Friday, February 3
Action urged on dangerous intersection
Locals called on the State Government to prioritise an upgrade to the dangerous Long Lake Road-Murray Valley Highway intersection north of Lake Boga.
About 30 people gathered at the intersection to highlight their concerns and ask why an upgrade was not included with the $31 million of roadworks south of Lake Boga last year.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/action-urged-on-dangerous-intersection
Fun after deflating time
After three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, border restrictions and the 2022 floods, people were to pump up their inflatable for the Australia Day lilo race on the Murray River.
Hundreds flocked to the boat ramp at Koondrook to take part in the annual event, which raises money for the local football and netball club.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/fun-after-deflating-time
Tuesday, February 7
Duck hunting debate hots up
Shots were fired from both sides of the duck-hunting debate, as Premier Daniel Andrews awaited a report on breached of the rules by hunters last season.
The government was yet to announce whether a season would go ahead in 2023.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/duck-hunting-debate-hots-up
Brigade rebuild on track
Accuracy, timing and quick-thinking were honed and on display at the Greater Midland firefighting demonstration in Melton, attended by Swan Hill firefighters.
Swan Hill Fire Brigade’s Harold Jochs praised the local participants’ efforts, with Swan Hill sending one junior and one senior team.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/brigade-rebuild-on-track
Friday, February 10
Spoons Riverside set to return to menu
A much-loved Swan Hill restaurant was poised to welcome back diners after the sale of Spoons Riverside.
The change in ownership to Bree Kent would officially take place on March 28. Ms Kent previously owned Cafe 202 in Swan Hill.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/spoons-riverside-set-to-return-to-menu
Westpac Robinvale to close
Robinvale was set to lose another bank after Westpac announced its branch closure, only two months after ANZ said it would shut its outlet.
Robinvale would be left with only a Commonwealth Bank branch from May.
The bank said the decision was made as customers used branches less and digital banking more.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/westpac-robinvale-to-close
Tuesday, February 14
Visa claims ‘mislead’, minister says
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles hit back at claims he had contributed to the regional workforce crisis.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster voiced concerns that a ministerial direction issued by Mr Giles meant health-care and education workers in the region were waiting more than two years for a visa.
Mr Giles, however, said the former Coalition government created a backlog of almost one million visas.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/visa-claims-mislead-minister-says
MP pushes for rally report
Member for Mildura Jade Benham requested the release of a planning document to help determine the future of the Sea Lake Mallee Rally.
Ms Benham sought the release of the Aboriginal cultural landscape plan for Lake Tyrrell.
The rally had been in hiatus since 2019 after traditional Aboriginal burial sites were identified on the grounds.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/mp-pushes-for-rally-report
Friday, February 17
Much-loved horse leaves a legacy
Pioneer Settlement’s Clydesdale horse Gemma died peacefully at more than 20 years of age. She was described as “gentle and much-loved” by Swan Hill Council.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/much-loved-horse-leaves-a-legacy
Riverina new state case ‘compelling’
Creating a new state in western NSW would solve dwindling representation in parliament and give people a greater say in the management of its natural resources, an independent candidate for Murray said.
David Landini advocated setting up a separate state called the Riverina, made up of eight electorates.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/riverina-new-state-case-compelling
Tuesday, February 21
Bite Kills
Health authorities stepped up their alerts urging people to avoid mosquito bites after the reported death of a Buloke Shire woman from Murray Valley encephalitis.
Hers was the first known Victorian MVE death since 1974.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/health/bitekills
Basin plan projects dial ‘on the red’, says MDBA
The murky waters of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan were illuminated, revealing important milestones were at risk or unlikely to be achieved by the June 2024 deadline.
The assessment of progress to implement the basin plan had found only minor movements in the past six months.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/basin-plan-projects-dial-on-the-red-says-mdba
Friday, February 24
Council moves on $2.2m of ratepayer debt
Hundreds of ratepayers who collectively owned more than $2.2 million would be asked to repay their debts to the Swan Hill Council.
Council put debt collection on hold when COVID-19 struck in 2020, recognising the financial impacts of lockdowns and job losses on households and businesses at the time.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/council-moves-on-22m-of-ratepayer-debt
Cleanse for Swan Hill hospital site
The site of Swan Hill District Health’s new emergency department was cleared, cleansed and ready for the next stage of the redevelopment project.
A welcome to country and the ceremony was lad by Debra Chaplin, before a traditional dance was performed by a group of local men and boys.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/cleanse-for-swan-hill-hospital-site
Tuesday, February 28
Judge tells court of ‘terror’ of Samantha Fraser’s last minutes
The family of former Swan Hill College captain Samantha Fraser finally got justice after her estranged husband was jailed for 30 years for her murder.
Her family and friends clapped as Adrian Basham was led out after sentencing in the Supreme Court in Melbourne.
