Hindmarsh Shire is in the Wimmera-Mallee region, about 350 kms northwest of Melbourne. It is bordered in the north by the Big Desert / Wyperfeld National Park, and in the south by the Little Desert National Park. The economy of Hindmarsh is based largely on dryland, broadacre farming, especially grain (wheat, barley and oats) and sheep, but in recent years has diversified into the production of oilseeds and legumes. Agricultural manufacture and tourism are also important.

	2012-13	2011-12	2010-11	2009-10
Expenditure ($)	20.219m	19.042m	15.235m	13.118m
Revenue ($)	35.764m	30.450m	15.660m	14.664m
- Charges ($)	6.528m	6.110m	5.609m	5.183m
- VGC Grants ($)	3.904m	3.919m	3.784m	3.528m