The Adviser 1498

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STARTS THIS FRIDAY! ZAPPING WEEDS INVENTION PAGE 3

No 1:1498

MULTI MILLION DOLLAR PROJECTS ADVANCE

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

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Capacity crowd at MDBA meeting

By Steve Hutcheson AT a meeting held at the Shepparton RSL last Thursday, a room full of concerned farmers met with Inspector General of Murray Darling Basin Water Resources, Mick Keelty AO, to provide him with their concerns about the Murray Darling Basin Plan and its impact.

At the start of the meeting, Mick outlined his role and his independence.

He then went on to explain some of the pressing issues that he had encountered that interfered in an equitable distribution and use of waters in the Murray Darling System.

Continued on page 8

17 DAYS…60 EVENTS…250 ARTISTS …40 VENUES... 10 GENRES...INCLUDING 36 FREE EVENTS. PICTURED, WHITE WOMEN, BLACK HUMOUR AND ENDOMETRIOSIS. The Shepparton Festival takes aim at common shibboleths across 17 days of celebration.

Photo: Supplied (White women by Alexis Desaulniers Lea Photography

Comedy, cabaret, politics and periods, what could go wrong?

Countdown to the Evolve 2020 Shepparton Festival pages 2 and 17

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NEWS

Zapping weeds with microwaves

By Steve Hutcheson FOR most of us, we probably think of microwaves being used to heat up our dinner and for those with a bit more knowledge of the subject, perhaps as high speed wireless transmission. But there is more to the technology than that.

For some years now, associate professor, Graham Brodie from the University of Melbourne, Veterinarian and Agricultural Science department at the Dookie campus has been working on using microwaves to kill weeds in an agricultural setting.

Over the last several years, the university has worked on the design and constructed a 2kW demonstration model, four-port microwave unit that does kill weeds.

The unit is now being scaled up to make a 100kW model to service an industrial application, primarily for treating the weeds between crops such as tomatoes, strawberries and the like.

In the prototype demonstration, the plants subjected to the microwaves are almost instantaneously killed and it is able to isolate the weeds from an adjoining plant.

A company has been formed by the university to further development of the equipment and to pursue venture capital to help move the project into production.

Assisting Professor Brodie is research

COOKING MORE THAN THEIR GOOSE… Showing the power of the microwave weed killer, associate professor, Graham Brodie at Melbourne University campus, Dookie holds a punnet with half the plants just killed by the machine. Photo: Katelyn Morse

assistant, Dr Jamal Khan who is conducting research into the impact the microwaves have on the organisms such as bacteria, nematodes and fungi that reside in the underlying soil. According to Dr Khan, there is some impact however it is not significant.

Once developed, the machine will obviate the need for chemical herbicides to some extent and perhaps alter the shape of the industry. They anticipate the scaled up version of a production model may be available later this year.

The next stage would be to have a more portable, spot weeding model to complement the broadacre version.

Launch of the 2020 Tourism and Major Events Calendar Greater Shepparton City Council launched its 2020 Tourism and Major Events Calendar to more than 100 delegates within the tourism industry at the annual Visitor Economy luncheon today.

The Major Events Calendar looks at the planned events that will take place in the region over for the rest of the year.

These will include sporting, arts, food and wine as well as business events.

Greater Shepparton City Council mayor Cr Seema Abdullah said this year’s calendar had a strong focus on

high participation events and further expanding its arts and cultural offerings.

Cr Abdullah said, “We anticipate the calendar will generate between $40 and $50 million for the economy keeping local business strong across a number of sectors including accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism.”

Pick up a copy of the new 2020 Greater Sheppar ton Major Events Calendar from the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre or the Think CBD office in the Tower Arcade or view it online at visitshepparton.com.au

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1498 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – Page 3

NEWS

Free parking - one major step to revitalise the CBD WITH the recent complimentary parking in the Shepparton CBD proving a huge hit among shoppers and businesses, one can only hope that such a programme continues. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s survey of 167 businesses and 200 shoppers - the most comprehensive survey in many years - showed overwhelming success.

These are just a few of the comments made during the survey: • There was more foot traffic in town.

• There was more browsing in shops.

• It was a joy to shop in Shepparton’s CBD. • Traders have seen a significant rise in foot traffic in the CBD. • There were no negative comments about the free parking.

• Shoppers were less stressed about going about their shopping.

• Many didn’t know there was free parking.

• Many shoppers still tried to put money in the meter.

