Mayor's Message 3 May, 2024

Hello everyone,

On Monday, I had the great pleasure of opening the much-anticipated Beechworth Courthouse Kelly Trials Exhibition.

While the discovery of asbestos in the ceiling of the old courthouse building delayed the opening earlier this year, the wait has been well worth it, allowing extra time to ensure the delivery of a world-class exhibition which we are extremely proud of.

Since opening to the public Monday afternoon, more than 500 people have been through the doors including dozens of school groups. The feedback has been extremely positive, and I have no doubt that this exhibition will continue to draw huge visitation from far and wide.

While the story telling is executed in a sophisticated and sympathetic way, the exhibition project also required us to undertake extensive conservation works to the courthouse building, including repairs to walls, floors, and multiple other components.

I strongly encourage everyone to visit the exhibition which explores not only Ned Kelly’s committal hearing, but also the 40 plus trials and hearings that took place during the Kelly outbreak of 1878-1880, and remember if you’re an Indigo Shire resident, entry is free.

Also this week, the CEO and I met with Victorian Roads Minister Melissa Horne and a representative of the office of Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes to discuss Rutherglen’s Main Street. Our key message was to seek a commitment from the government that the funds set aside for safety improvements will be honoured and that these works take place as soon as possible. We had a very positive hearing at both meetings and our fingers are crossed for a good outcome.

I want to close today by saying that I stand with every woman, man and child that rallied this past week against gendered violence. The horrific rate of women being killed in domestic related incidents in the past few months is beyond comprehension and I’m pleased to see the government is finally recognising that this is national crisis and urgent action is needed.

As a young woman in a high profile position, I have experienced first hand threatening and aggressive behaviour by members of this community who think that it’s ok to be verbally abusive, disrespectful and rude because of my role.

I welcome the government’s commitment of $925M in funding to help people flee abusive relationships, as well as a range of other measures including the spread of toxic attitudes towards women online.

Sophie