The Adviser 1547

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COMMUNITY CONNECT | page 16 Letters to the Editor | page 4 7 Day TV Guide | page 22 Employment & Trades | pages 19+21 /SheppartonAdviser

AUSSIE BMX TEAM PLANS TO RETURN

FUNDING AT RUMBALARA WILL SEE MORE JOBS TOUR DE COURSE REVS UP

PIPEDREAM TO BECOME A REALITY

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No 1:1547

Hoping for the best as region hit by lockdown

By Struan Jones FINGERS are crossed across Greater Shepparton for the shortest possible state-wide ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown designed to tackle the latest failure of Melbourne’s hotel quarantine system.

The quarantine hotel slip-up saw a growing cluster spread from the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport. As of yesterday morning, there were 25 active cases in the state.

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Sport Adviser

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

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www.sheppadviser.com.au | ADVERTISING HOTLINE: 5832 8900

Local firm starts on $7M fish hatchery

FISH HATCHERY GETS STARTED... Minister for Fishing and Boating, Melissa Horne, was at the hatchery site as work gets underway south of Shepparton. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

By Steve Hutcheson S H E P PA RT O N c o m p a n y, A P E X Earthworks, has been awarded the contract to start construction of a new $7M native fish hatchery at Arcadia, on the banks of the Goulburn River.

Minister for Fishing and Boating, Melissa Horne, said the earthworks contract will

involve the construction of 32 ponds and employ up to 20 people on and off site.

The new hatchery is a key part of the State Government’s $35M investment into getting more people fishing, more often and in more places, and will boost the supply of popular freshwater species for stocking.

The ponds, each 30m x 60m that will

include 20 plankton ponds, will be used to grow newly-hatched native fish larvae that feed on microscopic creatures called zooplankton.

After about 10 weeks, the fish reach one gram and are ready for stocking into public waters.

The remaining 12 ponds will hold large Murray cod and golden perch breeding fish.

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NEWS

SAM appoints new development team LEADERSHIP TEAM... (l-r) Carmel Johnson, SAM chief executive officer Dr Rebecca Coates, and Anna Turnbull in front of the new SAM building. Photo: Supplied

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By Struan Jones THE Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) and the SAM Foundation have appointed former GV Health Foundation director, Carmel Johnson, as the new SAM head of development.

Ms Johnson joins the SAM team to take the reins on the building capital campaign and to manage SAM’s ongoing fundraising.

She will be supported in the role by Ardmona resident, Anna Turnbull.

SAM artistic director and chief executive officer, Dr Rebecca Coates, welcomed Carmel and Anna to the team, saying, “The pair will bring a deep understanding of our community’s values and, draw on their extensive networks to ensure we engage with a cross section of our community.”

The pair will build on the work of a campaign which has raised more than $7.5M

in pledges so far.

Ms Johnson described the new SAM as a game changer for the Greater Shepparton community.

“T he new SA M is prov id i ng t he community with a unique opportunity. This aspirational building is a reflection of what our community is capable of, a place to celebrate and immerse ourselves in our diverse culture and rich Indigenous history,” she said.

“SAM will stimulate participation in the arts and all things creative, it will generate pride and a true sense of place.”

In coming weeks, the SAM team will begin the enormous undertaking of moving the art collection to the new building and start installing exhibitions.

The building will open later in 2021.

NEWS

HOLIDAY FUN... Tomoko Hart travelled from Euroa with her daughter Hana to have a paddle on Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake this summer. There was a 28 percent increase in visitors to Greater Shepparton from Regional Victoria during the summer holidays. Photo: Struan Jones

Destination: Shepparton Sizeable increase in visitors over holiday period

By Struan Jones THE Greater Shepparton Visitor C ent re noted a sig n i f ic a nt i ncrease i n Melbou r ne a nd Regional Victorian visitors to the region over the recent holiday season.

In comparison to the previous year, a massive 92 percent increase in visitors from Melbourne Metro and 28 percent increase from Regional Victoria

to the centre was recorded from Boxing Day 2020 to January 17, 2021.

However, with the crossing state borders a form of Russian roulette of late, interstate visitors were down 70 percent.

Greater Shepparton Visitor C entre manager, Maree G l a s son , s a id t here wa s a noteworthy increase in extended fa m i ly g roups hol iday i ng

together, staying in all types of accommodation.

“Understandably, after having not been able to catch up through the lockdown period, it’s nice to see so many families holidaying in our region,” Ms Glasson said.

“General outdoor activities and fun, exciting things to do with kids were most popular.

We m e t v i s ito r s w ho h ad enjoyed Kidstown, Aquamoves,

the Moooving Art cows, many parks and playgrounds, walking trails, fishing, swimming and had visited our local farms for the unique Greater Shepparton farm gate experience.”

The early months of 2021 will see the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre commence the transition to the new Shepparton Art Museum on Wyndham Street.

Sheed says pickers stuck in red tape INDEPENDENT Member for Shepparton District, Suzanna Sheed, has called on the Federal Government to cut red tape to help ensure workers who travel to the regions to pick fruit don’t lose out on entitlements or get ripped off.

A shortage of thousands of seasonal workers and backpackers has seen fruit rot on the ground this season as local orchardists struggle to make up the shortfall.

Governments, State and Federal, have tried to help by putting in place schemes to help recruit Australian workers.

“But red tape, especially how the Federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s ‘Relocation Assistance To Take Up a Job’ (RATTUAJ) scheme operates, or fails to operate, is costing workers time and money they can’t afford,” Ms Sheed said.

Ms Sheed said she has been contacted by six university students from Melbourne who travelled to Shepparton for work before Christmas.

“They completed their work but were

still waiting to be reimbursed for their accommodation under the Relocation Assistance program.”

“They were able to find an Airbnb which the six of them shared to reduce their costs,” Ms Sheed wrote in a letter to David Littleproud MP, the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Drought, and Emergency Management.

“They were placed with a contractor through Madec and while they had a number of issues during this time in relation to their experience, the final and most disappointing part of it is that they have still not been reimbursed for their accommodation.”

“Three of them are awaiting payment of their last week of wages from the contractor.”

“The red tape they have encountered throughout this process has been too great.

These young men are educated and aware of their rights and will pursue the situation as best they can, but they have expressed to me how incredibly difficult it must be for so

many of the workers, many of whom have a poor understanding of the language and are easily taken advantage of.”

School Bus Driver (Casual Position)

St Mary of the Angels Secondary College is a co-educational Year 7 – 12 Catholic Secondary College located in Nathalia.

