Shelley Payne: A thank you to Katanning and Narrogin from former MLC and member for the agricultural region
It's been an honour to serve you as Member for Agricultural Region over the past four years.
It's been a busy job, but one I've thoroughly enjoyed.
I'm grateful to have met so many wonderful and hardworking people across our electorate during this time, listening to your concerns and advocating for the needs of the many communities across the region.
I am thankful to the many volunteers I've met that keep our communities safe and keep all our community groups running.
Without you all, our communities wouldn't be what they are.
As one of the very few women to have had the pleasure of representing this region, it has been an absolute privilege to advocate for women, seniors, our First Nations people and those doing it tough.
Our grant funding has supported local sporting clubs across the regions including new night lights at the Upper Great Southern Hockey Association in Narrogin and we've recently seen the re-opening of the Quartermaine Oval in Katanning.
Our State-run Lotterywest has been a great help with funding towards regional events like the agricultural shows at Narrogin, Katanning and Cranbrook.
It has also supported the Williams Expo, the Christmas in Narrogin event, the Wagin Christmas Street Carnival, and the Bloom Festival.
We've helped a number of community groups with projects such as the Katanning Historical Society, Wagin Historical Village, Narrogin Arts, Narrogin Theatre Club, Narrogin Arts Group and we've supported Divine You in Narrogin with funding towards the setting up of food relief to the Narrogin Community.
It's been great to see the benefits of our Regional Economic Development grants awarded to local businesses like the Katanning Vet Clinic expansion, Williams-based Price's Fabrication and Steel to support its steel manufacturing expansion and automation project, and Duraquip in Gnowangerup for sheet metal fabrication diversification.
The RED grants have also funded accommodation projects including accommodation renovations at the Gnowangerup Hotel, new units at the Shire of Cranbrook's caravan park in Frankland River, and short-stay accommodation at the Darkan Hotel.
I'm pleased that planning is getting under way for the new Emergency Services Precinct in Narrogin.
It's been wonderful representing the multicultural community of Katanning.
We've funded the 10-year Early Years Partnership Program covering Katanning, Gnowangerup, Broomehill-Tambellup and Kojonup.
Along with this important project we have helped with funding towards the Katanning Childhood Hub — a fantastic initiative of the Shire of Katanning.
Being on the road a lot, I am so thankful we've been able to invest over a billion dollars into regional road safety upgrades, with more than 10,000 kilometres completed already.
This investment has been crucial to making our regional roads safer.
Our Government has achieved a lot this past term, making the biggest investment into regional WA than any other government in history.
I wish everyone and their families all the best and look forward to seeing you next time I pass through your town.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
an hour ago
- West Australian
World Gold Council's latest short film shines spotlight on WA Goldfields
The World Gold Council's latest short film to premiere on Thursday focuses on activities in WA's Goldfields, with particular emphasis on an Indigenous company's partnership with a global mining giant. Gold: The Journey Continues — Australia demonstrates how the local gold industry, First Nations communities and businesses were collaborating to deepen Indigenous participation in WA's gold mining sector. The film is the third in a global series from the council that tell 'real stories of those who live and work in responsible gold mining operations', and follows the global success of Gold: A Journey, in 2023, starring British film star Idris Elba. Representatives from the World Gold Council, Minerals Council of Australia, and Gold Industry Group visited Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Wednesday ahead of the film's premiere at WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth on Thursday night. The three groups are presenting the film in partnership. The gold council's chief strategy officer Terry Heymann said the film series aimed to highlight the social and community value being generated through 'responsible' gold mining, a sector more known for its economic contribution. 'Given Australia is the world's third-largest gold producer and home to what is widely regarded as the oldest Indigenous culture, we've long wanted to explore the wisdom, experiences and learnings embedded in Australia's gold mining sector,' he said. 'A sustainable gold mining industry is contingent on championing ways for Indigenous people to preserve their deep connections to land and nature while benefit as active participants. 'Exploring partnerships that are achieving this through courage, trust, patience and resilience to overcome what can be exciting but complex challenges has been an immensely insightful and rewarding experience.' Central to the film is mining services company Carey Group, which employs First Nations people and is anchored by its 30-year partnership with global gold mining group AngloGold Ashanti at the Sunrise Dam mine in the northern Goldfields. Carey Group founder and managing director Daniel Tucker has played a key role forging new pathways for Indigenous people, fusing traditional knowledge with a business mindset and skills. Rowena Leslie, co-founder of mining services firm Kai Rho Contracting, who is also featured in the film, was mentored by Mr Tucker. Similarly, Gohar Rind, owner of technology firm Yira Yarkiny Group, benefited from a Carey Group scholarship. AngloGold's contractual arrangements have been augmented with business coaching and mentoring. AngloGold vice-president investor relations, communication and ESG Andrea Maxey said the company was focused on supporting local economics and communities. 'Our purchasing and supply chain team works closely with our community team to ensure mechanisms that build trust (and) cultural awareness, (with) hands-on support built into contracts,' she said. Mr Tucker said Aboriginal-owned business participation in mining was evolving, with Carey Group starting 30 years ago with a blank canvas but a strong vision to work and thrive in industries 'that had long left us out'. 'Our breakthrough came in 1996 when AngloGold Ashanti — then Acacia Resources — saw more opportunity than risk in creating Australia's first Indigenous partnership with Carey Group,' he said. 'Fast forward to today, and our journey is inspiring First Nations people across Australia and in regions as far afield as Canada to consider similar models. 'We are proud and grateful to share our story in this documentary.' Mr Tucker said the role of Indigenous businesses in mining was still in its infancy. 'There is still so much opportunity for First Nations-owned businesses to grow, diversify and achieve major milestones into the future,' he said.
