New Residents Guide
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Contents 5
Aged Services Animals - Domestic
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Arts Building Permits Cemeteries
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Children’s Services Community Planning Community Events Council Meetings
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10 Emergencies
Emergencies Aid Weeds and pests Fire Safety, Plans and Preparation Fire Danger
11 Immunisation 13 Library
Multicultural
14 Neighbourhood Houses Disability Services Economic Development Neighbourhood Watch Parking Education/Schools
15 Public Transport 17 Sport and Recreation 18 Trees
Waste Management Water Youth
19 Emergency Numbers
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Welcome to the Rural City of Wangaratta
Contact details for the Rural City of Wangaratta Council
The Rural City of Wangaratta is located in Victoria, Australia and lies 235 kilometres north east of the capital city of Melbourne and 647 kilometres south west of Sydney, New South Wales.
Customer Service (03) 5722 0888 Customer Service operates Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm to deal with all enquiries
Situated on the King and Ovens Rivers, the Rural City of Wangaratta is widely recognised as a municipality that offers a premier, provincial lifestyle. The region is famous for world class wine and gourmet food. The New Resident’s Guide contains information to help you settle in to the Rural City of Wangaratta. Whether it be moving from interstate or making the ‘tree change’ to the rural life style, the Rural City of Wangaratta caters for all people. Council’s Community Directory: The Wangaratta Community Directory is located on Council’s website. Here you will find contact details for community groups, sporting clubs and associations, schools, churches, halls and venues, service clubs, children’s services, youth services and health services. Community and Business Directory: Wangaratta’s local newspaper, the Wangaratta Chronicle, produce annually a printed copy of a Community and Business Directory. These are available from their offices at 37 Rowan St, Wangaratta or phone (03) 5723 0100
E: council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au W: www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Location Wangaratta Government Centre, corner of Ford and Ovens St Wangaratta Postal Address Po Box 238 , Wangaratta Victoria 3676 Fax Number (03) 5721 9526 The Wangaratta New Resident’s Guide is available in audio format, produced in partnership with Vision Australia. To obtain a copy of the audio CD, please contact Wangaratta Council’s Customer Service. Designed and Printed by Pryor Printing
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Aged Services The Rural City of Wangaratta caters for a variety of aged services including: home care, residential aged care, private nursing homes, villages and hostels. For further information regarding Aged Care in Victoria and Government programs phone the Department of Health 1300 253 942 or visit www.health.vic.gov.au/aged care. Senior Citizens groups are also active within Wangaratta and some rural townships. Contact details for these groups can be found in Council’s online Community Directory or by contacting Council’s Customer Service.
Animals - Domestic Registration All cats and dogs registered for the first time must be micro-chipped prior to registration. Dog and cat registration renewal forms are posted out to animal owners in March each year and all registrations must be renewed by 10 April each year. Tags are sent out with the renewal notices but the registration is not valid until payment is received. For details on restricted dog breeds and to register an animal please contact or e-mail Council’s Customer Service Team. Lost Animals Council will impound any dog or cat found outside the owner’s premises. Every effort is made to locate the owner of the animal, but if it has not been micro-chipped, this is an extremely difficult task. If your dog or cat is missing, please contact Council’s Customer Service Team immediately. If the animal is not collected within eight days it may be euthanased in accordance with legislative requirements. In addition to the fine for allowing the animal to be at large, the owner will be charged a pound release fee.
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Arts Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre The Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre is located on the corner of Ford and Ovens St, Wangaratta, opposite the Wangaratta Government Centre. The box office is open Monday to Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm. The box office is also open one hour prior to the start of a performance. For information on upcoming shows and performances, phone (03) 5722 8105 or visit www.wangarattapac.com.au.
Building Permits
A building permit is generally required for any additions to an existing dwelling including garages, construction of some fences, restumping of an existing building, construction of a shed or all swimming pools and spas which have a depth greater than 300mm of water.
