Future of the Swan Hill Regional Livestock Exchange
Following a strategic review and extensive community engagement, Councillors this week agreed to undertake an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to lease or manage the Swan Hill Regional Livestock Exchange. This decision reflects our Council’s commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability and efficiency of this important regional facility.
By exploring potential management or lease options, we’re aiming to identify opportunities for investment, innovation, and improved operations that will benefit producers, agents, and the wider community.
This process will help determine the best model to maintain the Exchange’s regional presence while ensuring it continues to deliver value into the future.
I have had many formal meetings and informal discussions on this topic in the last 6 months in particular and I would like to personally extend my thanks to all community members and stakeholders who contributed their feedback during this review, and forward to continuing to keep the community informed as the process progresses.
Congratulations to two local businesses
I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to Select Harvests for being recognised as Regional Exporter at the 2025 Governor of Victoria Export Awards, and to Cobram Estate Olives for being named Manufacturer of the Year - Medium Business at the 23rd Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards, held on 9 October 2025. These are outstanding achievements and a testament to the dedication, innovation and hard work that define two of our region’s leading businesses.
It’s always a proud moment to see local companies like Select Harvests and Cobram Estate Olives celebrated. Their success shows that innovation, world-class products and practices are entrenched in agricultural businesses in Regional Australia, and don’t necessarily come from the city. -. They continue to showcase the strength, skill and potential of bsuinesses right here in our own backyard, and I commend them both for representing our community so exceptionally well.
Doing Business with Council
Council is committed to supporting our local economy and helping small to medium businesses grow. One way we can do that is by encouraging more local businesses to work with Council.
To make that process easier, Council officers will be holding a series of ‘Doing Business with Council’ information sessions in Swan Hill and Robinvale, designed to help local operators better understand how to access and win Council work.
These sessions are a great opportunity for business owners and contractors to learn how to find upcoming contract and supply opportunities, register as a preferred supplier, and prepare strong, competitive quotes and tenders. Whether you’re an established business or just getting started, this is a valuable chance to find out how your services could help support Council projects and community outcomes.
I know how important our local businesses are, they’re the backbone of our regional economy - they employ local people, spend locally, and reinvest in our communities. That’s why we want to see more local names on our supplier lists and tender applications.
Information sessions will be held at the Visitor Information Centre, 125 Curlewis Street, Swan Hill, on Tuesday, 28 October at 5pm and Wednesday, 29 October at 7:30am, and at the Robinvale Resource Centre, 72 Herbert Street, on Wednesday, 5 November at 12pm. Light refreshments will be provided at each session.
I encourage all interested businesses to come along, ask questions, and find out how to get involved. Please RSVP to tenders@swanhill.vic.gov.au.
Murray Little Christmas
It’s that wonderful time of year again when our community starts to get into the Christmas spirit, and once again Council is gearing up for our ‘A Murray Little Christmas’ campaign! As the festive season approaches, Council is calling on all community groups, schools, and organisations hosting Christmas events to share their details with us through our Community Listings online.
By submitting your event, we can help spread the word and promote your celebration as part of our Murray Little Christmas campaign.
Whether it’s a market, concert, carols night, or community gathering, we want to make sure locals and visitors alike know what’s happening across our region. Let’s work together to fill our towns with festive cheer and showcase our amazing community spirit.
Click here to add your event and learn more.