Latest News
Council urged to renew China link
THERE are calls for Ararat to re-establish its sister-city relationship with the Chinese city of Taishan. The relationship between the two cities was struck in the 1990s, but in
16 May, 2026
General News
Silence is helping nothing’: Carthew speaks out
INSIDE a meeting room only metres from the factory floor at AME Systems, Nick Carthew had just finished speaking to...
13 May, 2026
Rural residents call for improved mobile coverage
IN an age where connectivity is essential for business, households and...
Major infrastructure projects progressing across Ararat Rural City
ARARAT Rural City Council is progressing a suite of major infrastructure...
Reject shop set for fresh new look after refit
ARARAT’S Reject Shop is temporarily closed while its parent company...
Council & Politics
One Nation eyes Lowan and Ripon
Emboldened by securing its first lower-house election victory in Farrer, One Nation figureheads have signalled more...
10 May, 2026
Nationals unveil their candidate for Ripon
THE Nationals have selected former Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong as their...
Ararat News, Buangor News, Elmhurst News, Lake Bolac News, Maroona News, Pomonal News, Moyston News, Willaura News
Council to finalise election “wishlist”
WITH a state election just eight months away, Ararat Rural City Council...
Liberals rush to finalise Ripon candidate
THE Liberal Party is hoping to have a candidate on the ground soon for...
Rural & Agriculture
Fox bounty extended as $84 million flows to agriculture
LAST week’s state budget will deliver $84 million to support agricultural industries. The budget includes $62 million...
12 May, 2026
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...
AFL’s Rodey Eade has a yarn at Nutrien Ag Solutions
NUTRIEN Ag Solutions welcomed clients and their families last week for a...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Historic stables reimagined at Mount William Station
MOUNT William Station at Willaura has enjoyed a stellar year, capping off last year’s win in the Victorian Tourism...
12 May, 2026
Grape Escape delivers boost to regional economy
GRAMPIANS Grape Escape has wrapped a massive three days in Halls Gap,...
Glenn Starr brings classic hits to Ararat
ARARAT residents are invited to enjoy a midweek musical escape when...
Fungi take centre stage at WAMA
WAMA’s newest exhibition, Entanglements with Fungi: Life, Death and...
Our People
As I Remember - Joy Wheeler
FEW people can say they’ve seen the Queen in person—let alone four times—but for Ararat’s Joy Wheeler, those moments...
10 May, 2026
As I Remember - Geoff Penna
Geoff’s enthusiasm and warm welcome begin the moment we sit down for the...
As I remember - Keith Little
By Nicole Potter IF a life could be measured by the places it has...
Can anyone beat this?
IT seems to have been a good season for potatoes across the region, but...
Sport
Rats fall in one-goal thriller against Eagles
Ararat’s A-Grade netballers returned from a two-week break to produce a strong performance, but ultimately fell just...
13 May, 2026
Tatyoon News, Streatham News, Mininera News, Ararat News, Great Western News, Moyston News, Willaura News
Eagles bounce back
The Ararat Eagles bounced back from their recent loss to Tatyoon with a...
Rats overcome slow start to defeat Eagles
Ararat overcame a goalless first quarter to produce a commanding...
Lake Bolac News, Wickliffe News
Eagles overpower Magpies
Wickliffe Lake Bolac Magpies fell to Hawkesdale Macarthur Eagles by 33...