Council’s Building Team is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2006. In the interest of public health and safety, and to maintain the integrity of private and individual investments, a Wangaratta Art Gallery building permit may be required before construction The Wangaratta Art Gallery is located at 56 Ovens commences. Contact Council’s Customer Service for St, Wangaratta and is open Monday and Tuesday more information. 12:00pm to 5:00pm, Wednesday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Cemeteries The Wangaratta Public Cemetery is located on the For more information phone (03) 5722 0865 or visit corner of Mason St and Tone Rd, Wangaratta with Council’s website. access available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Wangaratta Public Cemetery has a comprehensive Arts Involvement database of cemetery information that dates back Artistic groups, associations, and opportunities to 1862. Researchers or family members interested are available with the Rural City of Wangaratta. in genealogy can have the records searched. There Contact details for these organisations can be found is a small fee payable for searches of the database. in Council’s online Community Directory or by Rural cemeteries in the Rural City of Wangaratta are located at: Boorhaman, Bowman’s Forest, Eldorado, contacting Council’s Customer Service. Greta, Milawa, Springhurst, Tarrawingee and Whitfield. For further information on the Wangaratta Public Cemetery and rural cemeteries, phone (03) 5721 3698 or email Council.
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Children’s Services
Wangaratta Children’s Service organisations provides integration of long day care, occasional childcare, kindergarten, maternal and child health service, Family Day Care, parenting support and Cluster Management NERPSA (North East Regional Preschool Association). There are also several private Childcare Operators in Wangaratta. For a full listing of Children’s services within the Rural City of Wangaratta refer to the online Community Directory. Listings are available in hard copy on request from Council’s Customer Service.
Community Planning
Community Planning supports rural residents to have a say about their needs and aspirations through facilitated workshops to establish a plan of action. Contact Council’s Customer Service for further information.
Community Events
A calendar of events occur in the Rural City of Wangaratta and can be found on the Wangaratta Visitor Information website www.visitwangaratta.com.au or by visiting the Information Centre, 100 Murphy St, Wangaratta or phoning (03) 5721 5711.
Council Meetings
The Wangaratta Rural City Council generally holds its Ordinary Meetings on the third Tuesday of each month. Council Meetings are held either at the Wangaratta Government Centre or in a rural township. Council Meetings usually commence at 7:00pm. Details on upcoming meetings, agendas and opportunities to meet with Councillors can be found on Council’s website or by contacting Customer Service.
“So
much for family and friends to see and do during visits”
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Disability Services Disability services within the Rural City of Wangaratta include home care, health services, respite services, training and employment. For disability information, support and contact details of individual groups or needs Victorian wide, phone 1800 783 783.
Economic Development Wangaratta Unlimited is the Rural City of Wangaratta’s economic development arm. It is committed to encouraging new investment and creating the right environment for new and existing businesses to achieve their plans for growth. Wangaratta Unlimited support businesses and agribusiness towards sustainable growth and development of local enterprises. For more information please contact Council’s Economic Development unit on (03) 5722 0775 or email wangarattaunlimited@ wangaratta.vic.gov.au.
Education / Schools The Rural City of Wangaratta has 22 primary schools including one specialist school, three secondary schools, one TAFE institute including a Technical Education Centre and one Community College. For a full listing of pre, primary and secondary schools within the Rural City of Wangaratta refer to the online Community Directory. Listings are available in hard copy on request from Council’s Customer Service.
“A
lot to see and explore in the gourmet region on weekends”
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Emergencies The impacts of fire, flood, drought, storm and heatwaves, along with major accidents, have historically shaped the district environment. In particular, the Rural City of Wangaratta being located at the confluence of two major rivers, periodically experiences flooding of various magnitudes. Fires have also been prominent in the Rural City of Wangaratta’s history. Emergency phone numbers are found in the back of this booklet Fire Safety, Plans and Preparation It is important to be fire ready when living in the Rural City of Wangaratta. You can download a copy of the ‘Fire Ready Official Guide’ from Council’s website to help you determine what you need to know and to help prepare for the fire season. For more information on fire safety, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
Fire Danger Open Fires and Incinerators To conduct any open air burning in the Declared Fire Danger Period, a ‘Permit to Burn’ is usually required. General information on permitted fires within the Declared Fire Danger Period can be obtained from the CFA ‘Can I Can’t I’ brochure from the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Service Team.
