Media Releases

Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh has welcomed the gazetting of the revised rules for taking days in lieu of Melbourne Cup Day with Councils now allocating their preferred days to fit in with community needs.
Councils such as Yarriambiack, Buloke and Gannawarra have all opted for public holidays on days which align with their local shows.
“It is significant that the enormous ground swell of public opinion that this issue created, was able to overturn the extremely short sighted and ill-informed decision made by the Brumby Government twelve months ago,” Mr Walsh said.
“The arrogance of this Government where there is a belief that decisions made to suit metropolitan areas are also suited to regional areas has taken another significant battering,” he said.
“It took considerable lobbying and action by Councils and members of the community for this logical point to be reached.
“The Government was told long before the initial misguided legislation was passed that a ‘one cap fits all’ ruling was inappropriate but that was ignored.
“It is very pleasing to see Councils now being able to select those days that best suit their communities for this public holiday.
“I look forward to seeing the success of our local shows in Murtoa on October 1, Kerang and Minyip on October 5, Rupanyup on October 6, Warracknabeal on October 7 and Wycheproof on October 20.
“It is appropriate that these days are now Public Holidays and with the rest of the community talking November 2, Melbourne Cup Day, the needs of everyone will now be met by these more considered arrangements,” Mr Walsh said.