The College’s independently owned and operated bus fleet is responsible for safely transporting students from across the region to and from school.

The successful applicant must have a HR Licence and will require a Working with Childrens Check.

Applicants are encouraged to act quickly.

Application Requirements and Role Description can be obtained from: www.smotanathalia.catholic.edu.au/about/employment Applications to be emailed to: principal@smotanathalia.catholic.edu.au Applications close Monday, 1st of March, 2021 St Mary of the Angels community promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 3

LETTERS

OPINION

Letters to the Editor

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.

CHEAP IMPORTS A SCOURGE Dear Editor, OVER recent months I have taken notice of the canned fruit available on our shop shelves.

As you know, China has been putting bans on our Australian products such as wine, grain and beef and other goods.

Why is it then every time I do my shopping, lots of products are being imported and sold to us?

In the past, SPC screamed out for help from the public and Governments for assistance.

I have heard SPC is labelling their canned fruit with Asian labels and exporting overseas

while cheaper canned SPC fruit cannot be found on our shelves anymore.

At the present time canned fruit is sold

by Aldi, Woolies and Coles, imported from South Africa, while today I went to IGA and to my surprise, canned peaches are from wait for it - China.

Why is our government allowing this to go on and selling Australia down the drain?

Something needs to be done on this matter urgently, not swept under the carpet.

Yours sincerely, Robert Dickson, Shepparton

TO OUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES Dear Editor, I WOULD like to give a shout-out to the vast majority of our wonderful local small businesses who have taken such a big hit through COVID-19 only to be hit again last Friday with Dan Andrews’ so-called five-day Stage 4 lockdown and all with only six hours’ notice. Our shoulders were pendulous at the thought of going through all this again, and

the big question is, will it only last five days or will Mr. Andrews extend it again? I am not holding my breath. Either way, please continue to support our wonderful local businesses and especially all our restaurants, cafes, pubs, and florists who missed out on a huge Valentine’s Day last Sunday and over the weekend. On this note, I heard a rumour that Valentine’s Day might be re-celebrated on Sunday, February 28 to help our local restaurants, cafes, pubs and florists catch up on some of their lost business. I hope this happens because several friends said they would love to do something special for the ladies and special people in their life, but the lockdown has to end first so let’s all do the right thing Yours sincerely, Bill Adams, Shepparton Want to have your say?

Email your letters to the editor to editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au Please keep letters to under 200 words.

Car thefts cause concern SHEPPARTON residents are again being warned to keep their cars secure after a spate of dramatic overnight car thefts occurred on Monday night.

According to reports, several cars and a

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quadbike were broken into in Shepparton East, apparently hotwired and later crashed, with at least one vehicle written off and belongings stolen from the vehicles.

Shepparton police are investigating.

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CAB Audited to 29,588 homes, farms & businesses weekly on Wednesdays The Adviser is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association

The Goulburn and Murray Valleys’ largest circulating newspaper

NEWS

City Mayor appointed chair of regional cities group UPGRADE TO SPORTING FACILITIES... President of the Rumbalar Football and Netball Club, Paul Briggs, with State Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gabrielle Williams, announcing a new round of funding. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

Funding at Rumbalara will see more jobs

By Steve Hutcheson THE State Government is delivering a major upgrade for Rumbalara’s football grounds and netball courts that will create construction jobs and bring their facilities in line with the best in regional Victoria.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gabrielle Williams, visited Shepparton and the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club, which is set to kick the season off in style thanks to a $882,000 grant for new netball courts and other improvements.

“Sport is the beating heart of many communities, including right here in Shepparton – and we know this will make a real difference to the lives of

so many Aboriginal sportspeople within the Goulburn Murray region,” said the Minister.

The two new courts, with fencing and lighting, will improve safety for players, visitors and game-day officials and replace the existing courts that were installed almost 25 years ago when the club first opened.

The works also include a relocation for the players’ shelter, roofing for the bleachers, a new football perimeter and goal fencing.

The Rumbalara Football Netball Club is Shepparton’s Aboriginal-owned sporting club, dedicated to strengthening the community and bringing families together through strong, vibrant leadership.

THE Mayor of Greater Shepparton, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, has been appointed as chair of Regional Cities Victoria, a leadership group comprising the Mayors and chief executive officers of the 10 largest cities outside Melbourne.

Cr O’Keeffe, along with Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo, Cr Jennifer A lden , who was appoi nted deput y chair, will provide leadership to the regional cities group which represents Shepparton, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Collectively, these cities are home to more than 600,000 Victorians.

T h is is t he f i rst t i me a G re ater Shepparton Mayor has been appointed the chair, after Cr O’Keeffe previously served as deputy chair of RCV in 2019.

Following Local Government elections across the state, Regional Cities Victoria has welcomed seven new Mayors to the group, which represents regional Victoria’s interests to the State and Federal Government.

“I’m excited to be part of Regional Cities Victoria again, and look forward to bringing my experience to bear as RCV continues to advocate for investment to support sustainable growth in regional Victoria,” Cr O’Keeffe said.

"As we move to a COVID-Normal in

REPRESENT...

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, will serve as chair of Regional Cities Victoria. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

2021, regional cities and communities are already welcoming back visitors from around the state, and we know that regional living has never been more attractive.

“If moving to the country is the next big trend, we need to ensure that we have the infrastructure, services and amenities to accommodate new families and residents, so that we can maintain the unique liveability that regional cities have to offer.”

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 5

NEWS

Have you met...

ConnectGV NDIS manager, Alexandra Foster, has a long family history in Shepparton. Photo: Struan Jones

Where are you from, and how did you find your way to Shepparton?

Born and raised in Shepparton with my three sisters and two brothers, and I had a short stint living in Melbourne but moved back 6 years ago.

My dad’s family has been in the Shepparton area since before the 1850’s, and my Mum, along with her parents and siblings moved to Shepparton from England in 1968.

What do you do here?

I work at ConnectGV, a local not-forprofit disability support provider. I started with ConnectGV when I was 18 years old on the reception and have moved through a few different roles with them. When I was in Melbourne, I worked for another Disability Provider and felt very lucky to be able to come back to ConnectGV when I returned to Shepparton.

What's the best part of your job?

I’ve just moved into the brand-new position

Start me up, Shepparton

By Struan Jones THE future of motoring will inch slightly closer to Shepparton when new electric vehicle (EV) charging bays go operational in Shepparton and Mooroopna by April.

Two 50kw DC charging bays will be installed in Fraser Street, Shepparton, and two 25kw DC bays in McLennan Street, Mooroopna, allowing EV drivers to power up.

