General News
24 March, 2025
Almost $1.4M announced for Beulah supermarket
The Beulah community gathered to celebrate a $1.392 million funding pledge to rebuild the town’s supermarket.
Federal Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster, promised to rebuild the supermarket, which burned down in 2019.
Dr Webster promised a Dutton-Littleproud coalition government would commit the funds, but only if it wins the upcoming federal election.
She announced this election during her visit to Beulah on Thursday, March 13.
Dr Webster recalled the devastation the fire caused and praised the local community for its determination.
“I still remember how sad it was to hear the news and speak with grieving community members when the supermarket burned down,” she said.
She commended Shaun Thompson of the Beulah Supermarket Action Group and Graham and Jennifer Turnbull for leading the community’s efforts to raise about $130,000 to rebuild and establish a temporary store.
Dr Webster said the funding will provide cost-of-living relief for the small rural town.
“A larger, permanent and community-owned supermarket will give them the scale to attract specials in everyday food, drink and other essential items,” she said.
“Beulah residents currently pay a premium for essential goods over those in larger towns, regional centres and of course the capital cities have to pay.
She joined Yarriambiack Shire representatives to visit the Beulah Business and Information Centre, where the community operates a small temporary store from the former hospital.
“Mallee has upwards of 80 small communities across its 83,412 square kilometres, and on Thursday Beulah really shone,” she said.
“It was wonderful to meet with the tight-knit group of locals who are 100 per cent united in advocating for their town.
“Beulah will be a very worthy recipient of this new supermarket.”
However, Dr Webster clarified that the funding hinges on a coalition victory in the upcoming federal election.
“I have to be clear, I can only make this funding a reality if the coalition wins the upcoming election,” she said.
The Beulah supermarket served the town for 122 years before the 2019 fire destroyed it.
The store was more than just a supermarket; it was a community hub with a newsagency, dry cleaning service, and gift shop.
Dr Webster pledges millions
Dr Webster pledged more than $5.6 million for regional community projects if the Dutton-Littleproud coalition won the election.
During a week-long tour, she visited Rainbow, Kaniva, Nhill and Beulah to announce funding commitments to improve local facilities and strengthen community services.
In Rainbow, she promised $1 million to upgrade public amenities at the historic ‘The Mecca,’ ensuring they meet Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standards.
She highlighted the importance of accessibility and safety in public spaces and said the funding would cover most of the estimated $1.15 million project cost.
“We have often been told by residents that accessing the female toilets can be unnerving, particularly at night, due to the passageway and the fact that there is a blind corner prior to entering the toilets,” she said.
“Whilst the passage will remain in the proposed design it will be opened up and will allow a lot more natural light during the day and improved lighting will be installed for nighttime use.”
In Kaniva, she committed $500,000 to build a new splash park, a long-awaited project that had previously failed to secure federal support through the Growing Regions Fund in 2023.
She said the park would provide a much-needed recreational space for families and visitors.
“Encouraging water play for children of all ages is important for their health and well-being and connection with community,” she said.
“I was excited to be at Kaniva on Wednesday with the schoolchildren, pool committee members and West Wimmera Shire representatives who cannot wait to see the Kaniva Memorial Pool All Abilities Splash Park become a reality.”
In Nhill, she pledged $2.8 million to rebuild the club rooms at Davis Park, home to the Nhill and District Sporting Club.
The redevelopment, part of Stage 2 of the project, will include a new community function centre and club rooms with a kitchen, canteen, bar and covered spectator area.
She emphasised that the upgraded facilities would create a more inclusive and vibrant community space for sporting and social events.
“This exciting development will enhance community engagement, provide modern amenities and support local sporting and social events, creating a vibrant and inclusive gathering space for all,” she said.
Hindmarsh Shire Council will contribute $400,000 in in-kind support.
She made it clear that each of these projects depends on a Coalition election victory.
She described the funding as an opportunity to deliver essential infrastructure and enhance community life across Mallee.