New Resident`s Guide - Rural City of Wangaratta

New Resident’s Guide
2
Contents
5
Aged Services
Animals - Domestic
6
Arts
Building Permits
Cemeteries
7
9
Children’s Services Community Planning
Community Events
Council Meetings
Disability Services
Economic Development
Education/Schools
10 Emergencies
Fire Safety, Plans
and Preparation
Fire Danger
11 Emergencies Aid Environmental
Sustainability
Weeds and pests
13 Immunisation
Library
Multicultural
14 Neighbourhood Houses
Neighbourhood Watch
Newsletters and Notice Boards
Parking
15 Public Transport
17 Sport and Recreation
18 Trees
Waste Management
Water
Youth
19 Emergency Numbers
3
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 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 lifestyle, 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
@WangRuralCity
Designed by Warren Anderson
Printed by Pryor Printing
4
5
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 services
in Wangaratta, contact the Council offices or online in the Community
Directory on Council’s website - Iiving in Wangaratta. Another useful
link for information on Aged Services can be found at 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 more
information or to download registration forms go to Council’s web site,
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 assessed for
adoption 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.
“Services,
facilities and
shopping all
within easy
reach”
6
Arts
Building Permits
Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre
The Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre (WPAC)
hosts many international and national performances,
WPAC’s comfortable theatre features 520 seats. The
venue is also a conference and exhibition space
catering for a meeting for 10 or a dinner for 500. The
varied theatre program offers music, comedy, dance
and drama. The venue is located in the arts precinct
of Wangaratta right in the heart of the CBD and has
plenty of free parking close by. Book online or by
calling the Box Office, 10am - 4pm Monday to Friday,
or 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
Cemeteries
Wangaratta Art Gallery
The Wangaratta Art Gallery is located at 56 Ovens St,
Wangaratta and is open Monday and Tuesday 12:00pm
to 5:00pm, Wednesday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm,
Saturday and Sunday 12.00pm to 3:00pm. Closed on
Public Holidays and for exhibition installation. For
more information phone (03) 5722 0865 / (03)
5722 0761 or visit www.wangaratta.vic.com.au.
Arts Involvement
Artistic groups, associations, and opportunities are
available through the Rural City of Wangaratta.
Contact details for these organisations can be found
in Council’s online Community Directory or by
contacting Council’s Customer Service.
A building permit is generally required for any additions
to an existing dwelling and/or building 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
building permit may be required before construction
commences. Please contact Council’s Customer
Service for more information on 5722 0888 or via
email on council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.
The Wangaratta Public Cemetery is located on the
corner of Mason St and Tone Rd, Wangaratta with
access available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Wangaratta Public Cemetery has a comprehensive
database of cemetery information that dates back
to 1862. Researchers or family members interested
in genealogy can have the records searched. There
is a small fee payable for searches of the database.
Rural cemeteries in the Rural City of Wangaratta are
located at: Boorhaman, Bowman’s Forest, Eldorado,
Greta, Milawa, Springhurst, Tarrawingee and
Whitfield. For further information on the Wangaratta
Public Cemetery and rural cemeteries, phone
(03) 5721 3698 or email Council.
7
Children’s Services
Wangaratta Children’s Services Centre 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 residents to have a say about their
needs and aspirations through various engagement methods including
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, phone (03) 5721 5711 or follow us on Twitter
and Facebook.
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 6:00pm. Details on upcoming meetings,
agendas and opportunities to meet with Adminstrators can be found on
Council’s website or by contacting Customer Service.
“So
much for
family and
friends to see
and do during
visits”
8
9
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. The Rural City of Wangaratta is committed to
encouraging new investment and creating the right environment for
new and existing businesses to achieve their plans for growth. Council
supports business 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 1 specialist
school, 3 secondary schools, 1 TAFE institute including a Technical
Education Centre and Rural Industries Campus and a Community College.
Charles Sturt University delivers tertiary courses in partnership with the
GOTAFE Rural Industries Campus.
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.
Also, follow the links at www.education.vic.gov.au for a full list of
education facilities in the Rural City of Wangaratta.
“A
lot to
see and
explore in
the gourmet
region on
weekends”
10
Emergencies
declaration of a Total Fire Ban, which is issued by
CFA on days of high fire danger and are far more
prohibitive in relation to fires. General information
on obtaining permits within the Declared Fire Danger
Period and Total Fire Bans can be obtained from the
CFA ‘Can I Can’t I’ brochure available from the CFA
website www.cfa.vic.gov.au or by contacting the CFA
by phone on (03) 5720 2486.
