Country Buddies Wahgunyah educational leader Sharon Hickey and Dirctor Michelle Thomas at Country Buddies with Member for Indi for Indi Helen Haines.
Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines made a special visit to Wahgunyah last week, engaging with the local community on various issues.
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Dr Haines set up a ‘pop-up office’ outside The River Fish and Chip Co., providing an opportunity for locals to share their concerns and ideas directly with their federal representative.
“I hold ‘Say Hi to Helen’ meet-ups in towns all over the electorate,” Dr. Haines said.
“I regularly visit Indi’s smaller towns to make it easier for people to meet with me. I want to know and understand the concerns that people have and the challenges our different communities face.
“These conversations help inform my work across the electorate and in Canberra.”
Dr Haines also met with volunteers Craig Bromley and Chris Richey at the Willows Reserve on the banks of the Murray River.
The Willows Reserve volunteer management committee recently secured a $10,000 Stronger Communities Grant, which Dr Haines actively supported, to purchase a new ride-on lawn mower for maintaining the reserve.
“I was delighted to stop by and check out the new mower at Willows Reserve,” she said.
“I know how much the volunteers needed this piece of equipment to ensure Willows Reserve is kept looking terrific for locals and tourists who use the area for camping, fishing, and walking their dog.”
Encouraging other community groups to explore available grant opportunities, Dr. Haines said she was committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the local environment and recreational spaces.
The Independent Member for Indi also visited Country Buddies Childcare Centre, where she met with director Michelle Thomas and educational leader Sharon Hickey to discuss the challenges faced by local early childhood education providers.
Member for Indi for Indi Helen Haines met with volunteers Craig Bromley and Chris Richey at the Willows Reserve to check out the new ride-on mower secured thanks to a $10,000 Stronger Communities Grant.
“Unsurprisingly, a lack of early childhood educators was the key issue that we discussed at Country Buddies. It’s the same issue I’ve heard from other childcare providers in the region,” Dr. Haines said.
“We’re talking about healthcare professionals, teachers, and other essential workers who want to go back to work but have little to no support to care for their child.
“We need practical solutions to attract workers to the industry. This is a widespread issue, and it’s something I have been speaking about in parliament.”
Dr Haines encouraged those interested in applying for grants or sharing stories about accessing local childcare to contact her office at helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au.
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