Mayoral Matters August 2025

Published on 04 September 2025

Firstly, and sadly, I would like to pay tribute to the police officers killed and injured last week in the terrible and ongoing incident in Porepunkah, a small town similar in size to our own. A senseless waste of life that has achieved nothing other than misery for all involved.

What has been referred to as the “Patch” in Nhill is now the Wimmera Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre. This is a wonderful new addition to health services in our area and Shire saving people from having to travel long distances.

Our CEO, Monica Revell, Crs Uoy, Barker, and I met with the CEO of the Port Fairy Music Festival to gain insight into running major events. Primarily for the Wimmera Steampunk Festival but maybe for other large events, current and future. It was well worth the trip and gave us inspiration for where we may go with running events.

I have met with CEO’s and Mayor’s from Northern Grampians, Buloke, Yarriambiack and West Wimmera Shires several times recently. During our meeting we spoke of roads, rates, and rubbish of course. However, we also discussed the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) which now extends further into our Shire, the Emergency Services & Volunteer Fund (ESVF), and wild dog issues which have become very hot topics. We have had discussions on having combined Council collaboration to raise these issues with the State Government. Renewable Energy Zones have severely divided the affected communities.

Councillors conducted Council Plan drop-in sessions in the four towns during August with positive responses on the Plan from those attending. We were all inspired from the positives.

Ballarat hosted the Herald Sun Bush Summit on a dismal Friday last week. A very informative day in many ways. Presenters from across Australia spoke of the challenges and their views on solutions. The Prime Minister and the State Premier both received a very hostile response from many in the hall over the renewable energy plans. The message was very clear before, during, and after the summit.

VORRA and the Rainbow Rises Events Committee hosted a 240 kilometre Off Road Race last weekend with 60 entrants competing. Spectators were a little sparse as there were football finals both Saturday and Sunday, but the competitors had a great time and really enjoyed coming to Rainbow.

Emma Kealy made a surprise appearance on Saturday - I once described her as the hardest working politician in the state, she still is. I was critical of her side of politics with everything going on, but her parting words were “I’m going to turn the ship around”. I have total confidence in her ability; however, it is an oil tanker not a jet boat.

Council was successful in receiving a significant grant to upgrade the Dimboola Swimming Pool. One of four in the shire that need attention. I am pleased about the number; our neighbouring shire has eleven!!!

We have also received funding under the Safer Local Roads and Streets Program, and officers are currently working with the State Government for final approval on projects to realign a few intersections and improve pedestrian safety. With all grants there is strict criteria that we must meet, including unfortunately not being able to improve an intersection that intersects with a VicRoads road.

August has been a busy month, and September looks like being the same. We have been blessed with some very timely rain during August and hopefully will continue through spring.

Enjoy the warmer weather as it comes.

Cr Ron Ismay
Mayor

Picture: Mayor Cr Ron Ismay with Emma Kealy.