You are encouraged to plan for emergencies, disasters
and disruptions that may affect you and your
family along with your property, farm or business.
In common with many rural and regional areas the
Rural City of Wangaratta is periodically impacted by
fires, floods and storm events. The area is also subject
to periodic drought and heatwave events during
summer. Emergency Phone numbers are found in the Open air burning in residential, commercial and industrial
areas outside of the Declared Fire Danger Period.
back of this booklet.
To conduct any open air burning (except for on a farm
or in a rural area) outside the Declared Fire Danger
Emergency Planning
There are a number of resources available to assist you Period requires a ‘Local Law Permit to Burn’ . Permits
in planning for emergencies. The REDiPlan resources will be restricted to burn offs for twigs and woody
available from the Red Cross are particularly good materials. All burn offs (including on farm) must be
for assisting householders and those caring for registered with VicFire as unregistered burn offs can
elderly and disabled with planning and preparing for cause CFA brigades to be called out unnecessarily.
emergencies. Resources for specific emergencies such Register your burn off by phone on 1800 668 511 or
as fires, floods and storms are available from the CFA by email following the instructions at www.cfa.vic.
and SES Victoria either at their websites or by calling gov.au/contact/register-your-burn-off/. For further
them on the numbers at the rear of this booklet. Red information and to obtain a Local Law Permit to Burn
Cross www.redcross.org.au/prepare. CFA www.cfa.vic. contact Council’s Customer Service Team. The use
of barbeques, cooking of food or use of tools of the
gov.au SES Victoria www.ses.vic.gov.au.
trade are exempt from obtaining a Local Law Permit
to Burn.
Fire Danger
Declared Fire Danger Period, Open Air Burning and
Total Fire Bans
Each year in rural and regional Victoria a Fire Danger
Period is declared during the summer months by
the CFA. This means that open air burning including
burning off and stubble burning is prohibited without
a permit. The Fire Danger Period is different to the
11
Emergency Aid
Hardship Assistance
‘Loaves and Fishes - Christians’ Caring’ is a partnership between faith
groups in the Rural City of Wangaratta auspiced by Anglicare. This
program provides food, support and other assistance to people and
families experiencing a range of hardship and also has connections for
other emergency relief agencies for those experiencing financial stress.
Located at the rear of Anglicare Victoria at 24 Ely Street, Wangaratta
please phone (03) 5721 9088 for further information. The hours of
operation are Monday to Friday between 10 am until 12pm.
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.
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 Environment & Primary Industries website at
www.dpi.vic.gov.au.
“A
family
friendly
rural city
with plenty
of open
spaces for
children to
play”
12
13
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. Upcoming
dates and further information can be obtained on Council’s web site or
please call Council’s Customer Service Team.
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
Contact Department of Immigration and Border Protection on
www.immi.gov.au or phone 131 881
Citizenship
Contact Department of Immigration and Border Protection on
www.immi.gov.au or phone 131 881
“Spoilt
with
selection
of cafes
and
restaurants”
14
Neighbourhood Houses
Rural community newsletters are available in:
Cheshunt, Eldorado, Everton, Glenrowan, Greta,
King Valley, Milawa, Moyhu, Murmungee, Oxley,
Peechelba, Springhurst, Whitfield 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. Council also provides free parking in bays
Neighbourhood Watch
A list of current Neighbourhood Watch groups is reserved for people with disabilities along with timed
available on Council’s Community Directory or by free parking in the CBD on Saturday mornings.
calling Council’s Customer Service. Groups meet Parking permits are available for purchase by motorists
to discuss ways to make their neighbourhood for all day undercover or open space parking.
Conditions of use apply. To purchase a parking permit
environment a safer place.
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.
