I AM honoured to prepare this Mayoral Column on behalf of Mayor, Cr Stuart King to share with the community the news that I have recently been elected to the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Board.
As the Deputy Mayor, this appointment is a proud milestone in my journey of serving our region, and it is an opportunity I take on with great responsibility and enthusiasm.
MAV is the peak body for local government in Victoria, representing and supporting our 79 councils. Its role is to represent and advocate local government interests, promote the role of local government, build the capacity of councils, facilitate effective networks, provide policy and strategic advice and deliver insurance and procurement services.
For me, this role is not just a personal achievement, it’s about ensuring that the unique needs of our rural communities are heard and represented at the state level.
As the elected representative for the Loddon Campaspe Mallee Region, I am committed to bringing a strong rural voice to important discussions, making sure that the issues and opportunities of our region are on the agenda.
This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to shaping local government policy in ways that will benefit our region, and I look forward to using this platform to advocate for Swan Hill and the wider region.
Together, I believe we can continue to drive positive change and make a real difference in the lives of our residents and the wider region.
Advocacy efforts ahead of the Federal Election
WITH the Federal Election fast approaching, our Council is taking decisive action to secure our region’s fair share of funding.
We are strongly advocating for investment in vital areas, including transport, healthcare, infrastructure, renewable energy, and workforce solutions.
A key priority is ensuring accurate population data, which is essential for securing the resources our community rightfully deserves.
Additionally, we are pushing for streamlined pathways for overseas workers to help address critical workforce shortages in our region, supporting local industries and strengthening our economy.
Beyond these priorities, securing funding for essential infrastructure projects is crucial to driving economic growth and strengthening regional connectivity.
Key investments include the urgent redevelopment of Swan Hill Hospital, critical transport upgrades to support high-productivity freight vehicles, and much-needed improvements to water and sewerage infrastructure in our smaller towns. Addressing the growing housing shortage – particularly for key workers -is also a top priority, ensuring our workforce has access to suitable accommodation.
These initiatives are more than just infrastructure projects; they are about creating a stronger, more connected, and more liveable community for generations to come.
We urge everyone in our region to add their voice to this call for action – together, we can secure the funding and investment needed to build a thriving future for our municipality.
Harmony Day
DO you have plans this Saturday? Why not join us for the Annual Harmony Day celebrations!
This vibrant event is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the rich diversity of our community, connect and celebrate what makes our region unique.
Enjoy cultural performances, delicious food, and activities for all ages in a welcoming and festive atmosphere.
Starting at 3pm, Saturday April 5 at Riverside Park in Swan Hill don’t miss out on this chance to come together and celebrate harmony in our community!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of the column. I’ll now hand it back to Cr King for the next instalment.
