Mayoral Matters October 2026
TL;DR
As of 28 October 2026
Location
Warracknabeal
Mayoral Matters October 2026
As of 28 October 2026
It has been a busy month of advocacy across Yarriambiack Shire, and Council was delighted to welcome the announcement from Emma Kealy MP, and The Nationals and Liberals, of a commitment of $2 million towards the redevelopment of the Murtoa Recreation Reserve, and $2 million towards the redevelopment of ANZAC Park in Warracknabeal should they be elected to Government in November.
This significant funding commitment for both recreation reserves would bring the projects one step closer to reality, helping deliver modern, accessible and inclusive facilities that will support local sporting clubs, community groups and residents for generations to come.
Both the Murtoa Recreation Reserve and ANZAC Park are vital community assets, and this commitment recognises the important role regional facilities play in fostering community wellbeing, participation and liveability. We sincerely thank Emma Kealy, our local Member of Parliament, for her support of these very important projects and for recognising the needs of rural communities.
Council would welcome similar commitments from other parties to help ensure both these transformative projects can be delivered for the Murtoa and Warracknabeal communities.
In further advocacy efforts, Yarriambiack Shire Council joined neighbouring Wimmera councils earlier in the month to present a united regional voice to State Opposition representatives Bev McArthur MP, David Davis MP and Emma Kealy MP ahead of the Victorian State Election.
Discussions focused on the priority investments needed to support growth, liveability and opportunity across Yarriambiack Shire, including road infrastructure, housing, early years services, community facilities and recreational water security. By working together, Wimmera councils continue to advocate for the strategic investment required to ensure rural communities can thrive well into the future.
It was also a pleasure to showcase
QA Hay
, a growing local business that highlights the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across our region.
On 07 October, Jade Benham MP and Brad Rowswell MP joined local Hopetoun advocates, Council's Chief Executive Officer, Cr Chris Lehmann and myself for a tour of the former Hopetoun school site and discussions regarding the community's vision for its future use.
The visit also included a tour of the
Hopetoun Early Years
building and the temporary kindergarten currently operating from the
Senior Citizens Centre
. We appreciate Jade and Brad taking the time to meet with Council representatives, teachers and families, providing an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the service and the solutions being pursued.
I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the
Emerge Early Years
management team, the Hopetoun staff and local families for the resilience they have demonstrated throughout a challenging period. Council remains committed to working behind the scenes with all stakeholders to support positive outcomes and secure long-term solutions for the community.
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