News
Rotary supports Pomonal fire victims with $20,000+
IN a heartfelt display of community support, the Ararat Rotary Club has reached out to Pomonal’s Resilience Community Group, providing relief to those affected by the devastating fires earlier this year.
Last Thursday saw the handover of debit cards funded by over $20,000 raised to assist residents who lost everything.
The initiative was part of Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS), a program dedicated to helping communities in need across the country.
Ararat Primary makeover
ARARAT 800 Primary School is gearing up for an exciting transformation of its outdoor spaces, thanks to the efforts of the school council and community members.
Led by council member Kate Hamilton, the school is undertaking a project to revitalise its grounds and play areas, bringing new life to some of the tired garden beds and spaces around the school.
In collaboration with local business owners Russell and Robyn Phillips from GrowMaster Grampians, a detailed plan has been developed to refresh the garden beds along the school’s Moore Street entrance.
Teenager arrested following tobacco store fire
ARMED Crime Squad detectives, with assistance from the Special Operations Group, have arrested a teenager following an investigation into a fire at an Ararat tobacco shop and an alleged kidnapping.
The 19-year-old boy was arrested following a short foot pursuit in the carpark of a fast-food outlet, at the intersection of Sydney and Barry roads in the Melbourne suburb of Campbellfield last week.
He has been charged two counts each of criminal damage by fire, kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated home invasion, common law assault and theft of a motor vehicle.
Daryl wants to be part of the change
DARYL Scherger is no stranger to Ararat Advocate readers.
He reliably sends us a Letter to the Editor each week and covers a range of topics and issues.
He told us this week he has decided to take the plunge by nominating for a spot of Ararat Rural City Council.
Council seeks feedback on proposed dog park
AFTER years of underuse, Ararat’s Centenary Park could soon be transformed into an off-leash dog park.
Ararat Rural City Council is preparing applications for State Government funding to create a fenced outdoor space dedicated to dogs and their owners as part of a broader initiative to enhance community spaces and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
The proposed dog park will be a fenced area where dogs can exercise and socialise safely off-leash.
New reserve gets top score
NEW sporting facilities at Gordon Street Oval are officially complete following an investment from all levels of government.
The $4.7 million Gordon Street Recreation Reserve redevelopment was officially opened last Friday by Federal Labor Senator Raff Ciccone, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett and Deputy Mayor Jo Armstrong.
Made possible with over $1.8 million from the Australian Government, $2.5 million from the Victorian Government, and $315,000 from Ararat Rural City Council, the new facilities are already improving the local playing experience and boosting community engagement.
Shock closure
SINCE around 1994, Ararat’s Save the Children Op-Shop has been working to raise money to help vulnerable children in Australia and abroad.
But the eleven volunteers at the shop in Barkly Street were told last week their services are no longer required.
Save the Children has made a decision to close the op-shop, telling volunteers the Ararat shop is no longer viable.
Council dumps plan to sell local park
“A win for the people” is how local residents have described a decision by Ararat Rural City to dump plans to sell a popular park. After a period of community consultation, councillors decided on Tuesday night to retain ownership of the green space which fronts onto View Point and Banfield Streets. The issue first surfaced […]