I would like to commence by offering my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bill and Margaret Bound who tragically passed because of an accident on the Western Highway.
Losing community members is always a huge loss, even more so in our small communities. Rest in Peace Bill and Margaret.
I attended a renewable energy information session in Warracknabeal recently, a hot topic in our rural communities. Hindmarsh is a little removed at present because the transmission lines in our Shire aren’t able to take the extra load. The upcoming Federal election will sort some of this out, maybe!!!
The Shire recently had a visit from Dr Anne Webster MP, Member for Mallee, pledging funds for projects in Nhill’s Davis Park Stage 2 and Rainbow MECCA All-abilities bathroom, access to the supper room, and improvements to the public toilets (subject to the coalition becoming the Government of course).
It is so important for Council to have “shovel ready” projects in place, especially around election cycles. Even if there is a change of Government, these projects will be two or three years away.
All but one of my fellow Councillors, the CEO, Director Infrastructure Services, and I attended a community meeting at Winiam last week to discuss the Little Desert Bushfire, the Fire Services Levy, which from 1 July will be the Emergency Services & Volunteer Fund, and the Dingo breeding program.
The meeting was well attended, extremely well chaired by John Bennett, and all comments respectfully listened to.
A working group was formed, and I hope positive outcomes will emerge. From the Shire’s perspective, the new Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund will not only place a financial burden on our community, predominately for our farmers, but also place a burden on Council to administer such an unfair/unjust financial impost.
Harmony day was celebrated in Nhill last week, which was well attended, with some great life stories shared.
Hindmarsh Shire citizen of the year, Allira Roberts, attended our Councillor Briefing meeting last week and shared her experiences and what motivates her with Council. Allira wanted to thank everyone in person for the award.
It's the small things like this that make the job rewarding.
Till next month, have a nice day.