VIC · Grampians — Ararat · Local council, made simple
Ararat Rural City Council
Ararat Rural City Council covers about 4,200 km² on the eastern side of the Grampians in western Victoria and is home to about 11,700 people, in Ararat and townships such as Lake Bolac, Willaura, Moyston and Pomonal. Seven councillors, elected across the whole municipality, choose the Mayor each year. The council runs your bins, local roads and footpaths, parks and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, followed by what affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how your bill is worked out, and when it's due.
2026–27: rates up 2.25% (state cap 2.75%); municipal charge stays $96
Open →Budget & financesArarat's financial indicators, each shown next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $2,002 (Vic median $1,937)
Open →Crime & safetyOffences recorded in Ararat Rural City by Victoria Police, next to the Victorian rate.
Offences recorded, year to June 2026
Open →Mayor & councillorsThe Mayor, the seven councillors, and how to contact them.
Mayor: Cr Bob Sanders (2025–2026)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how Ararat votes, and the 2024 result.
Next council election: Saturday 28 October 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council: phone, email, office and hours.
Phone: 03 5355 0200
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: 11,732 (ABS, June 2025)
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Ararat Rural City Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Event
2027 Australia Day Award nominations open
Nominations are open for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Community Leader of the Year.
What this means for you: Nominate through Engage Ararat until Monday 4 January 2027.
Source: Ararat Rural City Council — News
- Have your say
Council reports back on September community drop-in sessions
Councillors and staff held drop-in sessions in Ararat, Tatyoon, Buangor, Elmhurst, Pomonal, Moyston, Willaura and Lake Bolac. Residents raised unsealed road maintenance and safety, drains, footpaths, bridges, roadside vegetation, halls, reserves and pools. The council lists replacement heating at Elmhurst Hall, new Christmas decorations and several road concerns as initial priorities.
What this means for you: The council says VicRoads matters will be escalated to the state and further updates will follow.
Source: Ararat Rural City Council — News
- Event
Outdoor pool season dates for 2026
Early-morning lap swimming at the Ararat Outdoor Pool starts Monday 12 October 2026. The Lake Bolac pool is scheduled to open on Monday 30 November and the Willaura pool on Wednesday 2 December, both weather permitting.
What this means for you: Full hours and admission details are to be published closer to the opening dates.
Source: Ararat Rural City Council — News
- Development
Albert Street footpath upgrade completed
Footpaths on Albert Street, Ararat, between Currajong and Grano Streets were replaced with asphalt, with nature strip and drainage improvements, funded from the council's capital works program.
What this means for you: The works are finished.
Source: Ararat Rural City Council — News
- Policy
Community Grants round open until 11 October
Community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for Community Grants from 14 September to Sunday 11 October 2026. The council says the previous round awarded more than $31,000 across ten local projects.
What this means for you: Guidelines and the application form are on the council's Community Grants page.
Source: Ararat Rural City Council — News
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Ararat Rural City Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.