A Proud Moment and a Clear Opportunity
Recently, I had a proud Dad moment attending my daughter Bridgette’s graduation ceremony at La Trobe University in Bendigo. As a Dad I reflected on the memories of when she was a little girl with pig tails, but as she crossed the stage in the traditional mortarboard cap and academic gown to receive her Bachelor of Education I shed a tear (or more) seeing the mature young woman she has become...
Making this occasion even more meaningful was seeing many other young people from our region graduating alongside her. As Mayor, it’s pleasing to know that these talented individuals are not just earning their qualifications—they’re bringing those valuable skills back home.
Our region thrives when our young people return with fresh ideas, new energy, and professional expertise. Bridgette is currently employed at the Swan Hill North Primary School and other locals in the ceremony have careers locally in education and health. Other crucial roles in our region include planning, trades, community services, and more—areas where we continue to face significant skill shortages. Their return is vital to the continued growth and wellbeing of our community.
One area where this challenge is particularly visible is early childhood education. A lack of local trainers has meant that aspiring childcare workers often face barriers in accessing further qualifications. This shortage is already impacting families, services, and our regional workforce more broadly.
If you know a local childcare educator who is passionate about their work and considering the next step in their career, I strongly encourage them to explore opportunities to upskill and become a teacher. With the right support, we can build a stronger, more resilient early years workforce—and ensure local families get the quality care they deserve. Let’s celebrate our local graduates—and continue to support the creation of pathways home for these future leaders.
Community and Event Grants 2025
Council’s Community Development Fund and Event Support Fund are currently open to support local community groups and events. These grant programs are an important way for Council to support the incredible work of our community, sporting, and not-for-profit organisations. With up to $5,000 available per application, these grants help bring local projects and events to life—whether it's through facility upgrades, new equipment, or events that boost local tourism and the economy.
We know how much value community groups bring to our region, and these programs are one of the practical ways Council can back their efforts. This year, we’re excited to launch applications through the SmartyGrants platform—a user-friendly online system that makes the process easier for everyone. I encourage all eligible groups and organisations to visit our website, review the guidelines, and consider applying. Let’s continue working together to make our municipality stronger, more connected, and more vibrant.
Applications are open until 5pm on Monday, 26 May.
Please click here for application forms and guidelines
Ultima Compost Facility Opening
Last week Council officially opened the new Ultima Compost Facility, a major step towards reducing landfill and supporting a cleaner, greener future. Eventually the site will process up to 1,200 tonnes of garden waste each year and is designed to grow with the future rollout of food and garden organics (FOGO) services by 2027. FOGO and other waste changes are mandated by the State Government and will mean changes to our current bin collection systems and we will keep the community updated as these changes start to take effect.
Using modern technology, the facility turns organic waste into compost that will stay local—used by Council and available to farmers—supporting a circular economy.
The project was funded by Council with help from Sustainability Victoria and the Federal Government, showing Swan Hill’s leadership in sustainability and innovation. Ultimately, the Ultima facility has the potential to become a central depot for organic waste from our neighbouring Councils as well.
Concerns over proposed Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund
Alongside many frustrated farmers, producers and volunteers who protested on the steps of Parliament House this week, Council is standing up for local residents, pensioners and farmers in raising serious concerns about the proposed Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF). A transition from the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) to the ESVF is not fit for regional areas and urgently needs reviewing. The proposal, which has not yet passed Parliament, risks increasing financial pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living, particularly pensioners and rural landholders. Primary producers face a 125% increase in charges—an unsustainable burden that could flow on to higher food prices across the state.
Council has been actively advocating through the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) and we support their joint position that the levy is poorly designed, inequitable and unjustified. We are calling on the Victorian Government to pause and redesign the proposal in genuine partnership with local communities and continue to push for the State Revenue Office—not local government—to manage any future levy. We are urging the State Government to reconsider this legislation and co-design a solution that ensures fairness for councils, farmers, and local communities.