Currently in Greater Shepparton, Dookie’s Tallis Winery has a Tesla charger, and four

charging bays have been installed at the new SAM. Belstack Strawberry Farm in Kialla West has also received funding to install one charging bay. Council also has two charging stations to charge two of their EVs. Electric Vehicle ownership in Australia is still in its nascent stages, making up only 1 percent of all car sales – or 6718 cars - sold in the country in 2020. This compares to about 140,000 EVs sold in Norway in 2020 – 54 percent of the market.

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Alexandra Foster? of NDIS manager, and I’m very excited to be the first to hold the role and to move into the senior management team.

I really love what the organisation stands for in our Mission, Vision and Values and that I can make some impact and differences in the lives of the people we support.

The 10 years I’ve had in the disability sector have flown by and I love it more and more as I go.

How would you describe Shepparton in three words?

Home. Diverse. Possibilities.

What do you do outside of work?

I spend time with my partner Kade, and with our American Bulldog, Ruby.

I enjoy a bit of Netflix and love watching The Office, RuPaul’s Drag Race and true crime documentaries.

I’m studying a Diploma of Business and when I have time, I love spending time with friends

However, electric cars are undeniably the future of motoring. A typical electric vehicle charged using the average Australian electricity grid generates about 40 percent fewer emissions than a petrol-powered car with an internal combustion engine, a recent Queensland University of Technology study found.

Plus, with virtually no engine maintenance required and the cost of charging an electric car battery the equivalent of about 40 cents per litre for fuel, the running costs of an electric car are low compared to a petrol car.

The new charging stations in Shepparton and Mooroopna will literally put the twin cities ‘on

and family, especially my nieces and nephew.

Kade and I are also in a six-week challenge at Origin Athletics which we are really loving and are excited about continuing our fitness goals there.

What's your favourite thing about Shepparton?

I love the opportunities we have and the passionate people who live here who strive to make it a better and exciting place to live. I feel like the whole region has so much to offer, and we have some great people around who care about the community and the others living here.

What's one thing you would change about Shepparton to improve it?

I would change the perception some hold of the region – I feel like we get a bad rap and that it can be easy to focus on the negatives, but I really do believe we have some great things going on here and that there’s exciting things to do if you look for them and are open to it.

THE FUTURE IS BETTER...

The new SAM carpark will have four electric vehicle charging stations.

Photo: Struan Jones

the map’ of where fast charging stations can be found. Currently, the closest charge stations are in Euroa, Avenel and Bendigo.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 7

NEWS

Not so furry friend drops by TATURA’S Nicole Pratt was standing in her kitchen one afternoon when the sudden, frantic chirping of willie wagtails caught her attention.

Nicole proceeded to investigate and was met with the sight of a large goanna scaling the exterior of her home.

She quickly grabbed her camera and snapped some photos of her reptilian visitor.

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Goanna is the name given to any of the various Australian monitor lizards of the genus Varanus, as well as to certain species from Southeast Asia. There are around 20 species of goanna, 15 of which are endemic to Australia.

If you spot a goanna on your property, don’t be tempted to give them a pat, they aren’t the friendliest of prehistoric survivors.

GODZILLA... One of the dinosaurs still among us. Photo: Nicole Pratt

S H E PPA R TO N

ROUND UP FEBRUARY 2021

SAVE THE DATE CoolHeads Young Driver Program returns to Shepparton on June 9.

More program details to come...

What is the CoolHeads Young Driver Program?

The reality is that 16- to 25-year-old drivers have the highest risk of being killed or seriously injured on our roads. A death or serious injury of a young person through road trauma also leaves a devastating impact on families and friends.

Our aim is to motivate all drivers to reduce driver distraction each time they get behind the steering wheel or in a passenger seat.

GET THE EDGE

The Blue Light - Blue Edge Program launched its latest Greater Shepparton Program at the Mooroopna Campus of the Greater Shepparton College last week.

What is Blue EDGE? Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow, Empower) is a holistic program run by Blue Light in partnership with Victoria Police combining physical training, mentoring and life skills.

Delivered twice weekly, Blue EDGE includes three key components: 45 minutes of physical training and team building fitness circuits; a shared meal; and a workshop discussion or presentation by guest speaker.

Blue EDGE aims to reduce crime through prevention: Building positive relationships between young people, their peers and police, and creating wider support networks for the young participants involved.

Brought to you by

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 9

NEWS

Big picture planning a must

By Struan Jones NOTHING meaningful ever happened without a plan, and that’s why the Shepparton and Mooroopna 2050: Regional Cit y Grow th Plan is so important for the region.

Planning for the Growth Plan began back in 2018, but several rounds of community consultation and countless attempts to iron out sticking points have kept it out of arms’ reach of a definitive Council decision.

Speaking vaguely, the Growth Plan is a high-level strategy that sets out the future vision for Shepparton and Mooroopna and guides sustainable future growth and development over the next 30 years.

A c c ord i n g to a 2 019 DE LW P document, Victoria in Future, which details the state’s future population projections, Greater Sheppar ton’s population is set to grow from 66,010 in 2018 to 77,690 in 2036.

That sort of population growth is the equivalent of adding almost a whole Mooroopna- and Tatura-sized township to the region, so strategic planning is supremely important in getting it right.

That level of growth will require approximately 350 new dwellings per annum to accommodate the projected

CENTRAL BUSINESS... The population of Greater Shepparton is expected to grow to 77,000 by 2036. Photo: Struan Jones

population growth.

It’s a case akin to what the Queen of Hearts tells Alice in Wonderland: “My dear, here we must run as fast as we can just to stay in place. And if you wish to go anywhere, you must run twice as fast as that.”

Greater Shepparton needs a plan to grow. Available residential land is already in short supply, and deciding on where to make that land available, and how to integrate a city that thrums around a vibrant – not vacant – CBD, will be critical.

Consideration of 2050 Growth Plan deferred COUNCIL consideration of a growth plan which will guide the development of Shepparton and Mooroopna over the next 30 years is set to be deferred again.

At last night’s Greater Shepparton City Council Meeting, the Shepparton and Mooroopna 2050: Regional City Growth Plan was on the agenda only in as much to defer its consideration to next month’s meeting to allow for more time to review 78 submissions received during the latest round of community consultation.

At the August 2020 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council resolved to defer consideration of the adoption of the growth plan for six months to February to allow time for extended community consultation.

"It is imperative that Councillors have sufficient time to consider all submissions received and Council officers' responses to those submissions ahead of a final Growth Plan," Mayor, Cr Kim O'Keeffe said.

