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Published on 01 April 2026
The month of March has been busy and amazingly rewarding. The Shire took time to recognise some of our wonderful women from across the Shire at the International Women’s Day (IWD) event at the Creswick Town Hall. I want to congratulate and acknowledge Pauline Hawker, Betty Rea (posthumous), Erica Higgins and Kate Smith. I also want to acknowledge and thank so many others who were not nominated but make an amazing contribution to so many parts of our community.
March has also seen over 25,000 people attend the ChillOut Festival in Daylesford over the Labour Day long weekend. This is an amazing celebration of individuality where so many people can come together to be safe and amongst friends. ChillOut also acknowledges some difficult issues around mental health, and I want to personally thank the organisers and volunteers who give up so much time to make the event such an incredible success.
We also enjoyed the Clunes Booktown Festival. Over 15,000 people flooded the township of Clunes to come and revel in creativity. This event attracts people from all around Australia and clearly demonstrates that books and creative writing is flourishing.
On a bigger picture note, I have been privileged to be selected to be a member of the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel (LGMAP). This is a panel established to support the Minister to explore reform for our important local government sector. Common themes to arise from the group were attracting and retaining good councillors and staff. There are systemic challenges across the state with poor behaviour from community making many people question why they should stay in the sector. We have a responsibility to call out poor behaviour wherever we see it - online or in person. This is a fundamental issue of respect. We also need some legislative reforms in Workplace Protection Orders as a start to acknowledge the changing environment.
There are also challenges around ongoing financial sustainability, this will also be a focus of the group as we move forward over the coming 12 months.
Finally, a big thank you to all our community who contribute every day to make our home a better place. Thank you for your constructive contributions whether it be a positive word in the street or helping kids with sports.