• Advertising and signage was a problem for many shoppers.

• Not enough disabled parks.

• Shoppers came into the CBD more often.

• More 15–30 minute meters around destination shops are needed.

• Customers browsed longer and bought more.

• It was brilliant…the customers were really happy, some of whom did not normally come into the CBD. • Some businesses were worried about who would pay for the free parking.

• Twenty years too late.

• All customers stress over parking; shop owners normally pay for parking instead of losing large sales.

• Makes the town more welcoming and keeps the CBD going.

• Why not all year round? It is much less stressful; Shepparton will go ahead; Benalla is great for its free parking.

According to the survey notes, all

traders and shoppers want free parking on a permanent basis, but time limits needed to stay in place. These are just some of the comments made during the survey.

The knockers of course will ask “Where will the money come from?”; “How will the city cope without parking fees?”

Parking fines will make up some of the revenue, but the biggest gain will be making the CBD great again; it will be just one major step towards revitalising the CBD. The other boost being the opening of the Maude Street Mall to slow moving traffic, beautification, stunning trees lining the street - along with well-designed parking and access. The children’s play area could be moved to Fraser Street near the tower and close to amenities.

Increased traffic in the precinct will see property values rise, rate revenue will rise as well; that’s where the city could gain revenue from lost parking fees. Businesses will look at opening in the CBD, some may even return to the CBD, if it’s not too late.

Ignorance can be bliss, and if one doesn’t understand business and commerce and the key elements to its success, then stand by and watch in horror the continued demise of our city’s heart and soul.

On ‘ya’ bike kids RIDING a bike to school once was an everyday occurrence, now with traffic levels and security increased, it has dwindled. National Ride2School Day seeks to promote a resurgence along with improved conditions for kids to ride their bikes.

Katie Rasmussen from St Patrick’s Primary School in Tongala, said: “This will be the second year that our school takes part in National Ride2School Day”.

“This year, we have around ten students who actively ride to school. The number has dropped from last year after losing a larger cohort of grade 6 students who lived locally and were able to ride, scoot or walk to school”.

“Riding to school is good for socialisation, health and the environment,” she added.

“My advice to a parent thinking about their child riding to school for the first time is to ride or walk with your child. Discuss the route they will take before leaving and your expectations when they come to roads, corners or other hazards. If you live far away, encourage your child to ride part of the way or ride together to the bus stop”.

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READY TO RIDE TO SCHOOL… Students from St Patrick’s Primary School in Tongala, Mitchell Cornwall (11), Sienna Hocking (9) and Zeb Hocking (6) are ready to roll. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

“We have had a change in our active travel rates this year due to a lot of ‘town’ kids leaving our school and a lot of ‘farm’ kids starting. It may take time for our rates to change”.

NEWS

Multi-million dollar projects advance in GV A power panel at The Woolshed

By Steve Hutcheson FOU R key note spea kers , each w it h a complete story to tell. The Committee for Greater Shepparton arranged for an exciting lineup of speakers to address their annual general meeting dinner held at The Woolshed last Wednesday.

The speakers were Peter Holmgren the CEO from AgBioEn, a n e x c it i n g , $ 2 B r e n e wabl e e n e r g y project now under construction at Katunga. Next was Tommy Huppert, the CEO of Cannatrek who later this year will be constructing a $160M medicinal c a n n abi s fa r m i n Lemnos. The third speaker was Robert Giles, the new CEO of SPC in Shepparton and the final speaker was Anthony Forster, the manager of inland fisheries for the Victorian Fisheries Authority speaking on the new fish hatchery to be established in Arcadia.

The AgBioEn renewable energy project will cover some 7,500ha much of which will be devoted to producing some 640,000 tonne of biomass and the conversion facility has begun construction with the

p r e l i m i n a r y e a r t hwo rk s u n d e r way.

Operating around the clock, the facility may have up to 400 to 500 people working on the site with stage one in operation in the first half of 2021.

Cannatrek was recently featured in The Adviser with a soon to be constructed, 180ha of medicinal cannabis production.

The project recently received Federal G o v e r n m e n t endorsement, such is the global acceptance. This p r oj e c t w i l l a l s o create in the order of 400 jobs for the region.

SPC possibly needs no introduction, having been a feature of Shepparton for more than 100 years, it is now in new hands with new ideas. A major exporter to Asia and in particular China, Robert Giles sees potential growth for the firm due particularly to the expected increased d e m a nd for c e r t i f i ably c l e a n fo o d production. SPC are also looking to reduce their single use packaging imprint with tin cans holding favour due to their potential for recycling.

