More Council facilities reopening in line with COVID-19 roadmap

Ararat Rural City Council is gearing up to reopen more facilities and services in line with the Victorian Government’s Roadmap from this weekend.

This includes the reopening of Green Hill Lake campground from this weekend (30 October), group fitness classes and swim program returning to Ararat Fitness Centre from next week and Ararat Town Hall with its first show on 10 November.

Chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the gradual opening of Council facilities would ensure a balance of community safety and return of some level of normalcy.

“It’s great to see council facilities and services reopen and for our community to get back to doing what they enjoy – from hitting the gym, going for a swim to attending a live concert at Town Hall,” Dr Harrison said.

“From Monday (1 November), group fitness classes will resume at Ararat Fitness Centre, and our Swim Program will return with lessons starting on 3 November.

“We also look forward to welcoming more residents and visitors back to enjoying our arts and cultural venues, including Ararat Town Hall.

“Council is excited to be supporting Ararat Live in celebrating live music’s return to the region, with Neil Murray performing at Ararat Town Hall on 10 November for fully vaccinated residents and visitors.

Residents are urged to respect the guidelines both council and businesses have to adhere to as we transition out of lockdown.

“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of getting vaccinated to protect the health and safety of our community – it is the key to reopening,” Dr Harrison continued.

“While our facilities will reopen, we want to remind our community to remain vigilant and continue doing the right thing. Council encourages those who haven’t already, to get the jab.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community is our priority. As we reopen, we urge residents and visitors to respect the COVIDSafe guidelines put in place as we transition to our new normal,” he concluded. 

These changes are in line with the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 roadmap – it will be a condition of entry to council buildings and facilities that people are fully vaccinated, wear a mask and check-in using the QR code service provided. Residents and visitors can add their COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service Victoria app through MyGov or the Express Medicare Plus App.