Latest from Sam’s Socials
Doc McDonald, Chair of @gargarrobotanicgarden, showed me around the garden in #Girgarre, and the change since my last visit was obvious straight away.
Stage 1 opened to the public just over three years ago. Since then, Gargarro has grown into a bold, world-class botanical installation and the jewel in the crown of the Campaspe region.
The project has been backed by strong federal investment, secured by my predecessor, Damian Drum, when the Nationals were in government:
- $800,000 from the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program to build the Community Hub and Cafe.
- $300,000 from the Building Better Regions Fund to complete Stage 2, including lighting, signage, the viewing deck and the new gateway.
The garden reflects best practice in design, sustainability and native plantings. The region's history is woven through the stories told across the site, from the gardens and soundshell to the Gargarro Cafe and the Green Thumbs Nursery.
Doc and the team walked me through their plans for the next stage of development.
Projects like this are built on community vision and hard work, and Gargarro is one the whole region can be proud of.
Stage 1 opened to the public just over three years ago. Since then, Gargarro has grown into a bold, world-class botanical installation and the jewel in the crown of the Campaspe region.
The project has been backed by strong federal investment, secured by my predecessor, Damian Drum, when the Nationals were in government:
- $800,000 from the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program to build the Community Hub and Cafe.
- $300,000 from the Building Better Regions Fund to complete Stage 2, including lighting, signage, the viewing deck and the new gateway.
The garden reflects best practice in design, sustainability and native plantings. The region's history is woven through the stories told across the site, from the gardens and soundshell to the Gargarro Cafe and the Green Thumbs Nursery.
Doc and the team walked me through their plans for the next stage of development.
Projects like this are built on community vision and hard work, and Gargarro is one the whole region can be proud of.
Our region grows the food Australia enjoys all year round.
In Ardmona, Ricó pears are flowering now. This blush variety was developed right here in #Tatura.
Over the coming months the fruit will set and grow, with harvest expected in February.
It is a great example of local research and local growers working together to bring something new to the market.
In Ardmona, Ricó pears are flowering now. This blush variety was developed right here in #Tatura.
Over the coming months the fruit will set and grow, with harvest expected in February.
It is a great example of local research and local growers working together to bring something new to the market.
GRANT OPPORTUNITY: STRONGER COMMUNITIES ROUND 10
The Stronger Communities Programme provides grants for community projects to help strengthen and benefit local communities.
I am inviting interested organisations in Nicholls to submit an Expression of Interest before 5pm on Wednesday 11 November.
Grants of $2,500 to $20,000 are available, and projects must not exceed $50,000.
In February 2024, I joined Shepparton Sailability at Victoria Park Lake to launch four new yachts, funded with $13,000 from this programme.
You can find all the information and complete the Expression of Interest form at sambirrell.com.au/grants.
The Stronger Communities Programme provides grants for community projects to help strengthen and benefit local communities.
I am inviting interested organisations in Nicholls to submit an Expression of Interest before 5pm on Wednesday 11 November.
Grants of $2,500 to $20,000 are available, and projects must not exceed $50,000.
In February 2024, I joined Shepparton Sailability at Victoria Park Lake to launch four new yachts, funded with $13,000 from this programme.
You can find all the information and complete the Expression of Interest form at sambirrell.com.au/grants.
LABOR'S BACKPACKER MESS
Last week, the Albanese Labor Government announced cuts to the Working Holiday Maker visa programme.
In year two, the backpacker intake falls from 57,000 to 45,000. In year three, it falls from 31,000 to just 5,000. That is a cut of more than 40 per cent.
Days later, Labor backtracked. The National Farmers' Federation will now have to submit applications to fast-track workers during planting and harvest.
That means farmers must prove why they need extra workers, right before peak season.
Across Nicholls, I have been working with harvesting contractors who are ready to start. The experienced workers they rely on are stuck in limbo.
Labor owes our farming community a clear explanation of how it will fix this.
Our farmers are here to grow the nation's food and fibre, not to be used as political pawns.
Last week, the Albanese Labor Government announced cuts to the Working Holiday Maker visa programme.
In year two, the backpacker intake falls from 57,000 to 45,000. In year three, it falls from 31,000 to just 5,000. That is a cut of more than 40 per cent.
Days later, Labor backtracked. The National Farmers' Federation will now have to submit applications to fast-track workers during planting and harvest.
That means farmers must prove why they need extra workers, right before peak season.
Across Nicholls, I have been working with harvesting contractors who are ready to start. The experienced workers they rely on are stuck in limbo.
Labor owes our farming community a clear explanation of how it will fix this.
Our farmers are here to grow the nation's food and fibre, not to be used as political pawns.
Our region is known for irrigated agriculture, but the winter crops matter just as much. Wheat, barley and canola are shaping up for a strong harvest this November and December.
This is the diversity that makes northern Victorian agriculture so important.
This is the diversity that makes northern Victorian agriculture so important.
