Speeches
Monday, 03 November 2025
Opening of the new Wattle Range Council Service Centre
Thank you Uncle Doug Nicholls for your reflective Smoking Ceremony and Tara for your welcome to country.
I acknowledge the Boandik people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we are gathering and pay my respects to the elders.
It is my pleasure to join you today to celebrate the opening of the new Wattle Range Council Service Centre.
I am pleased to see so many members of the community, including Mayor Noll, who have been recognised with the Order of Australia Medal here today.
Their dedication embodies the values that guide Wattle Range Council – commitment, excellence, and service.
When the District Councils of Beachport, Millicent and Penola came together in 1997 to form Wattle Range Council, it marked a new chapter in local government for the region – one built on collaboration.
But it also presented a very practical challenge that has taken nearly three decades to resolve - how to bring together everyone under one roof.
For 28 years, staff have served the community from a range of different buildings, doing their best to deliver high-quality services, despite the challenges of being separated across multiple sites.
Their dedication and professionalism in those circumstances speak volumes about their commitment to the people of Wattle Range.
The opening of the new Service Centre marks a significant milestone in the history of Wattle Range Council.
For the first time, the 12,000 residents of Wattle Range are being served by a fully consolidated Council, with every department, and the Council Chamber itself, working together in one building.
When planners can speak easily with engineers, and finance can walk across an office to discuss projects with community services, ideas flow more freely, decisions are made more quickly, and challenges are solved more collaboratively.
As Governor, I have seen that regional communities and local government succeed when they work together.
When Council is accessible and responsive, residents are encouraged to participate, share their ideas, and help shape solutions to benefit the entire community.
This Service Centre makes that possible.
It provides a single location where people from all 13 towns across 4,000 square kilometres can connect with Council, seek support, and help shape the decisions that affect their community.
I was delighted to hear that your Open Day in July attracted more than 350 people.
That reflects both the strong engagement of residents, and the value they place on the work of Council.
That connection is also reflected in the building itself.
Its open, collaborative design brings staff and services together, while the use of locally grown radiata pine, planted around the same time Wattle Range Council was formed, links the space to the region’s history and character.
The result is a functional, sustainable building that meets the practical needs of Council while celebrating its partnership with the community.
I thank Mayor Noll, and Chief Executive Ben Gower, whose guidance and determination have been instrumental in steering the project.
I also acknowledge both current and former Elected Members for their contributions, and the many discussions dating back to 2018 that shaped this outcome.
To the architects, builders, and project team, congratulations on creating a space that embodies both the practical needs and spirit of the community.
And to the staff, it must be deeply rewarding finally to be able to work together under one roof, after 28 years apart.
Wattle Range residents can take great pride in what has been achieved here.
Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for allowing me to share in this important day for Wattle Range.