General News
22 August, 2024
Governor visits region
Much of the region was quietly abuzz with excitement as a notable high-ranking visitor graced Hindmarsh and West Wimmera Shires with her presence last week.
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC is the 30th Governor of Victoria, and only the second woman to hold the position of King Charles III’s representative to the state.
“Traditionally, back to the beginning, governors have toured the state,” the Governor said.
“I was trying to look at how previous tours were done, and I was looking to ensure I saw parts of the state that made sense on a bigger scope - how the different areas work together, their inter-relationships, and how they work together both as communities and economically.
“I was also trying to make sure I was going to places that hadn’t been visited recently, and I am trying to be disciplined in choosing to make sure I am covering the whole state.
“It has been interesting to look at the scale and sophistication of the agricultural sector, and how it works to supply food in Australia, and the possibilities of export."
The Governor arrived in Nhill to meet Hindmarsh Shire Council’s chief executive and mayor last Tuesday afternoon and visited the Karen community’s Paw Po store before a civic reception at Nhill Memorial Community Centre.
The reception was a chance to greet and engage with representatives from the shire’s volunteer and community groups.
“I cannot vote for anybody, but I can care about all of you,” she said.
“As Governor, I come out to hear from the community, to hear the things that are important to you, to get a sense of and hopefully reflect back on the things you are doing so well, and to be able to talk to others about the things that matter to you.
“Once upon a time governors did have bags of money.
“We do not any more, but we are still here, as we always were, to listen to all Victorians and to tell your story as best we can.”
The Governor spoke about the importance of the spirit found in small communities, and acknowledged many of the community leaders and groups, including John and Margaret Mellington who encouraged the Karen refugees from Myanmar to settle in the area.
“A refugee is not a migrant - they didn’t choose to come somewhere else,” she said.
“There is a big difference between going somewhere for better opportunities and being pushed out.
“It is a testament to the strength of the Karen residents, and to the warmth and welcoming embrace of the Nhill community who said this could be a place for them too.”
She also emphasised how lucky Australians were to live in a nation formed through communication, without conflict and violence, and to have the food security many others don’t due to our strong agricultural sector.
The next day, the Governor toured Luv-a-Duck, Nhill Aviation Museum and Ahern’s Silos in Tarranyurk, with a stopover at Arkona Silo, before lunch at the Dimboola Store and a look at a few of the local stores.
Later that day she visited Dimboola Memorial Secondary College to unveil a plaque commemorating the school’s centenary.
Having spent her life holding many prestigious positions in the education sector, the Governor said visiting schools was a special part of her role that she enjoyed.
“This is one of the most enjoyable privileges of this role,” she said.
“I’m really pleased to be here, to see the way different schools sit in their community and the way they contribute.
“It is my observation that, in life, we all hope for good health, and your best chance at good health is an education.
“Your best chance of almost everything that makes life joyous is in an education.”
The Governor said common concerns she had seen throughout her recent regional tours were housing and labour shortages, and that concerns about the condition of the roads varied across the state.
Following the school visit, she visited Grain Flow Dimboola before holding a round table discussion with local farmers.
The next two days were spent visiting locations across West Wimmera Shire including Hannaton Poll Merinos & White Suffolks, Goroke CFA/SES shed, Miga Lake Flowers, Harrow Bush Nursing Centre and Harrow Discovery Centre.
On Thursday, the Governor participated in another round table discussion, this time with local emergency service volunteers.
She concluded her visit to the region on Friday with a tree planting ceremony at Kaniva Wetlands and Fauna Park.