General News
3 February, 2026
Access accommodation cash, says top citizen
LODDON Shire’s Citizen of the Year Robyn Vella has called on council to tap into State Government funding for the Wedderburn community to achieve plans for supported residential accommodation.
Mrs Vella used her acceptance speech at Monday’s Australia Day ceremony to make the call.
“We also know that the State Government currently offers funding for affordable housing,” she said.
“I’m asking for support from our own council — right down the road at City Hall — to help explore how that funding might be adapted or extended to make a supported residential service possible for our elderly residents and those living with a disability.”
Mrs Vella said proposals for a supported residential service for Wedderburn had been an initiative years in the making.
“For the past 11 years, Jude Raftis has dedicated countless volunteer hours, alongside her fellow Lions club members, to pursue this important goal,” she said.
“Thanks to the Loddon Shire Council, part of the old Wedderburn Primary School site — fondly known to many as ‘the plots’ — has been gifted for the future SRS.
“Ric Raftis on behalf of Lions, co-ordinated a comprehensive business plan for a community-owned facility, proudly funded in full by the Wedderburn Lions Club.
“This demonstrates the deep belief our community has in seeing this project succeed.
“The Wedderburn Lions Club knows that the people of Wedderburn stand firmly behind this vision. Jude and her team will continue working tirelessly until it becomes a reality.”
Mrs Vella said the community had a track record for making things happen.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way — and in Wedderburn, we’ve always proven that together, we can make things happen,” she said.