Don’t Forget to Submit Your Vote for the 2026 People’s Choice Award

Ararat Rural City Council is reminding all community members to show their support for their favourite local businesses by casting their votes in the 2026 People’s Choice Awards.

Community members can vote for any business, large or small, CBD or rural, operating within Ararat Rural City. Voting is quick and easy, taking under five minutes. Just head to Council’s website, open the voting form, and list your top three favourite businesses.

The business that takes out the top spot will win not only with the highly coveted People’s Choice Award but will also take home a $2,000 advertising package courtesy of Ace Radio and The Weekly Advertiser to use across local radio and print media.

Last year's People’s Choice Award saw The Mess and Barracks take out first place and SEDE Café named runner-up. The People’s Choice Award is a category of the annual East Grampians Business Awards, and the only award entirely decided by community votes.

Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders, encouraged residents to support local businesses by casting their votes in the People’s Choice Awards. "This award is your chance to really show our local business owners just how much we appreciate all that they do for our community." 

"Voting online for your top three favourites is a quick and easy way to celebrate the hard work and exceptional service that make our rural city such a great place to live. Every single vote counts, and when we back our local businesses, we’re keeping money in the region, creating local jobs, and ensuring that our municipality stays economically strong and resilient. It’s all about giving a well-deserved shout-out to the people who serve us every day."

The People’s Choice Award is proudly sponsored by Ararat Rural City Council in partnership with Ace Radio and The Weekly Advertiser.

Voting closes on 30 September 2026. To cast your vote for your favourite Ararat Rural City businesses, visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au/awards2026