If the Growth Plan is adopted by Council, a planning scheme amendment will be prepared to implement the findings of the plan into the local planning scheme, where it will guide development across the twin cities up to 2050.

Any planning scheme amendment is expected take 12-18 months to complete and further consultation will occur as part of this process.

Time for an upgrade

BACK TO UNI... Data Parts Shepparton co-owner, Sebastian Mangiameli with sales assistant Michael Rizzeri. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

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HEADING back to university shortly?

Chances are you probably need a laptop or iPad upgrade. You probably spent more hours than you care to admit binge watching T V on your devices last year and they may not be running as efficiently anymore.

With a plethora of choices on the market, it can be hard to discern what products suit your needs and what will work within your budget to deliver the most for your money.

Whether you need a new Windows or Mac laptop or tablet to take notes for university, want to upgrade to the latest phone, or want to give your child an iPad, the friendly team at Data

Parts can help.

D a t a Pa r t s i s a l s o a n A p p l e Aut hor ised S er v ic e Re sel ler a nd Provider, meaning they can help with repairs across all Apple products i nclud i ng i Phone s , i M ac s , i Pad s and Apple Watches. They are also authorised to sell a range of Apple devices and accessories and have a range on display in store for you to peruse.

Visit Data Parts online at www. datapar ts.net.au or in store at 3 Edward Street, Shepparton. To book an appointment for service or to speak to one of the specialist staff, give the team a call on 5821 7155.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 11

NEWS

Where does the buck stop?

By Steve Hutcheson FRU I T producers are in a pickle. The pandemic has compounded their problems in almost eliminating the regular source of their casual workforce, foreign workers and backpackers.

Of late, a lot of accusation of inaction has been levelled at the State Government in not providing a suitable avenue for foreign workers to overcome the very real restrictions being imposed to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and serve the needs of the farmers.

But in light of all the issues produced by international arrivals, particularly with the tennis tournament being the primary, if not sole source of disease transmission, is the action by the State to the betterment of the general population even if it goes against the interest of the farmers?

The other side of the farmer problem is that they cannot attract a suitable workforce from the general population. A common lament is they largely hold Australian workers as being lazy and unprepared to get off the welfare train, and ill prepared to work in a farm environment with long hours and hot conditions.

The Goulburn Valley region currently has a higher level of unemployment than the rest of the country, youth unemployment is in the order of 17 percent so it is not as if an available workforce is not there.

There are any number of industries that are dirty, hard and hot. Construction for one, mining, even some manufacturing jobs, yet they can still all manage to find workers without having to rely upon the government to solve their problems.

The foreign workers come cheap. From my own experiences working in the Pacific, typically Pacific islanders will work for around $20 a day. Getting ten dollars an hour is an absolute bonus so they will willingly come for six months with no expectation of working conditions. Countries around the world have developed a reliance for cheap foreign labour, migrant workers to the US and the UK, to the Middle East, even between different Asian countries.

The problem is that local workers will not descend to that loss of income or acceptable working conditions. Farmers in Queensland are finding that if they pay over award fixed rates and support working conditions

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FRUIT PICKING FACING MAJOR PROBLEMS... Victorian farmers are having difficulty finding pickers to harvest this year’s crop. Photo: APAL/Darren James Photography

other industries have to provide, they have a steady stream of workers and continued fruit production.

This pandemic is not going away and there is little chance that the government is going to relax the rules for one particular industry above all others.

Farmers may have to bite the bullet and rethink where they are going to source their workers from and what it will take to get them and that will not be easy. Their options at the moment seems to be let the fruit rot on the ground rather than change their practice and that is a problem.

Drunk and disorderly crime down but COVID offences up PU BL IC order of fenc e s such as drunkenness and disorderly behaviour plummeted last year across Victoria, while nationwide the nu mber of offenders fell to the lowest level in 12 years, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

However, a new category of crime, COVID-19 related offences, boomed in Victoria.

Au st ra l ia-w ide , of t he 10 , 0 45 offenders proceeded against for at least one COVID-19 related offence during 2019–20, Victorians accounted for 54 percent – or 5,457 – of those.

In Victoria: T h e r e w e r e 74 ,189 of f e n d e r s proceeded against by police in Victoria during 2019–20, a decrease of 2 percent from the previous year.

Principal offence type Just under a quarter (23 percent) of offenders had a principal offence of acts intended to cause injury, mainly assault.

This was the most common principal offence for Victorian offenders in 2019–20.

Offenders with a principal offence of: • Public order offences fell by

31 percent. Public order offences relate to personal conduct that involves, or may lead to, a breach of public order or decency. This includes offences such as public drunkenness, disorderly behaviou r in a public place and drinking alcohol in alcohol free zones.

• Miscellaneous offences surged by 24 percent, largely due to fines being issued for COVID-19 related offences • Illicit drug offences were up 6 percent Gender • 78 p e rc e nt of of f e nd e r s proceeded against were male.

Youth offenders • Offenders aged between 10 and 17 years comprised 11 percent of total offenders proceeded against by police in Victoria in 2019–20.

• There was little difference in the rate of offending amongst youth when compared with the total Victorian offender population: (1,273 youth offenders per 100,000 persons compared to 1,272 total offenders per 100,000 persons)

NEWS

Tour de Course revs up

By Struan Jones A WEEKEND of motoring fun will hit Sheppar ton nex t weekend, when the 2021 Tour de Course brings up to 50 participants and their unique cars to town.

What’s billed as a massive weekend of events based in Shepparton and the region, the Tour de Course is a chance for motorsport enthusiasts to show their wares – and their skills – on track and road.

Local organiser, Robin Knaggs, said the three-day event starting on Friday, February 26 and finishing on Monday, March 1, would involve circuit sprints, auto tests and competitive navigation.

“There’s also various cars: late-model Porsches to Mercedes-Benz' to Subaru W RXs, Mitsubishi Evos - all different makes and models,” he said.

GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES... (clockwise from far back) Tony Onley, Jim Hepworth, Greg Jaeschke, Andrew Russell, Robin Knaggs (owner of the Porsche) and Shepparton and District Car Club president, Justin Aylett. Photo: Struan Jones

Saturday will start at DECA Shepparton, followed by a navigation course finishing at the event’s home base at the Sherbourne Terrace.

Sunday will be a day at Wilby Park Raceway about an hour northeast of Shepparton, and Monday will be spent at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in

Broadford.

Up to 50 entries will be accepted, with spots still available. For more information, see komotoringevents.com.au.

