Mayoral Matters April 2026

Published on 05 May 2026

A Council meeting was held on the Wednesday 1 April 2026, fortunately in the afternoon, missing any potential ‘April Fool’s Day’ jokes. Council, on the day, allocated $40,000 to develop an Investment Attraction Prospectus, promoting private investment in the development of priority sites identified in the recently completed Industrial Land Scoping and Implementation Report. 

We also noted the feasibility study for the replacement of the Jeparit Weir, which is currently at end of life. This is a high priority for Council, with Council advocating to both State and Federal Government for funding to replace the structure. The estimated cost for replacement is $5.4 million, which Council cannot fund within the current budget, or any other future budgets for that matter. The feasibility study will be used to support future funding applications to State and Federal Government and will guide subsequent design and approval processes.  

I, along with Councillor Rosie Barker, attended the 2026 Show Ambassador Judging and Crop Competition Gala Dinner in Horsham, something I had never attended before. It was a great evening, made even greater through having Charlotte Donnell from Nhill and Marcel Badua from Jeparit recognised for their dedication. Marcel I must say, had a very enthusiastic cheer squad from Jeparit, well done to both of you.

On Saturday 11 April at Davis Park, Nhill, the community came together to officially open the very impressive new Grandstand and Changerooms. There was a large contingent of spectators at the ground as the Nhill Tigers hosted Southern Mallee Thunder. Nhill winning the match was also a great finish to the day. I look back on efforts to refurbish the old structure and the disappointment from many when it was demolished. The new structure has plenty of wow factor and is an absolute credit to all involved.

Following the success of the tour of Jeparit and Rainbow last year Councillors, Executive Leadership Team, and Council Officers had a tour of Dimboola and Nhill on Wednesday 15 April 2026, visiting many locations across both towns, one of these was the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. It was wonderful to see this space celebrate over 100 years of local aviation while being located on the original site of the RAAF training base. We also visited the industrial site options and Holiday Parks for both towns which were lovely to see. We made a quick stop at Davis Park, the Caneball Court in Nhill and the newly completed raised pedestrian crossing in MacPherson Street, Nhill, before we headed to the Dimboola Swimming Pool. We had a tour of some new businesses in Dimboola before heading to the pedestrian crossing at the Dimboola Primary School, also having a look at the proposed development in Nursery Road and the Dimboola Ski Club. It was a wonderful day out visiting all these locations and was great to meet with community members throughout the day and gain an understanding of what is happening in our towns and decisions that may come before Council in the future. 

Councillors Roger Aitken and Rosie Barker and I attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Nhill, which was extremely well attended - the weather was kind and even the trucks drove through quietly and respectfully. Councillor Roger Aitken and I then travelled to Dimboola, accompanied by Councillor James Barry, to lay a wreath at the Dimboola Memorial Secondary College and then attended the service in the assembly hall. Finally, we headed to Jeparit for their service and wreath laying with the assistance of Councillor Tony Clark. Thank you to all who give their time to make this day a great tribute to those who served, and especially to the fallen. Lest We Forget.

There will be drop-in sessions over the next few weeks around the 2026/2027 Draft Annual Budget in Dimboola, Nhill, Rainbow and Jeparit. Please take the time to consult with Councillors and staff, providing your suggestions and/or concerns. Additional information regarding these sessions will be provided once the 2026/2027 Draft Annual Budget has been considered for endorsement for community consultation at the upcoming Council meeting on Wednesday 6 May 2026.

Until next time, I hope everyone looks after themselves and keeps well, especially as we move into cooler weather. 

Cr Ron Ismay
Mayor

Left Picture: Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay and CEO, Monica Revell visit to the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre.
Right Picture: Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay, Rob Gersch and Cr Roger Aitken at the Nhill ANZAC Day Dawn Service.