Mayoral Matters October 2025
Published on 05 November 2025
October has been a busy month, beginning with Councillor Barker, Councillor Aitken and I attending the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Annual Conference. This was a very worthwhile event for the three of us, and we were all able to attend different programs that were on offer. For my part, attending forums presented by a range of youth councillors was a particularly wonderful experience. They are the future, and I believe in assisting them as much as we possibly can.
Our CEO, Monica Revell, was in Melbourne in the same week completing the Melbourne Business School’s Women in Senior Leadership Course which she received a scholarship to attend. From Monica’s reflections, this was a valuable and inspiring experience.
Together with the CFA, we conducted Fire Readiness information evenings in Dimboola, Jeparit, Nhill and Rainbow, some of which unfortunately were not as well as attended as hoped. This is incredibly valuable community information in the lead up to the fire season, so we may need to consider a different way to run this type of event in the future.
The photo supplied was taken on Nhill Show Day, where I was treated to a lap of honour with Merv Schneider and Rob Lynch. It’s always such a pleasure to chat with both of them. Merv and Rob’s car are about the same vintage; both are still firing on all cylinders.
Harvey Mckinnon invited me to open the Dimboola Show, which I did, ably assisted by my daughter Bridget who also assisted with judging Miss Show Girl.
Councillors attended mandatory training during October, this was a new experience for all of us and will be an ongoing requirement. With the ever-changing rules and regulations imposed on us by state and federal government, this training is becoming a necessity to make sure we understand the role Council plays in the community.
Hindmarsh Shire hosted a forum with Barengi Gadjin Land Council recently, the second of these events. With the Treaty recently legislated, it’s very important for Council to have a positive working relationship with Traditional Owners.
In late October, I attended a presentation by Steve Black and Gabby Williams, who are currently working with the Menzies Research and Foundation executive team, with the view to create a Menzies Symposium in Jeparit. It is still very much in its early stages, but I am very impressed with their enthusiasm and dedication. I look forward to working with them in the coming years.
It is very concerning that the Australian Government is considering reducing the default speed limit on country roads where there are no sign-posted speed limits to as low as 70km an hour. Submissions close on Monday the 10 November 2025, and I encourage community members to have their say: www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/regulatory-impact-analysis-reduce-open-road-default-speed-limit.
One of my original fellow Councillors and mentor from the old Shire of Dimboola days, Jim Sleep, was acknowledged in a memorial service at the Rainbow Fire Station. Also acknowledged was his wife Enid, who passed away in the middle of COVID and wasn’t able to have a service at the time. Both Jim and Enid were very committed CFA volunteers, operating the Rainbow radio base. Jim was also instrumental in establishing the Ambulance Station in Rainbow.
I was also saddened to hear of the passing of David Colbert, a friend and colleague of mine on Council, David also served as a Councillor for the Shire of Lowan pre-amalgamation. Vale, David.
In closing, as the first year of the new Council term draws to a close, I would like to pay tribute to all my fellow Councillors who have been a pleasure to work with. Thank you for your endeavours, I’m totally confident that our positive working relationship will continue. While funding will be very much limited, we will cut the cloth to suit the purse.
To the CEO, staff and our communities, thank you for your support also.
Cr Ron Ismay
Mayor