All Abilities Harmony Cup date unchanged THE 2021 GV All Abilities Harmony Cup, hosted

by Shepparton United and Youth Cricket Club, is set to continue despite the announcement of recent Coronavirus restrictions.

The cricket carnival is for people in the Goulburn Valley with any type of disability, of any age or gender and will be held at Princess Park, Shepparton on Wednesday, February 23 starting at 9.30am.

The line-up of teams has grown to 13, with about 135 players expected to turn out for the day.

“We aim to have two divisions and spread over both ovals at Princess Park,” Tony Giblin, vice-president of the Shepparton United and Youth Cricket Club, said.

“The overall response has been fantastic. Just need weather and removal of lockdown on our side to make this a great event.”

What started out six years ago as a friendly match between two teams from Shepparton Disability services and support organisation Connect GV, has grown to a regionwide carnival of cricket.

The round-robin format of matches features 10-overs per side games with modified rules. There will be guest appearances from international cricketers Sarah Elliott and Ray Bright.

A barbeque will be put on by the Shepparton South Rotary Club and the Melbourne Renegades T20 franchise cricket team promotional van will also be in town.

To participate in the event as a team or individual please contact Tony Giblin from Shepparton United and Youth Cricket Club on 0407 246 778.

Toolamba Bridge closure BRIDGE maintenance works are scheduled for the Toolamba Bridge from Saturday, February 20 to

Thursday, February 25, between 7am to 7pm daily.

Detours will be in place during the works. Drivers are

advised to be aware of changed conditions and allow additional time to take alternative routes.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 13

NEWS

Pipe-dream to become a regional reality A DESIRE to grow regional employment and re-invigorate home-grown manufacturing are the driving forces behind one of Shepparton’s newest businesses, Gradian Hydrotech.

Shepparton’s Mathew Ryan and Deepak Singh said they have big plans for the impact they can bring to the civil construction and water industry following the acquisition of agribusiness Total Eden in December last year.

It was a plan hatched more than five years ago to make a difference to the region.

“The impact of the acquisition is huge for us because we are both strongly driven to support regional communities and grow jobs.

It’s something we’re excited about and this is the latest step,’’ Mathew said.

Gradian Projects was born just over three years ago when in 2017 the pair, which worked on GM Water’s Connections project from 2015,

started their own company, with their own vision to impact the industry.

In 2018, Gradian Group acquired Milcast, a Finley-based precast concrete business from Murray Irrigation Limited.

“That was a huge step for us. It allowed us to start to seriously invest in local businesses and retaining small manufacturing in our own backyard,’’ Deepak said.

He said the historical significance of the latest acquisition is not by chance, and while it adds another step in the growth of their business Gradian, it also returns the business to its strong local focus and familiarity.

“Total Eden was started by Rob Rye in the mid ‘80s to service the local agricultural industries and we believe this is a return to those days, where communities can trust that local ownership makes a real difference and impact on

PASSIONATE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY... Gradian Hydrotech’s Mathew Ryan and Deepak Singh have big plans for the region’s civil construction and water industry. Photo: Struan Jones

the community,’’ Deepak added.

The pair brings a wealth of knowledge to the businesses, since working together on the Connections project. Deepak has worked on multi-billion-dollar airport, mining, construction and water works projects and holds an MBA, while Mathew has a Bachelor of Business and Information Systems with more than 20 years’ experience in aquaculture and the water industry as construction and project manager.

Care for the community is a motivator that drives them and the growth of Gradian Group and now Gradian Hydrotech, the duo is proud to have retained all current employees of Total Eden and have a goal on doubling their workforce in 2021.

“It’s part of what drives us both. When we imagined Gradian prior to 2017 we had a vision to make a difference, employing locals and buying and selling to local businesses and customers,’’ Mathew said.

Community groups looking forward to container deposits

By Steve Hutcheson ANYONE who is perhaps of the same vintage as myself, will no doubt have recollections as a kid of collecting beer bottles and soft drink bottle as a ready source of pocket money. If memory serves me well, it was around ten-bob (one dollar) for 12 dozen beer bottles, lemonade bottle returned sixpence (five cents), a reward that had me scouting around the neighbourhood for bottles.

The recent announcement by the State Government to have a 10c refund scheme for drink containers is not before time and will likely provide a cash windfall for numerous

community groups, charities, schools and sporting clubs.

Commenting on the announcement, Jeff Angel, director of the Boomerang Alliance, said the government had clearly done a significant amount of research before putting forward the split model as the best version for Victorians on a container deposit scheme (CDS).

“The government’s preferred approach encourages the beverage companies to be accountable for the pollution they produce, and also creates an independent operator whose focus is on maximising refund points so we can get the best of both worlds, with good engagement of drink companies

Page 14 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021

and a clear focus on collecting as many used bottles and cans as possible,’’ he said.

“While the Victorian Government has recommended the best scheme for the community, there is no doubt the beverage giants will fight for their own, inferior version.

In states where the beverage giants have run the CDS we have seen lower container returns, and it’s essential that the beverage industry’s focus on retaining profits does not contaminate the scheme’s capacity to offer the best level of refund service.’’

LEAVE NO ONE IN NEED Family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and their children

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RED SHIELD APPEAL

NEWS

continued from front page

Hoping for the best as region hit by lockdown

Two out of three ain’t bad?

February 22.

President of the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, John Anderson, summed up the feeling of the business communit y: “Frustration, frustration, frustration.”

“There’s a feeling that the regions didn’t need to lockdown quite so strictly,” he said.

“There was shock horror among florists and hospitality venues at the announcement on Friday, right on Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.” “This just knocks confidence again. We don’t want this to keep happening and there should be a long-term plan where regions are

THE state was plunged into a five-day lockdown last Friday, when Premier Daniel Andrews set stage four restrictions which reintroduced the ‘four reasons to leave your home’ limits, including a 5km travel radius restriction and compulsory mask-wearing.

Meanwhile, the first 142,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine landed in the country on Monday, with more to follow.

S t ate -w ide , about 170 , 0 0 0 Victorians are included in the first phase of the vaccine rollout, which includes front-line healthcare workers, aged-care and disability residents and workers. Jabs are expected to start from Monday

REGIONAL FRUSTRATION... Empty streets on Shepparton’s Fryers Street on Monday. Photo: Struan Jones

treated differently.”

“Shepparton is close enough to Melbourne to have concerns, but it’s also far enough away to be protected by a different response.”

Concerns have been raised over Victoria’s troublesome hotel quarantine system, with a potential new site at Avalon A irport suggested by airport boss, Justin Giddings, to house returning overseas travellers rather than in metropolitan hotels.

