News
Open for Business
AFTER a tough few weeks, Pomonal and Halls Gap have reopened their doors to visitors this week after authorities declared the Grampians bushfire contained. Local businesses were upbeat when the Advocate visited yesterday morning despite many losing tens of thousands of dollars in lost trade due to road closures. In Pomonal, the general store, Barney’s […]
Southern Cloud finds a home
Southern Cloud finds a new home
AN important part of Ararat’s history has found its final resting place
Southern Cloud was the creation of the late Eric ‘Whirley’ Wilson, originally made for the 1958 Golden Gateway Festival.
Known affectionately as “The Old Bomb”, the novelty car appeared in no fewer than eight Moomba parades and has been a highlight at countless community gatherings around the Ararat district.
Upgrade in 2025 for killer intersection
A dangerous intersection on the Glenelg Highway will soon see improvements to slow down traffic. The intersection of the highway with the Eurambeen-Streatham Road at Streatham has long been regarded as dangerous with several accidents and a recent fatality. A woman died after a crash at the intersection in October. A government spokesperson confirmed to […]
Extra weekend trains in 2025
MEMBER for Ripon Martha Haylett remains confident extra weekend train services will be delivered for the Ararat line in 2025.
The Victorian Government has confirmed planning has begun for additional weekend train services to Ararat and Beaufort.
In the 2023 state budget, the government announced two additional weekend services on Saturday and Sunday.
It means Ararat and Beaufort will have five services to and from Melbourne each day of the week.
Producers on show at Forage and Feast Festival
THE 2025 Forage and Feast Festival is set to put local producers in the spotlight over coming weeks.
A collaborative event from Central Highlands Growers and Producers Hub, the festival spans a number of municipalities, offering a wide range of unique experiences which allow our regional producers to show their passion for their craft.
Participants include Pomonal Estate, Black and Ginger, Mt Langi Ghiran and Grampians Estate.
Chairman steps down
LES Gason is arguably one of Ararat’s most significant businessmen.
For decades, he has been at the helm of local manufacturing business A.F. Gason.
He’s seen a lot of change and employed a lot of people since starting at the company more than 60 years ago, but just before Christmas he officially retired.
At 83, Les has held a leadership role at the business almost all of his life.
Class act
THE 2024 academic year has concluded with celebrations as the top-performing students from Marian College and Ararat College were recognised for their outstanding achievements. Will Edgar secured the title of Dux at Marian College with an impressive ATAR of 93.75. Reflecting on his achievement, Will expressed confidence in his abilities despite tackling challenging subjects like […]
Refurbishment funding for Gorrinn House
CHRISTMAS has come early for Gorrinn House Hostel with the Federal Government confirming a major grant to upgrade facilities.
Labor Senator Raff Ciccone said Gorrinn House Hostel was one of two aged care facilities in the Wannon electorate to receive a combined $1.8 million funding.
The vast majority of funding, $1.4 million has been allocated to Gorrinn House Hostel for equipment purchases and refurbishment of established rooms to complement a self-funded $7 million, 15-bed extension of the facility due to open next year.
“This funding is great news for Gorrinn House. The projects will support locals to access quality aged care services while remaining close to their families and cultural connections,” Senator Ciccone said.