From 30 April – 3 May 2024, the Governor participated in an official visit to Mildura and Swan Hill.
Situated in the North-West corner of Victoria, the Mallee region is a unique environment that has provided opportunities and challenges for many generations.
This area has been defined by a rich history of innovation to work with the land in key sectors of agriculture, forestry and fishing.
The official visit with Mildura Rural City Council and Swan Hill Rural City Council was a chance to learn more about the region’s history, tour some innovative local businesses and engage with community members to understand issues and priorities.
Key themes
Local history
During the visit, the Governor toured the Psyche Bend Pumping Station and the Chaffey Trail in Mildura to gain a better understanding of the city's history.
The Governor also attended the Red Cliffs War Memorial, taking the opportunity to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Victoria.
In Robinvale, the Governor toured the Robinswood Historic Homestead and planted a tree in Robinvale Memorial Park to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Sister City relationship with Villers-Bretonneux.
The regional tour concluded with a tour of the Lake Boga Silo Art and the Catalina Flying Boat Museum.
Industry and innovation
Tours of the Mildura Fruit Company and GTS Freight Management offered the chance to speak to employees about their work to support trade and exports.
A visit to the Australian Garlic Factory also provided an insight into how local farming has evolved over time, with the company now progressing innovative research into the anti-viral properties of its garlic.
As part of the visit to Ararat, the Governor toured local businesses AME Systems and Gason to meet with workers and hear about their innovative approaches, which are delivering significant benefits to the local community.
While in Swan Hill, the Governor also toured Cobram Estate to learn more about the agricultural strength of this region.
Community engagement
Civic receptions held at both Mildura and Swan Hill were opportunities to meet with community members and reflect on this region’s important role in our State.
A visit to Red Cliffs East Primary School was a chance to speak with students and hear about their plans for the future as the school celebrates its centenary. The Governor also attended a morning tea with students from Lake Boga Primary School.
In Swan Hill, the Governor officially opened Mully’s Place – an inspired repurposing of function space at the Swan Hill Town Hall, giving locals and visitors a place to share in the experience of food, drinks, and live music.
Named after community member and former Town Hall Manager, Daryl “Mully” Pearce, the space provides for community and creativity in Swan Hill.
Background information
Mildura
Situated in north west Victoria, Mildura Rural City covers almost ten per cent of the State.
The region’s landscape includes unique Mallee vegetation, broad acre grain properties, intensive horticultural farms and vibrant towns.
The beautiful Murray River winds its way through much of the municipality and is a focal point for visitors and about 57,156 people who call the region home.
For more information, visit Mildura Rural City Council.
Swan Hill
Swan Hill is principally an agricultural and horticultural region deriving its income from these industries and the businesses that service them.
The municipality is bordered by the Murray River for over 300 kilometres and is highly dependent on it for irrigation, domestic and industrial water supplies as well as active and passive recreational pursuits.
Swan Hill and Robinvale are the two largest service centres in the municipality, however a number of smaller towns such as Lake Boga, Manangatang, Nyah, Nyah West, Piangil, Ultima and Woorinen South offer a variety of lifestyles.
For more information, visit Swan Hill Rural City Council.