Home » Opinion » Words from the Mayor – April 22

Words from the Mayor – April 22

A message from Mayor Jade Benham

New CEO appointed

I am thrilled to announce the appointment of our new Chief Executive Officer, Scott Barber.

Mr Barber is a results-driven executive with more than two decades’ experience developing and leading high-performing teams within local government, utilities and services sectors.

Scott has held executive roles at Goulburn-Murray Water, Murray River Council and most recently, he was Director of Projects and Strategy at Wagga Wagga City Council.

Scott will commence at Council on Tuesday, June 7. It’s a really exciting time!

Seasonal worker accommodation

I am absolutely delighted by last week’s State Government announcement that $744,000 has been allocated to build new accommodation for Robinvale seasonal workers.

Accommodation will assist our local region during our busy harvest season and alleviate some of the housing shortages that we have faced for many years.

New, modern backpacker-style accommodation will include rooms for two to four people, each with self-contained ensuites, plus communal facilities including laundry, kitchen and common rooms.

This is such a positive step forward for our region, allowing local growers to get on with their core business and continue feeding our nation.

Lest we forget

Next Monday, April 25 we will pause to remember the sacrifice, commitment and devotion of those who served so courageously for our country.

We remember the men and women, including from our own communities, who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and those who continue to serve today.

For a list of Anzac Day commemoration services locations, including those in the Swan Hill municipality, please visit www.rslvic.com.au/anzac-day/commemorate-locally/ 

The Dawn Service will also be livestreamed on Anzac Day via the Shrine of Remembrance’s website www.shrine.org.au 

Recruiting school crossing supervisors

Council is currently looking for more friendly faces to join their school crossing supervisor team.

Our team of school crossing supervisors are that friendly face children remember and trust, who ensure the safety of children and pedestrians crossing the road.

We would love to hear from anyone who is great with kids and available before and after school.

To find out more or to apply, please call our friendly regulatory services team on 03 5036 2346.

What’s on at the Town Hall

There is a fantastic mix of events coming up at the Town Hall – music, comedy, dance, circus and shows for all of the family to enjoy!

This weekend, school holiday fun is sorted with a family fun-filled afternoon of skilled acrobatics, clowning and a rockin’ sound track at Don’t mess with the Dummies on Sunday, April 24. As a special treat for the school holidays, the Town Hall is offering 20 per cent off all ticket prices.

Next Wednesday, April 27, the Swan Hill Town Hall Performing Arts and Conference Centre (PACC) will come alive when they host a western-themed circus, Railed.

World-renowned entertainer and International Magician of the Year, Cosentino, is returning to Swan Hill for his brand new, 90-minute live show, Deception. It’s on Saturday 30 April at 7.30pm.

For more information, visit www.swanhilltownhall.com or call the Swan Hill Town Hall bookings office on 5036 2384.

My commitment to our municipality

Word is starting to spread of my intentions to run in the seat of Mildura at the state election in November. I am doing this because I want a fairer go for Regional Victorians – so rather than sit back and grizzle, I am putting up my hand, to be a voice for you all.

With that in mind, I want to make it clear right now – this doesn’t mean I am taking off my Mayoral cap anytime soon. I am committed to this municipality and I still have a job to do (a big job at that!) and I intend to fulfil this commitment for each of you, please rest assured.

Digital Editions


  • Dog’s Day Out arrives in the Mallee

    Dog’s Day Out arrives in the Mallee

    THE iconic spluttering rumble of Lanz Bulldog Tractors is set to roar across Swan Hill and Woorinen next month, when the Mallee Steam, Oil and…

More News

  • Celebrating Harmony Day

    Celebrating Harmony Day

    Drawing hundreds of locals to the picturesque Swan Hill Riverside Park, the 16th annual Harmony Day celebration was a resounding success. The park was transformed into a vibrant hub of…

  • Abida’s mission to empower migrant women

    Abida’s mission to empower migrant women

    Abida Elahi grew up in Pakistan at an Air Force compound. Her father, an aeronautical engineer and instructor, placed great importance on education, a value that shaped their household. “I…

  • New scholarships give Mallee kids a shot at their dreams

    New scholarships give Mallee kids a shot at their dreams

    FOURTEEN young people across the Mallee have been handed a life-changing boost, with new scholarships aimed at breaking down barriers to education and opportunity. Mallee Family Care has announced the…

  • Windfall for extra homes

    Windfall for extra homes

    ROBINVALE is set for a housing boost after a multimillion-dollar project came in under budget, unlocking plans for two more homes to support key workers. Swan Hill Rural City Council…

  • Fines for not voting

    Fines for not voting

    A SURPRISE cash boost has landed in the coffers of Swan Hill Rural City Council, with more than $20,000 flowing in from residents who failed to vote. The council’s latest…

  • Fuel security questioned

    Fuel security questioned

    MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster warns the fuel supply situation is “simply unsustainable”, blaming the Albanese Government for failing to prepare. “Communities across Mallee are already experiencing fuel shortages, with…

  • Flying high at country championships

    Flying high at country championships

    THE Swan Hill Flyers left their mark at last weekend’s Junior Country Championships, with the U18 boys reaching the semi-finals and the U16 boys taking home first place. Shepparton Sports…

  • Celebrating a century

    Celebrating a century

    SURROUNDED by family, friends, and fellow residents, Mary Livingstone celebrated a remarkable century of life at Logan Lodge on Sunday. The celebration saw generations of Mary’s family travel from far…

  • Child protection bills pass Parliament

    Child protection bills pass Parliament

    TWO landmark child protection bills passed the Victorian Parliament last week, introducing changes aimed at giving families more time to reunite and creating a new whole-of-government responsibility for children in…

  • Bold idea for silos

    Bold idea for silos

    A BOLD plan to transform Swan Hill’s disused grain silos into a hospitality and accommodation hub is a step closer, with Swan Hill Rural City Council moving to negotiate a…