A message from Mayor Cr Stuart King
Published on 19 December 2025
Condolences
This is not something I ever imagined needing to include in my final Mayoral column before Christmas, and I am beyond saddened by the tragic events at Bondi. On behalf of Swan Hill Rural City Council, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Waverley Council and to everyone affected. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones who have lost their lives, and with those who are injured as they begin their recovery. I also want to express my deep gratitude to NSW Police, emergency services and the members of the public who acted with such bravery and compassion in the face of unimaginable circumstances. At this incredibly difficult time, we stand together in condemning all acts of violence and reaffirm the importance of unity, care and kindness within our community and across our nation.
2025 reflections
How quickly has 2025 gone! As the year draws to a close, it’s a welcome opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved together. Across our municipality, 2025 has been a year marked by progress and a strong sense of community spirit.
Two of the most significant milestones this year have been the opening of the redeveloped Art Gallery of Swan Hill and the new Swan Hill Tourism and Cultural Experience Centre. These much-anticipated projects are more than just buildings; they are vibrant community spaces that celebrate our stories, showcase our creativity and strengthen the connection to our regional history. They reflect who we are and what we value, both now and into the future.
This year also saw Council deliver a record-breaking capital works program, improving essential infrastructure across our towns and rural communities. We welcomed new citizens into our municipality - occasions that bring as much joy to me as they do to those taking this important step. We continued to improve our planning processes and achieved stronger community satisfaction results, a clear sign that listening, engaging and responding to our community is making a real difference. We have also continued to make meaningful progress on housing, one of the most significant challenges facing regional communities. I, along with my fellow Councillors and the Council staff, look forward to delivering more positive outcomes for our communities in 2026.
In Robinvale, the new Adventure Playground has quickly become a much-loved destination, bringing joy to children and families every day and creating a place where people can come together, play and connect. We know it has become another asset that encourages families to stop, stay and enjoy all that our municipality has to offer.
None of these achievements happen without the dedication, passion and generosity of spirit that define our region. I sincerely thank our residents, volunteers, community groups, local businesses and Council staff for the big and small contributions you make every day. Your willingness to engage, share ideas and provide feedback strengthens our decisions and helps shape a better future for everyone.
As we head into the festive season, I encourage everyone to look out for those in our community who may be doing it tough. A simple act of kindness, a conversation, or checking in on a neighbour can make a meaningful difference at this time of year. I also urge residents to continue supporting our local retailers, cafés and restaurants by shopping locally wherever possible.
On behalf of Council, I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the Christmas and holiday season be filled with joy and peace, bring time to rest, reflect and reconnect with family and friends. Remember to stay safe on the roads and waterways. I look forward to building on the strong foundations we have laid and to what we will continue to achieve together in 2026.
I will be taking a short break from writing my regular Mayoral column over January and look forward to reconnecting with you again in February 2026.
Murray River Group of Councils
Finally, last week, I had the privilege of stepping into the role of Chair of the Murray River Group of Councils, a partnership of six local government areas working together along our shared river corridor. The group unites councils on key priorities such as infrastructure, economic development, environmental management and liveability - all areas that have a direct impact on the wellbeing and future of our border communities.
This collaboration allows us to speak with one strong regional voice, ensuring our shared challenges and opportunities are clearly heard by state and federal decision-makers, I look forward to what we can achieve together in 2026.