Ararat's Latest

31/12/2020

Ararat’s Latest Episode 25

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 MUSIC: Merry Go Round by Arnav Srivastav (Approved by Artist)

OTHER MUSIC:
Limit 70
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Limit 70" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licen…/…/4.0/)

31/12/2020

BREAKING: AUTHORITIES ON ALERT

New Year's Eve celebrations will have to be scaled back after Victoria recorded another three new community coronavirus cases today.

Masks will become mandatory indoors again in Victoria from 5pm and private gatherings are now reduced from 30 to 15 across Victoria.

24/12/2020

ARARAT'S YEAR IN REVIEW

Join Jack Ward next Thursday, December 31st, for a look back on the ups and downs of 2020 in our community.

The last episode of Ararat's Latest will stream live on Facebook at 5pm with highlights of this unprecedented year. Available for catch-up on podcasting apps.

02/11/2020

AUTHOR LAUNCHES ARADALE NOVEL

A LOVE for Ararat has influenced a Melbourne author’s debut novel set at the infamous Aradale.

J Ward volunteer Melissa Brown has penned Number 1 Flint Hill, a historical novel that follows the love story of a doctor who falls in love whilst working at Aradale.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest24
BUY BOOK: mulysa.online/mulysa-books

02/11/2020

UNLIKELY PARTNERSHIP HELPS MOST VULNERABLE

Ararat Neighbourhood House and Corrections Victoria have formed a partnership to provide frozen meals for Ararat’s most vulnerable.

Neighbourhood House manager, Lou Makin and staff member Natasha Hughes explained the initiative in this week's show.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest24

01/11/2020

GYMS ARE BACK: ANXIOUS RETURN INSIDE

Local gym owner, Kelli Holtham-Felini, remains on edge as she plans to slowly ease back into a more extensive timetable.

She explains how important hygiene is to her as she gets her clients back to work.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest24

01/11/2020

DANCERS BACK IN THE STUDIO

Dance schools have been quick to get their students back in the studio, following an easing of restrictions to allow indoor non-contact recreation for those under 18.

Adult classes have also returned with a limit of 10 people and density rules.

Jack speaks with Dynamic Dance Ararat and Ararat Dance Centre in this week's show.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest24

01/11/2020

DJAB WURRUNG SUPPORTERS CALL FOR KINDNESS

Ararat was swarmed by Victoria Police this week to clear protesters out of the Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy and surrounding camps.

Contractors cut down what the Djab Wurrung Embassy calls a "directions tree" on Monday before an injunction halted further work from taking place.

Social media was quick to light up with debate but many have been concerned by the attitudes of some individuals.

A group of local supporters have called for a kind discussion online, instead of hateful attacks and racist slurs.

Local Casey Baxter spoke with Jack in this week's episode.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest24

31/10/2020

YOUR SAY | Have you been concerned by the social media comments posted in response to the Western Highway protest?

Visit the Ararat's Latest Facebook or Instagram Story to cast your vote.

Ararat's Latest airs Sunday, 5pm here on Facebook.

24/10/2020

MORE CHANGES TO REGIONAL VICTORIA RESTRICTIONS

Premier Daniel Andrews has just announced further changes to regional Victoria's restrictions from 11:59pm on Tuesday.

- Indoor gyms and fitness spaces will be able to open for up to 20 people, with a maximum of ten per space and a density of one person per 8 square metres.

- Indoor pools will open to 20.

- Indoor community sport (non-contact for those under 18) can go ahead.

- Food courts can open.

- Live music can resume as part of outdoor hospitality.

- School graduations can be held within school communities.

- And for religious celebrations, 20 people can gather together indoors with their faith leader - or 50 outdoors.

- Outdoor funerals will be allowed 50 people.

No changes were announced today for Melbourne due to a new outbreak in the northern suburbs.

22/10/2020

ARARAT ON ALERT

Coronavirus fragments detected in wastewater.

Locals who have any symptoms, no matter how mild, are urged to get tested.

A pop-up testing site will run from East Grampians Health Service until Sunday 25 Oct.

“Wastewater testing may indicate there are undiagnosed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ararat and we are erring on the side of caution by increasing the availability of testing in the area,” Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said.

“Anyone feeling unwell with even the mildest of symptoms should get tested as soon as possible and isolate as they wait for their result.”

