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McCurdy Celebrates iconic Ovens Valley festivals in Parliament
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy has recognised two of the Ovens Valley’s premier community events in State Parliament last week, highlighting their importance in supporting local tourism, businesses and community spirit across the region. Mr McCurdy said it brought him great joy to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the Bright Rotary Club and Fenella O’Sullivan following another successful Bright Autumn Festival. “The Bright Autumn Festival continues t
May 20
Wangaratta venues shine at state hospitality awards
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has congratulated two outstanding Wangaratta hospitality venues following their success at the 2026 AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence. Mr McCurdy praised the achievements of Old Town and Country Tavern and Old Faithfulls Brew Bar, saying the awards were a testament to the passion, professionalism and community spirit of local hospitality operators. “What a fantastic result for Wangaratta and our region,” Mr McCurdy said
May 20
Boosting police resources to keep Ovens Valley safe
Community safety across the Ovens Valley will be strengthened under a Liberal and Nationals Government, with a commitment to recruit an additional 3,000 Victoria Police officers and restore reduced police station hours. The Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, said local communities are increasingly concerned as police numbers decline while crime continues to rise under the Allan Labor Government. “Across regional Victoria, including towns throughout the Ovens Vall
May 13
McCurdy backs tougher penalties to protect war memorials and sacred sites
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says that if elected, a Nationals' and Liberals Government will introduce the toughest possible penalties to protect Victoria’s war memorials and religious, cultural and historic sites from vandalism and desecration. Under the proposed plan, offenders who deliberately damage or deface these sacred places would face up to 10 years’ jail, depending on the seriousness of the offence, and be required to fully fund repairs and r
Apr 28
Putting safety back at the heart of our communities
The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says enough is enough, backing a decisive plan to tackle rising crime and restore safety in communities across regional Victoria. Mr McCurdy said families and business owners throughout the Ovens Valley are increasingly feeling the impact of a system that is failing to hold repeat offenders to account. “People don’t feel as safe as they used to, whether that’s at home, at work or out in their community,” Mr McCurdy said. “T
Apr 21
McCurdy pushes for state support for Cobram clubrooms upgrade
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has renewed his call for the Victorian Government to provide urgent funding in the upcoming State Budget for the Cobram Football Netball Clubrooms. “The Cobram Football Netball Club, also known as the Cobram Tigers, is at the heart of our community, supporting everyone from young players just starting out to long-time club members,” Mr McCurdy said. Established in 1883, the Cobram Tigers are one of the oldest and most succe
Apr 10
McCurdy backs Black Dog Ride and calls for safer regional roads
The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has thanked the community for turning out in force to support the Wangaratta Black Dog Ride on Sunday, and took great pride speaking in Parliament about such an important cause, while also raising urgent road safety concerns following an incident on the Kiewa Valley Highway. Mr McCurdy said the strong show of support sent a powerful message about tackling depression and suicide in regional communities. “Events like the Blac
Mar 19
Markwood families still waiting for fair go after bushfire loss
The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is again calling on the Victorian Government to ensure Markwood families who lost their homes in the December 2025 bushfires are not left behind. Mr McCurdy raised the issue in Parliament last week for the second time in as many months, asking the Minister for Emergency Services whether Markwood will be prioritised under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements schedule. Mr McCurdy said it was unacceptable that two Markwo
Mar 11
Fuel uncertainty leaves Ovens Valley farmers in the dark
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says growing fuel uncertainty is leaving local farmers and businesses worried about how they will keep their operations running, warning the situation exposes Labor’s ongoing failure to manage both fuel security and the economy. Mr McCurdy said farmers across the Ovens Valley are increasingly concerned about access to diesel and the rising cost of fuel, which is critical for planting, harvesting and transporting produce. “A
Mar 10
Focus on illegal guns, not responsible firearm owners
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has called for clarity and common sense ahead of the release of the Victorian Government’s Rapid Review into firearms laws. Mr McCurdy said it was critical Victorians understood the clear distinction between lawful firearm ownership and criminal misuse. “Recreational shooting is a legitimate sport and pastime for thousands of responsible, licensed Victorians, including sports shooting, duck hunting and other regulated recr
Mar 5
Livestock biosecurity grants available for regional farming communities
The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has highlighted the availability of new livestock biosecurity grants that may benefit farmers and agricultural organisations across regional Victoria. The 2026 Livestock Biosecurity Fund Grants Program will support initiatives that help prevent, monitor and control pests and diseases affecting livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and honeybees. Mr McCurdy said biosecurity plays a critical role in protecting animal
Mar 4
McCurdy urges Government to protect Falls Creek childcare service
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has called on the Allan Labor Government to urgently intervene to save the Falls Creek childcare and kindergarten service, which is facing possible closure following a recent review. Speaking in Parliament this week, Mr McCurdy said the situation was deeply concerning and risked the future of families, businesses and the year-round community at Falls Creek. “Falls Creek is not just a winter destination, it’s a year-round co
Oct 15, 2025
Celebrating Victoria’s Unpaid Carers this National Carers Week
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has joined in celebrating National Carers Week 2025 (12–18 October), paying tribute to the more than 750,000 unpaid carers across Victoria who provide essential care and support to family members and loved ones. Mr McCurdy said National Carers Week is an important time to recognise the compassion and commitment of unpaid carers, people who often put their own needs aside to care for others. “Unpaid carers are the backbone o
Oct 9, 2025
Celebrating Seniors Month across the North East
The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is encouraging locals to get involved in this year’s 43rd Victorian Seniors Festival, running throughout October 2025. The annual festival celebrates the invaluable contribution older Victorians make to our communities, offering a month of free and low-cost events that promote connection, activity, and positive ageing. Mr McCurdy said the festival is a wonderful opportunity for older residents to stay social and try somethi
Oct 6, 2025
Regional Victorians hit hardest by housing crisis
The Nation al s' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has slammed the Allan Labor Government for its ongoing failure to address Victoria’s worsening housing affordability crisis, as new figures reveal regional renters are being pushed to breaking point. According to the Government’s own March Quarter 2025 Rental Report, median rents in regional Victoria have soared by 6 per cent in the past 12 months – rising to $460 per week; compared to a 3.7 per cent increase in Melbourne
Oct 3, 2025
Celebrate culture with support from new grants
The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is encouraging local multicultural organisations to apply for funding through the Multicultural Festivals and Events Grant Program. The program offers grants of up to $50,000 to support community groups in delivering cultural festivals and events, with applications closing on 23 October 2025. Mr McCurdy said this funding provides an important opportunity for multicultural groups across the Ovens Valley. “Our multicultural o
Oct 3, 2025
Honouring Veterans’ Families this Legacy Week 2025
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is encouraging local communities to get behind Legacy Week, running from August 31...
Aug 29, 2025
VicHealth grants open to boost community wellbeing
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is urging local community groups and organisations to apply for VicHealth’s Growing...
Aug 15, 2025


McCurdy: Labor’s new laws a terrifying attack on farmers’ rights
The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has sounded the alarm over deeply concerning legislation that would grant government...
Aug 8, 2025
Homelessness in the North East surges under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis
As Victoria marks Homelessness Week (August 4–10) under the national theme “Homelessness Action Now” , The Nationals Member for Ovens...
Aug 7, 2025
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