Seasons Greetings 2018

Season’s

Special season’s greetings 16 page liftout

Greetings Meet 227 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. 1:1436 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 – Page 15

2018 Season’s Greetings MERRY Christmas to all in the Murray electorate. Last year we were working hard towards securing a medical school in Shepparton, and in May this year we did just that. The Federal Government has invested $95M for the MurrayDarling Medical Schools Network and will see students training to become doctors in Shepparton.

We’ve had millions of dollars go towards repairing and upgrading our road and bridge infrastructure this year, over $160M allocated to our aged care sector and we’ve had great success with the Regional Jobs and Investment Package creating jobs and boosting local businesses. It has been another busy and successful year for the electorate of Murray.

I am always advocating for projects to make our community stronger with greater employment and economic prosperity so please get in touch with our office to discuss any of these opportunities.

This year the AEC announced that the electorate will be renamed Nicholls at the 2019 election. I will continue to work hard as your elected representative on all issues that matter to you as my ongoing priority.

Our office is operational during the Christmas period so if you need to contact me please do so on 5821 5371 or damian. drum.mp@aph.gov.au Once again, have a fantastic Christmas break and a safe new year, please take care when driving on those busy roads during the festive season.

Best wishes, Damian Drum Federal Member for Murray

ECHUCA ROAD KINDERGARTEN

Echuca Road Kindergarten… From left (back), Jae, 5, Audrey, 4, Ryder, 5, Connor, 5, Samazon, 4 and Paige, 5. (Front), Mason, 4, Isaac, 5, Jasmine, 4, William, 4, Brae, 5, Bentley, 4, Jovan, 5 and Elijah, 5.

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Interesting Christmas Fact:

The word Christmas originates from the words Christ's Mass.

In old English (first recorded in 1038) it was referred to as Cristesmæsse, which literally means 'Christian Mass'.

Interesting Christmas Fact:

A common figure known throughout the world and associated with Christmas is Santa Claus. Other popular Christmas figures include Christkind, Saint Nicholas, and Father Christmas.

2018 Season’s Greetings WE ARE fortunate to live in such a strong and vibrant community which, despite some challenges, allows us to grow and prosper in relative peace.

Most of us have friends and family to support us, and a safe place to call home.

We live in the ‘lucky country,’ with all the benefits that has to offer.

However, it is often easy as we go about our day-to-day lives to forget about those less fortunate – both here in Shepparton District and further afield.

When you consider our region is home to people from all corners of the world, it’s important to remember the hardships being experienced by others and to acknowledge the role we play in providing refuge and support to those in need.

Not all members of our community celebrate Christmas, but each of our cultures celebrate their own festivals in their own way, and this time of year gives us pause to recognise what binds us together.

I would like to take this opportunity to particularly thank all our emergency service workers and volunteers and to wish everyone across the Shepparton District a wonderful festive season. Please take care on the roads and have a safe and happy 2019.

Best wishes, Suzanna Sheed Independent Member for Shepparton District

DOLENA YOUNG KINDERGARTEN

Dolena Young Kindergarten… From left (back), Tessa, 5, Max, 5, Kaleb, 5, Harper, 5, Jett, 5, Flynn, 5, Isla, 5, Lila, 5 and Armela, 5. (Front), Tully, 5, Evie, 5, Leon, 5, Orges, 5, Mason, 5, Knox, 5 and Emily, 4.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1436 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 – Page 17

2018 Season’s 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 Ashe, Liv and Jason I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous 2019.

Best wishes, Wendy Lovell Member for Northern Victoria

PATRICIA SMITH CHILDREN’S CENTRE

Patricia Smith Children’s Centre… From left (back), Kupatoa, 5, Mackenzie, 5, Harvey, 5, Dilraj, 5, Aston, 5, Madelyn, 5, Jesse, 5, Alexis, 6 and Ashlynn, 4. (Middle), Seth, 5, Piper, 5, Oliver, 4, Dilara, 4, Abby, 4, Lucy, 5, Charlie, 5, Samarveer, 4, Harper, 4, Mahley, 5, Lottie, 5, Emily, 5, William, 4, Lachlan, 5 and Aliimau, 4. (Front), Harriet, 5, Murphy, 5, Liam, 5, Noah, 6, Tiffany, 5, Makayla, 6, Jamaine, 5, Kit, 5, Olie, 5, Addison, 6 and Tytus, 5.