SBS Australia
13 hours ago
- SBS Australia
NITV Radio News - 4/6/2025
Northern Territory's Chief Minister rejects calls for an external inquiry into the death in custody of a young and mentally disabled Aboriginal man. First Nations health providers gathering in Meanjin Brisbane for annual Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Community Health conference. And in sport - the AFL says it is weeks away from finalising its new-look illicit drugs code.
The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- The Advertiser
New beginning for Greens after senator's defection
The Greens have unveiled a blueprint to rebuild the party in the aftermath of a senator's shock defection to Labor. Greens leader Larissa Waters announced she will take over the First Nations portfolio after the minor party's last Indigenous member quit the Greens to join Labor. Dorinda Cox's move represents another setback for the Greens, following a disappointing federal election result that cost them three out of four seats in the lower house. But Senator Waters' new portfolio allocations, unveiled on Wednesday, are aimed at providing a fresh start. "This parliament could achieve real progress," she said. "With the Greens being in the sole balance of power, there is no excuse now for Labor to resist real reform to help people and nature." Though Senator Cox has been added to Labor's ranks, it only has 29 members in the upper house which means the federal government would still need support from the Greens to pass legislation. Citing an "epidemic" of violence against women, women's safety and equality will become a priority for the party under Senator Waters' leadership. However, the Greens will continue to take action on environment, housing and the cost of living, Senator Waters said. Every member of the federal Greens has been allocated to at least one portfolio. Senator Waters will oversee climate change and energy, and women's issues while her deputy Mehreen Faruqi will be in charge of tertiary education, anti-racism and international aid. Most members have generally kept to the same portfolios as previously allocated, but some have picked up extra areas to focus on, with Barbara Pocock set to lead housing and Nick McKim heading LGBTQI issues. Senator Cox's defection came after she reportedly lost a bid to become party deputy and told the new leader to "grow a spine", though Senator Waters said she did not remember the incident. "There was a lot going on that day," she told the Today show. "I am a conciliatory person but I'm also pretty firm." Senator Cox was accused of bullying Greens staffers in 2024, with as many as 20 employees leaving in three years and complaints made to parliament's workplace support service. Though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the allegations had been examined, Nationals senator Matt Canavan said Australians needed answers about whether Labor contacted those who made the claims and what kind of due diligence had been undertaken. The Greens have unveiled a blueprint to rebuild the party in the aftermath of a senator's shock defection to Labor. Greens leader Larissa Waters announced she will take over the First Nations portfolio after the minor party's last Indigenous member quit the Greens to join Labor. Dorinda Cox's move represents another setback for the Greens, following a disappointing federal election result that cost them three out of four seats in the lower house. But Senator Waters' new portfolio allocations, unveiled on Wednesday, are aimed at providing a fresh start. "This parliament could achieve real progress," she said. "With the Greens being in the sole balance of power, there is no excuse now for Labor to resist real reform to help people and nature." Though Senator Cox has been added to Labor's ranks, it only has 29 members in the upper house which means the federal government would still need support from the Greens to pass legislation. Citing an "epidemic" of violence against women, women's safety and equality will become a priority for the party under Senator Waters' leadership. However, the Greens will continue to take action on environment, housing and the cost of living, Senator Waters said. Every member of the federal Greens has been allocated to at least one portfolio. Senator Waters will oversee climate change and energy, and women's issues while her deputy Mehreen Faruqi will be in charge of tertiary education, anti-racism and international aid. Most members have generally kept to the same portfolios as previously allocated, but some have picked up extra areas to focus on, with Barbara Pocock set to lead housing and Nick McKim heading LGBTQI issues. Senator Cox's defection came after she reportedly lost a bid to become party deputy and told the new leader to "grow a spine", though Senator Waters said she did not remember the incident. "There was a lot going on that day," she told the Today show. "I am a conciliatory person but I'm also pretty firm." Senator Cox was accused of bullying Greens staffers in 2024, with as many as 20 employees leaving in three years and complaints made to parliament's