According to statistics from

respective health departments, between March 29, 2020 and February 9, 2021 Victoria has had more than five times the number of Coronavirus cases compared to New South Wales, despite quarantining significantly fewer returning travellers: • Total travellers quarantined: Victoria 35,666; NSW 124,893 • Total cases: Victoria 20,456; NSW 4940 • Total COVID-19 deaths: Victoria 820; NSW 56

Local firm starts on $7M fish hatchery continued from front page ONCE complete, the new hatchery will produce around 1.6 million native fish annually including Murray cod and golden perch initially, and potentially freshwater catfish and silver perch in the future.

The ponds are being constructed on the

170-hectare property, now owned by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and chosen for its warm climate, elevation, high quality ground and surface water and clay soils, perfect for pond building. The property also boasts two houses and 130 hectares of land ideal for fish farming.

Pond construction will be complete

by May and the hatchery operational by November.

The VFA has an Indigenous employment target for Arcadia of 50 percent and has also funded the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club to build a community-events trailer to promote fishing and help connect Indigenous youth to country.

By Struan Jones ABOUT two in three Australians want to get the COVID-19 vaccine, however 66 percent said they are worried about side effects and 37 percent said they do not believe or don’t trust the vaccine.

The results are from the latest Taking the Pulse of the Nation, conducted by economic and social policy research institution, The Melbourne Institute.

The fortnightly survey tracks changes in the economic and social wellbeing of Australians. The latest survey was conducted from February 1 to 6.

Remarkably, of the two in three Australians who want to get the vaccine, only 65 percent are willing to wait until people with a higher risk of contracting the virus or becoming seriously ill get vaccinated first.

Professor Anthony Scott, Professorial Fellow at the Melbourne Institute, said the successful roll-out of the vaccine would require better awareness around the effectiveness of the vaccine in controlling the deadly effects of the pandemic.

“We know that the efficacy of the vaccine relies on herd immunity. Our results suggest that more public education around how and why the vaccine works might help allay concerns and improve participation,” Professor Scott said.

SHEPPARTON REGION’S LEADING

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The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 15

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT / NEWS

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

UPCOMING MOOROOPNA COUNTRY MUSIC After a very popular country music in January, another is on Sunday, February 28 at Sir Ian McLennan Centre from 12 noon to 5pm. Guest artist is Ray Macartney. Entry: Members $7, non-members $8. Walk-up artists are welcome. Free tea and coffee. BYO cups. Barbecue lunch to purchase.

Backing music is Paul Zito’s ‘On the run’.

Memberships due this month. Phone Robin on 5824 1871.

HELPING A MATE In an effort to help our old mate Rick Ton with his battle with cancer, we are holding a fundraiser cricket match - Rick’s friends versus Rick’s workmates at Padman Stops.

Competition cricket at Tungamah has been booked for Saturday, February 27.

The day is kicking off at 11am. Bring fold up chairs and blankets to secure a prime position early. Cost is $10 for singles, $20 per family, which includes barbecue lunch. Bar run by local footy club, who will donate back to the event. Raffle as well. Donations are appreciated and welcomed for prizes for the raffle. For information: Paul Sidebottom 0447 168 645.

Search ‘Helping a mate!’ on FB. ONGOING GROW Mental wellbeing: Depressed? Anxious?

Isolated? Suffering grief or loss? Know someone who is? Grow groups meet weekly to offer peer support and use a proven educational program for mental wellbeing. Shepparton: 11 Service St, 1pm Wed. Tatura: 9 Kerferd St, 10am Wed. Visit www.grow.org.au for online groups. Details: Lindy 0448 052 769 CARAVAN CLUB THE MURRAY RIVER RAMBLERS Would like to invite you to join us for relaxing weekends spent with like-minded RV enthusiasts, phone Kaye, 0408 230 147.

MOOROOPNA CROQUET CLUB have sessions of croquet on Wednesday and Saturday mornings starting at 9.15am and Thursday evenings at 6.15pm. A good sport for all age groups, all equipment supplied, very friendly club. Ring 5825 4541 for more information.

FAMILY ANONYMOUS Family Anonymous is a self-help group for families and friends of those individuals with drug, alcohol or related behavioural issues.

Meetings are held each Wednesday from 6pm to 7.30pm at Church of Christ meeting room, corner of Nixon St and Corio St, Shepparton.

For more details phone 0475 272 680 or email fashepparton@gmail.com If you would like to have your community activity listed in our revised Community Connect, simply submit details in 50 words or less to editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au

Page 16 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021

ON THE JOB WITH BUILDER BOB... Actually, it is Nygal Brown of Cubed Contracting and carpenter, Oscar Westblade. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

Where are the Bobette’s of this world?

THE building industry is booming according to all reports and trying to find skilled workers has become a serious challenge.

For one local contractor, he has decided to go an alternate route, a more tongue in cheek approach to recruitment.

Nygal Brown at Cubed Contracting placed an advertisement on Facebook seeking a new addition to his team expressing particular qualities.

“We're on the hunt for another Bob, or Bobette. If you know this person, please encourage them to message Nyg. Must: - present well, comb your hair, be well groomed etc...

- have an interest in construction, in particular carpentry, tiling, and remodelling works - be physically fit, enjoy coffee, donuts, working out, hits from the 80's, and understanding classy movie references (or be willing to watch movies as homework to get the jokes)

- have a valid Australian license and a vehicle in which to arrive at work (no interlocks sorry) - be willing to work different hours, and be willing to travel for work - not have mum or dad call or message on your behalf, get off your arse and enquire yourself!

There's other stuff, but basically if you get past this then you've got half a chance.”

According to Nyg, trying to find good qualified people has become more difficult, a sign that construction overall is doing better than some other industries.

“I have no problem paying over award and looking after the team if they can do the work,” said Nygal.

So far although it has only been a few days, there has been no response to his advert, perhaps the 80’s music might put a few people off.

For anyone interested in working for Nyg, call him on 0458 235 121

Lift Off Education Scholarships awarded to 19 recipients YOU need more than just good marks to successfully transition from high school to university in the city.

For Shepparton school leavers, a move will likely involve finding an over-priced rental and working too many hours in a low-paying job just to get by. And that’s before you start to focus on full-time university study.

Addressing these problems is part of the motivation behind the Greater Shepparton Foundation awarding $106,000 in Lift Off education and medical scholarships to 19 recipients who are about to embark on their higher education journey.

The scholarships, awarded to young people aged 16–25, are for approved higher education courses including Diplomas and Bachelor programs and range from $2,000 for one year and up to $10,000 over three years.

