We may live in communities furthest from Melbourne but we also have the greatest opportunities to grow and thrive.

I promise that I will always do my best to represent your needs, ideas and opportunities. It is incredibly humbling to have increased my first preference vote from 54 per cent four years ago to 68 per cent against a state-wide swing. But margins don’t matter and I will never take the trust and faith of the people of Lowan for granted. 

I will continue to fight for a better deal for Lowan and hold the Andrews Labor Government to account for the funding priorities and projects that the people of Lowan emphatically voted for.

This includes returning passenger rail to the region, ensuring our fair share of roads funding to fix country roads and save country lives, finishing the Warracknabeal Education Precinct and many other fantastic projects around the electorate that would ensure our region is not just surviving, but thriving.

Labor must not forget country Victoria exists. They have a responsibility to govern for the whole of the state and not just Melbourne.

A huge thank you to my awesome staff who work so hard for the people of Lowan, listening to their concerns, sorting out big and little issues and providing the support our communities deserve.

To my amazing volunteers and local National Party members – thank you for all your support over the past four years and during the campaign.

The hundreds of volunteers who so generously donated their time during pre-polling and on election day was just fantastic and I couldn’t have done it without you. My heartfelt thanks.

Finally, thank you to my loved ones and awesome family who have been there for me through thick and thin and taught me to work hard, treat people with respect and always do my best. You have been amazing and I hope I make you proud.

I congratulate all candidates who stood in Lowan for the respectful way the campaign unfolded.

This is a fantastic region with so much opportunity. I look forward to being your representative in the Legislative Assembly and making sure our local voices are heard in the Parliament of Victoria for the coming four years.

Emma Kealy, Member for Lowan

I CANNOT help but be baffled as to why, after spending a large amount of Horsham council money installing a new filtration and pump system to our outdoor pool over the winter months, the YMCA is not opening the pool up to the public daily.

According to their weather policy, it only opens if the forecast temperature is 24 degrees or above.

Why would you spend the money on chemicals and maintenance, and not open it for public swimming? In particular, on Saturdays and Sundays when people have time to attend.

It almost appears swimmers are not wanted in our beautiful outdoor pool.

Why make such a ridiculous policy? 

Christine Dumesny, Haven

I ASK when the people building that motel complex near one of Australia’s best golf courses do something to finish it? 

Bulldoze it or sell it. It is not a good look. It’s a disgrace to let it sit there as it is. It’s an eyesore. After 10 or 11 years of sitting idle, it’s not the builder’s fault. 

Horsham Golf Club has a wonderful course but this complex has the complete opposite. Finish it and reap the cream; and if not, reap the sour cream.

Also, the site next to the Target complex is a fire waiting to happen. The long grass is dangerous. Could that site be cleaned up? This city is support to be a Tidy Town award winner but the two sites are not a good look for this wonderful city of Horsham. 

Let’s get behind the volunteers who do their best to keep our city clean and at the top of the tidy towns and cities across Australia. 

Brian Wilde, Horsham

IN JANUARY 1869 a committee was formed in order to start a brass band in Casterton. Many of the original instruments were purchased using a generous donation given by Mr George Robertson of ‘Warrock’.

It is unlikely those men would envisage the band’s survival into the 21^st century, but 150 years on – now known as the Casterton Vice Regal Band – plans are underway to celebrate the love of music that must have fostered their original undertaking.

The Casterton Vice Regal Band – given the title in Merino in 1918 by the then Governor of Victoria – has survived fluctuating memberships and changes of name as well as musical formats.

Today it has a membership which ranges in age from eight years to the late 80s. As well as a core member base, the band is supplemented on occasion by members from other local bands and returning members.

A weekend of celebration, simply ‘for the love of music’, is planned for February 16 and 17, 2019. 

Band members are keen to hear from anyone formerly associated with the band – as players, committee members or marching girls – so that invitations can be sent out. In addition any musicians (whether members of bands or not) are most welcome to come and help celebrate.

If you would like to attend, or would like more information, please get in touch via email at castertonviceregalband@gmail.com

Suzanne Kelly, secretary, Casterton Vice Regal Band