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Interesting Christmas Facts:

Anglo-Saxons referred to the holiday as ‘midwinter’ or ‘nativity.’

The three wise men who visited Mary and Joseph when Jesus was born brought gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts. Some believe that Jesus was born in a cave and not a stable.

Interesting Christmas Facts:

The word Noel entered the English language in the late 1300s. It originated from the Latin word ‘natalis’ which means ‘day of birth.’

St. Francis of Assisi began the custom of singing Christmas carols in church in the 13th century.

2018 Season’s Greetings Happy New Year to all Greater Shepparton residents!

I trust you will enjoy your Christmas celebrations and enter 2019 with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

I am looking forward to 2019 and what we can do to make our great municipality even greater. We have our ‘ask of government’ with a priority to obtain funding for key projects including increased rail services, revitalisation of the CBD, redevelopment of the Maude Street Mall, and the Sports and Events Centre redevelopment, to name a few.

I look forward to supporting the community in 2019 and on behalf of my fellow councillors I would like to encourage you to attend council meetings, meet with your councillors and keep informed via our website and social media.

Have a safe, happy and Merry Christmas.

Best wishes, Cr Kim O’Keeffe Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor

FLORINA PRE-SCHOOL & DAYCARE

Florina Pre-school & Daycare… From left (back), Aria, 5, Gar, 5, Worakai, 5, Tuamaryrose, 5, Xavier, 5, Ayak, 5, Maci, 5, Jeremy, 5 and Lucas, 5. (Front), Jett, 5, Minuki, 5, Metheni, 5, Olivia, 5, Paduol, 5, Wyatt, 5, Zoha, 5, Imogen, 5, Elaina, 5 and Marlee, 5

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1436 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 – Page 19

2018 Season’s Greetings HERE we are again and it seems like only yesterday we were sending out well wishes to family and friends. Can we at Shepparton Police remind each and every one of you, when coming together to celebrate the festive season or while getting away on that well-earned holiday, Greater Shepparton Police will be out and about in the lead up to Christmas and into the New Year.

We hope you have a great time with your loved ones and remind you, that one silly mistake can change not only your life, but the lives of so many. Whether out and about on the roads, enjoying festivities, home in the pool or 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

ST MELS KINDERGARTEN

St Mels Kindergarten… From left (back), Sydney, 5, Nataira, 5, Sophia, 5, Rehet, 5, Aria, 5, Nadine, 5, Charlotte, 5 and Evie, 5. (Front), Alex, 5, Henry, 5, Nathan, 5, Jack, 5, Nate, 5, Zander, 5, Sonny, 6 and Mason, 5.

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2018 Season’s Greetings ON behalf of the Goulburn Valley Health Board, staff and volunteers, I would like to wish you all the very best for a happy and safe festive season with your family, friends and colleagues.

There are many exciting initiatives planned at Goulburn Valley Health in 2019 and we look forward to continuing to work with you.

We will be actioning our new five year Strategic Plan which puts our patients and their families at the centre of everything we do. The plan sets out how we will work with our community, our healthcare partners, and government to deliver high quality care for all in the Goulburn Valley region.

We are working on expanding and enhancing innovative and contemporary services to ensure we are able to deliver world class healthcare for the entire community.

GV Health, together with the Rushworth community will be opening its redeveloped healthcare facility, Waranga Health. Due to be completed by the middle of the year, Waranga Health will give the Rushworth and surrounding communities an integrated facility offering a range of acute health, aged care and community health services in the centre of Rushworth. It will also give the town a flexible, multi-service provider for health and aged care needs in the district, while co-locating Primary Care, Community Health and District Nursing Services on the one site.

I am proud to lead GV Health in what is sure to be an ambitious and exciting new era for our organisation.

