Articles by Craig Wilson
Business of the Week – The Barkly Bistro, Barand Accommodation
THE old Shire Hall Hotel has undergone a huge transformation over the past few years.
Owners Rob and Sandy Martin have painstakingly restored much of the old pub, with vast improvements to the dining area, accommodation and a new bar.
Under the new name Barkly Bistro, Bar and Accommodation, it’s a venue well worth a visit.
Locals bust their energy bills
MORE residents of Ararat Rural City can receive immediate bill relief and cut their energy costs thanks to the Victorian Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus, already taken up by close to 1,600 local households.
It means around $400,000 in payments has been returned to Ararat Households in July, while also assisting people to find a better energy price.
Renegades go rural
MEMBERS of the Melbourne Renegades cricket team were in Ararat this week to inspire a new generation of cricketers.
Allrounders Georgia Wareham and Will Sutherland and their entourage visited students at Ararat Primary School and Ararat West Primary School to talk cricket, share techniques and sign autographs.
UK bound – Darcy Aitken has cricket in his blood
ARARAT’s Darcy Aitken has loved cricket all of his life and has his eyes set on playing in the United Kingdom next year.
House prices remain strong
THE average house price in Ararat continues to soar with new figures showing the average home is worth $100,000 more than a year ago.
A report from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria suggests the median house price in Ararat in the second quarter of 2022 was $378,000 compared with $273,000 for the same period in 2021.
Jessica Mulcahy sworn in as a solicitor
STREATHAM’s Jessica Mulcahy can trace her passion for law back to a school camp trip at Sovereign Hill.
“We had a little mock court there about the James Scobie Case and the Eureka rebellion and I just loved it.”
From the dusty Sovereign Hill courthouse to the glistening steps of the Supreme Court, Ms Mulcahy’s dream was released at a ceremony last Tuesday when she was officially sworn in as a solicitor.
3WM makes the switch in August
HORSHAM based radio station 3WM will soon be heard across Ararat with a new FM service to be switched on in August.
Pomonal walking track upgrade underway
WORK is underway to redevelop the Tunnel Road Track Loop in Pomonal, a project developed by Ararat Rural City Council and the Pomonal Progress Association to enhance visitor connections into the Grampians National Park.
Connecting some of the region’s most spectacular peaks and trails, the Pomonal Linkage Strategy aims to enhance the existing Tunnel Loop Track by creating a dedicated walking trail from Pomonal township into the national park.
$200,000 has been provided by the Victorian Government as part of the National Disaster Recover Funding Arrangements targeting assistance for communities at risk of disaster.