Season's Greeting 2017

Special season’s greetings 16 page liftout

Meet some of our region’s kindergarten students

Messages from many dignitaries

Messages from many of Shepparton’s leading businesses plus their trading hours

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1385 Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Page 13

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2017 Season Greetings MERRY Christmas to everyone in the Murray electorate. I hope you get the chance to catch up with family and friends and for those lucky enough to get away for a break, please travel safely.

It has been a very busy year in Murray with millions of dollars invested in specialised medical training hubs, a radiotherapy licence for Shepparton and we are still working to create a medical school in Shepparton to train our local students to become local doctors in the Goulburn Valley without them having to leave the area to gain their degrees.

The $280M Echuca/Moama bridge is underway, the new $35M Shepparton Art Museum is about to start construction and our trade deals with China, Japan and South Korea are seeing incredible growth in food that is produced in the Goulburn Valley and exported to Asia.

In the New Year the Regional Jobs and Investment Package is set to deliver $20M into the region in projects that are based around agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and aged care. This program is all about creating more employment opportunities for people in Murray and the Hume region.

Once again, enjoy the Christmas break and all the best for 2018.

Best wishes, Damian Drum Federal Member for Murray

Arthur Dickmann Children’s Centre

Arthur Dickmann Children’s Centre… From left (back), Melinda, 5, Jairus, 5, Eddie, 5, Aiden, 5 and Eloise, 5. (Middle), April, 5, Sammy, 5, Scarlett, 5, Harriet, 5 and Jaxon, 5. (Front), Olivia, 4, Chelsea, 4, Gabby, 5 and Jack, 6.

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2017 Season Greetings ANOTHER year is nearly over and what a busy 12 months it has been.

We’ve seen millions of dollars flow into the electorate for rail and road improvements and increased train services, the first sod turned for the redevelopment of GV Health and strong progress being made in turning around the state of education for our children.

Shepparton district is now firmly on the government’s agenda and I am excited to continue pursuing the interests of our community in the New Year.

This time of year also gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect, and to recognise those who may not be as fortunate.

People from all walks of life call Shepparton district home, but at our heart we are a community based on agriculture and our farmers are doing it tough.

Water issues surrounding the Murray Darling Basin Plan are putting increased stress on our irrigators and the flow on pressure on our towns and local economies is evident.

So, at this wonderful time of year, when spirits are high and good will is aplenty, I urge you to support our vibrant and resilient community – shop locally for presents, drop off a gift under a wishing tree for a family in need, and celebrate safely with your family and friends.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Best wishes, Suzanna Sheed Independent Member for Shepparton District

Goodstart Early Learning Archer St

Goodstart Early Learning Archer St… From left (back), Cody, 5, Oscar, 5, Amanda, 5, Ellie H, 5, Anthony, 4, Lillie, 4, Rihanna, 5, Sebastian, 5, Nate, 5, Jax, 5 and Mackenzie, 5. (Front), Eason, 5, Lachlan, 5 and Ellie B, 5.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1385 Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Page 15

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2017 Season Greetings

CHRISTMAS is a special time of the year – a time when we gather with family and friends to give thanks and enjoy each other’s company. It is a time to reflect on the milestones and achievements of the past 12 months, and to look forward to the coming year.

I hope you can celebrate this Christmas in a way that means the most to you, and that you enjoy the season of goodwill and happiness in the company of your family and friends.

Together with my staff Tamara, Jason and Ashe, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous 2018.

Lulla’s Children and Family Centre Best wishes, Wendy Lovell Member for Northern Victoria

Lulla’s Children and Family Centre... From left (back), Myrissa, 4, Laporsha, 4, Terry, 5 and Mahni, 4. (Front), Sienna, 5, Tameilia, 4, Eli, 4, Nakita, 4 and Richard, 5. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

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2017 Season Greetings

HAPPY Christmas from the Committee for Greater Shepparton. It is a time to reflect on the great momentum that our region has at the moment, and also a chance to rest and reflect on our challenges and opportunities for 2018. Water policy will continue to require our strong lobbying, as will key infrastructure projects in the lead up to the state election at the end of the year.