The final speaker is responsible for the

SPC possibly needs no introduction, having been a feature of Shepparton for more than 100 years, it is now in new hands with new ideas

SPEAKERS ARE LINED UP‌ Committee for Greater Shepparton CEO, Sam Birrell, Victorian Fisheries manager Inland Fisheries, Anthony Forster, board chair, Lesley Hart, Cannatrek CEO, Tommy Huppert, SPC CEO, Robert Giles, and AgBioEn CEO, Peter Holmgren. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

new fish hatchery now in the process of design and which should be operation by 2022. Recreational fishing is a billion dollar industry that has been severely affected by aspects of climate change and the impact inappropriate water management is having on the river systems. The release of cold

waters from reservoirs at the wrong times has had a major effect on some of the now in decline species of murray cod, golden perch and freshwater catfish. It is intended that half of the 40 or so jobs that will open up will be offered to Indigenous fish breeders.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1498 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – Page 5

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The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1498 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – Page 7

NEWS

Graffiti vandalism drains tax dollars SETTING OUT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE PLAN… Inspector General, Mick Keelty AO addresses farmers concerned about water shortages and the Murray Darling Basin Plan at Shepparton RSL. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

Capacity crowd at MDBA meeting continued from front page THE list of problems began with the floodplain harvesting that takes place in Queensland and northern New South Wales. He reported that the incoming Federal Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt had been to see the situation and had indicated he wants to see change on that.

A further major problem was with the losses due to the conveyance of water back to the environment not being factored into the equation of the amount being transferred.

There were other issues about the added environmental impact some agriculture had, for instance rice production provides an environment for water birds and and the like.

Another major problem was the large scale interstate transfer of water allocation from Victoria and New South Wales to almond farms in South Australia that is not accounting for the conveyancing costs that local farmers are supporting.

This meeting followed from a smaller meeting he held the day before with a number of farmers and industry people who had registered earlier. Chris Bourke, a farmer from Nathalia

attended the meeting and he laid out his concerns for the degradation the flow through the Barmah choke was causing.

Mick then opened the floor for questions and comments.

Much of the commentary looked at local issues and questions concerning degradation of the river banks due to unseasonal high flows.

People in the audience expressed ‘inquiry fatigue’ and questioned whether anything positive was likely to come out of this town hall meeting.

The Inspector General said his report was due on March 29 and the government had a legal obligation to publish it within 15 days and hesitated on making any specific arguments until he finished his inquiry.

Local Member for Shepparton District, Suzanna Sheed was at the meeting and said, “He appears to be very sympathetic, I think people here feel they are being listened to and I get a sense that the people in government may rue the day they called for this inquiry.”

The middle of April will be eagerly anticipated by all when the report is to be published.

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MORE GRAFFITI VANDALISM APPEARING IN SHEPPARTON… Contact the police when you see it happening. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

FUNDS that could be used for schools, roads, parks and other community improvements, are used to clean up pointless graffiti.

By itself, graffiti decreases a resident’s feeling of safety. Neighbourhoods with graffiti see a decrease in property values, loss of business growth and tourism, as well as a reduction in users of public transport.

Greater Shepparton City Council and Victoria Police have teamed up to develop a Wipeout Graffiti program which aims to remove graffiti quickly.

Council has a special rapid response team to remove any reported graffiti from Council property within 24-hours and has installed still cameras in known hot spots to assist police with investigations.

If you see graffiti appearing or in the process of appearing, contact Greater Shepparton City Council or Victoria Police.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1498 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – Page 9

NEWS

A conversation with Dr Ravi Bhat

PUSHING FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES… Clinical director at GV Area Mental Health Services, Dr Ravi Bhat. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

By Steve Hutcheson M E N TA L he a lt h i n t he G ou lbu r n Valley is probably not much different to anywhere else in the state while at the same time, there is greater acceptance in the community that it is something where we need to continue the conversation.

Dr Ravi Bhat is the clinical director at GV Area Mental Health Service as well as an associate professor of psychiatry with Melbourne University.

Dr Bhat came to Australia in 1999 with his young family, having grown up and been educated in India and took a position with GV Health as a consultant psychiatrist.

His professional interests have been in aged care mental health, suicide and rural mental health services. It was through his campaigning that GV Health was recently granted funding by the State Government to support the HOPE Program.

