Welcome everybody, to a new four year term of Hindmarsh Shire.
My nomination for council was at the eleventh hour on the last day, elected unopposed, something new to me and not in my home patch, however council is about Hindmarsh as a whole, not patches. Councillors underwent a mandatory two-day induction/training course at the Little Desert Lodge recently. There was a lot to absorb in that short time but well worth the time. Our new Council is committed to working together and developed a statement of values. Our commitment is to come prepared to every meeting, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where accountability and approachability are at the core of our actions. We value and encourage innovation, collaboration, and open communication, always keeping in mind the well-being and needs of our community. Together, we stand united as one, working towards shared goals with mutual respect and consideration.
I am looking forward to working with our new CEO and Councillors, in various ways over the coming four years to maintain and where possible improve our assets and facilities. Our Shire, as do many Rural Councils, rely heavily on grant funding, from both Federal and State Governments. Grant funding will be hotly contested, and you only have to read the newspapers any day of the week to see the poor state the State finances are in. Our Council needs to work with all of our communities to identify worthy projects that can be "shovel ready" if and when funding becomes available.
The 16 Days of Activism events at Nhill and Dimboola, to highlight gender-based violence, have been well attended. Rainbow and Jeparit events are on Monday and Tuesday next week (2nd and 3rd December). The Nhill Truck/Trailer exchange was busy this week with representatives from NHVR, SES, WorkSafe and Vic Roads demonstrating the various safety equipment they have.
Our farmers are a vital and integral part of rural communities, so it has been a great relief to hear the positive talk amongst the farming industry with the current harvest. With the dry finish and frosts came some despondency but it seems there have been quite a few pleasant surprises.
Christmas is fast approaching, and for some including myself, becomes a very hectic time of year. Enjoy the lead up, I'm told there is to be another Mayoral Matters before then so I will well wish you all further then.