I am heading off to Canberra for a mayor and chief executives forum, to speak with politicians and convey key messages about the needs of Hindmarsh Shire, including extra road funding and enhancing the silo art trail. 

I am looking forward to speaking with the members of parliament and increasing awareness of the smaller councils. 

It is my first time there, so I’m hoping to learn a lot and build relationships with the other mayors and chief executives who face similar issues. 

A council meeting was held in Jeparit earlier this week. I arranged for a boat tour of the Wimmera River and Jeparit Weir pool to show my fellow councillors the untapped potential that we are sitting on here at our doorstep. 

I am passionate about the waterways in this region and want to utilise the natural resources that we have. 

I want to increase visitors and tourism in the area, which will then improve the economic development of the town and wider shire.

We live in a beautiful part of the world, and my aim is to show it off to as many people as possible.  

The official opening of the Nhill Early Years Centre took place on Tuesday, February 20. 

I was privileged to be able to open the centre in conjunction with member of parliament Andrew Broad. 

The centre is a huge asset to Nhill, and it is great to see the ideas come to fruition. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the federal and state governments for their financial contribution.

And also, the Nhill Early Years Centre Fundraising Committee and their fantastic supporters, including the Freemasons and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. 

An immense amount of work goes into a project like this. 

But when you see the kids playing and learning in a fantastic environment, it makes it all worth it.  

There are many exciting things happening in Hindmarsh Shire, and I am very proud to be a part of it. 

I look forward to keeping you up to date throughout the year, and looking forward to what we can achieve.