General News
19 January, 2026
2025 In Review: January–March
JANUARY Students recognised Rainbow P-12 College recognises the hard work and dedication of students throughout the 2024 school year.
Seventeen awards are presented thanks to support from local businesses.
Year 12 student Clarissa Bigham is named as dux of the college, Zander Eckermann and Cooper Stasinowsky share the Rae Keam Award sponsored by Hindmarsh Shire and Year 10 student Sally Smith walks away with the Anne Webster Mallee Excellence Award.
Newton does her part
Courtney Newton reflects on her experience as of the many deployed with Forest Fire Management Victoria to help contain the Grampians bushfire that broke out at Yarram Gap just before Christmas.
A field operations supervisor at Rainbow WorkCentre, Ms Newton worked as a project firefighter with Parks Victoria in 2021 before transitioning to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
She was part of her first taskforce in 2022 when she participated in planned burn in Little Desert National Park.
Rainbow Scouts join in Jamboree
Five representatives from Rainbow are among 12 Wimmera Scouts, Venturers and leaders who attend the 26th Australian Scout Jamboree.
The Rainbow contingent joins more than 10,000 participants from across Australia and the world in Maryborough, Queensland.
Rainbow resident named top citizen
Rainbow’s Allira Roberts is honoured in Hindmarsh Shire’s Australia Day awards as the Hindmarsh Citizen of the Year.
Ms Roberts says when she first received the phonecall she “was very shocked and surprised”.
She does volunteer work “on and off” and has been part of the Rainbow Town Advisory Committee for at least three years.
[SUBHEAD]Lions award citizen of the year
Also on Australia Day, Adrian Bennett is named as Rainbow Lions Club Citizen of the Year.
Since his arrival in Rainbow 22 years ago, Mr Bennett has volunteered his time to the CFA, the B&S ball, Rainbow Lions Club, Rainbow Advisory Committee/Rainbow Town Committee, Rainbow Scouts, Rainbow Rises and the annual Good Friday Appeal collection.
FEBRUARY
Waste not, want not
Hindmarsh Shire reminds residents that unwanted electrical or battery-operated items such as old phones, computers, household appliances, power tools and toys should not be placed in regular waste bins.
“E-waste contains valuable resources that can be reused, as well as some nasty materials that are harmful to the environment,” team leader of waste and sustainability Vanessa Triana says.
Residents ready to shape future
Rainbow Progress Association expects strong opinions when it hosts a workshop for more than 150 residents who have already shared their vision for the future through an online survey.
The Rainbow 2050 Community Workshop enables face-to-face consultation with residents who have shown a deep commitment to the town.
Rainbow Lake access improved
Rainbow Lake will become an even more inviting destination for angles and visitors with a new fishing pontoon on the way thanks to a $60,000 grant from the Victorian Fisheries Authority.
The project will improve access to the lake and provide an all-abilities platform.
New manager brings energy
Rainbow Learning Group and Neighbourhood House have a new leader at the helm as Melissa Powell officially steps into the role of manager.
Originally from Geelong, Ms Powell has lived in Natimuk for 25 years and has previously been involved with Nhill Learning Centre, where she supported Karen refugees.
MARCH
Silo works under way
Works on the Llew Schilling Silo in Rainbow are starting to progress, the foundation works being well under way.
Alongside the large-scale external painting on the side of the silo, the newest addition to the Silo Art Trail will feature an internal art activation, stairway and elevator and a viewing platform about 24 metres above ground.
Fiesta sparks joy
Jeparit buzzes excitedly as the Women of the Wimmera Jeparit Riverside Fiesta brings together locals and visitors for a night of live music, market stalls and community connection.
The Jeparit Town Advisory Committee and Hindmarsh Shire Council organises the event to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme ‘Accelerate Action,’ drawing a crowd of around 200 attendees.
MP promises $1m for Mecca upgrade
Accessibility and safety are at the forefront of a campaign promise from Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster.
Ahead of the upcoming federal election, the MP announces a $1 million investment to upgrade public amenities at the historic The Mecca, covering most of the estimated $1.15 million project.
Residents learn lifesaving skills
Nine Rainbow and Jeparit residents attend an informative session led by Ambulance Victoria’s Yarriambiack/Hindmarsh paramedic community support co-ordinator Gemma Pfeiffer to learn vital summer safety and first-aid skills.
Nine community members, including children in Rainbow and one in Jeparit, participated in discussions last week about pool safety, heart health and emergency response techniques like CPR and defibrillator use.
Father, son officers on similar paths
It’s not every day that Victoria Police finds officers who want to work in a single-member station, let alone in the same police service area – and let alone a father-and-son duo.
However, Leading Senior Pete Mellington and Senior Constable Aari Mellington check all three.
Last year, Aari became the sole police officer in Jeparit, with dad Pete located 65km away at the single-member Natimuk station, where he’s been for the past nine years.
Despite following in his father’s footsteps, Aari says he never felt pressure from Pete to join Victoria Police, receiving sound advice only once he was already considering it.
Market celebrates big weekend
Oasis Rainbow Market hosts more than 40 stalls, drawing exhibitors from Sea Lake, Horsham, Ouyen, Bendigo and Melbourne.
Among these, 12 stallholders participate in the market for the first time.
Shoppers find various products, including jewellery, candles, fresh vegetables, baked goods, plants, books (both new and second-hand) and denim jackets.
