Coronavirus (Covid - 19)

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

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, phone (03) 5352 9363 

• Ararat Medical Centre, phone (03) 5352 2311  

• Tristar Medical Group Ararat, phone (03) 5352 1555 

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. 

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, see the bottom of the page

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

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. 

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.