Latest News
Perfect mix: stage set for 'maximum' bird flu damage
THE concentration of a bird flu outbreak near the mouth of the Murray River is creating a perfect storm for the spread of the deadly virus, experts have warned. An escalating bird
8 August, 2026
General News
Norton Ford departs Stawell
NORTON Ford has closed its Stawell dealership, leaving a prominent Western Highway site vacant and ending its...
7 August, 2026
Teen to tackle 100km challenge for a water project in Nepal
ARARAT’S Bronson Potter is preparing to push himself to the limit,...
Banned fungicide detected at Lake Fyans
TRACE detections of a fungicide banned almost 20 years ago have raised...
New dog park nearing completion
CONSTRUCTION of the new community dog park at Centenary Park is entering...
Council & Politics
Council readies funding blueprint for redevelopment
NORTHERN Grampians Shire Council is expected to unveil a funding blueprint for the long-awaited redevelopment of the...
3 August, 2026
Marnoo to host Hanson
AS the Ripon electorate heads towards a closely watched state election,...
Push to honour Chinese pioneer
THE naming of a lane running between Banfield Street and George Road is...
Local News
'Goodbye': premier bows out of Labor leadership contest
Ben Carroll is set to become Victoria's 50th premier as Jacinta Allan...
Rural & Agriculture
One life lost on farms every six days
ONE person died on an Australian farm roughly every six days last year, according to new figures released as part of...
24 July, 2026
Local News
Help to build a stronger wine industry
THE Federal Government has introduced new legislation to boost...
Local News
Tiny ancient fungi could slash Aussie fertiliser bill
A team of scientists has built Australia's first highly detailed...
Local News
Precautions urged as sixth bird flu case confirmed
AUSTRALIA’S sixth bird flu case has been confirmed as the nation's top...
Lifestyle & Entertainment
Local singer embraces country roots with latest release
TRAWALLA local and independent singer-songwriter Stephanie Skidmore, better known by her stage name Steffii, is...
26 July, 2026
Beaufort rugged up for winter twilight market
There was a real sense of winter magic in the air as locals wrapped...
Clever towns set to battle it out in crossword challenge
SEVEN townships across three central Victorian shires will go...
ARTS presents awards for Grease
FOLLOWING the successful staging of Grease at the Ararat Town Hall in...
Our People
Ararat Lion receives organisation's highest honour
LONG-serving Ararat Lions Club member Jo Richie has been recognised for her outstanding dedication to community...
1 August, 2026
Margaret Hunter celebrates 90th birthday
AVOCA resident Margaret Hunter celebrated her 90th birthday recently...
Strength of Women leaves a lasting legacy
THE success of the book The Strength of Women, produced by Dean and...
Above and beyond - Skipton Fire Brigade celebrates its people
SKIPTON Fire Brigade recently held its annual Awards Presentation Night,...
Sport
Baggies unable to halt Saints charge
CKS Swifts came agonisingly close to claiming their third win of the 2026 Horsham District Football Netball League...
5 August, 2026
Warriors stand tall
The Stawell Warriors A-Grade netballers are on the verge of securing...
Mounties advance to Grand Final
Last Sunday in the ADJFA, in perfect sunny conditions for footy with a...
Warriors bounce back with resounding victory
Stawell Warriors have responded strongly after their disappointing loss...