Federal MPs play a vital role in national issues, but conflating federal and state jurisdictions risks confusing voters about who holds actual responsibility and accountability for these concerns.
She then adds that ‘November can’t come soon enough’, implying an imminent election, and ‘hoping Australians choose change’.
The next Victorian election is scheduled for November 2026 and Australians will next vote federally by May 2028.
Blurring those timelines may be politically convenient but it is misleading.
At a time when misinformation already damages trust, clarity and facts matter, especially when they are used to stir anger in regional communities. Elected representatives should be held to a higher standard.
Dr Webster wants to campaign for change, she should at least be clear about which government, which election and which level of responsibility she is talking about.
Veronica Monaghan, Stawell
Reunion planning
Our Hopetoun-Beulah reunion for 2026 is fast approaching, so we would love to see all our former residents return for a weekend of laughter, good cheer and lots of reminiscing.
Activities will commence with a social get together on the evening of Saturday, February 28 at the Community Hotel – for most it will be a counter tea followed by an informal catch up.
If we go by last year, many current residents will also be in attendance, so if you are able to arrive on the Saturday, I highly recommend joining us at the hotel.
The official part of the reunion occurs at Hopetoun Memorial Hall on Sunday, March 1, and the format will possibly be an 11am screening of old movies and films featuring social events from the 1950s-70s, now recalibrated by members of the historical society.
At 12noon there will be a BYO lunch – there are several outlets in Hopetoun that will have takeaway food available, the list has previously been published, and will again be advised closer to the date. At 12.30pm, our guest speaker Michael Gooch will talk about his venture, an accommodation and tour business called ‘Explore the Mallee’, based near Patchewollock.
The annual meeting, at 1pm, will focus on the reason we go back to this part of the world.
The main business is the election of office bearers, and deciding the venue for our 2027 reunion. Can I also mention, we are funded purely by donations, and there will be a collection box available on the day for any contributions.
At 3pm, the old movies will again be screened for attendees who are able to stay and enjoy.
As with past reunions, many ex-residents will travel to and from Hopetoun and Beulah on the day, but where possible we hope you are able to stay overnight and enjoy the features of the southern Mallee.
Accommodation options have previously been listed on Facebook sites, and emails distributed to previous attendees. However, should you require any assistance please contact one of the following: Brian and Shirley Decker, 0409 833 857; Cath Taylor, 0407 854 125; Steve Haynes, 0409 811 268.
We do like to promote other communities surrounding Hopetoun-Beulah, so don’t forget accommodation options at Lascelles, Woomelang, Yaapeet, Patchewollock, Brim and Rainbow.
Tom Huf is preparing the old movies for viewing, and we do thank Tom, Brian ‘Turk’ Decker, and the historical society for the work they are doing in preparation for our weekend.
See you all there.
Steve Haynes, Hopetoun-Beulah Reunion
The entire February 4, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
