The Pyrenees 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...

18/12/2025

THE old saying “from little things big things grow” rings true at Natte Yallock Primary School, where a tiny enrolment has not stopped big ambitions. With just three students this year, and a fourth set to join next year, the school continues to thrive through personalised learning and strong community connection.

THE old saying “from little things big things grow” rings true at Natte Yallock Primary School, where a tiny enrolment has not stopped big ambitions. With just three students this year, and a fourth set to join next year, the school continues to thrive through personalised learning and strong...

17/12/2025

Avoca's dream start to the Maryborough and District Cricket Association continues, winning their sixth match to remain unbeaten in the A-Reserve competition, defeating Colts Phelans by five wickets at JH Hedges Memorial Oval last Saturday.

17/12/2025

It took eight rounds of the Maryborough and District Cricket Association's A-Reserve season for Beaufort Blue to secure their first win of the season, defeating Carisbrook by seven wickets at the Beaufort Secondary College Oval last Saturday.

17/12/2025

The final round of the year in the Ararat and District Tennis Association was played in true festive spirit, with old rivals Landsborough and Elmhurst-Amphitheatre adding a touch of Christmas cheer to their on-court attire as they faced off in a thrilling end-of-year clash.

17/12/2025

COMMUNITY Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud have awarded more than $53,700in Spring community grants, supporting nine local organisations to strengthen wellbeing, inclusion, safety and community connection across the region.The announcement was made at the bank’s recent Annual General Meeting, celebrating another year of investing local profits back into Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud.

COMMUNITY Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud have awarded more than $53,700 in Spring community grants, supporting nine local organisations to strengthen wellbeing, inclusion, safety and community connection across the region. The announcement was made at the bank’s recent Annual General...

16/12/2025

THE life of Desmond John Weller was shaped by service, humility and a steadfast commitment to others. Des passed away on 8 November, 2025, aged 91. Born on 30 April 1934, he grew up as the third eldest of thirteen children in a lively St Kilda household. His childhood was filled with the simple joys of footy, swimming, bike riding and sharing the spirited companionship that only a big family and neighbourhood mates can provide.

THE life of Desmond John Weller was shaped by service, humility and a steadfast commitment to others. Des passed away on 8 November, 2025, aged 91. Born on 30 April 1934, he grew up as the third eldest of thirteen children in a lively St Kilda household. His childhood was filled with the...

14/12/2025

VICTORIAN cattle producers can now harness cutting-edge technology to guide and contain livestock without physical fences, with the State Government approving the safe use of virtual fencing.Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the new regulations under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, giving farmers access to virtual fencing and herding technology.

VICTORIAN cattle producers can now harness cutting-edge technology to guide and contain livestock without physical fences, with the State Government approving the safe use of virtual fencing. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the new regulations under the Prevention of Cruelty to...

14/12/2025

The Liberal Party has selected its candidate to contest Ripon at next year's election.Former Liberal staffer Andrew Kilmartin will take on Labor's Martha Haylett after being chosen at a meeting of the Liberal Party executive in Melbourne today.Mr Kilmartin outpolled former Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh, Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Ben Green, ambulance call taker Nathan Anderson and farmer Susie Morro.He unsuccessfully stood as the Liberal candidate for Buninyong in 2018.Ripon is set to be a three way contest with the Nationals confirming they will run a candidate for the first time since 2014.It’s understood the Nationals will wait until the new year before deciding their candidate which is almost certain to be Ararat Rural City Councillor Jo Armstrong.Labor MP Martha Haylett won Ripon at the 2022 election with 52.9% of the two party vote.

13/12/2025

BEAUFORT Men’s Shed has received a significant boost following the Business for Beaufort’s “Connections Matter” event, where Dean Morris officially launched his book The Weight of Men.A total of $13,500 was presented to the men’s shed last week.

BEAUFORT Men’s Shed has received a significant boost following the Business for Beaufort’s “Connections Matter” event, where Dean Morris officially launched his book The Weight of Men. A total of $13,500 was presented to the men’s shed last week.

11/12/2025

Blue skies appeared just in time for both Ararat and District Tennis Association Round eight matches to go ahead over the weekend, with teams making the most of the welcome break in the weather.

11/12/2025

A half-century to Kriss Ellis wasn’t enough for the Beaufort Bulls to get over the line against Carisbrook, falling nine runs short in their round nine clash in the Maryborough and District Cricket League at Carisbrook Recreation Reserve.