T he HOPE pro g ra m i s i nt ende d to provide additional health service availability to people in the community who are at risk of suicide.

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In the discussion on what drives suicide, one in five people in the general Australian community are suffering some form of mental illness including alcohol and drug use disorders, which, until recently was often stigmatised and closed to discussion.

Fortunately that has changed. In addition to this, he pointed out that, across the spectrum of our community, a larger number of people suffer from mental health issues. It is the three percent at the end of the spectrum with severe mental illnesses who have a high risk for suicide.

The causation of suicide is complex. The profession considers it to be a combination of biological, psychological or sociological factors in nature. Factors such as economic circumstances, drug and alcohol abuse, even one’s relationships have all been shown to contribute. As a clinician, Dr Bhat believes everyone who needs help should be able to get it.

“As a society, it comes down to how we take care of others, who we are, what are our values and what we want our children to be,” said Dr Bhat.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1498 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – Page 11

NEWS

Local support for bushfire affected communities IT’S no secret that the Greater Shepparton community is a generous bunch. When the bushfires ravaged much of the state over the summer, our community banded together to help in whatever way they could.

With affected communities now returning to what’s left of their towns, the rebuilding must begin and that goes for businesses too. To help out those towns and businesses affected by the fires, a local group of women associated with the Shepparton United Football and Netball Club packed together in a bus to take on the ‘Empty Esky’ challenge.

The group travelled to Milawa and Myrtleford last Saturday with the help of Fords Coach Travel Shepparton, Woolworths Archer Street store manager, Anthony Vivona, and Mark Lewis.

Empty Esky encourages everyone to grab an esky, embark on a road trip to a fire-affected town and to stock up with produce and wares purchased from local traders.

For more information or to join the cause, visit www.emptyesky.com.au.

Things of beauty going on display THE former queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, used bright green malachite paste on her lower eyelids. On her upper eyelids, she used a deep blue eyeshadow with gold-coloured pyrite flecks, made from ground lapis lazuli stone.

These ground up gemstones may not be the thing of fashion makeup these days, however they are still valued as items of jewellery and decoration.

The GV Gem and Mineral Craft Group are putting on a show of some of the fabulous examples of gems and minerals that draws in an audience from around Australia.

Happening at the Kialla trotting grounds on March 7 and 8, beginning at 10.00am until 4.30pm each day, the event promises

to give everyone an insight how many types of gemstone there are and with workshops happening, to show how they are transformed from a rough stone that is found in the ground, to a thing of beauty that will adorn some lady’s neckline.

Entrance to the show will be $4.00 for adults and free for kids and there will with a pensioner discount. On the Saturday night, there will be a dinner and rock auction with the proceeds going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

READY TO PUT ON A SHOW… Gemologist, George Fadersen holds one of his exotic minerals and his faithful companion, Penny. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

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FULL OF GENEROSITY… A team of local ladies with empty eskys hit the road to give back to bushfire affected communities. Photo: Will Adams.

NEWS

Local supermarket your new local butcher NO FLIES ON US… From left, Agriculture Victoria Fruit Fly state coordinator, Cathy Mansfield, Moira Shire mayor, Cr Libro Mustica, Agriculture Victoria strategic projects manager, Kelly Joy, National Fruit Fly Council manager, Christina Cook, Greater Shepparton City councillor, Kim O’Keeffe and Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project coordinator, Ross Abberfield. Photo: Supplied.

United approach to fruit fly area wide management A meeting was recently held with the G ou lbu r n Mu rray Va l ley Fr u it F ly Governance Group, Agriculture Victoria and the manager of the National Fruit Fly Council to discuss opportunities to further enhance the coordinated management of Queensland Fruit Fly. Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project coordinator, Ross Abberfield said the 60 percent reduction in fruit fly trapped at comparative peak periods over the past two years highlighted the project’s success.

“The project has successfully increased awareness, education and engagement of fruit fly,” Mr Abberfield said.

The recent collaboration between key

agencies was an opportunity to discuss the Draft National Fruit Fly Strategy 20202025, which provides a framework for national cooperation on fruit fly issues. It also identifies four key strategic objectives for Australia: maintain freedom from exotic fruit fly; minimise the incidence and spread of fruit fly; implement national systems that support market access; and facilitate a cooperative and committed national approach to fruit fly management.

The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Project is funded by the Victorian G over n ment ’s M a n ag i ng Fr u it F ly Regional Grants Program. For more information about the project, visit www. gmv-qldfruitfly.com.au.

