As part of Local Government Week (July 29-August 4), Yass Valley Council hosted a range of activities, from school visits to a tour of the Yass Water Treatment Plant and morning tea with councillors.

Pre-school children at Yass Montessori were among those who took the chance to learn about what their council does for the community.

On Thursday, August 1, they received a special visit from the council's health officers and ranger.

READ ALSO:

During the visit, they learnt about how the council helps to relocate missing cats and dogs and its important role in the town's hygiene.

"We go to shops and check they keep your food clean and cold," Yass Valley Council senior environmental health officer Jeff Cartwright said.

First, the preschoolers were given toy dogs to find the microchips on.

"Microchips speak for your pets," Yass Valley Council compliance ranger Sarah Barnes explained. "It tells me the name of your dog or cat and where it lives. It's important your dog or cat is microchipped so I can ring your mum or dad to collect them."

The preschoolers also got to use a special blue light to see if there were germs on their hands.

"It's important you wash your hands properly so you don't spread germs," Mr Cartwright said.

Emilia Nicholls, aged 5, washed her hands twice after listening to Mr Cartwright!