In the last episode of Ararat's Latest, Jack Ward reflects on 2020 in Ararat. A year of challenges, adversity, resilience and kindness. A year we will never forget.Catch up on past episodes by visiting your favourite podcasting app.THEME MU

24 Djab Wurrung Embassy disassembled

Nov 1st, 2020 25m 16s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with a local Djab Wurrung supporter calling for kindness. Also, dance studios and indoor fitness facilities reopen, Corrections Victoria and Neighbourhood House partner up, a new novel tells an Ara

23 Gyms closed: 'Get us back in there'

Oct 18th, 2020 22m 11s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Western Victoria Wine Challenge president, Simon Fennell, about this year's event. Also, the Grampians Pyrenees PCP launches new resources, university students continue to study from home, wom

22 #BeanResilient is brewing

Oct 4th, 2020 24m 31s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with local artist Jill Richardson about her art returning home to Queensland. Also, Sicilians' Bud Bourizk explains the 'terrible' seating restrictions, the Ararat Lions Club convention moves onlin

21 Beauty is back

Sep 20th, 2020 27m 9s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, beauty therapists rejoice - Daniel Andrews allows them to open two and a half months earlier than first planned. Also, snakes begin to reappear as the weather warms, the Medical Centre is set up for ongoing telehea

20 Roadmap out of lockdown

Sep 6th, 2020 23m 1s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward has all the details on the roadmap out of lockdown - what does today's announcement mean for Ararat? Also, the smiling faces of Ararat's Legatees were absent this Legacy Badge Week, Ararat Market organise

19 Generous donations help smash goal

Aug 23rd, 2020 29m 24s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with the organisers of the successful allergy and anaphylaxis fundraiser. Also, new data shows the impact of our furry friends in lockdown, AME employs local students to fill an employment gap and

18 Ararat back in lockdown

Aug 9th, 2020 24m 18s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with a parenting duo who have the university qualifications to handle remote learning. Also, more weddings have been thrown into disarray, Ararat College launches its alumni program and the tips yo

17 Sewers swamped with mask orders

Jul 26th, 2020 23m 38s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with a local sewer who has been working around the clock to fulfil hundreds of face mask orders. Also, the Ararat Eisteddfod has been cancelled, a 15-year-old is planning to direct her debut musica

16 Business leader calls for further support

Jul 12th, 2020 23m 49s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks live with Greater Ararat Business Network President Maria Whitford about what the Melbourne lockdown means for business locally. Also, three wineries join forces to showcase the region's peppery Sh

15 Community groups bounce back

Jun 22nd, 2020 30m 5s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with the author of a new book about the Aradale Lunatic Asylum, community groups reunite after isolation, a backlog of VicRoads appointments leaves students frustrated and Ararat welcomes its first

14 Day Centre reopens to praise

Jun 8th, 2020 26m 8s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Patricia Hinchey Centre staff and clients about their tearful return, the 2020 Ararat Show is cancelled, greens are redesigned at Chalambar Golf Club and a date has been pencilled in for the n

13 Dog rescue inundated with unwanted dogs

May 25th, 2020 28m 32s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Ararat Dog Rescue's President and Coordinator Jill Worrell about the increase in surrenders, the Catholic Parish hires a jobless chef, new owners settle in at Green Eggs and a Willaura church

12 Ararat Prison COVID-19 scare

May 11th, 2020 35m 7s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Ripon MP Louise Staley about today’s developments at Hopkins Correctional Centre, Dynamic Dance navigates online teaching, Jacob Gibson shares his journey from Marian College to backstage at B

11 The Ararat Advocate is coming to town

Apr 27th, 2020 26m 28s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with the new Ararat Advocate publisher ahead of the paper’s first edition, Kara Bartlett explains how the pandemic is affecting kindergartens and a local travel agent shares her stress as she works

10 Why are local fuel prices so high?

Apr 20th, 2020 28m 4s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Nicholas Platt from RACV about Ararat’s fuel prices, a local year 12 student shares her thoughts about online learning, and Leona Jennings and the 2Taggs team celebrate 10 years of business. A

09 Coronavirus Special

Mar 23rd, 2020 46m 17s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward brings you the latest on the COVID-19 health crisis. Small business owners share their confusion and anxiety, the Ararat Musical Comedy Society postpones its 2020 production and the Ararat Football-Netbal

08 Motocross track goes under construction

Mar 9th, 2020 21m 19s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Rod Peachey about Ararat’s growing motorcycle club and recent track works. Also, International Women’s Day will be recognised in town tomorrow, the Town Hall will rock ‘n’ roll this weekend du

07 Council consults community about waste management changes

Mar 2nd, 2020 20m 49s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with ARCC CEO Dr Tim Harrison about waste management following the state government’s four-bin announcement. Also, the Inaugural Suicide Prevention Memorial Walk is this Friday, locals share their

06 Ararat welcomes The Resilience Project

Feb 24th, 2020 26m 37s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward is broadcasting live from the Ararat Town Hall ahead of The Resilience Project Community Session. Also, Chalambar Golf & Bowls Club’s new manager shares his vison for the club, a local health organisation

05 Businesses put Ararat under the microscope

Feb 17th, 2020 22m 22s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Nicola from Niche Planning Studio after a community session with local businesses about growing Ararat. Also, the Welcome Scroll visits town and brings together community members to acknowledg

04 Grampians tourism slows following bushfires

Feb 10th, 2020 26m 28s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Grampians Music Festival Director Carly Flecknoe about the lack of ticket sales for this year’s event. Also, Orange Whip are performing this Valentine’s Day to raise funds for East Grampians H

03 'Idiots' leave gouges in Ararat's only wetlands

Feb 3rd, 2020 21m 58s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Gwenda and Morris Allgood about recent hoon behaviour at Warrayatkin Swamp. Also, James Gilleece recounts a terrifying hit and run experience and 300 riders flock to Ararat for the 12th Annual

02 Locals recognised for their contributions

Jan 27th, 2020 28m 52s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with Ararat Musical Comedy Society President Grant Johnson about their 'All Shook Up' auditions. Also, Ashby Green shares her journey into the army and Ararat recognises locals that are making Arar

01 Ararat's Latest Debut

Jan 20th, 2020 27m 43s

This week on Ararat’s Latest, Jack Ward speaks with a local teen who has recently had a holiday from hell. Also, local star Amy Harris returns for dancing workshops, David Cosgriff recounts his deployments to fire-ravaged areas and Ararat prepa