Council services over the Christmas and New Year Period

As we are fast approaching the festive season, Council has officially welcomed the festive season with an array of Christmas decorations displayed around the municipality bringing colour and joy throughout our municipality.

The iconic Christmas tree on the corner of Vincent and High Streets in Ararat has returned, joined by 3- metre solar Christmas trees in Lake Bolac, Willaura, and Pomonal. There are plenty of new additions to this year’s decorations including festive-themed banners along Barkly Street, and new decals designs installed at the bus shelters and Ararat Library.

Mayor of Ararat Rural City Council, Cr Jo Armstrong, said Council is spreading festive cheer across the region with the lighting of the Christmas trees.

“You truly begin to feel the holiday spirit when you see Christmas decorations put up by Council, local businesses, and our community,” Cr Armstrong said.

“This Christmas, I hope you have a chance to relax and spend time with those closest to you – that’s what the season is all about. I also encourage you to show kindness to those around you and reach out to people who may be doing it tough.

“If you are heading out to celebrate over the festive period, experience one of our many eateries, support local retailers, or take advantage of our beautiful open spaces across the municipality.”

Over the Christmas and new year period, some council services may be unavailable or have varied closures, while others will operate as usual.


Waste Collection

Kerbside waste and recycling collections will continue as normal over the holiday period. Please remember to put bins out before 6am on the day of collection. For missed collections during this period, email [email protected] or call council.

Council Offices (Vincent Street)

Council’s Customer Service Counter will close as of 2pm on 23 December and reopen 28 December. Closed on public holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Open all other days as scheduled.

Transfer Stations

Closed on public holidays - Christmas Day, Boxing Day Holiday, and New Year’s Day. Open all other days as scheduled.

Ararat Library

Ararat Library will be closed over 26 December, 27 December, and 2 January. The Outreach service will not run between 26 December to 6 January and will resume from 9 January.

Ararat Gallery TAMA and Ararat & Grampians Visitor Information Centre

The Gallery and Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

Local Laws/Animal Management

An on call council officer will be available during public holidays for animal emergencies, please contact Council on (03) 5355 0200.

Ararat Fitness Centre

Sunday 25 December - Closed
Monday 26 December - 1.00pm-5.00pm
Tuesday 27 December - 1.00-5.00pm
Wednesday 28 December - 6.00am-8.30pm
Thursday 29 December - 6.00am-8.30pm
Friday 30 December - 6.00am-8.30pm
Saturday 31 December - 8.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday 1 January - 1.00pm - 5.00pm
Monday 2 January - 1.00pm - 5.00pm

Ararat Outdoor Pool
Sunday 25 December - Closed
Monday 26 December - 11.00-7.00pm
Tuesday 27 December - 11.00-7.00pm
Wednesday 28 December – 6:00 – 9:00 (Lap swimming) 11.00-7.00pm
Thursday 29 December - 6:00 – 9:00 (Lap swimming) 11.00-7.00pm
Friday 30 December - 6:00 – 9:00 (Lap swimming) 11.00-7.00pm
Saturday 31 December - 11.00-7.00pm
Sunday 1 January - 11.00-7.00pm
Monday 2 January - 11.00-7.00pm

Willaura & Lake Bolac Outdoor Pools
Sunday 25 December - Closed
Monday 26 December - 1.00-7.00pm
Tuesday 27 December - 1.00-7.00pm
Wednesday 28 December - 1.00-7.00pm
Thursday 29 December - 1.00-7.00pm
Friday 30 December - 1.00-7.00pm
Saturday 31 December - 1.00-7.00pm
Sunday 1 January - 1.00-7.00pm
Monday 2 January - 1.00-7.00pm

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