Council Services
Accounts - Options for Payment
There are a number of ways by which you may pay money owing to Council.
- Cheque
- Cash
- Credit Card (charges may apply in some cases)
- Direct debit from your account on a periodical basis from your bank account.
- BPAY - Through telephone or Internet banking. You will need to quote Council's Biller Code number and your reference number (supplied on your rate notice or invoice)
- EFTPOS - In person. Debit Card facilities available
More and more people are realising the benefit of spreading their rates payments over a much longer period. You do not need to wait until you receive your rates notice to make payments against your rates for the year ahead.
Rates
Rates are levied from the 1st July to the 30th June each year. Rate notices are issued in the last week of August and due on the 30th September. A final notice will be issued and interest is levied on rates outstanding after this date. Equiries can be made to the rates clerk on the following email address: valleyc@wn.com.au.
Australian Citizenship
The Shire of Chapman Valley conducts citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA).
To become an Australian citizen you are required to fill out an application package, which you can obtain from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA). Any questions relating to the forms need to be directed to the Department of Immigration, as they process all the citizenship forms. Once the application is approved, you will receive a letter from the Department of Immigration confirming your approval of the citizenship application. The certificates are then sent to Canberra's DIMA office to be signed and then sent to Council. Once the Shire of Chapman Valley receives the certificate, we will arrange for the applicants to receive their certificates at a formal ceremony. Invitations are sent out prior to the ceremony date, which informs candidates of the location, time and date of ceremony. Applicants may invite a limited number of family/guests to witness their ceremony.
For more information regarding becoming an Australian citizen, please ring DIMA (Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs) on 131 880 or visit their web site at www.immi.gov.au
Grants of Australian Citizenship
"The requirement for grants of Australian Citizenship are that:
- They are permanent residents;
- Have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for a total of two years in the previous five years, including a total of 12 months in the 2 years immediately preceding the date of application;
- Are able to understand the nature of the application;
- Are of good character;
- Have a basic knowledge of English;
- Have an adequate knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship; and
- Are likely to reside in, or to maintain a close and continuing association with Australia if granted citizenship."
Responsibility and Privileges of Citizenship
"All Australian citizens, are subject to the same responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. These include:
- Obeying Australian law;
- Enrolling on the Electoral Register and voting at Federal and State elections and at all referendums;
- Serving on a jury if called on to do so;
- Defending Australia, should the need arise;
- Equality of rights under Australian law;
- The rights to apply for appointment to any public office or to nominate to stand for election as a member of Parliament;
- The right to apply for an Australian passport;
- The right to claim protection by Australian diplomatic representatives while verseas;
- Eligibility to apply to enlist in the defence forces and to apply for government jobs for which Australian citizenship is required;
- The right to register a child born overseas as an Australian citizen by descent; and
- The right to re-enter Australia without a re-entry visa, if they travel abroad."
Source: Australian Citizenship Ceremonies 1998, A Handbook for Local Government produced by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Community Development Officer
Two Community Service Officers are employed on a full time basis to assist community groups with funding requests and to research the availability of grants. To contact this person email: valleyc@wn.com.au
Heritage - Resgister of Building
Council has a register of heritage-listed buildings. Persons doing research or interested in inspecting the heritage register are invited to do so in the Shire library. valleyc@wn.com.au
Newspaper - Valley Vibes
The Shire is fortunate in having a vibrant group of volunteers who keep the community and other interested people up to date with news, events and advertising.
If you would like to participate in the production of the Valley Vibes, new volunteers are always welcome.
Advertisements, news, articles and upcoming events can be included in monthly issues by: -
- Forwarding to PO Box 45, NABAWA WA 6532
- Leaving at the Shire Office.
- valleyvibes@westnet.com.au
Advertising Rates;
- Classifieds - $2
- 1/8 page - $4
- 1/4 page - $8
- 1/2 page - $16
- Full page - $30
Subscriptions to the Chapman Valley Newspaper cost $25 for 11 issues - mailed to you.