This week marks 25 years since the Shires of Dimboola and Lowan were amalgamated to become the Hindmarsh Shire Council on 20 January 1995.

The Shire of Lowan previously covered an area of approximately 2,861 square kilometres and was first established in 1875. The Shire of Dimboola was established in 1885, after being severed from the Shire of Lowan, and covered an area of approximately 4,856 square kilometres.

The new shire was named after one of the major geographical features in the region, Lake Hindmarsh, and covers an area of approximately 7,422 square kilometres making it one of the largest municipalities in Victoria.

Hindmarsh Shire is now home to residents of more than 30 nationalities from around the world with the Karen migrant population increasing each year since they first arrived in Nhill in 2010.

Following amalgamation in 1995 the first Council was elected in 1997 and existing Councillors Rob Gersch and David Colbert also served on the former Shire of Lowan, while Ron Ismay served on the former Shire of Dimboola.

Current Mayor Cr Gersch said there have been some significant events within the Council and the Shire since amalgamation.

“We have experienced droughts, fires and floods. We have seen new infrastructure constructed and we have seen some infrastructure destroyed or demolished. The floods of 2011 certainly remain in my mind with the damage caused to bridges, weirs and roadways. We have also seen an increase in the number and types of services that Council provides which is now more than 100.”

Since amalgamation there have been 18 Councillors, nine Mayors and six chief executive officers of Hindmarsh Shire Council.

Councillor Gersch has served the community since before the current shire was formed, including having filled the role of Mayor for three terms since then.

“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank all residents of Hindmarsh Shire for your support over the past 25 years and wish everyone all the best for the future.”