Articles by Craig Wilson
Discount retailer heads to Ararat
DISCOUNT retailer Cheap as Chips is coming to Ararat.
Cheap as Chips has taken over the former Treasure Hunters building in Moore Street, opposite Aldi.
The Ararat Advocate has been unable to make contact with Cheap as Chips head office, but we understand the shop is undergoing an extensive makeover, with an opening date scheduled for March.
Fijian workers welcomed at AME
LOCAL manufacturer AME Systems is continuing to grow its workforce, with 29 Fijians commencing work this week.
Like many businesses in regional Victoria, AME has been unable to fill numerous positions at its Ararat site, forcing the company to look further afield.
Last year, the company recruited close to 100 people from Samoa to fill vacancies under the Pacific Labor Scheme.
Managing Director Nick Carthew said the inclusion of the Samoan workforce has been extremely positive.
He said 29 Fijians arrived in Ararat at the weekend and officially started work with the company on Thursday.
Busy summer in Lake Bolac
THE owners of Lake Bolac Caravan Park say they’ve been run off their feet over summer thanks to the influx of many workers to the area.
Joint proprietor, Lorraine Deutsch, said the caravan park experienced a busier than normal December and January.
“The reason for the good number of workers was the grain harvest. It had been a good season for grain and the addition of rainy days meant that workers had to stay for longer at the park in order to get the job done after the weather had put their work on hold.”
Willaura Market returns with boutique stalls
AFTER a hiatus of two years due to COVID-19, Willaura is set to welcome back the annual Willaura Health Care Outdoor Market with a large variety of boutique stalls.
The market will be held on Sunday March 6 adjacent to Willaura Health Care in Delacombe Way from 10am to 2pm.
Sew much fun
ON the first Thursday of every month, a newly formed Stitching Circle will be held for any hobby knitters, stitchers and crocheters at the Ararat Gallery TAMA.
The stitching circle is a free social group that helps residents enrich their lives through activity and social connections over a stitch.
Martha brings ideas and energy to Labor campaign
MARTHA Haylett does not underestimate the job ahead of her. Late last year, 31-year-old Ms Haylett was preselected to run as Labor’s candidate in Ripon at the 2022 state election. She’s no stranger to politics, having once worked as an advisor to the Premier Daniel Andrews and other ministers. And while on paper Ripon is […]
Double celebration for twins birthday
IDENTICAL twin sisters Beverley Whiting and Suzanne North have plenty of reasons to smile this week, celebrating their 70th birthday with family and friends.
Beverley and Suzanne were born on the 19th of January, 1952 at Wimmera Base Hospital in Horsham and grew up at Dadswells Bridge.
Mood for change says Greens candidate
THE Greens Candidate for Wannon says there is a mood for change across the electorate, with people tired of the Morrison Government and lack of progress on important issues.
Hilary McAllister has been travelling the length and breadth of the 33,595 square kilometre electorate, talking to residents about the issues important to them.
Speaking in Ararat on Wednesday, Ms McAllister was realistic about her chances of winning the seat, but said she’s determined to lift the primary vote of the Greens after a swing in 2019.