Friday, March 3
Samantha Fraser’s father calm after horror of murder trial
The father of slain Swan Hill woman Samantha Fraser spoke to The Guardian after the sentencing of Adrian Basham.
Trevor Fraser said he just wanted to focus on caring for his three grandchildren – Jemima, Rex and April.
“I say to people that you have to be careful not to keep picking, because then it never heals,” he said.
Mr Fraser said he spared himself the trauma by choosing not to to listen to the sentencing remarks by Justice Lesley Taylor as she laid out the brutal slaying, which was staged as a suicide by a remorseless ex-husband.
Flood inquiry faces big task
A statewide inquiry would probe the preparedness and response to the 2022 floods, including the catchments and floodplains of the Avoca, Loddon and Murray rivers.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/flood-inquiryfaces-big-task
Tuesday, March 7
Jobs boom tipped at $480m Balranald mine
Hundreds of new jobs were expected to come to the Balranald region with the announcement by Iluka Resources of an underground mine.
The Australian critical minerals company said last month it had approved its West Balranald development and would invest $480 million.
The mine will aim to recover high grade rutile, zircon and rare earth concentrate.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/jobs-boom-tipped-at-480m-balranald-mine
All coming up roses
Swan Hill artist Kenita-Lee McCartney’s work has featured on a Cadbury Roses box as part of a Valentine’s Day promotion.
Cadbury’s described her limited-edition work as intertwining symbols that exist together to represent a greater story.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/all-coming-up-roses
Friday, March 10
Werril Street traffic worry
Residents of Werril Street called on Swan Hill Council to improve traffic management and road safety within the southern precinct of Swan Hill.
Former councillor Gary Norton said the once quiet, residential zoned street had become a “de facto bypass” in recent years.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/werril-street-traffic-worry
Swan Hill creche closure ‘very odd’, says ratepayer group
The only creche providing occasional childcare in Swan Hill closed after 20 years.
The Swan Hill Leisure Centre operated the creche since it opened in 2002, but the service was removed from the management contract after the Belgravia Leisure tender was approved last year by council.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/swan-hill-creche-closure-a-mystery
Tuesday, March 14
Vintage year for Swan Hill Food and Wine Festival
More than 2000 people and 40 stallholders came out at the weekend for the biggest Swan Hill Food and Wine Festival.
It was described as a “record-breaking success”, with headliners Rogue Traders getting the crowd on their feet.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/arts-entertainment/vintage-year-for-swan-hill-food-and-wine-festival
Lighting the way
Swan Hill Council announced that Swan Hill and Robinvale would be illuminated in April and May thanks to a new light display.
Both shows were set to be impressive, and connect visitors to the rich history and culture of the region.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/arts-entertainment/robinvale-to-light-the-way
Friday, March 17
Council halts permits
The critical shortage of qualified and registered building staff hit home, with Swan Hill Council not accepting building permit applications until the issue was resolved.
People with applications were instead directed to private surveyors.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/council-halts-permits
Speeding dominates road breaches
Police detected almost 100 speeding drivers in the Swan Hill region during a four-day statewide road policing operation over the Labor Day long weekend.
There were 92 speeding offences detected.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/police-and-courts/speeding-dominates-road-breaches
Tuesday, March 21
Nats video claim ‘desperate’, says Dalton
Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton labelled a video released by The Nationals of her as “just another desperate attempt” to shift focus.
In the video, when a Nationals volunteer asked questions of Mrs Dalton directly, and whether she would back Labor, Mrs Dalton “lost her temper” and appeared to become verbally aggressive.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/nats-video-claim-desperate-says-dalton
Friday, March 24
What happens when the levee is dry
Tyntynder landholders were unaware who was responsible for maintaining levee banks on Crown land along the Murray River until a government policy was unearthed.
The Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy said levees on Crown land are not formally managed and are allowed to weather away.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/what-happens-when-the-levee-is-dry
Grain growers query fees
Members of the Victorian Farmers Federation Grains Group were demanding more clarity in how their membership fees are being distributed.
After a business forum last week in Mildura, where concerns were raised about transparency, members penned a letter to the VFF board asking how their levies were being used and challenging current policies.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/farming-and-environment/grain-growers-query-fees
Tuesday, March 28
Voters back Helen Dalton in Murray
Independent Helen Dalton was projected to retain the seat of Murray with a sizeable swing towards her, as Labor was swept to power in NSW.
Mrs Dalton was returned to parliament by voters over nine other candidates, including Edward River mayor and Nationals candidate Peta Betts.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/voters-back-helen-dalton-in-murray
Vocally opposed
Member for Mallee Anne Webster remained firm in her opposition to the Indigenous Voice to parliament after the wording of the referendum question was announced last week.
Dr Webster said the “while every voice is important, one voice should not be prioritised by default”.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/vocally-opposed
Friday, March 31
Robinvale housing project shows the way, says Benham
Member for Mildura Jade Benham said regions struggling with a lack of housing should be looking at the example set by Swan Hill Council’s Robinvale housing project.
She said it has the potential to be an illustration to other regional and rural councils around the state to what can happen if you “just think outside the box”.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/robinvale-housing-project-shows-the-way-says-benham
A passion for art in sharp focus
Swan Hill College student Minh Dang’s empowering artwork featured at the Top Arts 2023 exhibition.
It displayed the work of 38 students from across the state who have excelled in VCE art subjects.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/arts-entertainment/a-passion-for-art-in-sharp-focus
