Ararat Rural City Council’s highly successful Façade Improvement Program has supported another local business in elevating its street presence.
Western Victoria Vets is the latest grant recipient, utilising the funding to transform its new, larger clinical premises on Barkly Street.
The building’s front received a dramatic facelift, featuring fresh paint and new signage, while carefully preserving the historic character and heritage aesthetic of the building.
Beyond the exterior makeover, the clinic’s move to a larger facility marks a major step forward for local animal care. Inside, the modern clinic now features separate dog and cat waiting areas and hospital wards, advanced surgical facilities, a dedicated dental treatment suite, access to veterinary specialists, and a private euthanasia room for quiet, compassionate end-of-life care.
Council’s Façade Improvement Program provides matching grants of up to $10,000 on a 2:1 basis, giving business owners a valuable boost to update and refresh their frontages.
The funding is open to new, expanding, or relocating businesses with street frontage anywhere across Ararat Rural City. Eligible works include exterior painting and cleaning, door and window updates, new signage, outdoor heating or cooling, and external lighting.
“Seeing local businesses grow and invest right here in Ararat is always a huge win,” says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Bob Sanders.
“The team at Western Victoria Veterinary Clinic have done a fantastic job transforming their new, larger home on Barkly Street. It’s a really refreshed premises that looks great while respecting the historic heritage of the building.
“Programs like our Façade Grants are all about giving hard-working business owners that extra bit of support to expand, refresh their space, and keep our main streets looking vibrant.”
Applications for the current round of Council’s Façade Grant Scheme are now open!