Best wishes, Matt Sharp GV Health chief executive

KIALLA CHILDREN’S CENTRE

Kialla Children’s Centre… From left (back), Zac C, 5, Jane, 6, Evie, 5, Aiden K, 5, Zac F, 5, Sienna, 5, Zach M, 5, Dion, 5, Sophia, 6, Ethan, 5 and Romeo, 5. (Front), Isla, 6, Aiden H, 5, Bharpur, 4, Isabella, 5, Luca, 5, Ellie, 5, Jason, 5, Kiarah, 5 and Lily, 4.

Interesting Christmas Facts:

Christmas decorations that are popular today include Christmas trees, Christmas lights, wreaths, garland, holly, mistletoe, and nativity scenes.

Christmas lights were invented in 1882 by Edward Johnson.

The first evidence of a Christmas tree is from a pamphlet that dates back to 1570.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1436 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 – Page 21

2018 Season’s Greetings IT SEEMS like yesterday that we were pondering 2018 and all the plans we had in place. The year has sped by and in that time, we have opened our new 120 bed, $34M state of the art home, Maculata Place. We’ve also begun the process for re-developing Rodney Park, and have moved residents from Mooroopna to Shepparton while that project takes place. So much happening in such a short amount of time.

As I reflect on what has truly been a sometimes frenzied but thoroughly enjoyable year, I am amazed at the power of people.

Our people – our staff, residents and their families – as well as those people who make up the Shepparton and Mooroopna communities. So many are willing to give in so many ways and without that, Shepparton Villages simply could not achieve what it has over the last year. The power of our community is palpable.

Thank you to all who have contributed across our three sites– from Kialla Gardens to Rodney Park to Tarcoola.

We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and holiday period, and if you are lucky enough to be surrounded by people you care about and who care for you, embrace it.

For those who are missing family and friends, we send our love and best wishes.

To our staff, especially those working over Christmas, thank you for caring, serving and celebrating with our residents.

Merry Christmas.

Best wishes, Kerri Rivett Shepparton Villages CEO

SAVE THE CHILDREN KINDERGARTEN

Save the Children Kindergarten Mooroopna… From left (back), Aurora, 5, Ivannah, 5, Orlayah, 5, Mason, 5, Lucy, 5, Isabella, 5, Julian, 5, Hayden, 4, Pat, 5 and Tim, 4. (Middle), BJ, 5, Neville, 5, Susan, 5, Flic, 5, Dakata, 5, Alfred, 5, Sophia Rose, 5, Sienna, 4, Wryker, 4, Lilith, 5 and Avai, 4. (Front), Turbo, 5, Axel, 5, Samuel, 5, Elizabeth, 5, David, 5, Cruze, 4, Jaxon, 5, Mervyn, 5 and Jason, 5.

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2018 Season’s Greetings THE Committee for Greater Shepparton wishes all in the community a happy Christmas. It is such a wonderful festival of family time, gift giving and, in many cases, merging the Northern Hemisphere traditions with our Australian summer!

The new year is also a period to reflect on what we have achieved and energise for the new challenges upon us.

I think all would agree that 2018 was a very good year for Greater Shepparton. 2019 can be even better, especially if we continue to pull together as a team.

Best wishes, Sam Birrell Committee for Greater Shepparton CEO

COMMUNITY KIDS SHEPPARTON EARLY EDUCATION CENTRE

Community Kids Shepparton Early Education Centre… From left (back), Elise, 5, Marli, 5, Louisa, 5, Semilore, 5 and Bridget, 5. (Middle), Mitchell, 5, Aarush, 4, Levi, 5, Roshan, 5 and Jai, 5. (Front), Dominic, 5, Alex, 4 and Aayush, 4.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1436 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 – Page 23

2018 Season’s Greetings OVER the past 12 months, Shepparton Access has celebrated our continued achievements in environmental sustainability.

The EcoImages@Sheppaccess Art Exhibition explored the diversity of ideas of service users around ecological sustainability and showcased a variety of images and designs which reflect our philosophy.

