Mayoral Matters - February 2026

Published on 02 March 2026

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 18 February 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 too 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 mill 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, 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 10 March), Dimboola (9am Thursday 12 March), and Jeparit (7pm Thursday 12 March). Come along and share your thoughts, we value your input and respect your opinions.

Cr Ron Ismay
Mayor

Cr Roger Aitken, Craig 'Macca' McGown and Cr Ron Ismay (pictured left to right)