After almost seven years reporting on western Victoria at various newspapers, it’s time for me to try something new.
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It’s been an action-packed 12 months covering Stawell and Ararat, especially in state politics and local government.
While it’s tough to leave the region where I have lived and worked for most of my life, I have taken up the opportunity to write full-time on politics and councils for the Daily Advertiser newspaper in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
I have tried my best to deliver the coverage that Grampians region issues and events deserved, both on the local and national stage.
Over the past year I have been able to share the important stories of a tyre dump cleanup in Stawell; a miraculous rescue in Halls Gap; a community at odds with its mayor in Ararat; and difficulties along the Western Highway with national readers via The Age.
Big things happen in small towns and regional cities across western Victoria all the time, and often they don’t get the wider coverage that they deserve.
However, Ararat and Stawell have a rare opportunity to have their voices heard this November at the state election.
Ripon could be one of a handful of electorates that decide Victoria’s next premier and government.
No matter who you vote for, please stay informed and make a thoughtful decision.
I would also encourage all residents to fill out either the Ararat region’s online survey at bit.ly/Araratelection or the Stawell region’s survey at bit.ly/Stawellelection before Sunday night.
The surveys will help Fairfax Media in its coverage of the Victorian election campaign, and hopefully bring about some of the changes you’d like to see in the region.
Rex Martinich is the departing senior journalist for Ararat Advertiser and Stawell Times-News.