Last delivery

WHEN David Rosengreen started at Ararat Post Office it was meant to be a two week job.
Three and a half decades later, the popular postie is about to bid farewell to his role.
Initially intended as a two-week job, David’s tenure extended far beyond expectations.

Kelly judged a top wool classer

MAROONA’s Kelly Gellie has been recognised by her peers as one of Australia’s best wool classers.
At the recent Sydney Royal Easter Show, Ms Gellie won first prize in the AWEX/TAFE National Graduate Wool Classer competition, beating entrants from across the country.
The win is even more remarkable considering Ms Gellie has only held her wool classing certificate since July 2023.
Kerrin Gellie, father-in-law to Kelly, has also been recognised by AWEX for 50 years as a wool classer with a framed certificate marking his service.

Residents invited to discuss crime

ARARAT residents will have an opportunity to raise key law and order issues with police at a special forum next Thursday.
The Northern Grampians Neighbourhood Policing Forum will explore topics including current crime trends in Ararat, crime prevention, family violence, road policing, drugs and drug related crime.
The Ararat forum will be from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Thursday, April 18 at the Ararat Town Hall.
To register please email [email protected].

Wilf gets the gold

By Ellen Anderson. THE Masters Swimming Australia Long Course State Championships took place at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in Albert Park on last Sunday. Among the remarkable competitors was Ararat’s own Wilfred Dickeson. The former Richmond footballer has in recent years rekindled his passion for swimming, and as he nears 81 he’s still […]

60 years of love and laughter

By Ellen Anderson. LAST Sunday marked a significant milestone for Dorothy “Dot” and Neil “Stick” Turner as they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Their journey together began in 1960 at a Saturday dance in Ballarat, where fate brought them together. “This man kept annoying me all night, and the next Saturday night, who arrived at […]

The Lifelong Innings of Phil Rodgers

AFTER a lifetime dedicated to cricket, Phil Rodgers has reluctantly hung up his umpire counter.
His cricket journey began at the age of six, playing with his two older brothers for Stawell based Cornish Town Cricket Club and since then, he has graced the cricket field every season since.
However, with Phil’s health now a priority, he has made the tough decision to retire from the sport he loves.
Having been deeply involved in cricket throughout his life, with family members sharing his passion, Phil reflects on the mental toughness the game demands.
“It’s a tough mental game on people, it brings out the best in people, I believe,” he said.

Jo is the new Nats President

FORMER Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong will become President of the Victorian National Party after the party’s State Conference on 25 May 2024.
Ms Armstrong was the only candidate at the close of nominations last Friday and has been therefore elected uncontested.
Ms Armstrong has helped guide the National Party as Senior Vice President for the last three years, including through the party’s successful elections in 2022, delivering The Nationals’ best state result since the 1940s.
She is a Tatyoon local and a champion of her community who has worked for eight years as councillor, mayor, and currently Deputy Mayor of Ararat Rural City Council.

Service recognised

BILL Jones is no stranger to Ararat.
For a lifetime, Bill has been working towards the betterment of his local community and this week was recognised for service with an Australia Day Award.

William Richard Jones OAM was this morning named as one of the recipients of Australia Day Awards from the office of the Governor General.
Mr Jones was recognised as a “significant contributor” to the Ararat community through a variety of organisations including his stint as President of East Grampians Health Service, Freemasons Victoria and Ararat Rural City Council where he did two terms as Mayor.