Free public WiFi locations in Ararat Rural City
Free Council WiFi is now available at public hotspots across the Ararat township.
Council's free public WiFi aims to bring the community and visitors together and enable people to stay connected inthe public spaces in Ararat and surrounds.
Thanks to a $1.56 million grant from the Victorian Government, Ararat Rural City Council have worked with Telstra on the co-design of the rollout which provides public access to a next generation (WiFi 6 enabled) free WiFi service at key economic, tourism, recreation and cultural precincts. These locations include:
- Ararat Retail Precinct - Barkly Street, from Queen Street to Ligar Street
- Ararat Town Hall, Performing Arts Centre, Ararat Gallery TAMA and the Ararat Visitor Information Centre
- Soldiers Memorial Park
- Ararat Railway Station and Bus Interchange
- Alexandra Gardens, Ararat Active Corridor, including Ararat Skate Park, Ararat Dog Park, and the Basketball Half-Court
- Alexandra Oval Community Centre and Sporting Precinct
- Gordon Street Recreation Reserve
- Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct, Laby Street
- Kmart Carpark
- Ararat Library
- Langi Morgala Museum
- Ararat Fitness Centre
- Alexandra Hall
- Gum San Museum
The following locations in the township of Lake Bolac will also receive free WiFi coverage, expected to be available before Christmas.
- Lake Bolac Information and Business Centre
- Lake Bolac Complex
- Lake Bolac Recreation Reserve
- Lake Bolac Foreshore, Eel Festival Event Space.
How to access Free Council WiFi
- Look up available networks on your device
- Select 'Free Council WiFi'
- Accept the terms and conditions
You do not need to provide personal information, passwords or wait for any pop-up advertising to log in.
Staying safe online
No public WiFi is totally secure. Here are some ways to stay safe when accessing any free public WiFi network.
If your WiFi connection isn’t encrypted, others using WiFi in your area may be able to monitor information passing between your device and the network.
Staying safe on public WiFi
- Avoid sensitive transactions like banking
- Maintain anti-virus protection
- Install a trusted VPN app
- Keep software updated
- Have strong passwords
Resources to help you stay safe online
- eSmart: educational tools to tackle bullying and cyberbullying
- eSafety website: information on how to protect children if they experience cyber bullying or prohibited online content
- Kids Helpline: children, teens and young adults aged 5–25 can access free and confidential online and phone counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 551 800
- iParent: guidance for using safety settings on your family's web-connected devices
- Stay Smart Online: help to understand risks and simple steps to protect your personal and financial information online
Make a complaint about cyber safety
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has useful information on how to stay safe online. They can help with:
- public complaints
- cyber safety information.
The authority also completes:
- cyber safety research
- information awareness campaigns and activities
- education materials for use in schools.