A Thriving Easter Across Our Municipality
It was fantastic to see our municipality absolutely booming over the Easter long weekend, with locals and visitors alike making the most of everything our region has to offer.
The Swan Hill main street was buzzing for the Easter Saturday market, with crowds filling the streets and creating a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of our community. It was wonderful to see so many people out and about supporting local stallholders, enjoying our retail precinct and soaking up the Easter spirit.
Our accommodation providers were at capacity, hospitality venues were full, and the whole region was alive with great energy - and the weather certainly turned it on for us too. It was particularly pleasing to see so many people choosing to travel to our region and enjoy themselves despite the uncertainty being felt around the world and the continued pressure of fuel prices and household costs. That strong turnout speaks volumes about the appeal of our region and the value people place on spending quality time with family and friends in places that offer genuine connection and memorable experiences.
Long weekends like Easter are an important reminder of the strength of our local economy and the vital role tourism, events and community activities play in supporting local jobs and businesses.
A huge thank you goes to our traders, market organisers, volunteers, hospitality staff, accommodation providers and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help deliver such a successful weekend. It is this dedication that ensures visitors leave with wonderful memories and continues to showcase our municipality as a welcoming, vibrant and thriving destination.
Our Municipality Through Your Lens
Each year I enjoy seeing our municipality through the eyes of our community, and I’m delighted that Our Municipality Through Your Lens photography competition is back for 2026. I always love looking through the incredible photos people submit, because they capture not just our landscapes and landmarks, but the pride, character and everyday moments that make our region so special. Whether it’s a stunning sunset, local wildlife, a favourite street scene or a candid moment of community life, this competition is a wonderful way for residents to share their own perspective on the place we all call home.
The winning image will feature on the front cover of Council’s 2025/26 Annual Report, with other standout entries appearing throughout the publication. I encourage everyone, from keen hobby photographers to those who simply love taking photos on their phone, to get involved.
Entries are now open and close on Friday, 31 July 2026, so start looking for those special moments that tell the story of our wonderful municipality.
Click here to enter!
Community Grant opportunities
I’m pleased to share that Council has refreshed its grant programs, making them more flexible and easier to access for community groups, event organisers and local organisations. With updated Community Development and Event Support Funds, plus new Quick Response Grants, there are now more ways to access funding when ideas are ready to grow.
Community groups are the heartbeat of our region, creating opportunities to connect, improving local facilities and delivering events that build pride in where we live. These grants continue to support projects big and small, delivering real benefits across our towns.
Applications open 20 April. I encourage groups to start planning now and visit Council’s website to explore the options. We’ll also be hosting drop-in sessions and workshops in Swan Hill and Robinvale to help with applications.
Community grant drop-in sessions
Support and Assistance Available Following March Rainfall Event
Following my recent mayoral column, where I outlined a letter written requesting immediate government support for those impacted by March’s unseasonal rainfall event, I wanted to provide an update on the practical assistance and resources now available to our farming and agri-business community.
Since then, Council has been working closely with Agriculture Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria to ensure affected residents, farmers and agri-businesses can access timely information, available support pathways and relief measures.
Importantly, Council has now compiled a range of resources and assistance options to help those impacted better understand what support may be available to them during this difficult time.
This includes guidance on relief services, key agency contacts and Council’s own support measures, including flexible rate payment arrangements for those experiencing financial hardship as a result of the event.
While we continue to strongly advocate for broader State Government assistance, we also recognise the importance of ensuring our community has access to clear, practical information right now.
Agriculture is at the heart of our municipality, and we know the effects of this rainfall event extend well beyond the farm gate, impacting local businesses, contractors, transport operators and families right across our region.
I encourage anyone affected to make use of the information Council has brought together and to reach out if further support is needed. Our focus remains on supporting recovery, reducing immediate pressures where we can, and ensuring our community feels supported through the challenges ahead.
As always, our region’s resilience shines through in times like these, and Council will continue to stand alongside our farming communities every step of the way.
Click here for a list of resources and support.