MEAT THE TEAM… From left, Fairleys SUPA IGA meat wrappers, Jasmyn Scott, Boo Lemont, Kate Golding, 2IC, Brendan Florence, department manager, Peter Formica, and butchers, Stephen Blackwell and Clinton Cooksey. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

WHETHER you’re planning a Sunday roast for the whole family, a weekend barbecue or just a nice meal for you and your partner, Fairleys SUPA IGA has an extensive range of meat to choose from.

What most people may not know is that behind the large wall of delicious, fresh meat, there is a full production butchery and a friendly team able to help you create the perfect meal.

Fairleys SUPA IGA meat department

manager, Peter Formica said, “If you want a special cut or can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re more than happy to help and order in what you’re after.”

With a café, an Australia Post Office and Tattslotto agency also in-store, Fairleys SUPA IGA has all your shopping, banking, and lunch sorted. You could even be the next millionaire! Visit Fairleys SUPA IGA at 177-193 Numurkah Rd, Shepparton.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1498 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – Page 13

NEWS

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS… The Inaugural Victorian Leather Extravaganza will be showcasing the Diversity of Leather this weekend, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th.

Photo: Supplied.

All set for first leather extravaganza IF YOU’RE looking for something to do this weekend than look no further then the Inaugural Victorian Leather Extravaganza showcasing the ‘Diversity of Leather’.

Jenni’s Shed and the Goulburn Valley Leathercraft Association Inc. presents leathercraft demonstrations and workshops with Australian and international tutors.

Other demonstrations include blacksmithing, bush tanning, medieval, and horse riding archery. There will also be ‘come and try your hand at leather’, working draught horse, master saddler,

kids entertainment and other craft and vendor stalls for the whole family to enjoy.

The event will be held at Campaspe Park Raceway in Echuca on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of March from 9am to 5pm.

Full catering is available both days, and camping is also available with Saturday night entertainment.

Tickets are $10 for adults, children are free and can be bought online or at the gate. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.echucamoama.com/ diversity-of-leather or call Jenni on 0402 758 099.

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Popular SBS food presenter and soloist to headline event THE much-loved event, Opera in the Alps is on again for its 24th year in historic Beechworth in northeast Victoria.

The exciting Opera in the Alps music program will feature guest soloist and popular SBS food presenter, mezzosoprano Silvia Colloca, baritone Samuel Dundas, esteemed composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, William Barton playing didgeridoo, emerging singers from the Opera Scholars Australia prog ram, as well as the Symphony Australia orchestra conducted by Guy Noble.

For the first time at Opera in the Alps, a limited number of tickets can also be purchased to the inaugural Opera Feast, a grand pre-concert four-course gourmet dining and wine experience, which will

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN… Popular soloist and SBS food presenter, Silvia Colloca will be one of the many great artists in the upcoming Opera in the Alps event on March 14. Photo: Supplied.

include an Italian course featuring two of Silvia Colloca’s favourite dishes.

Opera in the Alps will be held on Saturday, March 14 at the Beechworth Golf Club. Gates open at 3pm, with performances from 6pm to 8:40pm.

For more i n for m at ion , v isit w w w. operainthealps.com.au.

NEWS

Hitting the road to help bushfire affected communities THE GMCU team has been undertaking a variety of different activities to contribute to fundraising efforts in response to the devastating bushfires in Victoria and southern NSW. GMCU CEO, Melissa Ralph said, “We started by pledging a donation of $100 for every loan approved during February 2020 to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

“Deeply affected by the plight of wildlife in the fires, our staff then teamed up to hold a staff competition, raising funds internally for the Wildlife Victoria Bushfire Appeal.

“Further, with our ten local branches

SPENDING IN AFFECTED REGIONS… From left, GMCU member services officer, Brittany Roscoe, CEO, Melissa Ralph and member services officer, Kelsey McDonald with an empty esky ready to be taken to bushfire devastated areas. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

bei ng based i n reg iona l a reas , a nd recognising the devastating effect that these fires have had on communities just like ours, we have now joined the #emptyesky project, encouraging GMCU staff to take a road trip to one of the many towns affected by the recent bushfires on a paid day off work,” said Ms Ralph.

Each GMCU staff member is being given a $50 gift card to spend on local goods and services on their adventure to inject money back into the communities and help those towns bounce back.

For more details on the #emptyesky campaign and to see how you could also get involved, visit emptyesky.com.au

Get that spot checked

By Steve Hutcheson.

