.
“We get admirals and colonels from the army, but who better than to have a homegrown hero, and he’s got a story to tell,” he said.
Following the service, community members are invited to attend morning tea and a veterans’ lunch, while the traditional game of two-up will be held on the RSL lawn.
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