Ararat Rural City Council - COVID-19 Response

This page was last updated Thursday, 9 December 2021.

East Grampians Health Service is working in partnership with Ararat Rural City Council to offer care for individuals and families who are affected by the current COVID-19 situation in Ararat.

Any individual or family who needs access to food packages or further logistical support, or is unsure where to turn to, is urged to call 5355 0980 and Ararat Rural City Council staff will assist.

If you require financial assistance, there may be help available. For further information and how to apply, please go to www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/financial-and-other-support-coronavirus-covid-19

You can also keep up to date with the latest COVID-19 information via www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. The Victorian State Government Coronavirus website also provides translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, health professionals and industry.

COVID-19 TESTING LOCATION

The East Grampians Health Service offer a COVID-19 swab testing clinic. Anyone with any symptoms, no matter how mild, please come forward to get tested.

People wishing to have a COVID-19 swab test MUST call to book an appointment on 5352 9532. The EGHS swab testing clinic is open seven days a week.

Before booking an appointment, people are encouraged to preregister to save time at the clinic. Please complete the registration by following https://testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

There are now several locations within Ararat Rural City where you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. To make a booking, call one of the clinics below:

For East Grampians Health Service, Elmhurst Bushing Nursing Centre, Lake Bolac Bush Nursing Centre, and Willaura Healthcare call (03) 5352 9363
Ararat Medical Center, Ph: (03) 5352 2311
Tristar Medical Group Ararat, Ph: (03) 5352 1555

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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 - 5355 0980.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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.

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

CHANGES IN SERVICES

Ararat Rural City Council thanks the community for its support in adhering to safety measures as we continue to navigate through these uncertain times. There are no Council services currently impacted by restrictions at this time.

Council services operate in line with the Victorian Government's CovidSafe guidelines, this includes being double vaccinated and checking-in via the QR code on the Service Victoria app.

An exception to this rule is the Customer Service desk at the Municipal Offices, which can be accessed by any person during opening hours in line with the Open Premises Directions.

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH COUNCIL

Visit our customer service centre on 59 Vincent Street or you can connect with us through:

Phone

Call 5355 0200 to speak to one of our customer service staff.

Email

Send us an email through council@ararat.vic.gov.au and we will respond to your query as soon as possible.

Social Media:

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

Facebook – Ararat Rural City Council
Instagram - @araratruralcitycouncil

Making a payment

Payments such as pet registrations, rates and other Council fees can be made online through BPay or by phone, on 5355 0200 to pay via credit card.

Cheques will also be accepted by the reception. Council Staff will mail out a receipt once payment is processed.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Council's Economic Development team is dedicated to working closely with businesses to cushion the blow in these difficult times and assist businesses to navigate the options available to them. #Stongertogether

For information links to access advice regarding funding and health advice for businesses of all sizes, please click here