VIC · Wimmera — Hindmarsh (Nhill, Dimboola, Jeparit, Rainbow) · Local council, made simple
Hindmarsh Shire Council
About 5,400 people live in Hindmarsh Shire in Victoria's Wimmera — Nhill, Dimboola, Jeparit, Rainbow and the farming country around them, across about 7,500 km² between the Little Desert and Wyperfeld national parks. Six councillors are elected, two for each of three wards, and they choose the Mayor each year. The council runs your bins, local roads, parks and planning, and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the things that affect your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate cap, how your bill is worked out, due dates and help paying.
2026–27: average general rate and municipal charge +2.75% (state cap)
Open →Budget & financesThe council's standard financial measures, each next to the Victorian median.
Average rate per property: $1,660 (Vic median $1,937), 2024–25
Open →Crime & safetyOffences recorded in the Shire by Victoria Police, next to the Victorian rate.
Offences recorded, year to June 2026
Open →Mayor & councillorsYour six councillors — two for each ward — the Mayor, and how they are chosen.
Mayor: Cr Ron Ismay (re-elected Nov 2025)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, how the Shire votes, and the 2024 result.
Next election: Sat 28 Oct 2028 (by post)
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Phone: (03) 5391 4444
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is, which towns it covers.
Population: 5,447 (2025)
Open →What's happening
8 updatesRecent items from Hindmarsh Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Western Highway councils release an advocacy prospectus
The Western Highway Action Committee, representing 10 councils including Hindmarsh, released a prospectus setting out investment priorities for the highway from Melton to the South Australian border.
What this means for you: This is an advocacy position of the member councils; the Mayor said the highway is a critical freight route and connection to services for Hindmarsh.
Source: Hindmarsh Shire Council — Western Councils unite for a safer, stronger Western Highway
- Policy
Council seeks lower speed limit on Winiam East Road, Nhill
At its 26 August 2026 meeting the council endorsed asking the Department of Transport and Planning to reduce the limit on a 250-metre section of Winiam East Road, south of the Western Highway, from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.
What this means for you: Nothing changes until the Department approves the application; the council says it will advise the community before any change.
Source: Hindmarsh Shire Council — Proposed speed reduction for Winiam East Road
- Waste
Free green waste disposal throughout October
Residents can take green waste to any council transfer station free of charge from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 31 October 2026, ahead of the fire season.
What this means for you: Branches, leaves and lawn clippings are accepted free during normal transfer station hours for the whole month.
Source: Hindmarsh Shire Council — Free Green Waste Disposal Across Hindmarsh Shire This October
- Policy
Council Plan Actions for 2026/2027 adopted
On 29 July 2026 the council adopted its Council Plan Actions for 2026/2027, including advocating for replacement of the Jeparit Weir, supporting business and tourism, and renewing roads and community facilities.
What this means for you: The actions set the projects the council says it will focus on this financial year; the document is on the council's Council Plan page.
Source: Hindmarsh Shire Council — Council Sets Goals for 2026/2027
- Development
Dimboola Pool upgrade on hold after tenders exceed budget
Tenders for the Dimboola Swimming Pool upgrade came in above the approximately $1.4 million budget. The council is seeking to keep the $1 million state grant while it looks for more funding.
What this means for you: The council says the pool will operate as usual for the 2026/2027 summer season.
Source: Hindmarsh Shire Council — Dimboola Swimming Pool Upgrade Funding Challenges and Next Steps
- Policy
2026/2027 Budget adopted
The council adopted its 2026/2027 Budget and Revenue and Rating Plan on 24 June 2026: total rates and charges of $10.63 million and $6.435 million of capital works, mostly on roads.
What this means for you: The residential kerbside waste charge is $480 a year. The first rates instalment is due 30 September 2026.
Source: Hindmarsh Shire Council — Hindmarsh Shire Annual Budget 2026/2027 Adopted
- Waste
Council chooses fortnightly FOGO bins with weekly rubbish collection
On 4 February 2026 the council approved a fortnightly food and garden organics collection with weekly general waste collection for urban properties, to start on or before 1 July 2027.
What this means for you: Nothing changes yet. Recycling (yellow lid) and glass (purple lid) collections stay the same; rollout details are still to come.
Source: Hindmarsh Shire Council — Introduction of Food Organics and Garden Organics Bins in Hindmarsh
- Council meeting
Cr Ron Ismay re-elected Mayor, Cr Rosie Barker Deputy Mayor
At the Annual Statutory Meeting on 12 November 2025, West Ward councillor Ron Ismay was elected Mayor for the coming 12 months, with West Ward councillor Rosie Barker as Deputy Mayor.
What this means for you: Victorian mayors are elected by the councillors, not by voters. The next vote is at the Annual Statutory Meeting on 18 November 2026.
Source: Hindmarsh Shire Council — Hindmarsh Shire Council Annual Statutory Meeting 2025
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Hindmarsh Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.