Shepparton Access was extremely proud to be nominated Keeping Victoria Beautiful Sustainable Cities Award. Our successful nomination reflected our commitment to recycling and protecting the environment.

Our EcoPark and EcoStore initiatives have continued to flourish. These initiatives along with our other programs and activities continue to provide unique and challenging opportunities for people with disabilities to become included in our community.

Our partnerships with many community organisations and businesses has been vital for our ongoing success. We thank them sincerely for their contribution throughout the year.

Warmest greetings for the festive season and best wishes and happiness in the New Year.

Best wishes, Wendy Shanks Shepparton Access CEO

KNIGHT STREET MULTI-AGE LEARNING

Knight Street Multi-Age Learning… From left, Grace, 5, Hannah, 5, Gustav, 5, Chevelle, 5, Ollie, 4 and Sophie, 5.

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2018 Season’s Greetings BEST wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

On behalf of my colleagues at La Trobe University Shepparton campus, thank you for your support this year, and for the wonderful welcome I have been given.

May your celebrations be joyful and with those you care about most.

Best wishes, Elizabeth Capp La Trobe University incoming head of Shepparton campus

WYNDHAM EARLY LEARNING

Wyndham Early Learning… From left (back), Violette, 4, Kadi, 5, Lucca, 5, Jack, 5, Seth, 4, Eli-Jaimes, 4, Amelia, 5 and Ayana, 5. (Front), Zara, 4, Sabiana, 5, Jackson, 5, Simar, 4, Kobe, 5 and Max, 5.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1436 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 – Page 25

2018 Season’s Greetings WHAT a year 2018 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.

This year we have been fortunate enough to take home a number of awards.

2018 also saw the completion of the Goulburn Murray Trades and Skills Centre in Shepparton. This state of the art, purpose-built training facility is two levels and features workshops, classrooms and equipment. The building accommodates building and construction, joinery and cabinet making students.

As we near the end of 2018, we are excited by what 2019 will bring. Together we will focus our efforts on building the passion for contributing to our region’s future by delivering the right programs, the right ‘skilled’ and ‘job ready’ students and enhancing GOTAFE’s reputation.

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 on 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 2019.

Best wishes, Travis Heeney GOTAFE CEO

NANCY VIBERT OCCASIONAL CARE CENTRE

Nancy Vibert Occasional Care Centre… From left (back), Thushane, 5, Lola, 5, Harrison, 5, Oliver, 5, Flynn, 5 and Blake, 5. (Front), Olivia, 5, Emily, 5, Rhys, 5, Parmvir, 4, Riley, 4, Nate, 5, Jacob, 5, Moses, 5 and Isabella, 5.

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2018 Season’s Greetings COLLIVER ROAD CHILDREN’S CENTRE

Colliver Road Children’s Centre… From left (back), Prabhjeet, 5, Preston, 4, Hassan, 5, Noah, 5, Ajwad, 5, Aseel, 5 and Oscar, 5. (Front), Scarlett, 5, Hailey, 4, Millicent, 5, Jett, 5, Arya, 4 and Indianna, 5.

2018 SAW the business community come together for one of the biggest and most supported business awards. With the business awards hitting 23 years, it was wonderful to see 100 nominees and over 450 people attend the Gala Dinner.

In 2019 we will continue to evolve the awards from feedback this year and make our 24th 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 2019 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 2019 as we work together to make a difference.

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

Interesting Christmas Facts:

The tradition of hanging stockings comes from a Dutch custom. They would leave shoes full of food for St. Nicolas’ donkeys and St. Nicholas would then leave small gifts in return.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1436 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 – Page 27

2018 Season’s Greetings AS THE year draws to a close it is a wonderful time to reflect on a whole lot of things that you have achieved or perhaps not achieved and set your sights on a New Year with a fresh and inspirational approach to 2019.

We on occasions need to revitalise ourselves, and Christmas and summer time is a good opportunity to do this.

Christmas time is also a time for giving. This could be giving of your personal time, but it can also mean the giving of food and clothing or accommodation for the needy, everything helps!

