Articles by Craig Wilson

  • Ararat photographer on show

    MANY local residents would have seen some stunning photographs on social media sites taken by Ararat’s Martin Stringer. Martin is a passionate photographer, film-maker and nature lover. For almost a decade he has aimed to showcase to the world how the organisation Rainforest Rescue protects rainforests. He has also worked creatively with organisations that are […]

    By

  • Home fires burn for acclaimed author

    YOU only need to open one of Tony Cavanaugh’s books to see the impression his hometown has left on him.
    Now a best-selling author and award-winning writer and producer of a string of Australian television shows and movies, Cavanaugh still draws on experiences and friendships forged here even though he left town more than 50 years ago.
    The 65-year-old is now based in Sydney but spent his early childhood in Ararat, attending primary school at Ararat West then returning home from boarding school in Geelong whenever he could.

    By

  • 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.

    By

  • 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.

    By

  • 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.”

    By

  • 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.

    By

  • 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.

    By

  • 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 […]

    By