Mayoral Matters - March 2026 Published on 10 April 2026 "A butterfly flaps its wings, and a storm forms half a world away", a quote from Edward Lorenz in the 1960s had more to do with weather, but it could certainly be applied to the current situation in the Middle East. Fuel prices are affecting everyone, including our Shire – every item we purchase must be freighted here, and I know are farmers are currently impacted with cost and supply... Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns
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... Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns
Mayoral Matters January 2026 Published on 02 February 2026 I hope everyone had a great finish to 2025, and on behalf of Hindmarsh Shire Council - welcome to 2026. The Christmas and New Year break is always a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and family.While we reflect on the anniversary of the Little Desert Bushfire, 2026 too has started with varying unwelcome and tragic events. Locally, the terrible fires impacting our close neighbours... Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns
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... Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns
Mayoral Matters November 2025 Published on 01 December 2025 As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on all of the events that have taken place throughout the year, from bushfires to tragic road fatalities, and the introduction of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) to name a few. Drought, from the farmers I have been chatting with across most of the shire at least, can’t be included in the annus horribilis section. Our farmers sailed very close Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns
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. Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns
Mayoral Matters September 2025 Published on 01 October 2025 The Nhill Town Committee met at the beginning of September and again two weeks later with very good and enthusiastic input from a wide range of community groups. It is exciting to see representation from community groups discussing ideas and projects important to West Ward. I’m hoping we can progress some of the ideas into projects to enable us to obtain grant funding. Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns
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 Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns
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 to Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns
Mayoral Matters June 2025 Published on 30 June 2025 It is always pleasing to get to 22 June when the days start to get longer and warmer, at least for me as the short and cold days don't agree with me at all. However, the recent rain has been great for our gardens, tanks, and most importantly of all the farms. Great to see everything turn green and hopefully the second half of the year will bring more rainfall than average.A very well attended... Tagged as: , Mayoral Columns