The Ararat Advocate

24/12/2025

Your local newspaper team here at West Vic News wish all of our readers a very happy and safe Christmas.Christmas is a wonderful time for family and friends to unite, but please spare a thought for people who may be alone.In our ever changing world, more and more people are becoming disconnected, and for many Christmas can be lonely.Please enjoy today, look out for each other, don't drink and drive and celebrate all of the good things about our lives in this wonderful country.Your team from the Ararat Advocate, Stawell Times-News and Pyrenees Advocate will be back in print on January 2nd.

Your local newspaper team here at West Vic News wish all of our readers a very happy and safe Christmas. Christmas is a wonderful time for family and friends to unite, but please spare a thought for people who may be alone. In our ever changing world, more and more people are becoming...

23/12/2025

AS Christmas approaches, the Salvation Army in Stawell is preparing to support local families doing it tough, and for leader Jacky Targett, the season has prompted some heartfelt reflection on what the organisation’s work really means.“I was actually thinking about, of all things, Santa,” she said.“You go into the shops and everything’s about Santa, and there’s no Christ or anything in a lot of places.“We give out toys, and the parents say to the kids, ‘Christmas gift from Santa.’”

AS Christmas approaches, the Salvation Army in Stawell is preparing to support local families doing it tough, and for leader Jacky Targett, the season has prompted some heartfelt reflection on what the organisation’s work really means. “I was actually thinking about, of all things, Santa,” she...

23/12/2025

ARARAT has many claims to fame, yet one of its most curious moments unfolded not with gold or grand speeches, but with a flutter of feathers from a hotel balcony in Barkly Street.In 1867, long before hashtags or heritage plaques, a crowd gathered outside the former Bull & Mouth Hotel to witness the ceremonial release of 14 English house sparrows.The birds were launched into the Ararat sky with great optimism and no small amount of civic pride.

ARARAT has many claims to fame, yet one of its most curious moments unfolded not with gold or grand speeches, but with a flutter of feathers from a hotel balcony in Barkly Street. In 1867, long before hashtags or heritage plaques, a crowd gathered outside the former Bull & Mouth Hotel to witness...

23/12/2025

IN the coming weeks locals can expect to see smoke across the district as the CFA’s roadside burning program continues.Volunteers undertake these burns every year when conditions permit, and the practise had a wide range of benefits.Our roadsides can act as a wick when wildfire strikes. Any reduction in flammable material can slow the fire and allow fire fighters to control its reach.

IN the coming weeks locals can expect to see smoke across the district as the CFA’s roadside burning program continues. Volunteers undertake these burns every year when conditions permit, and the practise had a wide range of benefits. Our roadsides can act as a wick when wildfire strikes. Any...

21/12/2025

SEVERAL denominations joined together last Monday to mourn the horrendous loss of 15 people at Bondi Beach on Sunday.15 people were killed when 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach.A further 21 people remain in hospital including one in a critical condition.The act of terrorism has sent shockwaves through the Australian community, with many people in Ararat keen to remember those killed.

SEVERAL denominations joined together last Monday to mourn the horrendous loss of 15 people at Bondi Beach on Sunday. 15 people were killed when 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed opened fire at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach. A further 21 people remain in hospital including...

20/12/2025

VICTORIA Police has announced the appointment of Daniel Davison as the new superintendent for Western Region Division 4, which stretches from Ararat, Stawell and Horsham through to the border.He replaces the region’s first female Superintendent Sharon McCrory, who officially retired earlier this month.

VICTORIA Police has announced the appointment of Daniel Davison as the new superintendent for Western Region Division 4, which stretches from Ararat, Stawell and Horsham through to the border. He replaces the region’s first female Superintendent Sharon McCrory, who officially retired earlier this....

20/12/2025

AFTER years of planning and lobbying, the redevelopment of Willaura Hospital is about to commence, with funding confirmed for stage one of the project.East Grampians Health Service was successful in the latest round of the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.The Victorian Government will provide funding for stage one of a three-stage redevelopment project, which includes replacement of five not fit for purpose hospital bedrooms with five new hospital bedrooms with single ensuites.

AFTER years of planning and lobbying, the redevelopment of Willaura Hospital is about to commence, with funding confirmed for stage one of the project. East Grampians Health Service was successful in the latest round of the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. The Victorian Government will...

18/12/2025

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Real Estate 19-12-2025

18/12/2025

A small but highly visible fire that broke out just minutes after Ararat’s Carols by Candlelight fireworks display has been officially deemed “underdetermined”, leaving locals none the wiser about what sparked the late-night blaze.The fire occurred around 10pm on Friday night near the corner of Moore Street and Queen Street, roughly 600 metres from Alexandra Gardens, where hundreds of people had just gathered for the annual Christmas carols event and fireworks finale.

A small but highly visible fire that broke out just minutes after Ararat’s Carols by Candlelight fireworks display has been officially deemed “underdetermined”, leaving locals none the wiser about what sparked the late-night blaze. The fire occurred around 10pm on Friday night near the corner ...

18/12/2025

A half-century to Grant Le Poidevin has led Rhymney/Moyston to a two-wicket victory against Quantong at Quantong Recreation Reserve in round nine of the Horsham Cricket Association C-Grade season.

17/12/2025

They say things happen in threes, and that’s exactly what has happened to Michael Bellman with his star gelding Mecarno winning his third Group One race in 42 days, leading for two laps to salute at Melton last Saturday night in the Hygain Edge Breeders Crown Final for 3YO Trotting Colts and Geldings.

They say things happen in threes, and that’s exactly what has happened to Michael Bellman with his star gelding Mecarno winning his third Group One race in 42 days, leading for two laps to salute at Melton last Saturday night in the Hygain Edge Breeders Crown Final for 3YO Trotting Colts and...

17/12/2025

Aradale Bowling Club produced a strong win over Landsborough and District Bowling Club, while Chalambar Golf Bowls Club moved two clear at the top of the ladder following round 11 of the Grampians Playing Area Lawn Bowls weekend pennant competition.