15
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 Guide to Getting Around 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"
16
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.
events and competitions attracting Outdoor swimming pools
large numbers of riders from all Wangaratta has two public outdoor
over the state as well as interstate. swimming pools which operate
during the summer months:
Parks, Gardens and Reserves
The municipality is scattered with Wangaratta Olympic Outdoor Pool
well established parks, gardens The Wangaratta Olympic Outdoor
and reserves. No matter what your Pool is located in Swan St,
interest, for example, picnicing, Wangaratta. The facility includes a
flying a kite, playing ‘backyard seven lane wide, unheated outdoor
cricket’ or enjoying the serenity swimming pool and a octagonal
there will be a piece of open space toddler’s pool and a waterslide.
that will cater for you. A number Operation in the summer months
of reserves also host sporting is between November and March.
facilities. Please refer to the Opening dates can be found on
Community Directory for a listing Council’s website or by phoning
of activities and where these are Council’s Customer Service team.
located. A list of parks, gardens and
reserves can be found on Council’s Yarrunga Outdoor Pool
website or by contacting Customer The Yarrunga Pool is located in
Service.
Brash Avenue, Wangaratta. The
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 Wangaratta Indoor Sports and
Trail can be found on their website Aquatic Centre (WISAC)
www.murraytomountains.com.au. The Indoor Sports and Aquatic
Centre comprises of a 25 metre, 8
Playgrounds
lane pool, an 8 metre by 10 metre
A vast array of playgrounds are
program pool designed for aged
distributed throughout the open
and disabled access with full ramp
space network. These playgrounds
facilities and a leisure pool for
range from local neighbourhood
children with a beach entry. The
facilities through to more
centre has a gym complete with
substantial facilities that cater for
the latest equipment including
people with disabilities. Playground
provisions for aerobics, squash/
information can be obtained from
racquetball 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.
and scooters and is host to annual
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.
18
Trees
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 selected to suit local conditions and managed
with regular maintenance to enhance the urban
environment. To report any issues with trees on
nature strips contact Council’s Customer Service.
Waste Management Garbage and
Recycling collection
The Rural City of Wangaratta provides all urban and
rural homes and commercial properties on garbage
collection routes with a 140 litre mobile container
for garbage and a 240 litre mobile container for
recycling materials. The garbage collection is weekly
and recycling is collected fortnightly on the standard
garbage collection day. 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.
Recycling and Sustainable Living
The household recycling service accepts paper,
cardboard, metal and aluminium cans, glass bottles
and jars, and plastic containers from the kitchen,
bathroom and laundry. Council’s website has a
Sustainable Living Guide which helps residents with
a range of information on how to improve energy
and water use and sustainability in the home. Further
information is available on the website, or contact
Council’s Customer Service Team.
Waste Transfer Station
Residents can dispose of bulky waste at Council’s
transfer stations, with a fee based on volume disposed.
Residents can recycle many extra items at Council’s
transfer stations including e-waste, batteries, tyres,
green waste, mattresses, lighting globes, motor oil,
metal, timber and concrete. Recycling is encouraged
with lower charges or free disposal for many
items. 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.
Water
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.
Youth
Youth Council
Youth Council is a group of up to 12 young people
aged between 14 – 18 years which meets regularly
to discuss youth issues, help organise youth &
community events and take part in leadership forums
and self-development activities. Youth Council is
a 12 month commitment. Youth Council is open to
any young person who lives, works or studies in the
Rural City of Wangaratta and is interested in making a
difference in their community. Nominations are open
in March each year.
Creative Youth Crew
The Creative Youth Crew is a sub-group of Youth
Council who meet regularly to organise youth events
hosted throughout the Municipality. Young people
aged 13 – 25 years who are interested in organising
and running events are encouraged to get involved.
Creative Youth is a supported by FReeZA, a Victorian
Government initiative and is a great opportunity
for young musicians, event planners or those with a
technical interest to get experience.
Youth Support
For information on 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 team.
For more information or meeting dates please contact
Council’s Customer Service team.
19
Emergency Numbers
For Fire, Ambulance, Police and all life threatening and time critical
emergencies contact 000.
For up to date, web based information on emergencies and disasters
http://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/ phone 132 500 or listen to one of
your local emergency broadcasters Wangaratta ABC Local 97.7FM,
Wangaratta Edge 102.1 FM or Wangaratta 3NE 1566 AM
Victoria Police Wangaratta Enquiries (03) 5723 0888
Country Fire Authority (CFA) Wangaratta Enquires (03) 5720 2486
To register your burn off 1800 668 511. Bushfire information can be
obtained on the Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667
State Emergency Services (SES) Victoria Flood and Storm Emergency
132 500
Hospitals
Northeast Health (03) 5722 0111
Wangaratta Private Hospital (03) 5722 2678