Latest News
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 provided in response to the January 2026 bushfires for primary
12 May, 2026
General News
Reject shop set for fresh new look after refit
ARARAT’S Reject Shop is temporarily closed while its parent company undertakes a full refit of the Barkly Street...
10 May, 2026
Blooming busy for Mother’s Day
FLORISTS worked around the clock this week in preparation for one of...
Postcards and a heartfelt message, Australia Post and Beyond Blue bring back the Fairy Wren postcards
CONNECTION Postcards initiative is back for 2026, delivered by Australia...
Help reimagine Ararat’s eastern entrance
HAVE YOU Ever wanted to design a town’s welcome sign? Ararat Rural City...
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
Australia to have another 'crack' at Indian trade deal
AUSTRALIA will go back to the drawing board with India on expanding its trade agreement, after finalising a free...
24 April, 2026
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...
Local News
Agricultural production on track to exceed 2030 industry target
AUSTRALIA’S farm gate production value is forecast to exceed $100...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Grape Escape delivers boost to regional economy
GRAMPIANS Grape Escape has wrapped a massive three days in Halls Gap, with more 7,500 people through the gates across...
9 May, 2026
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...
Grape Escape returns to Halls Gap
GRAMPIANS Grape Escape is set to again draw big crowds to Halls Gap from...
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
Pumas building strong culture
Moyston Willaura’s A-Grade netballers may still be searching for their first win of the season, but the foundations...
8 May, 2026
Rovers just fall short
Last Sunday in round four of the ADJFA, the vastly improved Rovers came...
Hawks storm home to sink Eagles
A dominant second half has propelled Tatyoon to a 21-point win over...
Wickliffe News, Lake Bolac News, Moyston News, Willaura News
Magpies bounce back in style
Wickliffe Lake Bolac has responded emphatically to its 99-point...