With the new financial year commencing on 1 July 2023, Hindmarsh Shire Council proudly adopted a strong budget for the 2023-24 year, at our recent Council meeting. It places Hindmarsh in good stead to continue our trend of fiscal responsibility. Local Governments are strongly reliant on grant funding throughout the year for additional projects and we trust that the opportunities for such will continue to flow from the Commonwealth and State Governments.

There are some exciting projects that have been committed to in the capital works budget for the year ahead. With expenditure of $7.45 million, these capital projects include major road works and an upgrade to Davis Park, Nhill. We also look forward to progressing the Wimmera Mallee Discovery Trail and the Rainbow Silo Art Project.

Our 2023-2024 Council Action Plan was also adopted which outlines the key areas that Hindmarsh Council will focus on in the year ahead, aligned with our vision “working together to be a connected, inclusive and prosperous community”.

Our action plan incorporates community feedback from our consultations and offers a broad range of actions from direct delivery of events, partnering with community organisations and advocating for key funding for priority projects.

Whilst it might be chilly outside our communities have embraced the season and Hindmarsh continues to be a vibrant place to live with numerous activities to enjoy.

Hindmarsh Council again has run a successful school holiday program with the musical puppet show a highlight for my family.

Our commitment to supporting and fostering an inclusive community was highlighted over the last month with two recent events proudly hosted by Hindmarsh Council.

More than 120 people enjoyed the Drag Bingo festivities in Nhill, to celebrate Pride month. Our Hindmarsh Pride Committee welcomes any new members that would like to join and support Hindmarsh in being an inclusive and safe community for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

To celebrate NAIDOC week Hindmarsh Council was thrilled to officially unveil the permanent art display of Gail Harradine’s award winning ‘Blanche’ and Pelham Cameron Bark Canoe works at the Dimboola library. These beautiful paintings share stories of two Wotjobaluk people and their connection to the area. The NAIDOC week art exhibition of over 80 additional pieces of indigenous artwork was amazing and a tribute to some talented local artists.

It is lovely to the green paddocks after some nice rain to start the growing season. I hope the farmers continue to get the rain they need and it translates into good profits for the 23-24 season, which flows into the Hindmarsh economy. Agricultural and a profitable year has so many impacts on our community. When the farmers have a great year, so does Hindmarsh.

Cr Melanie Albrecht
Deputy Mayor