Northern Grampians Shire residents can read about the highlights, achievements and challenges of council throughout the past financial year following the release of the Annual Report 2025/26.
Council adopted the document, which included a Report of Operations and audited Financial Report and Performance Statement, at a meeting on Tuesday.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the Annual Report provided a wealth of information about council's operations in the 2025/26 financial year, including how they aligned with objectives and priorities laid out in the 2025-29 Council Plan.
"The reporting process is part of our commitment to transparency and accountability," she said.
"It enables us to determine what we are doing well and where we can do better as we strive to achieve long-term goals set in consultation with our community."
The Annual Budget 2025/26 was heavily shaped by Council Plan Year One Priorities, which included 79 key tasks for delivery throughout the financial year.
"I'm pleased to report these tasks were either completely delivered throughout the past financial year or are in the process of being closed out," Cr Hyslop said.
Highlights include the official opening of redevelopment works at Navarre Recreation Reserve as well as the completion of stage one of the St Arnaud Swimming Pool upgrade.
This year also saw significant upgrades to the municipality's roads thanks to funding from the State Government's Safer Local Roads and Streets Program.
Council received $2 million to deliver three intersection upgrades in Stawell and one in St Arnaud.
Other highlights include the completion of a new netball court at Stawell's Central Park and a portable pump track, initially installed in St Arnaud.
Along with infrastructure upgrades, council also delivered several community-focused initiatives, including a campaign to showcase the important role volunteers play in building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Council partnered with Central Grampians LLEN, Grampians Community Health and East Wimmera Health Service to launch My Year to Volunteer during National Volunteer Week in May, and also partnered with Make A Change Australia for the Let's Talk About BIG Weather campaign in St Arnaud.
Council continued to support local businesses in 2025/26, including investing in making retail spaces more attractive, and created the New Resident Guide, helping to ensure new residents have a smooth transition into the community.
The Discover Northern Grampians tourism brand continued to shine a spotlight the region at various events locally and statewide.
"We also launched our Advocacy Prospectus 2026, which outlines where we will focus our advocacy efforts to state and federal governments, particularly in the lead-up to November's State Election," Cr Hyslop said.
"Our municipality is facing a range of key challenges, from an ageing population and housing shortage to a lack of financial sustainability and uncertainty around the renewable energy transition. Advocacy on behalf of our community is a key component of our role."
Cr Hyslop paid tribute to council staff for their work in putting the Annual Report together.
"I always look forward to reading the Annual Report and I appreciate the way it reflects our goals and strategies and shows them coming to fruition," she said.
"The document is quite in-depth. It features a new format this year, which is very easy to read, and I think it's important for our community to go and have a look."
People can view a copy of the Annual Report 2025/25 on council's website, here.
