The state government’s announcement that it will provide a further $1.6 million to meet a funding shortfall for the Wimmera Cancer Centre is welcome news.
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This funding comes on top of the $1 million it contributed in the 2016-2017 budget, and a further $1 million from the Commonwealth government in 2015.
This money, along with $1.4 million raised by the community, including a $420,000 contribution from the Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation, and $250,000 from an anonymous Wimmera benefactor, will ensure that the centre will be built in one stage, providing state-of-the art oncology, dialysis, and community-based palliative care facilities for the region.
Earlier this month, we were very fortunate to host a special visit from representatives of the People’s Government of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, our Chinese Sister City.
Horsham Rural City Council has had a Friendly Sister City Relationship with Nujiang since 2008.
There were some positive discussions around the potential for students and/or teachers from Nujiang to attend Longerenong College and undertake the advanced diploma program.
It was an honour to accompany representatives from the Tidy Towns Committee and award finalists to the National Tidy Towns awards ceremony held in Tasmania recently.
Whilst Horsham didn’t take out the highest honour, our achievements rated very highly against the other excellent entrants and we congratulate Barmera in South Australia on being awarded Australia’s Tidiest Town for 2017. A highlight was being announced winner in the environmental education category, reflecting the amazing efforts of Wendy McInnes and Rae Talbot and their education programs with school children across the municipality.
Horsham was also highly commended in the environmental sustainability section, in recognition of the significant achievements of the Horsham Urban Landcare Group and the number of community gardens that have sprung up across Horsham.
A further high commendation was awarded to Dalton Cross in the young leaders category.
He was recognised for his broad range of volunteer work, including his role as president of the Horsham Agricultural Society.
Cr Pam Clarke, Horsham Rural City Council mayor.