Residential and commercial areas To conduct any open air burning outside the Declared Fire Danger Period a ‘Local Law Permit to Burn’ is generally required under Council’s Local Law. The use of barbeques, cooking of food or use of tools of the trade are exempt from obtaining a permit. All burn offs should be registered with VicFire on 1800 668 511. Unregistered burn offs can cause brigades to be called out unnecessarily. For further information, Contact Council’s Customer Service Team.
Emergency Aid Christian Emergency Relief Wangaratta (CERW) CERW is a partnership between nine faith groups in the Rural City of Wangaratta supported by Anglicare. CERW provides food, support and has connections for other emergency relief agencies for those experiencing financial stress. CERW is located at the rear of Anglicare Victoria, 24 Ely Street, Wangaratta and can be contacted on (03) 5721 9088.
Environmental Sustainability Within the Rural City of Wangaratta, Landcare, sustainability and volunteer community groups provide advice, activities and community connection for environmental and sustainability issues. Relevant community organisations can be found on Council’s online Community Directory or by contacting Council’s Customer Service.
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Weeds and Pests Council is committed to controlling roadside weeds, bush regeneration and conserving roadside vegetation in the Rural City of Wangaratta. There are a number of preventative measures that Council, together with landholders and other agencies have in place to help prevent the introduction of new and existing weeds. The Queensland Fruit Fly is north east Victoria’s worst fruit pest. Poorly maintained backyard fruit trees, with overripe and fallen fruit around their base are one of the main sources of outbreaks. Residents can play an important role in preventing outbreaks by not bringing fruit or vegetables in the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone and informing friends, relatives and seasonal workers not to bring fresh fruit with them when they visit you. For further information about Queensland Fruit Fly please visit the Department of Primary Industries website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au.
Immunisation Council’s Environmental Health team holds a monthly free immunisation session for all vaccines on the National Health and Medical Research Council schedule. The sessions are held in the Memorial Hall at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre in Ford St, Wangaratta on selected Tuesdays from 9:30am – 10:30am. These free immunisations are an alternative to obtaining immunisations from your local doctor. For upcoming dates, please call Council’s Environmental Health team or email Council.
“A
family friendly rural city with plenty of open spaces for children to play”
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Library The Wangaratta Library and Community Centre is located at 21 Docker St, Wangaratta and provides easy access, dedicated areas for children and teenagers, a history area and internet access available for use. Opening hours are found on the library’s website www.hclc.vic.gov.au or by phoning (03) 5721 2366.
Multicultural The Rural City of Wangaratta embraces multiculturalism and welcomes people from all cultures. Multiculturalism in the Rural City of Wangaratta accepts, appreciates and promotes the diversity of our region. North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) NEMA is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation working closely with Local Government and Regional Ethnic Communities’ Councils, NEMA provides a welcome pack for new residents who have migrated to or are thinking of moving to Wangaratta. It is available in English, Italian and German. For further information, phone (03) 5721 2090 or visit www.nema.org.au. Skilled Migration Skilled migrants can help offset specific skill shortages and expand the size and quality of the Australian workforce. People can apply to migrate through Australian visa offices overseas either directly or by contacting Council’s Customer Service Team or via email migration@wangaratta.vic.gov.au. Citizenship Citizenship ceremonies are held regularly in the Rural City of Wangaratta. Applications and information for citizenship are available from Council or can be completed online, by mail or in person. Completed forms, together with the prescribed fee, are to be lodged with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for processing. For further information phone the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 131 880 or visit www.citizenship.gov.au
“Spoilt
with selection of cafes and restaurants”
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Neighbourhood Houses
Rural community newsletters are available in: Eldorado, Everton, Glenrowan, Greta, King Valley, Milawa, Moyhu, Murmungee, Oxley, Peechelba and Tarrawingee. Contact details are listed in Council’s online community directory.
