Potential New Residents Explore Ararat on Settlement Activity Tour

Council hosted the first of several planned bus tours as part of its Ararat Settlement Activity program, a project delivered with funding received from the Wyndham Community Education Centre.

Previously named the Ararat New Settlement Program – a highly successful venture, which attracted over 40 new residents into secure, long-term jobs – this event is a continuation of the partnership between Council and the Wyndham Community Education Centre.

The tour began at Windham Community Education Centre’s offices, with an early chartered bus pick-up of 10 participants, whose nationalities included Burmese, Chin, Kongo and Ethiopian.

Stops included the Visitor Information Centre, Gason, AME Systems, Ararat Town Hall, Alexandra Gardens and our Community Garden, Ararat Neighbourhood House, several primary and secondary schools, Green Hill Lake, and One Tree Hill Lookout.

While this tour focused on attracting job seekers from Melbourne’s western suburbs, the program also extends to other culturally and linguistically diverse job seekers looking for a new start in Ararat.

“The Ararat Settlement Activity bus tour is a terrific way to showcase the potential of our community to newcomers seeking a new start,” says Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison. “We offer a supportive and welcoming environment, exciting job prospects, and excellent infrastructure.”

Council expects to receive further interest in upcoming bus tours scheduled to occur over the next few months.