Greater Shepparton Foundation chief

executive officer, Cheryl Hammer, said the scholarships are a response to the increasing number of our young people not able to afford the transition from secondary education to post-secondary education.

Over the past five years the scholarships have increased the number of students from the region who are able to pursue their education dreams.

A study has shown that young people from non-metropolitan regions in Victoria, such as Shepparton, defer university studies at twice the rate of their metropolitan counterparts, and currently only half of our young people finish secondary school and a quarter go on to tertiary education.

Ms Hammer said, “motivated by these results, we introduced the Lift Off scholarships to break down some of the financial barriers our students faced.”

NEWS

Drum beats on Shepparton bypass

By Steve Hutcheson WITH the roar of a number of heavy trucks pounding past in the background, Federal Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, lamented the delay that the Victorian G overnment has incurred in releasing the business case for the Shepparton Bypass project.

It was in April 2019, that the Mr Drum announced that the federal Government had approved $208M for the project based on 2016 estimates and contended that if he needed to go back to Canberra and fight for an additional $50M to $70M then he would.

In December, sitting Transport Infrastructure Minister, Jacinta Allan, indicated to Member for

Shepparton District, Suzanna Sheed that the business plan would be released in the early part of this year without providing a date.

“Having $208M in Federal Government funding just sitting on the table for the past year or more is ridiculous, it’s time the Victorian Government completed the business case and dipped into its pockets,” Mr Drum said.

Mr Drum’s call also comes on top of Member for Northern Victoria Region, Wendy Lovell, who said, “Ms Allan needs to explain to the Shepparton community why the already overdue business case for this vital infrastructure project has been further delayed.”

There is general agreement that

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS... Federal member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, has joined calls asking where the business case for the Shepparton Bypass is. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

the Bypass is desperately needed to move heavy vehicles off the through roads in Shepparton. As Mr Drum points out, “The Causeway

is the single access to Shepparton from the west, if an accident or a flood blocked off the highway, the outcome could be catastrophic in an

emergency.”

In seeking some clarity from the Minister’s office so far has not produced a response.

$500 bonus helps families cover back-to-school costs

A BERRY Street savings initiative has seen 63 Shepparton families better able to afford backto-school costs.

The Saver Plus program, funded by ANZ and the Australian Government, sees eligible participants join a financial education program over a ten-month period, then matches dollarfor-dollar savings of up to $500 to cover the costs of covering everyday school items such

as laptops, uniforms, shoes, backpacks and stationery.

Greater Shepparton coordinator, Jade McLeod, said she is seeing the positive impact Saver Plus is having on families in the community.

“It's been wonderful to see local families benefit from the matched savings and start the school year with a renewed sense of hope,” she

said.

“After a tough year due to the pandemic, I am amazed at the resilience of our community and those who have taken the initiative to enrol in programs like Saver Plus.”

The program has lasting benefits, too, according to a 2018 RMIT University report, which found that 87 percent of participants continued to save the same amount or more,

three to seven years later, and 73 percent were better able to provide for their families.

“Parents want their kids to start the new school year on the right step, and budgeting for school costs right after the holiday season can be tough,” Ms McLeod said.

“We always encourage families to enrol in Saver Plus now as an easy way to start saving for next year’s school costs.”

196125

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The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 17

NEWS

KEEPING IT LOCAL... Link Building Systems co-director and general manager, Andy George and co-director and registered builder, Cameron Wood. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

Employing locals WHEN you are successful in securing your future by landing a new role, it’s always reassuring to know you are working for an employer who wants to ensure you’re both in it for the long-haul.

A workplace that takes on the valuable feedback their own team provides, involves their employees in the development and growth of the business and implements good work practices is one which aims to retain their carefully selected team.

Link Building Systems, experts in all building, renovation, underpinning and insurance repair needs, have a long-term plan which marries in with the exceptional work environment they provide for their valued staff.

Providing employment opportunities for local people is important to Link Building Systems owners, Cameron Wood and Andy

George.

“We have established ourselves in the Goulburn Valley and as we continue to expand, we believe in supporting communities that support our business by hiring local people,” Andy said.

“The input our employees are encouraged to make in terms of feedback and ideas is invaluable to our business, we appreciate the innovative contributions we receive.”

Link Building Systems are currently seeking a first-year carpentry apprentice to join their team and encourage potential candidates to forward their CV through to account@linkbc. com.au for consideration.

Link Building Systems are your local builders and are located at 31 Telford Drive, Shepparton. They can be contacted on 5821 4516.

send us your snaps WA N T to se e you r photos i n t he newspaper? We are calling on all our readers to send in their photos for the chance to have it selected to go to print.

P h o t o g r a p h e r, R e n e M a r t e n s , captured this image on a recent visit to the Australian Botanic Gardens in Shepparton. The former landfill site in Kialla showcases Australian native plants set among distinct themed gardens and bushland that celebrates the history and diversity of the region.

Please send your photos to photo@sheppartonadviser.com.au or message it to us via our Facebook page ‘The Shepparton Adviser.’ If you are sending via email, please keep your email’s total size to under 8mb.

Major improvement underway on Maude Street WOR KS to replace the Maude and Vaughan Street roundabout with traffic signals is well underway, with traffic closed in all directions for the duration of the works, which are expected to be complete by April.

Works include demolition of the rou nd ab out , remova l of ex i s t i ng pavement, storm water upgrades, new pedestrian crossings, concrete works, re-asphalting the intersection, new traffic signals and landscaping.

“It is exciting to see the major redevelopments happening and we are really looking forward to the significant i mprove m e nt s b ei n g c omple t e d ,” Greater Sheppa r ton Cit y C ou nci l director of infrastructure, Phil Hoare, said.

