I need to begin this Mayoral Matters by commenting on the current fire events happening in our region. In particular the Little Desert National Park fire. The terrible destruction and loss of wildlife in the Little Desert National Park, and the Little Desert Nature Lodge has been devastating. My good friend "Whimpy" Reichelt's emotion in an interview made it even worse, the Lodge was Whimpy's life work.
The wind change, at the eleventh hour, along with the tenacity and dedication of the Dimboola Fire brigade volunteers, volunteers from other brigades, and paid fire fighters from across the region, from what I have been told, saved Dimboola.
We are not out of the woods yet by any means with February and March still to come. Let’s hope for the best.
To all of the CFA staff and the amazing volunteer crews from far and wide, those that provide food and assistance to them, Victoria Police, Parks Vic and everyone else that has assisted with this horrific event, well done and we thank you so much.
To Monica, our wonderful CEO, and all of her willing staff who have assisted the communities of Dimboola and Nhill to cope with this harrowing event, thank you all also.
The four Australia Day events were well attended in all the towns and congratulations to the three award recipients, all very well deserved. Jan Ballard OAM, what a fitting award to such a great lady, well done and congratulations on your recognition.
We are conducting "Listening Sessions" around the Hindmarsh Shire in the next few weeks, this is your opportunity to come and meet your new Councillors, put forward your suggestions for our 2025/2026 budget and 2025-2029 Council plan, discuss issues, tree trimming problems, and dare I say, road problems. Our roads are not in the best of conditions as we all know, but we will have to prioritise roads as funding is limited and the next few years are going to be difficult.
The February “Listening Sessions” are advertised in local newspapers, on Council’s website and through Council’s Facebook page. Please come along to these sessions, we want to work with all of you to achieve the best outcomes possible. We will be listening!