Final Call-Out: Votes for People's Choice Award Closing Soon! 

Ararat Rural City Council is making a final call for community members to show their support for their favourite local businesses before voting closes for the 2026 People’s Choice Awards.

With the deadline fast approaching, this is your last chance to vote for any business, large or small, CBD or rural, operating within Ararat Rural City. 

Voting closes on 30 September 2026, and under five minutes. To cast your vote, head to Council’s website: www.ararat.vic.gov.au/awards2026, and follow the link to the voting form. Don’t forget to list your top three favourite businesses.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award winner will receive an advertising package valued at $2,000 to use across local radio and print media, thanks to award sponsors Ace Radio and The Weekly Advertiser.

Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders, urged residents not to miss this final opportunity to back their local favourite businesses, "Voting in the People's Choice Award is your chance to show our business community just how much we appreciate everything they do."

"Supporting our local businesses keeps money circulating locally, creates job opportunities, and helps secure our region’s long-term economic growth. Voting online for your top three favourite local businesses is quick and easy, but the impact is significant. Every single vote counts. Make sure you get your votes in before it closes."

The People’s Choice Award is a category of the 2026 East Grampians Business Awards and is proudly sponsored by Ararat Rural City Council in partnership with Ace Radio and The Weekly Advertiser. 
 

Winners of the 2026 East Grampians Business Awards will be officially revealed on Wednesday, 28 October, during an evening gala at the Ararat Town Hall, as well as published online across Council’s website and social media channels.