General News
25 August, 2024
Hundreds greet Governor on tour
Much of the region was quietly abuzz with excitement last week as a notable high-ranking visitor embarked on a tour.
Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, the 30th Governor of Victoria, and only the second woman to hold the position of King Charles III’s state representative, was welcomed at numerous stops.
“Traditionally, governors have toured the state,” she said.
“I was trying to make sure I was going to places that hadn’t been visited recently.
"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 on Tuesday afternoon and visited the Karen community’s Paw Po store before a civic reception at Nhill Memorial Community Centre.
“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," she said.
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.”
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.
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.