Another important way of contributing to our wonderful community is to volunteer. Volunteerism is such a great way to help. Everywhere we look we see people contributing their own time, whether it’s at your local cricket, football, netball, soccer, swimming, tennis, car clubs to mention a few. It could be at your local charity shop, church or place of worship, foodbank, CFA, SES, volunteerism is a great way to give back to our community.

Not only are volunteers helping our community, they are being fulfilled themselves by giving.

Christmas time is also a great time to thank people. Look to your favourite charity, there are so many that are doing such wonderful things, and a lot of it is by people volunteering so acknowledging this work by thanking them is a great thing to do.

The Adviser publishing team take this special opportunity to wish all clients and readers a very Merry Christmas and a safe, successful and fulfilling 2019.

12th century nuns left socks full of nuts, fruit and tangerines at the doors of the poor. This is where the tradition of putting tangerines in stockings came from.

The tradition of Christmas carolling began as an old English custom. It was originally called wassailing and was a toast to long life.

Best wishes, Geoff Adams The Adviser managing director

GOWRIE STREET PRESCHOOL

Gowrie Street Preschool… From left (back), Declan, 6, Lavenia, 4, Jorja, 5, Lilly, 5, Fisayo, 5, Grace, 5 and Freya, 5. (Front), Ommel, 5, Mia, 5, Billy, 4, Imran, 4 and Zainab, 5.

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Interesting Christmas Facts:

2018 Season’s Greetings

STUDENTS CELEBRATE FORGIVENESS THIS CHRISTMAS…

Bourchier Street Primary School students embraced the Christmas spirit last week, taking part in the annual Church Christmas Service where they celebrated this year’s theme, forgiveness. Parents, students and teachers sung a variety of Christmas carols including Oh Come All Ye Faithfull, Away in a Manger, Little Drummer Boy and Faliz Navidad and took to the stage to act out a special nativity play scene. From left (back), JEM Miss Emily McCoomb grade 1 class, Mack Parker, Byrhon Scott, Bailey Hill, Reece Wilson, Evie Fennell, Oleni Peniata, Naite Ismail, Kayli Henderson, Ciara Bartlett, Chelsey Coffey, Hargun Singh, Kenura Premarathna, Abhijot Singh. (Front), Millie Daniel, Brea Morritt-Scott, Athmeka Balamurukan, Eddy Jeffery, Naite Ismail, Kaiden Bennett and Giovanni Mapusua. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

GREATER SHEPPARTON FAMILY DAYCARE

Greater Shepparton Family Daycare… From left, Jasper, 2, Niiah, 3, Ava, 2 and Layla, 2

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A special Rushworth Christmas

SO MUCH ON OFFER IN RUSHWORTH… You never know what you will see in the main street of Rushworth…like this steam engine.

INSET: FESTIVE SEASON IN RUSHWORTH… There is lots to see and do in Rushworth this Christmas and holiday season. Photos: Supplied.

THIS little country town is a pretty place to live or visit. If you want peace and quiet you can find it here but on the other hand if you want something fun to do, Rushworth can accommodate with the many activities available.

The town is full of historical buildings that are still actively being utilised by local businesses today.

The buildings may be old but the town is a thriving community and just last week the butcher’s shop reopened with a new owner, supplying high quality meat, at competitive pricing.

Others stores in town include Coghlans IGA, a gift/variety store, hardware, a fantastic bakery, pharmacy, doctors, a great café, milkbar and many other businesses and facilities.

Rushworth is a very sporty and social community, with sporting and social clubs to suit most people’s needs. The town also boasts

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two schools, a kindergarten, two pubs, a motel, hospital and an aged care facility. The local community house also offers courses and activities for locals throughout the year.

If you are looking to relocate your family to a friendly town with a country atmosphere and great facilities, Rushworth is well worth a look.

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

Why don’t you drop in this Christmas holidays?

A great event for the whole family on Christmas Eve is the annual, Rushworth Christmas Eve Fair, starting at 6pm at the Rushworth Fire Station.