General News
4 April, 2026
Mayor says Stawell ready for a big Easter weekend
Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Karen Hyslop says Stawell is preparing for one of its biggest and most defining weekends of the year — a time when the town fills, the streets come alive and the region puts itself on show. Cr Hyslop said the Easter long weekend, alongside the April school holidays, offered a snapshot of what makes the Northern Grampians tick — from major events to quieter, community-led moments.
“While all roads lead to Stawell at Easter, there are great events throughout the shire, from the Great Western Rodeo on Good Friday, a tennis carnival in St Arnaud and Ozact’s annual performances of Shakespeare at Heatherlie Quarry in Halls Gap,” she said.
That sense of activity extends well beyond the Stawell Gift, with markets, exhibitions and local events drawing people across the district.
“Halls Gap Primary School will present a market on Easter Sunday and for the art lovers, throughout the weekend there are exhibitions at Stawell Railway Station Gallery, St Arnaud Raillery Hub, Deep Lead and WAMA Halls Gap.
“There are harness and horse-racing meets, the Stawell Lions Club Easter Carnival at Cato Park – which features fireworks from 8.30pm on Easter Saturday – and the StawellBiz Easter Extravaganza.”
In the centre of town, Main Street will again become a focal point on Easter Saturday, with the StawellBiz Easter Extravaganza running from 9am to 2pm.
“The extravaganza, on Easter Saturday from 9am to 2pm, offers a wonderful opportunity for people to reconnect with family and friends and support local traders,” Cr Hyslop said.
“The main street will come alive with street performers, local singing group ‘Accidental High Notes’, children’s activities, market stalls, a barbeque, raffles and a visit from the Easter Bunny.”
At Central Park, the Stawell Athletic Club will host the three-day Stawell Gift Carnival from Easter Saturday through to Easter Monday — the historic footrace remaining the weekend’s centrepiece.
“We encourage people to come along and enjoy everything the Stawell Gift has to offer, including the fashions day on Saturday, Sunday’s Easter egg hunt including more than 7000 Easter eggs, and of course, the exhilarating finals on Monday,” Cr Hyslop said.
“The Stawell Gift is such a wonderful event for the whole family and it’s something our town and our region is really proud of.
“People can learn more about its history through a visit to the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame.”
Beyond the long weekend, the school holiday program continues across the shire, with the Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre offering activities for all ages.
Highlights include a Swim Smart and Stay Safe session with Ambulance Victoria on Thursday, April 9, and a Boogie Bounce session on Monday, April 13, both requiring bookings.
“These activities are sure to be popular, so book early to avoid disappointment,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Other activities include aqua sensory play, pickleball, an SSAC challenge, children’s yoga, stadium games and Dungeons and Dragons.
“The festivities conclude with an all-ages pool party on Friday, April 17 from 2pm to 4pm, which is sure to be a lot of fun. You can visit the centre’s Facebook page for more information.”
Free access to pools and the stadium will be available for young people aged 10 to 15 throughout the holidays, while a walking football session for those aged 16 and over will be held on April 8.
Local libraries will also run activities across the break, from story time sessions and craft events in Stawell to board games, badge-making and a scavenger hunt in St Arnaud.
“The library will run this all day, so you can drop in and enjoy a game at any stage,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Staff are also encouraging people to bring in board games to play.”
Cr Hyslop said the Easter period was driven by the efforts of local volunteers, groups and organisers.
“Thank you to everyone who makes all of these wonderful events and activities happen,” she said.
“I encourage you to jump on to council’s website and see the full event calendar for the holidays.”
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