In the past 24 hours, Victoria Police handed out 202 fines for breaching Stage Three and Stage Four restrictions.
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Officers cited 33 people for failing to wear a face-covering when leaving home for one of the four approved reasons.
Meanwhile, 70 Melbournians were fined for breaching curfew.
Last weekend, Ararat police fined four people for not abiding by coronavirus restrictions.
Sergeant Simone Prictor said two people from the outer western Melbourne suburb of Melton were fined $1652 after driving to Ararat.
"They told police they were collecting firewood," she said.
Meanwhile, two Ararat residents were also fined $200 overnight for failing to wear face masks without lawful excuses.
"One was at a car wash, the other out walking. Both were aware of the direction (to wear masks)," Sergeant Prictor said.
Since August 2, every Victorian must wear a mask when outside their home.
Sergeant Prictor said police aimed for people to behave reasonably in enforcing coronavirus restrictions.
"We are fielding a lot of phone calls from people wanting to know if they are doing the right thing, which is good. It's people that don't call, and don't think, and do what suits them that tend to be the problem."
Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said he was disappointed to hear of the two breaches on just the first weekend of the Stage Three lockdown.
"It is very disappointing to see people not responding to the Stage Three and Stage Four government restrictions," Dr Harrison said.
"Not only do we have legal responsibilities, but we have a personal responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community."
Northern Grampians mayor Murray Emerson was less diplomatic.
"They are straight out idiots," Cr Emerson said.
"I think it is disgraceful behaviour. They are putting other members of the community's lives at risk. They should have a hard look at themselves."
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Ben Fraser
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
Ben is the Editor with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. Ben is the former chief of staff at the Portland Observer, a qualified teacher, and an Leadership Great South Coast alumni (2019).