Neighbourhood houses exist within the Rural City of Wangaratta and are open to all community members providing meeting facilities, self interest activities and information on community involvement. The houses also welcome new residents with services, social groups and activities. Contact details, opening hours and more information Parking on these neighbourhood houses can be found on Tickets machines are located in the CBD situated in Council’s Community Directory or by contacting Murphy St, Reid St, Ovens St, Ford St, Victoria Parade, Faithfull St and Ely St. The ticket machines are a Council’s Customer Service. combination of both 1 hour and 2 hour time limits for parking. Tickets are 50 cents per hour. Council also Neighbourhood Watch A list of current Neighbourhood Watch groups is provides free parking in bays reserved for people with available on Council’s Community Directory or by disabilities along with timed free parking in the CBD calling Council’s Customer Service. Groups meet on Saturday mornings. to discuss ways to make their neighbourhood Parking permits are available for purchase by motorists for all day undercover or open space parking. environment a safer place. Conditions of use apply. To purchase a parking permit please contact Council’s Customer Service.
Newsletters and notice boards
Council delivers a quarterly ‘Wangaratta Matters’ community newsletter to all Wangaratta residential post boxes. This newsletter contains events, notices and announcements for the municipality. Community notice boards are located on Murphy St and Reid St in Wangaratta and most rural towns.
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Public Transport Public buses operate within Wangaratta daily. Timetables are available from Customer Service and at bus stop locations. A copy of the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Transport Options Booklet can be downloaded from Council’s website or obtained from Council’s Customer Service Team. Wangaratta Taxis (03) 5721 8888 Wangaratta Railway Station (03) 5721 3641 V-line Customer Inquiries 13 61 96 www.vline.com.au Country Link 13 22 32 www.countrylink.info Patient Transport Australian Red Cross Patient Transport is available to essential medical appointments in Melbourne and Wangaratta and within your local area. Phone the Wangaratta Red Cross (03) 5721 8451.
Schools See ‘Education’
"Activities
and events to cater for all ages"
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17 Sport and Recreation Sport and Recreation Activities A huge array of sport and recreation activities catering for a broad range of interests and abilities are available within the municipality ranging from athletics, basketball, baseball, cricket, croquet, cycling, equestrian, football, golf, motorsports, netball, swimming and tennis. A comprehensive list of activities and club contact details are available on Council’s Community Directory.
and scooters and is host to annual events and competitions attracting large numbers of riders from all over the state as well as interstate.
Outdoor swimming pools Wangaratta has two public outdoor swimming pools which operate during the summer months:
Parks, Gardens and Reserves The municipality is scattered with well established parks, gardens and reserves. No matter what your interest, for example, picnicing, flying a kite, playing ‘backyard cricket’ or enjoying the serenity there will be a piece of open space that will cater for you. A number of reserves also host sporting facilities. Please refer to the Community Directory for a listing of activities and where these are located. A list of parks, gardens and reserves can be found on Council’s website or by contacting Customer Service.
Wangaratta Olympic Outdoor Pool The Wangaratta Olympic Outdoor Pool is located in Swan St, Wangaratta. The facility includes a 50 metre by seven lane wide, unheated outdoor swimming pool and a 12 metre diameter octagonal toddler’s pool. Operation in the summer months is between November and March. Please visit Council’s website or phone Customer Service for current opening dates.
