Politics & Council
18 December, 2025
Projects making difference in communities
AS THE year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what the last 12 months have meant for our communities across the Loddon Shire.
By MARTHA HAYLETT
A lot of progress has been made on projects that will make a lasting difference to local families.
The first that comes to mind is the $5.1 million redevelopment of Inglewood Hospital’s Urgent Care and Acute Services building.
A new gym and student accommodation were completed at the hospital in 2024, with works now almost complete on the next stage.
When finished, Inglewood Hospital will look better than ever with modern facilities and enhanced patient care.
This year, the State Labor Government has also completed the $12.8 million upgrade of Wedderburn College.
I was so proud to join the community back in July to celebrate the official opening, and to see how much the students are loving their new classrooms, science wing, and school hall.
It was such a pleasure to work with Principal Danny Forrest and staff to deliver these school upgrades that will now benefit students for years to come.
Big progress has also been made this year on the brand-new early learning centre in Wedderburn. It will be the first of its kind in the Loddon Shire and will open its doors to our youngest locals at the beginning of next year.
Getting this centre across the line is still one of my proudest achievements as your local MP. It will be a game-changer for local families and give kids the best start in life.
Other major milestones this year include funding for our smallest communities across the Loddon Shire. The State Labor Government’s Tiny Towns Fund delivered $47,564 to resurface the multipurpose court at the Bridgewater Recreation Reserve and $34,510 to develop the Goods Shed Hub in Inglewood for the Loddon Plains Landcare Group.
As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare, I also helped secure funds for our local Landcare groups this year. Recently, $20,000 was announced for the Wedderburn Conservation Management Network, over $19,500 for the Mt Korong Eco-Watch Association, and $8,500 for the Upper Loddon and Avoca Landcare Network.
We also reduced the speed limit in Tarnagulla after advocacy from local Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and improved mobile reception through the Connecting Victoria Program in Wedderburn, Bridgewater, and Korong Vale.
More broadly, the State Labor Government introduced another round of the $100 Power Saving Bonus to help eligible concession card holders with their energy bills.
We also helped families by bringing back the $200 Get Active Kids Vouchers Program and delivering the $400 School Saving Bonus.
Despite all these wins, I know there is more to do to make our Loddon communities even stronger.
As we head into the New Year, I will be focused on addressing the cost of living, fixing our roads, and getting more drought support for farmers.
I am also keen to work with local volunteers who want to apply for the latest round of the State Government’s Tiny Towns Fund.
The grant offers between $5,000 and $50,000 to communities across the Loddon Shire for local projects. Whether you want to upgrade your local hall, build a new playground, or create public art – the Tiny Towns Fund can do it all.
Applications close on 4 February 2026, and readers can find out more by visiting rdv.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund or contacting my office.
While I know so many are winding down this time of year, this isn’t the case for all our agribusinesses. I want to send my best wishes to all our local farmers working non-stop this harvest, and hope that you can get some much-deserved rest soon.
I also want to thank our emergency service volunteers who will be keeping Loddon communities
safe this fire season. I hope you and your family have a happy Christmas and New Year, and I look forward to seeing you in 2026.
* Martha Haylett is the member for Ripon