General News
22 March, 2026
Mayoral Matters
This month's Mayoral report will be a shorter account than what I normally contribute.
I have been away for almost half of the month of February, having a break from both of my jobs.
Fortunately, neither my hardware store nor Hindmarsh Shire plunged into bankruptcy in my absence.
Both organisations, very well staffed, surely didn’t even notice I was missing.
I was an apology for the February Council meeting; this is only the second meeting I have missed in twelve years of being on Council.
The time away was nice and something I do rarely.
Councillor Rosie Barker, our deputy Mayor, chaired the February meeting and did a great job, as I suspected she would. Well done, Rosie.
Our CEO, Monica Revell, and I attended a Rural Councils Victoria event on Wednesday, February 18, where we were given advice regarding the upcoming State election.
We were also tutored in speaking to the media, something that is not always easy to do.
Fortunately, our local media people are good to talk to, but I don’t know how I would cope on the ABC’s 7:30 program.
I sometimes cringe for the people being interviewed.
Jason Heffernan, Chief Officer of the CFA, also presented and highlighted the dry conditions we are experiencing with a prediction of one hundred millimetres of rain between now and July.
I don’t believe he would have factored in this weekend’s recent weather somehow.
Additionally, at the recent Municipal Association Victoria conference, we were told the current government will likely retain power.
I struggle to understand how this could possibly be the case, given the constant bad press they have received.
Councillor Roger Aitken and I travelled to Adelaide last week to promote the Wimmera Mallee / Grampians region at the caravan and camping show.
How anyone could decide on which caravan to buy is beyond me; there are way too many options to choose from.
We had a great response from those who visited our site. The interest in our region from South Australia is very strong.
The accompanying photo was the highlight of the trip.
Craig 'Macca' McGown stopped to chat with Roger and I, very colourful conversation.
Macca and Jason, his production manager, ended up coming out to dinner with us.
Macca is very keen to visit our region and experience all things Wimmera Mallee, maybe a watch this space moment.
Farmer consultations have started and will continue in Nhill (7pm, Tuesday, March 10), Dimboola (9am, Thursday, March 12) and Jeparit (7pm, Thursday, March 12).
Come along and share your thoughts, we value your input and respect your opinions.