It is also a time we should think about those great drivers of our economy – the region’s farmers. Just because it is the Christmas season it doesn’t mean they don’t have cows to milk and crops to spray and irrigate.

We wish them good conditions and successful harvests.

Best wishes, Sam Birrell Committee for Greater Shepparton CEO

Toolamba Preschool

Toolamba Preschool… From left (back), Harriet, 5, Lilly, 5, Rachael, 5, Kyle, 6, Billie, 6, Arya, 5, Carter, 6, Jack, 5 and Alexis, 5. (Middle), Maddison, 5, Finn, 5, Zander, 5, Archie, 5, River, 5, Matilda, 5, Lucy, 5 and Chase, 5. (Front), Jed, 4, Violet, 5, Lexi, 4, Kaiser, 5, Dylan, 6, Mia, 5, Emile, 5 and Blair, 5.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1385 Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Page 17

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2017 Season Greetings 2017 SAW the business community come together for one of the biggest and most supported business awards. With the business awards hitting 22 years, it was wonderful to see 100 nominees and over 450 people attend the Gala Dinner.

In 2018 we will continue to evolve the awards from feedback this year and make our 23rd even better.

The Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board is looking forward to making some big in-roads next year for our members and implement our strategic plan for 2018 and once again take up a leadership role to ensure that members are encouraged to participate and engage with the chamber on all matters of concern.

On behalf of the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board, I wish our members, business partners and families a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a prosperous 2018 as we work together to make a difference.

Best wishes, Carl Hainsworth Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry President

St Mel’s Kindergarten

St Mel’s Kindergarten… From left (back), Charlotte, 5, Jiya, 5, Akshay, 5, Alessio, 5, Nathaniel, 5 and Seeret, 4. (Middle), Addi, 5, Evie, 4, Harry, 6, Niall, 5, Zoe, 5 and Dilpreet, 4. (Front), Noah, 5, Aarush, 5, Jett, 5, Japman, 5, Aidan, 5 and Louise, 4.

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2017 Season Greetings IT’S that time of the year again, when family and friends come together to celebrate the festive season and when many get away for a well-earned holiday. Greater Shepparton Police will be out and about in the lead up to Christmas and into the New Year, working to keep you all safe in your travels and while you celebrate. We hope you have a great time with your loved ones, but want to remind you, that one silly mistake can change not only your life, but the lives of so many. Whether it be driving to or from somewhere, or while out enjoying festivities, or at home in the pool, or out boating on the river……be safe, be sensible, be courteous and be mature. One drink too many can cost more than you ever thought, please don’t become a statistic or cause one.

From the Police of Greater Shepparton to you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, hope Santa visits and not us!

Best wishes, Brad Fisher Eastern Region, Shepparton Police Station, Senior Sergeant

Alexandra St Kindergarten

Alexandra St Kindergarten… From left (back), Riley, 4, Eli, 5, Jai, 5, Heath, 6 and Nikolai, 5. (Middle), Dominic, 5, Marcus, 5, Zara, 4, Ethan, 5 and Mikhail, 5. (Front), Holly, 4, Lucas, 5, Kaity, 4, Arizona, 4, Lacey, 5 and Nevaeh, 4.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1385 Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Page 19

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2017 Season Greetings

BEST wishes for a happy Christmas and festive season shared with family and friends. I encourage everyone to take good care of each other to ensure that this season is a safe and happy time for all.

On behalf of my colleagues at the Shepparton campus of La Trobe University, thank you for all of your wonderful support in 2017.

I hope that this Christmas is a cheerful ending to the year, and a great beginning to a safe and happy New Year.

