Mayoral Matters December 2025
Published on 22 December 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, I have been asked to reflect on the year we have had. There are many things that are worth mentioning from 2025 – successes, challenges and change, and things that have brought community and nation together.
Unfortunately, the horrific event at Bondi recently is front of mind, as it is for so many Australians across the country. The senseless killing of so many innocent people, and in particular, a young ten-year-old girl, is unfathomable. My, and I would believe, everyone's condolences go out to the friends and families of all the victims. Such a sad and tragic time for so many.
We recently held colour runs in Rainbow, Dimboola and Nhill as part of the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The Nhill event was particularly well attended; the young people had a great time at all of them, at my expense in a couple of instances. Steph Lynch, Free from Violence Project Officer, and the Council team do a great job.
Council has approved the nominations of a new 2026 Youth Council with very strong representation from Dimboola and Nhill, and one nomination from Jeparit, with the far north unrepresented - at this stage at least. Our youth are our future and so many have gained great experiences and benefit from being on Youth Council. Nominations are still open and I encourage anyone interested in being a Youth Councillor to apply.
Councillors Rosie Barker, Chan Uoy, our Executive Leadership Team and I attended the Wotjobaluk Nations Festival last Saturday at Horseshoe Bend. It was a great event, very well run, well attended and well organised, celebrating the twenty-year landmark of the first Native Title recognition in Victoria. Well done to the organisers.
Nhill Town Committee had their Christmas Carols evening at the Nhill Soundshell on Saturday 13 December 2025, alongside the Nhill Lions Market. With the great weather, magnificent venue, and brilliant performances, it was a magnificent event put on by the Nhill Town Committee. Fortunately for all, I wasn’t asked to sing. Thank you to Nhill Town Committee and all of the community groups who assisted with organising this event.
Our CEO Monica Revell, Councillor Tony Clark and I attended the Rainbow P-12 awards night on Tuesday 16 December 2025. The Junior School classes always bring tears to my eyes; they all have such wonderful talent. Congratulations to all students across the three schools for the recognition you have received for a hard year’s work. Well done, and as I stated earlier “you are our future”.
Wednesday 17 December 2025 was our final Council meeting for the year, and the next official event will be the Australia Day events in all four towns on Australia Day, 26 January 2026. We look forward to announcing the recipients for each of the categories for the 2026 Australia Day Awards.
Don’t miss the Jeparit Town Committee New Year's Eve celebration at the Riverbank Precinct on Wednesday 31 December from 7:30pm, a great venue to see in the fabulous 2026 New Year. BYO refreshments, chairs and food.
Until then, please stay safe, travel carefully on the roads and thoroughly enjoy your Christmas and New Year with family and friends.
See you all when we do it all again next year.
Cr Ron Ismay
Mayor