AUSTRALIA is a sunburnt country. In being so, we also have one of the highest incident rates of skin cancers in the world.

When was the last time you went and had a skin or mole check? If you are anything like me, it may have been a long time ago and then you just had the doctor look at it.

Last week, I interviewed the doctors at GV Skin and Specialist centre and got to see their latest piece of technology in action. It is a camera with polarised filters that passes the information through a complex computer analysis that records every noticeable mole on your body.

Being of an age that probably is the most susceptible age group, I put myself to the test and was astounded at the result. It recorded hundreds of moles that I had never noticed.

Fortunately they were all innocent but the experience serves as a record for comparison some time in the future.

The doctors, Wil Chong and Matthew Wong have recently branched out on their own with their new clinic. As Dr Wil said, “The first thing patients need to do is have a full manual skin check, particularly if they have a suspected mole. Total body mapping is a second phase if we think it might be needed.”

SHOWING THEIR LATEST PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY… Dr Matthew Wong and Dr Wil Chong at the display terminal of their total body mapping machine. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

Because of the Australian sun, people do need to have a regular checkup. To book an appointment (referrals not necessary but are accepted), call 5820 0500. GV Skin and Specialist Centre is located at 20 Wyndham Street, Shepparton.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1498 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – Page 15

LETTERS

OPINION & EVENTS

Letters to the Editor PUSHING FOR HEAD PROTECTION

Dear Editor Much ado about the possible consequence of receiving too many head knocks playing Australian rules football.

One does not have to be a medical specialist to accept that the head knocks present danger that are often not noticed until after a player has been retired from the game for several years. As an ex administrator of the game I cannot understand why it has taken so long for this to be addressed. Thirty eight years ago I became the chairman of the Mooroopna Schools Football Club along with a new committee. As newcomers we took the challenge of helmets for our players, not just for safety but to ensure they went

We welcome Letters to the Editor but they are not guaranteed to be included and may be edited for reasons of style or content. Letters will not be eligible for consideration if they contain defamatory material, or information of a personal nature which is not in the public domain.

on with their football career by not being frightened. A heavy knock to a young player can be devastating. We decided that our under 13s and under 14s would not be allowed to play without a helmet. Our under 16s would wait until the under aged players were ready to play under 16s and already comfortable with the helmet. Funding?

We decided that we would not adopt the begging method but opted to get off our backsides and earn our money. This resulted in an orchardist donating a bin of apples which we sold door to door in Mooroopna. We also garnered some ‘foreign’ money by conducting a one day ‘collectors’ fair in Wodonga that netted us a serious amount of money. We were pleased that the two teams adjusted to helmet wearing

COMMUNITY CONNECT UPCOMING HOSPICE CHARITY Dance night for the Hospice Charity at the Cricketers Arms Hotel, Mooroopna on March 5 starting at 7.00pm.

Meals from 6.00pm. Bookings on 5825 3993 and enquiries on 0438 214 421 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER An international Day of Prayer, March 6 at St Augustine’s

Church, 95 Maude St. Shepparton and Uniting Church, Curtain St Dookie. Donations will go to Zimbabwe Mothers of Disabled Children for wheelchairs.

ONGOING FRIENDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN BOTANIC GARDENS SHEPPARTON Autumn is a great

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without any major problems. This was the price to be paid for our success and that was the subsequent overthrow of our committee followed by the dropping of the helmet policy. I am certain that if this policy had remained other junior clubs would have followed and who knows where this would have gone.

Yours sincerely Bill Brown Shepparton Want to have your say?

Email your letters to the editor to editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au

Tell us about your ‘not-for-profit’ community events via email at classifieds@ sheppartonadviser.com.au or fax on 5832 8920 (information is required at least 2 weeks before an event). Please note listings are to be fewer than 55 words.

time to propagate. The propagation team meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month, Botanic Garden Ave, Shepparton and new members are welcome. For more information contact 0487 536 638.

COOL CAT ROCKERS Cool Cats Rockers beginner’s lessons run on Tuesdays from 7pm. For further information, contact Kaye on 5821 5465 or Stuart Barnes on 0408 535 610.

SINGLES 60+ CLUB Looking to make new friends and share interests? Join us at Casablanca Pizza, High Street, Shepparton for tea at 6pm every second Tuesday of the month. Phone Marg 5821 2438 or Barry 0419 323 351.

VMCH KIALLA HOUSE Everyone needs to look after his or her health and wellbeing.