Best wishes, Sue Nalder La Trobe University head of Shepparton campus

Wyndham Early Learning

Wyndham Early Learning‌ From left (back), Eleanor, 4, Charlie, 5 and Brodie, 5. (Front), Hunter, 4, Luxe, 5, Aivah, 5, Luke, 5, Nate, 5, Max, 5 and Eli-James, 3

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2017 Season Greetings

ON behalf of the GV Health chair, Ms Rebecca Woolstencroft, board directors and my colleagues at GV Health, I extend a happy and safe Christmas celebration and holiday period to everyone in our Goulburn Valley community.

GV Health is most appreciative of the support our community has given us in the past 12 months.

Happy holidays!

Best wishes, Trevor Saunders GV Health CEO

Guthrie Street Child Care Centre, Kindergarten

Guthrie Street Child Care Centre, Kindergarten‌ From left (back), Hudson, 5, Cooper, 5, Jensen, 5 , Phoebe, 5, Lahkirrah, 5, and Zack, 5. (Front), Zara, 5, Sage, 5, Kyla, 5, Lev, 5, Jordan, 4 and Archie, 5.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1385 Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Page 21

2017 Season Greetings AS we look back over the past 12 months Shepparton Access has experienced exceptional growth. We were pleased to welcome many new people with disabilities and their families; we have been very appreciative of our new partnerships with local businesses and the continued expansion of EcoPark and Eco Store.

Eco Store has continued to thrive throughout the year.

Thank you to all in the community for your continued support for this initiative. Each week there is a variety of new and unique products and gifts available for purchase.

The highlight of the year was the opening of our Education Centre above Eco Store. The centre offers varied opportunities for people with disabilities to increase their learning potential and to create new pathways to community inclusion.

Everyone at Shepparton Access wishes you a peaceful festive season. We sincerely thank you for your good will and support throughout 2017. We are looking forward to catching up with you in the New Year.

Best wishes, Wendy Shanks Shepparton Access CEO

Frank R Pullar Kindergarten

Frank R Pullar Kindergarten‌ From left (back), Deegan, 4, Alayla, 4, Kody, 4, Charli, 5 and Aleeah, 5.

(Middle), Zac, 5, Kiara, 4, Aeris, 5, Fletcher, 6 and Zach, 5. (Front), Violet, 5, Lily, 5, Alice, 5 and Zoey, 6.

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2017 Season Greetings AS yet another busy year draws to a close, it is humbling to reflect on our community’s commitment to each other.

The joy and spirit of Christmas inevitably steers us that way yet there are so many tangible examples of the Shepparton and Mooroopna communities coming together for the greater good. At Shepparton Villages I see this often in the form of our staff who regularly go above and beyond to ensure our residents have their best day possible.

In amongst that, we are preparing to cater for the future demands of our ageing population with our new 120 bed building due to open in 2018, while other organisations, businesses and services are also progressing and growing with new construction - an exciting symbol of the times ahead.

We would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Christmas. I do hope that you are fortunate enough to be surrounded by loved ones, and for those people who are working over Christmas (like many of our staff), thank you for caring, serving and helping to make this time special for others.

Merry Christmas.

Best wishes, Kerri Rivett Shepparton Villages CEO

Apple Blossoms Early Learning

Apple Blossoms Early Learning… From left (back), Harry, 4, Bailey, 5, Shaiileigh, 4, Bailey, 4, Fabian, 4 and Izarith, 6. (Middle), Isabella, 5, Jaylah, 5, Mia, 5, Blade B., 5, Chloe, 5 and Bentley, 5. (Front), Roy, 4, Nickolas, 4, Mason, 5, Chelsea, 5, Blade M, 4 and Ruby, 4.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1385 Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Page 23

2017 Season Greetings WHAT a year 2017 has been! GOTAFE would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has contributed, supported and motivated our students and staff to succeed this past year.