Cycling/Walking Path Network A network of cycling/walking paths meander along the city’s waterways. Cycling and walking track information can be obtained from Customer Service. Information on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail can be found on their website Wangaratta Indoor Sports and www.murraytomountains.com.au. Aquatic Centre (WISAC) The Indoor Sports and Aquatic Playgrounds Centre comprises of a 25 metre, A vast array of playgrounds are 8 lane pool, an 8 metre by 10 distributed throughout the open metre program pool designed for space network. These playgrounds aged and disabled access with full range from local neighbourhood ramp facilities and a leisure pool facilities through to more for children. The centre has a gym substantial facilities that cater for complete with the latest equipment people with disabilities. Playground including provisions for aerobics, information can be obtained from squash courts and a stadium Council’s website or by contacting equipped for basketball, netball, Customer Service. soccer, volleyball, badminton and numerous other indoor sports. For Skate Park A skate park facility is located further information on the Indoor at the entrance to the HP Barr Sports and Aquatic Centre facilities Reserve, on the corner of Park Lane or to get a copy of the latest class and Edwards St, Wangaratta. This time table visit www.wangaratta. facility has recently been upgraded ymca.org.au or phone WISAC on to cater for skateboarding, BMX (03) 5721 1723.
Yarrunga Outdoor Pool The Yarrunga Pool is located in Brash Avenue, Wangaratta. The pool consists of an unheated free form leisure pool and a free-form toddlers pool with a beach entry. Operation in the summer months is between November and February. Opening dates can be found on Council’s website or by phoning Customer Service.
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Water
Council manages street trees that have been planted on nature strips, road shoulders, median strips, paved pedestrian areas and within roundabouts in Wangaratta and rural townships. These trees are managed with regular maintenance to enhance the urban environment. To report any issues with trees on nature strips contact Council’s Customer Service.
Permanent water restrictions apply in the Rural City of Wangaratta. For more information on water restrictions, visit North East Water’s website www. newater.com.au or phone 1300 361 622.
Waste Management Garbage and Recycling collection The Rural City of Wangaratta provides all urban and rural residencies and commercial properties on garbage collection routes with a 140 litre mobile container for garbage and a 240 litre mobile container for disposal of recycling materials. The recycling container is collected fortnightly on the standard garbage collection day. For further information, contact Council’s Customer Service Team. Recycling In the Rural City of Wangaratta among the products that can be recycled are: paper, cardboard, metals, aluminium, glass, margarine, yoghurt containers and certain plastics. Urban and rural maps of garbage and recycling collection days in the Rural City of Wangaratta are able to be downloaded from Council’s website. For further information, contact Council’s Customer Service Team. Waste Transfer Station Council’s transfer stations accept batteries, tyres, green waste, mattresses, lighting waste, motor oil, metal, timber and concrete which are all recycled with a charge for some items to cover the cost of processing. Please contact Council for e-waste disposal options. Transfer stations are located throughout the municipality at Boorhaman, Eldorado, Glenrowan, Markwood, Moyhu, Springhurst, Whitfield and Wangaratta. Opening hours and locations can be found on Council’s website or by phoning Council’s Customer Service Team.
Youth Youth Council The aim of the Youth Council is to raise awareness of youth issues and improve opportunities for young people. The Wangaratta Youth Council consist of 12 young residents from the municipality aged 14-18 who live, work or study in The Rural City of Wangaratta. Youth Council Meetings are held at both local schools and at the Wangaratta Government Centre. For current meeting dates and times, visit Council’s website or contact Council’s Youth Development Officer by calling Council’s Customer Service Team. For a full listing Youth organisations, support services and youth groups within the Rural City of Wangaratta refer to Council’s online Community Directory. Listings are available in hard copy on request from Council’s Customer Service.
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Emergency Numbers Ambulance Emergency Only 000 Wangaratta Enquiries (03) 5720 0613 Police Emergency Only 000 Wangaratta Enquiries (03) 5723 0888 Fire Emergency Only 000 Wangaratta Enquires (03) 5720 2486 SES Flood and Storm Emergency 132 500
Hospitals Northeast Health (03) 5722 0111 Wangaratta Private Hospital (03) 5722 2678
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