Mayoral Matters July 2025
Published on 31 July 2025
A month ago, our Shire was advocating for drought relief, thankfully we have been blessed with widespread soaking rain in the last week or so. It is always pleasing to comment on favourable weather events, hopefully they will continue into spring as some forecasters are predicting. We should all spare a thought for South Australians and the farmers located further south that the rains have been too late for.
I had the pleasure and very humbling honour of speaking at Merv Schneiders 100th birthday celebration a few weeks ago. Merv is such a lovely gentleman, profoundly respected by all and still very active, some suggest, maybe a little too active as I hear he still climbs ladders and gets on the roof of his daughter's house. Merv got a push bike at seven years old, rode it from Woomelang to Lascelles to Hopetoun and back and still rides one currently. He flew B52 bombers during the second world war and has been actively involved in many of Nhill’s organizations. Merv always has time for a chat and is an inspiration to all of us.
The Rotary Club of Nhill had a change over the week after, Merv was there of course, a great group of people who are dedicated to helping others in many ways.
The CEO (Monica Revell) and I attended a Municipal Association Victoria meeting in Ararat with discussion on a range of topics such as road conditions, and the Emergency Services & Volunteer Fund (ESVF), a topic affecting all councils. Mining and transmission lines were also discussed but fortunately nowhere near the problem in Hindmarsh Shire as it is in our neighbouring shires, at least for now. Neither of these issues are going to be an easy fix and won’t disappear overnight. I certainly don’t envy my fellow Mayors in the affected shires.
The Western Highway Action Group met last week which involves all Councils between Melton and the South Australian border. Again, discussions around roads and the poor conditions, particularly the Beaufort to Ararat section, that has been in limbo for the entire time I have served as a Councillor. Road funding is going to have to be a priority for a government at some point, I only hope that it will be in the not-too-distant future.
Congratulations to Cr Rosie Barker on being appointed to the MAV Health and Wellbeing advisory panel, great to have someone local to be involved at such a high level.
The July school holiday program has been a great success and will hopefully grow to be bigger and better.
I conducted two citizenship ceremonies this week, as always one of the great pleasures of mayorship, it would be even better if I didn’t have to subject those attending to my singing of the national anthem. I listened to my grandmother singing in church as a boy, I didn’t inherit her ability.
August is going to be a busy month for our Council, let's hope the rain gods continue to smile on us, till then enjoy life, and be happy.
Cr Ron Ismay
Mayor
Pictured L to R: Mayor Ron Ismay, Mervyn Schneider, Cr Rosie Barker and Stuart Schneider.