Our Trades students were put to the test when we hosted WorldSkills Regional Competitions. Hundreds of students competed against their classmates and the clock in their chosen trade. We’ve just received news that over 20 local Apprentices who won Gold in the regional rounds will now move onto represent the state at the National championships next year.

Throughout the year our Events students collected donations for Share the Dignity, a charity providing personal care items for homeless women. Students organised collection boxes for each campus, collecting sanitary products and handbags for the cause. Thank you to all who donated. Inspired by our Hospitality Trainer Anita McFarlane, we set forth to raise awareness of women’s health issues. Funds raised were donated to the Goulburn Valley Breast Cancer Special Purpose Fund operated by GV Health. Our Events students also collected donations for Share the Dignity, providing personal care items for homeless women.

October was a big one with GOTAFE Engineering Apprentice, Jeremy Connell crowned the Victorian Apprentice of the Year, and last week we celebrated outstanding Apprentices, with Matthew Shipard claiming the GOTAFE Apprentice of the Year.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to GOTAFE this year, especially our valued staff who have worked tirelessly, playing their part in making us who we are. To our students, we would like to congratulate you in your efforts to better yourself through education. Being inspired to learn is a trait we hope carries with you throughout life.

From the GOTAFE community, we wish you a safe and enjoyable festive season and look forward to 2017.

Kialla Children’s Centre

Best wishes, Paul Culpan GOTAFE CEO

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Kialla Children’s Centre… From left (back), Saxon, 5, Ariana, 5, Eva, 5, Ashton, 5, Tyler, 5, Damon, 5, Quinton, 5 and Ebony, 5. (Middle), Jack, 5, Harry, 5, Xavier, 5, Zoe, 5, Jemma, 6, Mia, 5 and Remy, 5. (Front), Sonno, 5, Liam, 5, Cobey, 5, Olivia, 5, Tahira, 4, Zara, 5, Harper, 4 and Campbell, 5.

2017 Season Greetings REFLECTING on the past 12 months highlights the many connections and partnerships for our organisations – the successful meal in June dinner for Shepparton Foodshare, the Audi Monster Community Raffle At this time of year, our Christmas campaigns highlight what is truly the mission of the Community Fund - to provide support to the Goulburn Valley community, to raise money and to foster a culture of giving.

We witness firsthand the generosity of this wonderful community, not only at Christmas but also throughout the entire year.

For so many vulnerable people, the holiday season brings additional pressure and a helping hand can ease the burden; whether it be food or a few Christmas treats from the Baskets of Joy project, or gifts for the family from The Community Giving Tree.

We are busy receiving applications for the Lift Off Education Scholarship Program and look forward to helping young people head off to tertiary study in 2018

Colliver Rd Kindergarten Best wishes, Andrea McNab Community Fund Goulburn Valley CEO (acting)

Colliver Road Kindergarten… From left (back), Samir, 5, Sajaad, 5, Lyla, 5, Charlotte, 5, Faith, 5 and Breeanna, 5. (Front), Kiara, 4, Allen, 4, Bryce, 4, Hugh, 5, Savreen, 5, Jesse, 4, Jasmine, 5, Siara, 5 and Skyla, 5.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1385 Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Page 25

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2017 Season Greetings AS I reflect on 2017 I am heartened by the level of community spirit, interest and involvement in making Shepparton a great place to live.

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project started three years ago in response to community concern about our region’s young people. A vision was established to offer all young people the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. It’s a long-term plan but we are already nurturing a movement that we believe will change lives.

The community has come forward in droves to support the work of Lighthouse. Individuals and businesses are volunteering in kindergartens and schools to support language development, literacy and numeracy, mentoring, volunteering at The Haven (youth hub), participating in curriculum-industry linking initiatives and much more.

I strongly believe that the true power and solutions lie within our community. Sustainable change will be when we become the change we want to see, and I am watching this come to life in our town.

We are preparing to scale up the Lighthouse collaboration in both our planning and implementation and are confident that this will see many new meaningful relationships and projects to bring about significant change for our young people.