19/10/2020

STUDENTS DUST OFF THEIR UNIFORMS

School leaders speak with Jack about their return to the classroom, 10-weeks after the second round of remote learning begun.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest23

19/10/2020

UNI STUDENTS PREPARE FOR ONLINE EXAMS

Students will remain online for the remainder of the year, having only spent a handful of weeks on campus in 2020.

Students such as Ararat’s Rachel Burns are preparing for their upcoming exams after a year in front of screens, isolating at home.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest23

18/10/2020

NEW RESOURCES OUTLINE SUPPORT SERVICES

New resources are available across the Grampians Pyrenees to streamline the process of seeking assistance and emergency relief.

Grampians Pyrenees Primary Care Partnership's Anna Greene shares the details.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest23

18/10/2020

LOCAL WINERIES BRING HOME THE GOODS

The Western Victoria Wine Challenge has provided a list of wineries with a positive boost, naming their 2020 winners.

In a year of many challenges for the local wine industry, the committee was pleased to hold the 16th annual event that recognised local winemakers such as Montara Wines, Minersridge Vineyard and Grampians Estate.

Committee president and Montara’s winemaker, Simon Fennell, spoke with Jack in this week's episode.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest23

18/10/2020

GYMS REMAIN CLOSED: 'GET US BACK IN THERE'

Gyms remain closed under step three restrictions, but a local fitness trainer has recommenced her classes outside to keep local women active.

Ashlea Knight (Strong Vibes Fitness) is remaining positive but today's lack of good news, once again, is causing headaches.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest23

18/10/2020

REGIONAL VICTORIA CHANGES

- Hospitality businesses allowed up to 40 customers indoors, 70 outdoors.

- Social bubbles removed -allowed to welcome two guests and their dependents.

- Regional and toy libraries allowed to open with 20 people indoors.

- Outdoor religious gatherings with up to 20 people - increasing to 50 from November 1.

- Households able to visit a care facility - as opposed to just one nominate person.

- From 11:59pm on November 1, non-contact indoor physical recreation for people under 18 will be allowed to resume for a maximum of 20 people. (Dance classes)

Ararat’s Latest airs today at 5pm.

17/10/2020

YOUR SAY | Has your health and fitness suffered as a result of restrictions?

Visit the Ararat's Latest Facebook or Instagram Story to cast your vote.

Ararat's Latest airs Sunday, 5pm here on Facebook.

08/10/2020

HAVE YOU LISTENED TO THIS WEEK’S EPISODE?

Stream it on all the podcasting apps whenever, wherever you want.🎧

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest22

05/10/2020

JILL'S ART RETURNS HOME TO QUEENSLAND

Artist Jill Barber Richardson Art may be labeled a Dobie local, but her heart still lies back home in Outback Queensland.

Jack Ward sits down with the talented local in this week's episode.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest22

05/10/2020

MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN BREWING

The daily coffee run will look a little different for Ararat residents over the coming weeks as Resilient Ararat launches a new campaign to promote positive mental health strategies.

Project Officer Jane Moriarty shares the details in this week's episode.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest22

05/10/2020

ARARAT MARKET SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Ararat Market organisers have returned to the drawing board with a plan to revive their monthly market in November.

Organiser Debbie Warrior told Jack Ward that they need volunteer support to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest22

04/10/2020

LIONS CLUB CONVENTION MOVES ONLINE

The Lions Club of Ararat has made the call to move their 201V2 District Convention online in November.

President Bob Sanders told Jack Ward the event will return to Ararat in 2021 so businesses don't miss out on the economic injection.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest22

04/10/2020

SEATING RESTRICTIONS: 'TERRIBLE RULING'

Eateries are adapting to the newest seating restrictions, but for many restaurants and cafes located in Barkly Street, the logistics of outdoor dining are difficult.

Sicilians' Bud Bourizk explains their situation in this week's episode.

LISTEN: kite.link/araratslatest22

03/10/2020

YOUR SAY | Should regional Victoria's next step depend on Melbourne?

Visit the Ararat's Latest Facebook or Instagram Story to cast your vote.

Ararat's Latest airs Sunday, 5pm here on Facebook.

30/09/2020

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL PODCAST DAY!🎙

Today we celebrate the power of podcasts. There have been 21 episodes of Ararat's Latest to date and the response from you, the Ararat community, continues to be nothing but positive. Thank you!

Podcasting has become a modern medium and with so much content on offer, it's a fantastic opportunity to recognise your favourite news, comedy, true crime, interview and lifestyle pods.

Why not leave Ararat's Latest a review?
kite.link/araratslatest

Join Jack Ward on Sunday at 5pm for the latest in Ararat news.

