It was refreshing to yet again see positive news in the local newspaper in last week’s Weekly Advertiser as we celebrated our local Australia Day award nominees.

Congratulations to Gavin Morrow, 2025 Citizen of the Year, Julia Hastings the 2025 Young Citizen of the Year and to the organisers of the Love Your Mum afternoon high tea, Horsham’s community event of the year.

On January 26^th Australia Day has long been an opportunity to celebrate what is great about our nation, for instance: generosity.  Gavin, Julia and others don’t do charitable, loving things for recognition – it is because they care.  When we welcome new citizens on Australia Day it is vital that at the same time we are show everyone the civic service and community spirit that we uphold.

I reached out to my Wimmera farming contacts just before Christmas because some face a very distressing year with major projects threatening their farming future.  I encourage everyone to be kind to those who are struggling during this challenging year.

A little civility and kindness make for a good start to 2025.  You may have your own views about changes of leadership from the United States of America to new faces at the Horsham Rural City Council, but let’s be respectful and grateful that people continue to put up their hand to serve. As your Federal Member for Mallee, I remain very focussed on the local views and issues that I take on your behalf, to Canberra.  Ever since you entrusted me as your advocate in 2019 I have been consistently giving you a voice.  It is my highest priority that your voice is heard, which is at times challenging when over 160,000 people live in the electorate!

Some of you might have noticed my new advertising in Firebrace Street.  I would dearly love to open a Horsham office.  Federal funding is simply inadequate at this stage.  I am in the Wimmera frequently and I am blessed to have dedicated staff from all over Mallee who help me serve our community.  If you’d like to raise and issue or meet me locally, email anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au or sms 0447 186 893 and I’ll be in touch.

Pictured: Dr Webster with Horsham Rural City Council 2025 Citizen of the Year Gavin Morrow