Dan Tehan - Member for Wannon
As we come to the end of another busy year, I want to wish you and your loved ones a warm and joyful Christmas. This season is a welcome chance to pause, reflect and appreciate the strength and generosity of our local communities. Whether you’re gathering with family, volunteering your time or simply taking a well-earned break, I hope the weeks ahead bring peace, connection and a chance to recharge.
This year brought many important moments for our community and I’m grateful to have been part of many of them.
The opening of Hamilton headspace—a facility that offers real support to young people who need it most— was a real standout. I’m also proud that funding for the new Regional University Study Hub at South West TAFE has come through, helping local students pursue tertiary study close to home.
The new change rooms and upgraded grandstand at Melville Oval have been a very welcome addition to Hamilton, and Sheepvention was another great success, with the ‘After Dark’ event providing vital support for farmer mental health.
Upgrades like the new solar lighting around Lake Hamilton are making our recreational spaces safer and more accessible, and it’s exciting to see progress on the new gallery, library, digital hub and government offices.
It has also been particularly rewarding to assist Casterton residents affected by last year’s hailstorm. Many were initially offered only a few hundred dollars in compensation, but with our advocacy, they received tens of thousands, a result that has made a real difference to people’s lives.
It was a privilege to host the 2025 Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards in Colac recently. Among the recipients were outstanding individuals, organisations and sporting teams from Southern Grampians. From the tireless work behind the scenes that keeps our clubs and community groups thriving to exceptional achievements on the field, congratulations and thank you to all the inspiring award winners. I’m incredibly proud of what you do.
With Emergency Management Victoria warning of a warmer-than-average summer and increased fire risk, I urge everyone to prepare for the season now. Recent spring rain has created thicker green growth that will quickly dry out as temperatures rise. Please review your fire plan, clear vegetation where needed, stay informed of local conditions and check in with neighbours who may need a hand. Prepared communities are safer communities, and a few simple steps now can make all the difference later.
I was pleased that the Albanese Labor Government recently abandoned its harebrained proposal to cut regional speed limits to 70 km. This backdown was a win for common sense. Local councils, communities and Coalition MPs highlighted that lower speed limits wouldn’t improve road safety — what’s needed is proper investment in safer, well-maintained roads. With two-thirds of the nation’s road fatalities occurring in regional areas, I’ll keep pushing the Government to focus on repairing and upgrading the roads our communities rely on.
You should by now have received my end-of-year mailout which includes a letter outlining my key priorities, a 2026 calendar, a short survey so you can share the issues that matter most to you, and a brochure highlighting the $4.46 billion in funding I’ve delivered across Wannon.
Thank you for your support and engagement this year.
ENDS
Contact: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au
Published in the Hamilton Spectator
