Friday, June 2
Voting ‘no’ okay: Ley
Sussan Ley accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of “moral blackmail,” after she urged the PM to not “bully” voters into a Yes vote for Indigenous voice to parliament.
Ms Ley said it was with a “heavy heart” that she would be voting no in the referendum, and asked the Prime Minister to work constructively with the opposition.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/voting-nookay-ley
Morning Tea’s big milestone
Community groups across the region joined forces to celebrate and fundraise for their annual Biggest Morning Tea events on its 30th anniversary.
Swan Hill Rural City Council councillors Ann Young and Jacquie Kelly were in attendance at Swan Hill Visitor and Community Comfort Centre, while Lake Boga Bowling Club hosted over 100 people at the Lake Boga Community Committee’s event.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/community/morning-teasbig-milestone
Tuesday, June 6
Swan Hill Hire national company of the year
Swan Hill Hire brought home the gong for National Hire Company of the Year after travelling to Sydney to attend the annual Hire and Rental Industry national convention and awards.
It was the second time the team at Swan Hill Hire claimed the award, after winning in 2017 and being named as a finalist in 2021.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/business/swan-hill-hire-national-company-of-the-year
Board ‘stoked’ about start on Swan Hill emergency department
Swan Hill District Health announced their new emergency department would begin before the end of the month, creating more than 140 new jobs in the region.
SHDH board chair Andrew Gilchrist said the team were “stoked” that the project would be up and running, and that “the community will see something happening” after progress stalled.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/board-stoked-about-start-on-swan-hill-emergency-department
Friday, June 9
Bridge project under threat, says Webster
There were fears the funding for Swan Hill’s upgraded bridge across the Murray could be “on the chopping block” after the Federal Government called for a 90-day review into infrastructure, including the new bridge.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said she was “gobsmacked” by the government “stalling and putting at risk” the new bridge.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/politics/bridge-project-under-threat-says-webster
First thought is not thanks
The local community recognised the invaluable efforts of first responders on national Thank a First Responder Day.
After 30 years as a paramedic in Swan Hill, Ambulance Victoria Swan Hill branch area manager Mark Burns said “none of us do this job for thanks and praise.
It’s going to sound pretty corny, but I like making a difference.”
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/first-thought-is-not-thanks
Tuesday, June 13
Not the usual Swan Hill Cup a glorious boil over
Swan Hill’s annual three-day racing carnival provided an electric atmosphere to town, as the wet weather held off for race-goers.
A record crowd of more than 5,000 saw Beau Mertens ride Not Usual Glorious to win the $175,000 Swan Hill Cup over odds-on-favourite Keats.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/horse-racing/not-the-usual-swan-hill-cup-a-glorious-boil-over
Council funding under the microscope
Swan Hill Rural City Council welcomed a parliamentary enquiry into government funding and service delivery.
The enquiry was to look into cost-shifting between state and federal governments and the ability of local governments to meet delivery objectives.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/community/council-funding-under-the-microscope
Friday, June 16
Aged care ‘closures risk’
Following the release of recommended reforms from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, there were calls for a regional aged care summit from Anne Webster.
Dr Webster expressed concerns that the reforms would force the closure of regional facilities who were already struggling to find staff.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/aged-care-closures-risk
Cop jumps into MND fight
Culgoa police officer Annie Coobs braved the cold to take part in Tyrrell College’s Big Freeze event, to help raise funds for the Fight MND campaign.
After jumping in an inflatable pool full of ice, Sen-Constable Coobs described the plunge as “intense”.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/cop-jumps-into-mnd-fight
Tuesday, June 20
‘Mully’ in hall of fame
Daryl “Mully” Pearse was honoured after Swan Hill Town Hall’s new bar and café was named Mully’s Place.
The name was chosen after repeated suggestions from the public, recognising the hard work Mully put in as Town Hall manager before his retirement in 2016.
His usual humble self, Mr Pearse said he “thought they were joking” when he received the call.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/mully-in-hall-of-fame
Lake has bragging rights
A love of cars and catching up saw the start of the Lake Boga Park and Brag, with car enthusiasts from across the region making the journey to Lake Boga each Sunday to show off their cars.
Organisers Kathy Wilde and Carly Bausch said the events were just to give others a chance to admire each other’s vehicles.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/community/lake-has-bragging-rights
Friday, June 23
Swan Hill bucks crime trend
Crime in Swan Hill dropped by nearly 20 per cent in the past two years, following a near 5 per cent rise at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic according to the Crime Statistics Agency.
The statistics showed Swan Hill was trending in the right direction, unlike much of the state.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/police-and-courts/swan-hill-bucks-crime-trend
River diamond still looks good
One of the town’s most iconic attractions, the PS Gem celebrated its 60th year at Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement with a diamond jubilee celebration attended by more than 100.
The celebration coincided with the opening of a historical exhibition on the paddle steamer titled Gem: The Final Journey.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/community/river-diamond-still-looks-good
Tuesday, June 27
Council to exit community based aged care services in orderly transition
Swan Hill Council made the decision to cease their involvement in community-based aged care services before the end of this year.
The council announced they would be undertaking an orderly transition by the end of June next year to a new model of care.
Mayor Les McPhee reiterated council’s commitment to service until the transition took place.
New Ford museum gets traction
A Nyah man’s love of Ford tractors brought about the opening of Ron Dehne’s tractor museum on the Murray Valley Highway in Nyah.
Mr Dehne claims to have the biggest collection of Ford tractors in Australia, with more than 120 models from 1915 to 1991 in his shed.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/new-ford-museum-gets-traction
Friday, June 30
Councillors talk the walk on riverfront crossing
Councillors at Swan Hill Council were updated on plans to construct a pedestrian overpass to connect the town’s riverfront precinct with the CBD.
The issue came to a head after Cr Jacquie Kelly moved that a progress report be made into options to link the two areas.
Fellow councillors were “miffed” about the issue being brought to council chambers.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/councillors-talk-the-walk-on-riverfront-crossing
Take-off for revamped book
Lake Boga’s flying boat museum played host to a launch of a revised edition of the 1995 book Lake Boga at War by Brett Freeman.
Mr Freeman’s daughter Sally Hearn was in attendance, and said that following the sale of the original printing’s last copy it was time for a revised edition.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/take-off-for-revamped-book
