IT was a year when the eastern Riverina was labelled the ‘happiest’ and ‘kindest’ place.
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And it was also a year which attracted state and federal funding to secure popular projects such as the brand new swimming pool at Lockhart.
When Bond University released the results of it’s Happiness Project this year the details couldn’t have been better for the eastern Riverina.
Lockhart came out on top as “happiest” and “kindest” and the neighbouring Greater Hume Council area came in as a close second.
The results were determined by several factors but one gauge measured how many people in the community give back in volunteer roles.
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For Lockhart Shire Council Mayor Rodger Schirmer the news wasn’t something he didn’t know already but he said it was heartening to be officially recognised.
He said that 2018 was a great time to be mayor. He attributed this to a great team within the shire and also the individuals who work so hard to make the area a success in terms of community and sporting events.
Many individuals from the area were recognised officially. There was even an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) earned. Rose Lehmann went to Sydney to receive her OAM which was earned for a plethora of community service and volunteer work.
At Henty a $1 million streetscape upgrade hepled to modernise and rejuvenate the town.
The project was welcomed by members of the community and marked months of consultation.
Greater Hume Council director of engineering Greg Blackie described the event, and the upgrades as a success. A major part of the town’s project was the installation of new footpaths and curbs and securing verandahs on the shop fronts.
Mr Blackie said the footpath and curb work, and channelling underground drainage equated to about $700,000. Bendigo Bank celebrated its 20th birthday and there was also the official opening of the new fire and rescue station and the craft shop railway precinct.
The Greater Hume also conducted another successful Henty Machinery Field Days event in September.
Despite a dry year for agricultural production crowds were promising and the work of volunteers from various community groups helped the field days to thrive.
Sport and farming are what dominates in the region and the footy season wasn’t without its ups and downs. Clubs trained hard and celebrated hard too after Brock-Burrum won the 2018 Hume Football League premiers.
The region also produced talented players at the highest level with Holbrook’s Alyce Parker, drafted by GWS Giants.