It takes a village to raise a child, and Greater Shepparton is well on it way! Thank you. merry Christmas. We look forward to your continued support in 2018.

Best wishes, Lisa McKenzie Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project executive officer

Goodstart Early Learning Bourchier Street

Goodstart Early Learning Bourchier Street… From left (back), Angus, 4, Christabel, 5, Ziren, 6, Savannah, 5, Corby, 4, Janaya, 4, William, 4 and Elwyn, 4. (Middle), Saeesha, 5, Paddy, 5, Murphy, 4, Rohan, 4, Zoe, 4, Catilyn, 5, Lachlan, 4, Patrick, 5, Sarah, 4, Archie, 5, Berkem, 5 and Bailey, 5. (Front), Jemma, 4, Kate, 4, Ashia, 5, Natalie, 4, Leen, 5, Adele, 4 and Pippa, 4.

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2017 Season Greetings JUST as the year is drawing to a close and we all look forward to the festive season and spending time with loved ones, our SPC business is just ramping up for the season. As I write this message, the first of our delicious apricots are due to be harvested, followed closely by peaches, as we commence processing the best fruit in the country, grown right here in the Goulburn Valley.

As we enter our 100th year in business in 2018, knowing where your food is grown has never been more i mpor t a nt , #buyhomeg row n a nd hav i ng a thriving food processing sector and a strong and vibrant regional community is crucial. We couldn’t have achieved our centenary without the support and commitment of all our stakeholders and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful supporters and partners – our growers, our suppliers, our employees and their families, our consumers and customers and the wider Goulburn Valley community.

We wish everyone a safe and prosperous festive season.

Best wishes, Reg Weine SPC managing director

Inspira Kids Early Learning Centre

Inspira Kids Early Learning Centre… From left (back), Payton, 4, Claire, 5 and Xavier, 5. (Front), Amelia, 5, Chase, 4 and Isabella, 4.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1385 Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Page 27

2017 Season Greetings

SO MUCH ON OFFER IN RUSHWORTH… Two of the restored vintage vehicles parked in High Street Rushworth for locals and tourists to have a look at.

INSET: YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT AWAITS… Engine driver, Les Williamson instructing a visitor from NSW who takes the wheel of the McDonald Red Roller 1920 diesel engine in High Street, Rushworth.

Photos Melanie Spencer.

A special Rushworth Christmas IT’S amazing what you might see when you go to the main street of Rushworth.

On Saturday I went to the shops to grab a few things and found members of the Historical Society giving locals and tourists the opportunity to have a ride on either a 1920 model diesel engine or another historic engine. I had my camera in the car so I shot a few snaps to share with you. I caught up with the engine driver, Les Williamson after he finished taking a visitor from New South Wales for a ride and he said the (machinery restoration) Historical Society did the free rides once a month and a few others brought their restored cars, bikes and other vehicles into town to put on show.

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The town also boasts many buildings steeped in history that are still actively being utilised by local businesses today.

The buildings may be old but the town is a thriving community with all the shops you could need, including Coghlans IGA, a gift/variety store, hardware, butchers, a fantastic bakery, pharmacy, doctors, a great café, milkbar and many other businesses and facilities.

Rushworth has many sporting and social clubs, two schools, kindergarten, two pubs, a motel, hospital and an aged care facility.

There is also a community house, which offers courses and activities.

If you are looking to relocate your

family to a friendly town with a country atmosphere with great facilities, Rushworth is well worth a look.

Alternatively it is a great place to take friends and family on the weekend or over the festive season. There are many things to see, including the museum, Balaclava Mine or bush walking in Rushworth or Whroo State forests.

Why don’t you drop in this Christmas holidays!

If you are looking for something special to do on Christmas Eve, go along to the annual Rushworth Christmas Eve Fair from 6pm at the Rushworth Fire Station. The family will have a great time.