The attack last month on independent Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines has shocked us all. My thoughts are very much with Helen, her husband Phil, her family, staff and the wider Indi community as she continues her recovery.
As regional MPs, we spend a great deal of time on the road, travelling across our electorates to meet people, listen to their concerns and understand the issues affecting their communities. It is a vital part of representing a regional electorate. Often, these visits take us to small towns and isolated locations, where we meet people one-on-one, sometimes without the support or presence of others.
What happened to Helen is a sobering reminder that we cannot take our safety for granted. I will certainly be giving greater consideration to personal safety and any additional precautions that may be appropriate.
However, I don’t want to see MPs retreat behind layers of security or become less accessible to the people they represent. The ability to meet, listen and maintain close connections with our communities must remain at the heart of representative democracy.
On a more positive local note, I was pleased to see Cr Dennis Heslin re-elected as Mayor of Southern Grampians Shire Council. Local government plays an important role in shaping the future of our communities, and strong leadership and a willingness to listen to local residents are essential. I congratulate Dennis on his re-election along with Cr Jayne Manning who was elected to the position of Deputy Mayor, and wish they and their fellow councillors well for the year ahead.
There is also plenty of reason for optimism across the district as we enjoy a good start to spring.
Recent rainfall has provided a welcome boost, and it is encouraging to see green paddocks, healthy pastures and crops progressing across the region. After some challenging seasons, a promising spring is welcome news for our farming families and the businesses and communities that depend on agriculture. Of course, there is still a way to go before the season is in the bank, but it is certainly a positive start.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to a wonderful Western District identity, Michael Stewart, who passed away recently aged 96.
Michael was a dear friend and mentor who made an enormous contribution to Hamilton and the wider region.
Originally from New Zealand, he came to the Western District at just 22 to help his sister run a farm. He and his wife Virginia went on to build a wonderful farming enterprise at Kinvonvie in Yulecart, while Michael also gave generously of his time to local football, agricultural research and community life.
A great supporter of the Liberal Party, Michael played an important role in my journey into federal politics, helping me win preselection for Wannon and introducing me to people right across the electorate. I will always be grateful for his friendship, encouragement and support.
Michael was a man from that remarkable generation who simply got on with things and helped build our communities and our country. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to Tim, Gina, Simon, Lisa and the extended Stewart family.
ENDS
Contact: Sandie Gustus M | 0408 564 232 E | sandie.gustus@aph.gov.au
Published 6 November 2026, Hamilton Spectator