News

  • One Red Tree puts mental health in the spotlight

    A desperate need for mental health support in Ararat and Stawell is behind an inspiring new initiative to help vulnerable people in the community.

    The One Red Tree Resource Centre is a not-for-profit initiative that aims to provide high quality mental health services and training, based in Ararat.

    The One Red Tree Resource Centre is the brainchild of local clinical psychologist Carly McKinnis and education leader Tammie Meehan, and will initially place a trained psychologist in five local schools for two days a week.

    By

  • Heifer sale benefits Willaura Health Care

    THE Willaura Health Care Auxiliary is a regular caterer at the annual Mount William Charolais cattle sale but this year also benefited through the generous donation of the sale of a heifer.

    Principal of Mount William Charolais Rob Abbott and family donated $3750 to the Auxiliary through the sale of the heifer, continuing the long term support by the Abbott family of East Grampians Health Service and Willaura Health Care.

    By

  • Neighbourhood House helping locals apply for power saving bonus

    ARARAT Neighbourhood House is currently aiding residents to complete their power saving bonus applications.
    The $250 Power Saving Bonus is a one-off payment that helps alleviate some of the stress that vulnerable Victorian households may experience when paying their power bill. The Victorian Government has partnered with a range of organisations, including Ararat Neighbourhood House.
    Initially slated to end on January 31, 2022, the program has now been extended it until the end of June.

    By

  • Carnival returns to Ararat

    FOLLOWING last year’s success, Ararat families will again be able to enjoy a family carnival later this month. The carnival will be at a new venue – Kokoda Public Reserve – and will offer a fun, safe event for people of all ages. Running from the 18th to the 20th of February, the carnival will […]

    By

  • Iconic rock band to shake Ararat

    ARARAT seniors will be able to enjoy an afternoon of rock-n-roll next month, as one of Australia’s most iconic ’70s rock bands Spectrum will visit Ararat Town Hall on March 9th. As part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, singer-songwriter Mike Rudd and lead guitarist Brenden Mason of Madder Lake will join for a long-overdue tour […]

    By

  • Ten years on – the fight to save the outdoor pool

    TEN years ago last week, a thousand people turned up to Alexandra Oval on a hot Friday night to fight for an important community asset. Ararat Rural City Council had decided to permanently close the town’s outdoor swimming pool because its dilapidated state made it unsafe for use. The decision outraged many. Petitions began, public […]

    By

  • Therapy dogs in big demand

    THERAPY dogs are in high demand in Ararat reflecting a nation-wide trend for their use in educational and health settings. 19-month-old Murray River Retriever Hollie was on hand at the East Grampians Health Service children’s clinic on Wednesday morning, to offer cuddles and support to children receiving their vaccinations. “It’s been amazing,” said student vaccinator […]

    By

  • Turning 100 in style

    GLORIA Pyke knew last Sunday was going to be a special day with family and friends, but she never could imagine how her day would transpire. Mrs Pyke, a resident at Stawell’s Eventide Homes, was looking forward to lunch at Pomonal Estate to celebrate her 100th birthday. But the day took an unexpected twist, when […]

    By