Building the leaders of tomorrow is something we love to see so I encourage young people aged 14 to 16 to apply for the Western Bulldogs Leadership Project, which is now open for nominations.

The council, Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network and Bulldogs partner to offer this great opportunity, which sees participants take part in a six-month program focusing on leadership, teamwork, communication, goal setting and resilience.

I highly recommend the program to young people willing to challenge themselves, who are eager to learn and want to contribute to their community.

Nominations close on Tuesday March 12.

Visit our website www.ararat.vic.gov.au for all the details.

Our community grants program is also now open for applications, with the closing date extended to March 29.

Grants of up to $20,000 with matching funding for infrastructure projects are available as well as grants of up to $1000 for smaller projects with no matching funds.

These grants have helped build healthy, vibrant communities and sustain important infrastructure, and no matter how big or small the project, seeing residents band together to do something for their community is really gratifying.

For more information on how to apply, visit our website or phone 5355 0200.

You may have heard the council is also working on a $2.26 million combined project in the corridor between the Ararat Skate Park and Alexandra Oval.

Four separate major developments are being managed as one project.

This includes new netball courts and an upgrade of Alexandra Oval’s Olver Stand, new events spaces around the oval, safety lighting throughout the gardens and skate park, and walking paths, a multipurpose court and a rock climbing wall at the skate park.

The council will be conducting community consultations on the project over the coming weeks, so we hope you’ll get involved and have your say.

Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates.

Find Ararat Rural City Council on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/araratruralcitycouncil

Instagram: @araratruralcitycouncil

Finally, a reminder that the council is currently providing free hard waste vouchers to residents right across the municipality for use at all eight of our transfer stations. 

The tip vouchers are available in hard copy from the council’s office at 59 Vincent Street, Ararat, at transfer stations or by downloading it from our website. 

The voucher is valid for the month of March.

Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Cr Peter Beales