Read about the Governor’s recent regional visit to Western Victoria
Last week, the Governor returned from a regional visit to Hindmarsh and West Wimmera.
This region and its people have always stood out in Victorian history as a place of unique character, ingenuity and resourcefulness.
The program, facilitated with Hindmarsh Shire Council and West Wimmera Shire Council, offered the opportunity to engage in discussions with community leaders and get a firsthand insight into local issues and visions for the future.
Regional tours are an important part of the Governor’s program, building connections and a greater understanding of the issues impacting Victorians.
Engaging with local businesses
Major businesses such as Luv-a-Duck and Ahrens are integral to employment and economic output in the Hindmarsh Shire.
The Governor visited these businesses to hear about their innovative operations.
After meeting Karen women at Paw Po Nhill and learning about their incredible story, the Governor toured a duck growing shed to hear from John Millington OAM who was integral in welcoming the Karen community to Nhill.
In 2010, a small group Karen-Burmese refugees moved to the town to find work at the Luv-a-Duck factory.
Today, the Karen community makes up 10 per cent of the local population, and are a vital part of the community and its workforce.
The Governor also visited GrainFlow, a local business associated with Cargill – a multinational food corporation based in Minnesota, where the Governor visited earlier this year on an Official Visit to strengthen trade ties.
A roundtable with local farmers also offered an insight into their work, its challenges and priorities for the future.
The theme of agriculture continued in West Wimmera with tours of Hannaton Poll Merinos & White Suffolks and Miga Lake Flowers, demonstrating how these two very different farms share a commitment to producing the highest quality products.
Understanding local service delivery
Following a briefing from the Hindmarsh Shire Council, the Governor met with community members at a civic reception in Nhill. A meeting with the Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council also offered the chance to discuss local priorities.
In Dimboola, the Governor met with student representatives from Dimboola Memorial Secondary College and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the school’s centenary year at the site.
The visit was also a chance to speak with teachers and hear about their experiences in education in regional Victoria.
In West Wimmera, the Governor received a briefing on local issues and opportunities from West Wimmera Shire Council.
Meetings with Harrow emergency services volunteers, as well as staff at the Harrow Bush Nursing Centre were a chance to hear firsthand how communities work to overcome the barriers of regional life.
Local history and tourism offerings
Between engagements on the visit, the Governor viewed the silo art in Dimboola and Goroke, which form part of the Silo Art Trail - Australia’s largest outdoor gallery.
Linking towns through the Wimmera Mallee, the trail encapsulates the spirit of the region and the people who call it home.
Visits to the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and the Harrow Discovery Centre also offered an insight into the history of these communities and the volunteer spirit that thrives today.
The Governor concluded the regional tour with a ceremonial tree planting at the Kaniva Wetlands & Fauna Park, joined by the West Wimmera Shire Council and Lions Club volunteers.
To learn more about the Governor’s regional engagement, visit the Regional Visits webpage.