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    WET AND WONDERFUL: Horsham toddler Riley Clyne, 2, enjoys a splash in a large puddle after heavy rain. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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    WELCOME: Horsham’s Helen Crafter tipped 38mm out of her rain gauge between Tuesday and Thursday last week. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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    Horsham toddler Riley Clyne, 2, enjoying a splash in a puddle after rain.
  • Hero image
    Horsham toddler Riley Clyne, 2, enjoying a splash in a puddle after rain.

Rain generates confidence

The entire June 23, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

By Dean Lawson

‘Confidence’ is the word regional leaders are using to sum up the impact of soaking rain that fell across much of the Wimmera last week.



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Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline said the rain represented an important boost for farmers, many who had been desperate for a ‘break’ and had renewed a sense of confidence in the season.

She added the confidence was likely to have a significant flow-on socio-
economic effect.

“It is really exciting and with some areas getting more than 30 millimetres over a couple of days after a predominantly dry autumn, for many it changes the narrative from a farming perspective,” she said.

“It generates optimism and that flows through the agricultural sector like a ripple into the broader community.

“Good seasons promote prosperity, not only to us in a regional centre but also the wider region. It just lifts the confidence of everyone.”

Cr Gulline, who farms at Longerenong, said the week’s rain was in some areas the best for the year and had come as broadacre crops were trying to emerge.

“We obviously want regular rain between now and November and there is nothing better than seeing that green tinge develop across the paddocks,” she said.

The heaviest falls were in the central Wimmera, with some people in Horsham district tipping more than 40 millimetres from their gauges and others at Nhill, Stawell and Warracknabeal more than 25mm. There was less in the region’s southwest and far north.

Cr Gulline said the confidence and optimism in the regions generated by good agricultural results from the past two years, were already part of a formula helping communities cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It would be great to get another good season, but really all we need to know is that the next year is going to be okay. We don’t need to break records and farmers are often generally happy with average yields and prices,” she said.

“This rain has been timely as we come out of the latest lockdown. 

“The fact that it hadn’t rained meant many farmers and in turn others had shut their wallets and had taken on a wait-and-see approach. Rain just puts a spring in everyone’s step and lifts the confidence of everyone.

“If people do feel more willing to start spending I would encourage them to spend and buy locally to support local businesses. Supporting our businesses is really important for our municipality and region.”

Wimmera Development Association executive director Chris Sounness was more guarded about the impact of the rain but agreed it was a regional confidence booster.

“Basically, any rain in May or June is great and gives crops a chance to get going,” he said.

“There is still not a lot of moisture under crops and the money will only be made later in the year.

“But yes, it is a nice confidence booster for the regional economy.

“Much will still come down to the weather in August and September, but considering all the anxiety surrounding many other aspects of life, this has come as a great, pardon the pun, shot in the arm.”