Kialla House offers day and overnight respite, and daytime social activities to people over 65 and those diagnosed with early-onset dementia.

We provide a stimulating recreational activities calendar, home cooked meals and qualified staff.

Call Danielle today 1300 971 720 SHEPPARTON BRIDGE CLUB meets from 7pm Monday at U3A Hall Esson Street. Members are required to join Goulburn Valley U3A. For more information, phone Derek Poulton 5825 4112 or John Moore 0438 455 741 or refer to the website www.wix.com/sheppartonbridgeclub/2013 UNITING CHURCH MOOROOPNA FREE Open House Café at the Uniting Church,

Mooroopna, recommencing Wednesday 5th February from 2pm to 4pm and continuing every Wednesday during school terms, all welcome.

Enquiries to Janette 0421809939 MERCY ACCESS Mentoring children of all ages with Mercy Access, reading opens doors.

Do you have an educational background at any level? Join us volunteering in a multi-cultural setting. On receiving your expression of interest, an application form will be forwarded with necessary details. Contact us on 0428 996 975 or ma@mercy.org.au FAMILIES ANONYMOUS A self help group for families and friends of those with drug, alcohol or related behavioural issues. Meets every Wednesday 6 - 7.30 pm at Church of Christ, corner of Corio and Nixon Streets, Shepparton.

Phone: 0426 673 848. Email: fashepparton@ gmail.com THE MERRIGUM MUSEUM Located at 111-113 Waverly Avenue, Merrigum, The Merrigum Museum will be opened on the last Friday of every month from 1pm until 3pm or by appointment. Admission for viewing is $2 per person. Group tours are most welcome and will include morning tea and afternoon tea at a cost of $7 per person (bookings essential!) Meetings for The Merrigum Museum are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm.

NEWS

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Comedy, cabaret, politics and periods, what could go wrong?

T H E Sheppa r ton Fe st iva l , E VOLV E 2020, kicks off in just nine days. There’s a smorgasbord of events to choose from, with everything from performance to film, workshops to feasts and much more. This year the festival is proud to present three comedy cabarets, featuring both homegrown talent and famous faces from the big screen.

‘Women of The White House’, starring creator, performer and once-local Sam Coats, who first performed at Hares and Hyenas in 2019, and continued on to the Melbourne Cabaret Fringe Festival and Fringe at the Edge of the World in Tasmania, where it was nominated for Best Ensemble and Best Cabaret. It’s a comedy that promises to make cabaret great again! An all-singing, all-dancing, part drag, all wigs, tellall expose of true facts, fake news, and modern-day right-wing conservative feminism from inside the big orange world of Trump.

Next it’s ‘Blak Cabaret’, a raucous addition to the festival, starring some of Australia’s finest Indigenous comedians including Kevin Kropinyeri and Elaine Crombie. Kevin, a Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow regular, is a bona fide star of the Indigenous performing arts scene. He is one of Australia’s most established and popular Aboriginal comedians with a long list of Australian TV credits. Elaine Crombie is an actress and composer, known for Nowhere Boys (2013), Top of the Lake (2013) and Top End Wedding (2019).

Hosted by Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC) and Malthouse Theatre, you will be captivated by a night of sparkling variety that assembles some of Australia’s finest Indigenous

musicians, comedians and dancers on stage in RFNC’s social room. Celebrate with an uproarious and subversive party that lights up the night!

And finally, “Ovariacting: A Period Drama”, is a riotous and informative cabaret about periods and endometriosis, performed

by Jamie Boiskin and her band of merry menstruals. Watch them fight period stigma with slut drops, tampon bullets and a RuPaul inspired uterus.

Jamie, a music theatre performer who is riddled with Endometriosis, is joined by menstrual activist protégé Thomas Bradford on piano, drag queen uterus Laganja (Alice Albon) and T.O.M The Time of the Month Tampon (Louise Cumming). Written by Jamie and directed by Fiona Scott-Norman, Ovariacting is an hour packed with fabulous costumes, songs, props and performance art. Inspired by Jamie’s journey with endo, polycystic ovarian syndrome, her cranky uterus, and a heinous 35 day long period, Ovariacting is a masterclass in how to talk about normal bodily functions without pulling a face and saying “She’s got the painters in”.

This year the festival is proud to present three comedy cabarets, featuring both homegrown talent and famous faces from the big screen.

