Tuesday, October 1
An audit examined various issues that might impede the development of land for additional accommodation which could be used for seasonal workers in small towns in the Swan Hill municipality.
Swan Hill Council received funding from the Victorian Government through Department of Agriculture to investigate issues in relation to the provision of seasonal workers’ accommodation and matters of noncompliance, as well as an education program for people considering providing seasonal workers’ accommodation.
Nyah District and Lake Boga primary schools enthusiastically participated in Ultra Fest 48, completing sporting challenges to raise funds for community projects.
Nyah District Primary School students completed one physical challenge every hour on the hour throughout the day, and Lake Boga Primary School students ran laps of the oval continuously from 6am to 6pm.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton’s push for a water register finally gained support from NSW Parliament after months of pressure.
Mrs Dalton said a register would “help stop money laundering” as well as the “secret” purchase of “Australian” water by foreign governments.
Friday, October 4
Police executed a search warrant on a Swan Hill business the previous day, seizing close to $100,000 worth of tobacco, vape products and cash.
The store, Accessories, Gifts and Candy, is located in the Coles plaza on Beveridge Street and has only been operating in Swan Hill for a short time.
Swan Hill Council called for improved seasonal river flow to help prevent future fish deaths.
The council unanimously supported a notice of motion from Cr Nicole McKay at the September ordinary meeting, which included writing to federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek, Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing and NSW counterpart Rose Jackson.
Two Tiger Moth planes touched down at Swan Hill Airport on Tuesday afternoon before continuing their journey to Tocumwal in New South Wales.
After being stored in a hanger for many years in Parafield, South Australia, the two de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moths (VH-BCZ and VH-ATM) with engines from General Motors Holden, were being transferred to Tocumwal Airport.
Tuesday, October 8
Jam-packed with activities, animals, rides and entertainment, the Swan Hill Show had something for everyone.
On Friday and Saturday, hundreds flocked to the showgrounds for a weekend of fun.
Crime in the Swan Hill municipality was at its lowest level in a decade, with more boots on the ground aimed at continuing that trend.
According to Crime Statistics Agency data for the year ending June 2024, the rate of criminal incidents was down 8.6 per cent, with 1426 incidents recorded compared to 1561 one year earlier.
Friday, October 11
The launch of legal proceedings against an “unlawful and flawed” environmental water project in the Mallee could set a precedent for action against similar projects, opponents of the project say.
Community environmental group Friends of Nyah Vinifera Park officially filed legal proceedings in the Federal Court, challenging the approval of the Nyah floodplain project on the grounds there was no “proper environmental scrutiny” and alternatives to the engineering project were not properly considered.
Swan Hill District Health recently opened a clinic dedicated to addressing men’s sexual health.
The clinic opened on October 7, at Community Health, 125 Campbell Street.
The free service is provided by a nurse practitioner and is strictly confidential.
Tuesday, October 15
Headspace Swan Hill held workshops at primary schools around the region to build connections with young people to celebrate headspace Day.
Students were encouraged to take part in a range of activities to promote the year’s theme of “Pause. Reflect. Reconnect”.
A new exhibition showcasing textile banners exploring a range of social issues will travel to Swan Hill as part of a national touring exhibition.
Changemakers: Crafting a Difference opens at Swan Hill Regional Library on Wednesday, October 23 and is the touring component of the Changemakers exhibition, on display at Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra
Friday, October 18
Police were appealing for witnesses after a 12-year-old boy was allegedly physically assaulted by a man in Tower Hill on October 10.
Police believe a couple walking a Labrador at the time may have witnessed the assault and called on them to come forward to give a statement.
A delegation from the Japanese city of Yamagata and their Swan Hill hosts gathered at the Japanese garden on the riverfront on Sunday to unveil a plaque commemorating the long-standing sister city relationship.
Tuesday, October 22
Harry Coffey did his home town proud by winning the $5 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup on Saturday.
His stunning victory aboard Duke De Sessa has elevated the country cups king from Swan Hill to racing royalty.
And the story just keeps getting better – Saturday was also his 29th birthday.
Swam Hill Council joined four regional councils in a feasibility study and shared services pilot to bring more municipal building surveyor services to local councils.
The Victorian Government has backed the trial with a $200,000 grant, led by Yarriambiack Council, in partnership with Buloke, Hindmarsh, Loddon and Swan Hill councils.
Police seized close to $120,000 worth of allegedly illegal tobacco, vapes and cash at a Robinvale business on Friday.
Acting Sergeant Matthew Vancam said Robinvale officers executed the warrant at H&V Convenience Store, on Perrin Street, about 4pm looking for illicit tobacco and cigarettes and seized a significant quantity in the two-hour operation.
Friday, October 25
Grain farmers could now donate to the Mallee MRI Appeal at receival sites throughout harvest using the Swan Hill District Health National Grower Register card.
North West Ag Services, AGRIvision Consultants and Pearsons Group have collaborated on this initiative to engage their broad network of farmers with the appeal.
Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh urged people to make submissions to an inquiry into the performance, workplace culture, and procurement practices of Ambulance Victoria.
Mr Walsh said “overworked and undermanned” paramedics were reaching breaking point.
Tuesday, October 29
A developer planning to build eight homes for long-term rent in Nyah West said he won’t do business again with Swan Hill Council.
Builder and developer Justin Quattrocchi, of Four North Investments, purchased land to subdivide into eight lots.
Swan Hill Council approved his planning permit on the condition he sealed Donald Street that runs east-west of the land.
The Victorian Farmers Federation urged the State Government to safeguard the state’s most strategically significant agricultural land from renewable energy development.
President Emma Germano said the transition to renewable energy can’t come at the cost of losing the state’s most valuable farmland.
