About the Riverina
Spanning an area bigger than Denmark, at 52,415 square kilometres the Commonwealth Electoral Division of the Riverina represents one of Australia’s most diverse electorates.
We live in a wonderful region, full of exciting opportunities and boasting diverse industries and employment prospects. Ours is a landscape with dry and irrigated farmlands, fabulous tourist attractions and events and, best of all, fantastic and friendly people.
Our region is the home of the world-famous Chiko Roll, the birthplace of the Kelpie, pioneering engineering feats such as Blowering, Burrinjuck and Wyangala dams, and a memorial where a dog sits atop a tuckerbox waiting for her master. It’s an education hub where students are well-serviced from preschool to PhD and one of the nation’s most fertile agricultural areas.
Covering some 12 Local Government Areas – Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Cowra, Hilltops, Junee, Lockhart, Snowy Valleys, Temora, Upper Lachlan, Wagga Wagga, Weddin and Yass Valley – the Riverina electorate features a wide range of vibrant communities. From the world-renowned Japanese Gardens at Cowra in the north to the natural beauty of the Yarrangobilly Caves in the south and the Wombeyan Caves in the east, to the grain growing expanses of Lockhart and surrounds in the west, the Riverina is home to countless towns with unique and proud identities. With our legendary country hospitality, the Riverina, Central West, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes and Southern Tablelands are the ideal places to discover the natural and relaxed feel of contemporary rural Australia where towns are big enough in which to get a good cup of coffee, yet small enough to still care.
The region’s economy is backed by a thriving agricultural sector and innovative and resilient small businesses. From canola to wheat, crops of almost every variety are grown throughout the Riverina region. As one of the nation’s foodbowls, the region plays a significant role in growing some of Australia’s best food and fibre. Coupled with fabulous restaurants, cafés and clubs, the Riverina electorate is a haven for lovers of fine food and wines.
Some of Australia’s most iconic sportsmen and women also hail from this region. Cootamundra lays claim to being the birthplace of the finest cricketer ever to represent Australia in Sir Donald Bradman. While down the highway in Wagga Wagga, Mark Taylor, Michael Slater and Geoff Lawson all honed their cricketing skills before going on to don the Baggy Green. Countless AFL and Rugby League legends such as Paul Kelly, Wayne Carey, Steve Mortimer, Laurie Daley and Trent Barrett also hail from the Riverina. The region is also home to numerous outstanding sportswomen, including national cricket team vice-captain Alex Blackwell and former Matildas’ star Sally Shipard.
From food and wine festivals to racing of all persuasions – be it horse racing, greyhounds, camels, sheep or even yabbies – and humble country shows, the Riverina, Central West, Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes and Southern Tablelands boast an action-packed annual calendar of assorted events sure to pique your interests.
The Riverina electorate really is one of the nation’s most picturesque regions with much to offer everyone, no matter your passion or interest. We truly are lucky to call this region home.
If there is anything I can help with as your Federal Member of Parliament, please contact my electorate offices.