• Women of the Whitehouse – Friday 20th March 2020 • Blak Cabaret – Saturday 21st March 2020 • Ovariacting: A Period Drama – Thursday 26th March For more information head to the festival website www. sheppartonfestival.org.au, with tickets from just $15pp, spots are selling fast.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1498 Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – Page 17

PLENTY TO SEE AND DO… Come down to the Stanhope Show and Shine on Sunday, March 8, for a fun day out. Photos: Supplied.

All’s a

BACKING up on the success of last year’s Show and Shine, this year the event is moving to a new and la rger lo c at ion , the Stanhope Recreation Reserve on Sunday, March 8 w it h g at e s open to the public from 8.00am.

With more t h a n 12 5 e nt r ie s expected, noted hot rod m ae s t ro , Ro d H ad f ield i s scheduled to be included as this year’s guest judge.

With the new venue, the program has the capacity to accommodate more stall holders as well as being able to access the canteen and BBQ as well as an on-site coffee van and licenced booth.

The organisers would like to hear from any exhibitor who would like to set up a booth at the event. All exhibitors will be required to enter through the back gate via Savage Road to gain entry to

the oval from 7am.

Entries will close a t 10 M s h a r p with judging at 12 noon.

There will be lots of enter t a i n ment for the child ren available with a j u m p i n g castle, colou ring c o mp e t it io n , f a c e painting & ice cones.

It will be a fun family day out for all to enjoy.

We are also looking for any volunteers to contact Lyn if they are interested in lending a helping hand working in the canteen, BBQ or gate entry. All profits will go back to any community groups who register to volunteer.

Entries are now open for anyone with a car, ute, bike or truck that they are wanting to enter into the show. The entry fee is $10 plus $5 for each category and they can obtain entry forms by emailing stanhopeshowandshine@gmail.com or by calling Lyn on 0427 572 629.

at Stanhope

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HUGE CLEARING SALE HEAPS OF EVERYTHING,NE! SOMETHING FOR EVERYO

176 Tabilk - Moneo Rd, Tabilk

Sunday, March 8th, 2020. 9.30am Furphy pig toughs, claw foot baths, old seeders, electric coppers, quality household kitchen, trailers, timber & firewood, combustion stoves, fence posts & pickets, paint, scrap, old sewing machines, old wares, fridges & freezer, chest of drawers, table & chairs, air-conditioners, toys, plastic drums, roof tin, caravan, man cave stuff.

Detailed listing: www.kerangantiques.com.au/nextsale Terms: Number system to operate cash on day of sale, eftpos available.

CALL 0427 860 627 or 0428 386 171 steven@kerangantiques.com.au

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SPORT

Adviser

Talent on show at cup

INTO BATTLE… The Murray Bushrangers heading out onto the field to take on the Oakleigh Chargers last weekend. Photo: Will Adams.

Kicking off the season T H E 2020 A FL NA B League began last weekend with the women’s Murray Bushrangers taking on the Oakleigh Chargers in Wangaratta. The Murray Bushrangers were unfortunately defeated 75-25.

Season 2020 will see games played across five different states (Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory & Queensland), and feature matches throughout regional Victoria including Wangaratta, Albury, Shepparton, Echuca, Bendigo, and more.

AFL head of talent pathways and state

league competitions, Tristan Salter said the fixture solidifies the NAB league as one of the premier competitions for junior football talent in the country.

“In just one season the NAB League has had a major impact on the AFL/AFLW national drafts with more than 50% of the total draftees coming from the NAB League,” Mr Salter said.

The Murray Bushrangers will take on the Western Jets in Bundoora this weekend, while the men’s competition doesn’t begin until Saturday, March 21.

THE WINNERS… The Bendigo SDS team after being presented with their well-deserved medals and trophy. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

LAST Wednesday, February 26 saw the fifth Goulburn Valley Harmony Cup at Princess Park in Shepparton. The day saw teams from across the region compete to see who would take home the Harmony Cup and medals.

Hosted by Shepparton Youth Club United Cricket Club, the GV Harmony Cup is for people in the Goulburn Valley with any type of disability, of any age or gender and aims to get young people onto the pitch and having a go.

Special guests included players from

the Melbourne Renegades and Stars, and players from the all abilities Taverners Australia team.

Taverners Australia player, Lachie Mcrae said, “There was some real talent out on the pitch which was great to see. But it’s really just nice to see young people getting outside and just having a go.”

Bendigo SDS defeated the GV Wallabies to take home the cup, however Verney Road managed to score the highest score of the day.

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