22/09/2020

TIPS TO PERFECT YOUR SUMMER VEGGIES

The arrival of spring will see green thumbs beginning to prepare and plant their summer crop of vegetables.

Permaculture designer and Ararat Food Growers Inc president, Carolyn Gemmell, said it’s an interesting time of the year that requires veggie growers to consider the elements.

Hear more from Carolyn in this week's episode.

LISTEN NOW: kite.link/araratslatest21

21/09/2020

MEDICAL CENTRE SETUP FOR ONGOING TELEHEALTH

Technology has revolutionised the way Ararat Medical Centre cares for residents during the pandemic, and it seems likely that telehealth is here to stay.

Practice manager, Garry Hurst, said it’s unlikely that they’ll reach a point where the technology will no longer be utilised.

I spoke with Garry in this week's episode.

LISTEN NOW: kite.link/araratslatest21

21/09/2020

COLLEGES HAVE A UNIFIED MESSAGE FOR STUDENTS

All primary school students will return to school in the first week of term as normal but secondary school students will not return until the second week, in an effort to protect the General Assessment Test.

I caught up with Marian College's head of wellbeing, Steph, and Ararat College's welfare officer, Taylah, to discuss the importance of student wellbeing.

LISTEN NOW: kite.link/araratslatest21

20/09/2020

SSSSNAKES ARE BEGINNING TO REAPPEAR

Snake catchers are preparing for a busy season with more people spending time at home.

Licensed snake catcher Gianni Hodgson is expecting to receive additional calls this year as a result of the working from home restrictions.

LISTEN NOW: kite.link/araratslatest21

20/09/2020

BEAUTY IS BACK: 'I am a little bit shocked'

Passionate campaigning from the beauty industry - spearheaded by SKINCO owner Sarah Holland - convinced the government to alter their roadmap this week.

Sarah and Kaye Poyner Beauty Therapy join me in this week's episode.

LISTEN NOW: kite.link/araratslatest21

19/09/2020

YOUR SAY | Should telehealth continue beyond the pandemic?

Visit the Ararat's Latest Facebook or Instagram Story to cast your vote.

Ararat's Latest airs Sunday, 5pm here on Facebook.

07/09/2020

POPULAR THEATRE RESTAURANT CANCELLED

Ararat Theatre Company has cancelled its end-of-year theatre restaurant. The latest cancellation in a long list of annual performances.

LISTEN VIA kite.link/araratslatest20

07/09/2020

WORKING FROM HOME ALLOWS TREE CHANGE

Working from home has given Ararat’s newest residents the ability to ditch their city lifestyle for a more affordable country option.

LISTEN NOW VIA kite.link/araratslatest20

06/09/2020

ARARAT MARKET STANCE REMAINS FIRM

Outdoor markets have been given the green light to proceed during Stage 3 and Stage 4 restrictions but Ararat Market organisers are sticking by their plan to put community health first.

LISTEN NOW VIA kite.link/araratslatest20

06/09/2020

ABSENT SMILES THIS LEGACY BADGE WEEK

The Legacy Week Badge Appeal is Legacy’s principal fundraising activity but the smiling faces of Ararat’s legatees were absent from local streets this year.

Legacy Badge Chairman Kevin Bowles explains.

LISTEN NOW VIA kite.link/araratslatest20

06/09/2020

MINDFUL BUSINESSES GAIN STRATEGIES AT VITAL TIME

Business owners and employees attended a mindfulness webinar with Meagan Ward on Wednesday night, thanks to the Greater Ararat Business Network and Resilient Ararat.

GAB Network President Maria Whitford shares the details in this week's podcast.

LISTEN NOW @ kite.link/araratslatest20

06/09/2020

HEALTH SURVEY TO GAUGE CHANGES

Health organisations have launched a COVID-19 community health survey to gauge changes within the region throughout isolation.

LISTEN NOW VIA kite.link/araratslatest20

06/09/2020

REGIONAL VICTORIA REOPENING ROADMAP

Mapping Regional Victoria's pathway to 'COVID Normal' for work, education and living.

06/09/2020

ARARAT'S ROADMAP OUT

Premier Daniel Andrews is addressing the media at 12pm today, revealing the government's roadmap to ease COVID-19 restrictions.

Join me at 5pm this afternoon on Ararat's Latest for the breakdown of what today's announcement means for you, your business and the state.

I'll also have the rest of this fortnight's local news.

Join me @ 5pm.