Articles by Craig Wilson
Volunteer awards acknowledge dedication to community
WANNON MP Dan Tehan hosted his annual Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards in Ararat last week, awarding eleven local achievers.
The awards acknowledge individuals and groups who, often behind the scenes, play a crucial role in the community’s growth and vitality.
“Volunteering one’s time or talents for charitable, educational and other worthwhile activities plays a vital role in enabling rural communities to flourish,” Mr Tehan said.
Donations needed to brighten Christmas for needy families
LADY golfers have done their bit to help kick off this year’s Ararat Emergency Relief Christmas Appeal. Lady golfers from Chalambar and Willaura clubs played at Willaura recently donating the $700 proceeds of the day to Ararat Emergency Relief. Ararat Emergency Relief Committee put in an extraordinary effort each Christmas to ensure local families in […]
Golden Gateway wraps up
THE 64th annual Golden Gateway Festival wrapped up another year of community spirit and entertainment in Ararat.
Though smaller in scale, the festival saw a successful 10-day lineup of activities, with community members coming out in support.
The festival maintained traditions, featuring classic events like the Mary North Pool Competition, variety concert, mystery bus trip, and the annual parade.
Show numbers up
ORGANISERS of the Ararat Show say attendance at last weekend’s event was up as local residents embraced the annual event.
Hundreds of people poured into the Russell T White Raceway on Sunday for a traditional country show featuring rides, showbags, cooking displays, crafts and photography.
The tractor pull continued to attract a big crowd throughout the day and the return of horse events was another addition to a packed program.
Top gardens on show
LOCAL residents will have the chance to visit five beautiful gardens as part of today’s Ararat Retirement Village Ladies Auxiliary Open Gardens Day. Among the featured gardens are Bill and Penny Jones’s personal oasis in Banfield Street, which has been lovingly developed over the past 42 years. Bill and Penny have transformed their once bare […]
Manhari has big plans to grow recycling in Ararat
MANHARI Metals plans to expand its Ararat operation ten fold over the next few years as it grows its recycling operations.
Manhari purchased Marx Metal Recycling from Barry Marx over two years ago and have since invested heavily in improvements to the Elizabeth Street Site.
CEO Maddy Gupta took the Advocate on a tour of the facility recently, outlining plans to expand services and employment opportunities.
He said tyre recycling, e-waste, solar panels and improved safety for workers are all part of the plan.
Reflect and remember
On November 2nd, the community will gather for the third Suicide Prevention Memorial Walk, organised by the Ararat Suicide Prevention Awareness Group, an event aimed at raising awareness about suicide and offering a space for reflection and remembrance.
With startling statistics, like the fact that 1 in 2 young people are impacted by suicide by the time they turn 25, and that 3,214 Australians died by suicide in 2023, events like this walk are vital in encouraging conversations about mental health and providing support to those affected.
The walk, beginning at 11 am, will start at the Alexandra gardens and include a reflective walk around the lake.
One of our last pubs hits the market
THERE are fears that another of our country pubs could disappear if a buyer isn’t found for the Maroona Hotel.
The popular Maroona pub is a bit or a rarity these days and has survived where many other country pubs haven’t.
In recent years we’ve seen the closure of the Wickliffe, Elmhurst, Buangor and Willaura hotels as well as pub in Ararat like the Shire Hall, Rex and Terminus.
Maroona publican Margaret Wilson has been in business for 19 years, but told the Advocate it is time for someone new to take over.