COVID-19 update – Council facilities reopening as restrictions ease

The Ararat Regional Library and the swimming pool at the Ararat Fitness Centre are the first Council facilities to reopen after the State Government’s easing of COVID-19 restrictions from June 1.

And the Council’s office at 59 Vincent Street, Ararat, will reopen to the public on Tuesday 9 June after the long weekend.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the library and fitness centre pool both reopened on Monday 1 June, with limits on the number of people attending the facilities and rules around social distancing.

Dr Harrison said the Ararat Fitness Centre pool would only be open for limited times for lap swimming and exercise only, with the gym, basketball courts, spa, sauna and changerooms to remain closed for the time being.

The State Government has stated that gyms can reopen from June 22 and Council is currently working through health and safety measures around reopening.

“Council is happy to welcome patrons back to some of our facilities but it’s important for everyone to note that we still need to abide by health and safety regulations, including social distancing rules and limits on patron numbers,” he said.

“We are working to reopen our other facilities and will keep the community updated through our social media channels, our website and local media. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation with the new regulations, and we look forward to welcoming people back.”

Dr Harrison said the Council office at 59 Vincent Street will be open its usual hours of 8am to 5.15pm on weekdays from Tuesday 9 June after the long weekend.

He said a maximum of five people at a time would be allowed in the reception area of the office, with social distancing measures also in place.

“Not all Council officers will be available to talk in person when the office reopens and this is due to the Premier’s directive that people who have been working from home must continue to do so,” he said.

“If you would like to talk to a particular officer, it’s best to ring 5355 0200 first to make arrangements.”

The Ararat Fitness Centre swimming pool is open for lap swimming only, at limited times, with patrons limited to Ararat Fitness Centre members. There is a maximum of 20 people allowed at any one time, and the changerooms, spa and sauna remain closed.

Bookings for lap swimming are essential – phone 5355 0256 or message the fitness centre Facebook page to book.

Lap swimming times are limited to:

The Ararat Regional Library is open at its normal operating hours:

Dr Harrison said the library would be able to accommodate 20 people at a time, with computer sessions limited to 30 minutes each.

“For the moment we have taken the magazines and newspapers out of circulation as they cannot be cleaned to the standard we are using for the rest of our items,” he said.

“The library still cannot receive deliveries from other libraries but they still have plenty of books – including new items – to borrow and even some you can take home after staff weeded stock from the shelves that don't need to be returned.”

Library staff are still able to provide items through delivery to those who do not wish to or who cannot venture out safely at this time. Please call the library on 5352 1722 to arrange.

For more information about Council arrangements during COVID-19 restrictions, visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au and click on the red link on the home page.