Ararat Rural City Council - COVID-19 Response

UPDATE ON THE COUNCIL SERVICES THROUGH REGIONAL VICTORIAN COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS 

This page was last updated Wednesday, 13 January 2021.

Ararat Rural City Council thanks the community for its support in adhering to safety measures as we continue to navigate through these uncertain times.  

Our hard work has payed off and we are now in a new COVID normal. However, some restrictions remain and determine what Council facilities and services can remain open to the public.  

MODIFIED SERVICES

Kerbside waste collection

• amended hours so that staff can maintain effective social distancing.

Maternal and Child Health Service

• All Maternal and Child Health services are available; however all patrons are required to book an appointment ahead of time.  Please phone the service on 5355 0224 to arrange an appointment or home visit.
• For more information, visit the Maternal and Child Health Webpage

Council Offices

The Council office is  open from 8am-5.15pm on weekdays, there are some modifications to the way they operate:

• A maximum of five people in the reception area at one time.
• Social distancing requirements in place.
• Hand sanitiser station and sneeze guards in place.
• Not all Council staff members will be available to speak  in person as many are working from home. Please phone the office on 5355 0200 before coming in to make arrangements.

Transfer stations

Rural transfer stations will operate on reduced hours, opening on the days and times listed below:

• Elmhurst - Sundays 1pm-4pm
• Lake Bolac - Wednesdays 1-5pm; Sundays 1-5pm
• Moyston - Sundays 2-5pm
• Pomonal - Saturdays 1-4pm & Wednesdays 1-4pm
• Tatyoon - Saturdays 10am-12pm
• Streatham - Sundays 10am-12pm
• Willaura - Sundays 9am-1pm​​​​
• Ararat Transfer Station will operate on reduced hours:
• Sundays and Mondays - closed
• Tuesdays to Fridays - 10am-1pm
• Saturdays - 12pm-5pm

Meals on Wheels

• This service will continue but will be provided by Council staff members instead of volunteers.

Community Care

• Council Staff will be in constant contact with clients to ensure their health, wellbeing and safety are maintained

Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre

• Closed

Visitor Information Centre

• Closed

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH COUNCIL

Customer service at the Municipal Offices, 59 Vincent Street, Ararat will remain open through the new restrictions with limited staffing. Hours for visiting are from 8am - 5.15pm weekdays. A maximum of 5 people will be allowed into the reception area at any time to maintain social distancing.

Enquiries can also be made through email via council@ararat.vic.gov.au and telephone on 5355 0200 during office hours, Monday to Friday.

Payments such as pet registrations, rates and other Council fees can be made online through BPay or they can phone 5355 0200 to pay via credit card. Cheques will also be accepted by reception, or by placing the cheque with a copy of the bill in an envelope into the mailbox at the front doors of the Municipal office, at 59 Vincent Street, Ararat.

Council Staff will mail out a receipt once payment is processed.

Please keep an eye on our website or social media accounts for updates around the ongoing changes.

• Facebook – Ararat Rural City Council
• Instagram - @araratruralcitycouncil

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

COVID-19 FINANCIAL HARDSHIP GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION FORM

To download a copy of Ararat Rural City Council's COVID-19 financial hardship guidelines and application form, please click here.

ARARAT COMMUNITY RELIEF CENTRE

Ararat Rural City Council has established the Ararat Community Relief Centre to help residents if they have questions, concerns or needs during COVID-19 restrictions. The Centre is not a physical location to visit, but a telephone number you can call for help and advice. Our friendly staff will help put you in touch with people who can help.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

CASI INITIATIVE

The Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative, or CASI, has been implemented to provide those in need with localized support during this difficult time. This initiative connects callers to a trained Australian Red Cross Volunteer who can provide psychological first aid and emotional support to callers. These volunteers can then refer them further to local community connectors. Community Connector are people located within our region and will be able to provide callers with a range of support and give them the ability to talk to a like-minded person who is in a strong position to provide tailored support. Examples of support that Community Connectors can provide are:

• Regular support chats
• Practical assistance, such as helping to access food and other essentials
• Link people to social activities and groups to help with isolation

CASI network can be contacted my calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 and 
pressing ‘3’

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Any businesses who have concerns about how they will reopen are welcome to contact the business support staff at the Ararat Rural City Council, who can help with a range of concerns, such as:

• Facilitating business to business relationships
• Business advice on how to reopen safely
• Assist with lodging applications for permits, such as outdoor dining and liquor licencing

Costs of permits and liquor licencing will be waivered during this time, and we are working to help this transition be as smooth as possible for all local businesses.

Ararat Rural City Council would like to thank all businesses in the region for their resilience and we want to extend our help as far as we can. Further details on how Council can help are available through the COVID-19 Business Support Page

Businesses who would like assistance are welcome to contact our staff:

• Phillippa Cairns on 5355 0241 or pcairns@ararat.vic.gov.au
• Tim McDougall on 5355 0264 or tmcdougall@ararat.vic.gov.au