Opinion & Perspectives
31 October, 2026
A message from Cr Megan Phelan
It’s hard to start the column anywhere other than with news of the devastating attack on Helen Haines, Independent Member for Indi. The senselessness and viciousness of the violence directed towards a widely revered Member of Parliament is difficult to comprehend. That Dr Haines has been a champion of integrity, and a kinder politics makes it even more heartbreaking.
Earlier this week, Victorian Police Minister Paul Edbrooke had a bullet left on the bonnet of his car after attending a community event in his electorate of Frankston. At best it was a form of intimidation. At worst a death threat.
There is no place and no excuse for these acts of violence, whatever colour of politics one might support. As so many commentators and parliamentarians have reflected, this has to mark a turning point in parliamentary and public debate and civic life. One which prescribes to a kinder politics, to a community which fosters healthy debate without violent language or physical and verbal attacks. We will see if this plays out in the four weeks remaining to the Victorian State election.
Turning from the heaviness of the last fortnight to much brighter matters, I have had the opportunity to yet again experience the strength, diverse talents and community-mindedness of residents across the Shire.
I attended the CFA Pyrenees Group’s preseason training exercise at Barkly, with a guest appearance from a recently recommissioned Blackhawk helicopter, able to carry up to 4,000 litres of water. More than 60 volunteer crew members assembled for the briefing and Q&A. It was an incredibly informative session and a unique opportunity to see this impressive piece of modern fire-fighting equipment up close. With expectations of a challenging fire season after all the rain, this capability is desperately needed.
I was honoured to officially open the annual Avoca Arts Show last week. The show featured stunning works by incredibly talented local artists. Congratulations to Colin Clark for winning Best in Show for his depiction of the Avoca Railway Station, and to Tamara Wardlaw for her work ‘A shocking accident’ which won the Pyrenees Shire Council Acquisitive Award. Congratulations to all the entrants and volunteers who made the exhibition possible, and to Avoca Community Arts and Gardens who organised the event. A special mention also to Dr Flossie Peitsch, who shared her approach to the very difficult task of judging the award winners.
Finally, the annual Senior’s Festival has been running throughout October, with events taking place across the Shire. I joined the celebration of seniors at the Landsborough Community Hub, where cakes, community spirit and great tunes by local talent Pickles were all on show.
Seeing these demonstrations of community connection and support are the best counter to the terrible events I mentioned at start of this column.
Until next time, stay safe, be kind and keep looking out for each other.