workplace support service. Though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the allegations had been examined, Nationals senator Matt Canavan said Australians needed answers about whether Labor contacted those who made the claims and what kind of due diligence had been undertaken. The Greens have unveiled a blueprint to rebuild the party in the aftermath of a senator's shock defection to Labor. Greens leader Larissa Waters announced she will take over the First Nations portfolio after the minor party's last Indigenous member quit the Greens to join Labor. Dorinda Cox's move represents another setback for the Greens, following a disappointing federal election result that cost them three out of four seats in the lower house. But Senator Waters' new portfolio allocations, unveiled on Wednesday, are aimed at providing a fresh start. "This parliament could achieve real progress," she said. "With the Greens being in the sole balance of power, there is no excuse now for Labor to resist real reform to help people and nature." Though Senator Cox has been added to Labor's ranks, it only has 29 members in the upper house which means the federal government would still need support from the Greens to pass legislation. Citing an "epidemic" of violence against women, women's safety and equality will become a priority for the party under Senator Waters' leadership. However, the Greens will continue to take action on environment, housing and the cost of living, Senator Waters said. Every member of the federal Greens has been allocated to at least one portfolio. Senator Waters will oversee climate change and energy, and women's issues while her deputy Mehreen Faruqi will be in charge of tertiary education, anti-racism and international aid. Most members have generally kept to the same portfolios as previously allocated, but some have picked up extra areas to focus on, with Barbara Pocock set to lead housing and Nick McKim heading LGBTQI issues. Senator Cox's defection came after she reportedly lost a bid to become party deputy and told the new leader to "grow a spine", though Senator Waters said she did not remember the incident. "There was a lot going on that day," she told the Today show. "I am a conciliatory person but I'm also pretty firm." Senator Cox was accused of bullying Greens staffers in 2024, with as many as 20 employees leaving in three years and complaints made to parliament's workplace support service. Though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the allegations had been examined, Nationals senator Matt Canavan said Australians needed answers about whether Labor contacted those who made the claims and what kind of due diligence had been undertaken. The Greens have unveiled a blueprint to rebuild the party in the aftermath of a senator's shock defection to Labor. Greens leader Larissa Waters announced she will take over the First Nations portfolio after the minor party's last Indigenous member quit the Greens to join Labor. Dorinda Cox's move represents another setback for the Greens, following a disappointing federal election result that cost them three out of four seats in the lower house. But Senator Waters' new portfolio allocations, unveiled on Wednesday, are aimed at providing a fresh start. "This parliament could achieve real progress," she said. "With the Greens being in the sole balance of power, there is no excuse now for Labor to resist real reform to help people and nature." Though Senator Cox has been added to Labor's ranks, it only has 29 members in the upper house which means the federal government would still need support from the Greens to pass legislation. Citing an "epidemic" of violence against women, women's safety and equality will become a priority for the party under Senator Waters' leadership. However, the Greens will continue to take action on environment, housing and the cost of living, Senator Waters said. Every member of the federal Greens has been allocated to at least one portfolio. Senator Waters will oversee climate change and energy, and women's issues while her deputy Mehreen Faruqi will be in charge of tertiary education, anti-racism and international aid. Most members have generally kept to the same portfolios as previously allocated, but some have picked up extra areas to focus on, with Barbara Pocock set to lead housing and Nick McKim heading LGBTQI issues. Senator Cox's defection came after she reportedly lost a bid to become party deputy and told the new leader to "grow a spine", though Senator Waters said she did not remember the incident. "There was a lot going on that day," she told the Today show. "I am a conciliatory person but I'm also pretty firm." Senator Cox was accused of bullying Greens staffers in 2024, with as many as 20 employees leaving in three years and complaints made to parliament's workplace support service. Though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the allegations had been examined, Nationals senator Matt Canavan said Australians needed answers about whether Labor contacted those who made the claims and what kind of due diligence had been undertaken.
