The Parish and its People

Ararat is a thriving town with a population of almost 9,000. It lies in the electoral district of Ripon and borders the Wimmera. The Grampians region is a short drive from Ararat and includes some of the State’s best wineries. Other primary industries include wool and beef. Ararat is nestled between several mountain ranges –  including the Grampians National Park, Mount Langi Ghiran, Mount Cole, Mount Buangor, Ararat Hills Regional Park and the Pyrenees Ranges. Olympic cyclist (Silver & Bronze medal winner) Shane Kelly was born in Ararat in 1972.

Catholic Schools:

St. Mary’s Parish Primary School
Marian College (Brigidine Sisters)

History
The Immaculate Conception Parish Ararat was established in 1858 by Bishop James Alipius Goold OSA of Melbourne.
The first Parish Priest was Father Thomas Barrett.

The Church caught fire in 2007 but out of this came an idea for a Parish Centre. This was built right behind the main church. This centre can be hired for conferences, baptisms and other general meetings.