Business
6 October, 2026
Who will take the Golden Mug?
THE second Golden Mug competition run by the Greater Ararat Business Network has come to an end, but the winner won’t be revealed until October 28. The Golden Mug competition was established in 2025 as a way of encouraging people to patronise local cafes and venues in the colder winter months.
The competition allows members of the public to vote for the region’s best hot beverage.
Last year, the crown was taken for Foragers Café’s Sarah Ramsay in a tight race against Hall Gap’s Kerrie’s Kreations.
Sixteen businesses participated in this year’s competition.
“It’s about getting people out of their homes, away from their fires and out into the local businesses because many of them have had
tough times,” GABN committee member Pep Atchison said.
“It’s about backing our local hospitality businesses,” she said.
Throughout the competition, a café patron who participated in the competition was selected each month to receive a $150 voucher.
The winner of the Golden Mug will be announced at the East Grampians Business Awards gala dinner on October 28.
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