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DIGGING IT UP... The Maude/ Vaughan Street roundabout is being replaced with traffic signals in a project due to be completed

by April. Photo: Struan Jones

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Page 18 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021

The Goulburn and Murray Valleys’ largest circulating newspaper

Newspaper House 219-225 Wyndham Street, Shepparton T 5832 8900 F 5832 8920 E mspencer@sheppartonadviser.com.au www.sheppartonadviser.com.au

CLASSIFIED

BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIEDS NOW

online www.sheppadviser.com.au Email classifieds@sheppartonadviser.com.au Phone 03 5832 8989

EMPLOYMENT

PART TIME FARM HAND POSITION Direct Support Professional – Greek Support Needs

Community Living & Respite Services (CLRS), Echuca has vacancies available for Direct Support Professionals to support a female ĐůŝĞŶƚ ǁŚŽ ƐƉĞĂŬƐ ďŽƚŚ ŇƵĞŶƚ 'ƌĞĞŬ ĂŶĚ ŶŐůŝƐŚ͘ /ĚĞĂůůLJ͕ LJŽƵ ǁŝůů ĂůƐŽ ƐƉĞĂŬ 'ƌĞĞŬ ĂŶĚ ŶŐůŝƐŚ͕ ŚĂǀĞ ĂŶ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ŽĨ ŵĞŶƚĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ĐŽŽŬŝŶŐ͘ zŽƵƌ ƌŽůĞ ǁŝůů ŝŶǀŽůǀĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ĂƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ĚĂŝůLJ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŵĞĂůƐ͕ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ĐĂƌĞ͕ ĂƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ĞǀĞƌLJĚĂLJ ŚŽƵƐĞŚŽůĚ ƚĂƐŬƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĞĂŶŝŶŐĨƵů ĞŶŐĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů community.

SALES/DECOR CONSULTANT A unique full time Sales/Decor Assistant position assisting clients in home decoration in a long established Shepparton business.

Applicants must have exceptional organization and time management skills, computer skills, good mental maths ability, bright personality and previous retail sales experience to become part of our dedicated team.

If you think you may be the person we are looking for, please email your resume and cover letter to teena.shepparton@dollarcurtains.com.au by Friday, February 19th.

LEARNING SUPPORT OFFICER &Ƶůů ƟŵĞ ͮ ^ ϮͲϭ

^ƚ DĂƌLJ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŶŐĞůƐ ^ĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ ŽůůĞŐĞ EĂƚŚĂůŝĂ ŝƐ ƐĞĞŬŝŶŐ Ă ĨƵůů ƟŵĞ >ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ^ƵƉƉŽƌƚ KĸĐĞƌ ƚŽ ũŽŝŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ >ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ^ƵƉƉŽƌƚ dĞĂŵ͘ ^ƚ DĂƌLJ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŶŐĞůƐ ŝƐ Ă ĂƚŚŽůŝĐ ^ĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ ŽůůĞŐĞ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŽīĞƌƐ Ă ǀĂƌŝĞƚLJ ŽĨ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶĂů ƉĂƚŚǁĂLJƐ ĂŶĚ Ă ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĐƵůƚƵƌĞ ĨŽĐƵƐĞĚ ŽŶ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟǀĞ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĞ͕ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ƚĞĂŵƐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶŚĂŶĐĞĚ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ͘ AƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ͗ • ĐŽǀĞƌ ůĞƩĞƌ ƌĞƐƉŽŶĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ZŽůĞ ĞƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ • ƵƌƌŝĐƵůƵŵ sŝƚĂĞ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƚŚƌĞĞ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů ƌĞĨĞƌĞĞƐ͘ dŚĞ ZŽůĞ ĞƐĐƌŝƉƚŝŽŶ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ŽďƚĂŝŶĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ƐŵŽƚĂŶĂƚŚĂůŝĂ͘ĐĂƚŚŽůŝĐ͘ĞĚƵ͘ĂƵͬĂďŽƵƚͬĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ ƉƉůŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ ƚŽ ďĞ ĞŵĂŝůĞĚ ƚŽ͗ ƉƌŝŶĐŝƉĂůΛƐŵŽƚĂŶĂƚŚĂůŝĂ͘ĐĂƚŚŽůŝĐ͘ĞĚƵ͘ĂƵ ÖÖ½® ã®ÊÄ ½ÊݮĦ ã ͗ DÊÄ ù͕ ϭÝã Ê¥ D Ù «͕ ϮϬϮϭ St Mary of the Angels community promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Due to client request applicant must be female.

Tatura turf farm is looking for a farm hand to work part time, assisting with general maintenance operations around the farm. You must have an Australian drivers license and your own means of transport, flexible working hours available. If interested please send your cv to michael@globalturf.com.au

TRUCKDRIVER/ PLASTER CARTER We are looking for a fit, strong person to assist in driving a MR truck, carting plaster & also helping in the store at our Shepparton business, a forklift licence would be a bonus.

To apply, ring Peter on 0409 585 518

&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ǀŝƐŝƚ www.clrs.org.au/jobs Žƌ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ŵĂŶĚĂ <ĂLJ͕ ,Z ŽŽƌĚŝŶĂƚŽƌ ŽŶ 5480 2388.

Employment safety screening applies.

CLRS is an equal opportunity ĞŵƉůŽLJĞƌ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞƐ ĚŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ͘

Primary Care Connect is growing! We are seeking a range of experienced, motivated and highly skilled people to join our growing team.

^ƵƉƉŽƌƟŶŐ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ĚŝƐĂďŝůŝƚLJ͕ ĐĂƌĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĂŐĞĚ͘

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PRACTITIONER – SPECIALIST FAMILY VIOLENCE SERVICES PRACTITIONER – PERPETRATOR SERVICES

CAREER

CHANGE? If you are looking for a career change or need new staff to fill a position in your business, then the Adviser Classifieds is the choice for you.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Council is seeking applications for the position of Town Planner within the Development team. Within the area of responsibility, this role is required to: %

% % % % % % % %

Assist the Director Technical Services in managing the planning, regulatory and development sections of the Council under the direction and guidance of health, building, town planning, environmental and other relevant legislation.

3UHSDUH VWUDWHJLF SODQV IRU &RXQFLO ZKLFK UHÀ HFW IXWXUH planning requirements and community needs; Oversee health inspections of relevant premises within the Berrigan Shire; Monitor the inspections of existing Council structures to ensure DFFHSWDEOH VWDQGDUGV DQG VWUXFWXUDO HI¿ FLHQF\ ¿ UH VDIHW\ health and amenity are maintained for the community; Manage the maintenance and development of Council’s building assets and associated infrastructure; Oversee all stages of the development application and approval process for residents of the Berrigan Shire; Respond to inquiries and complaints regarding building and public health matters; Develop and implement public health education programs; Manage and Lead a team of four staff.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: % 7HUWLDU\ TXDOL¿ FDWLRQ LQ 8UEDQ DQG 5HJLRQDO 3ODQQLQJ RU HTXLYDOHQW % Demonstrated experience in urban and regional planning; % Demonstrated knowledge of relevant legislation % Minimum two years’ experience in similar roles % Australian Drivers Licence All applications must include a Cover Letter, Resume & Completed Application Form, a copy of the Application Form and Position Description are available at www.berriganshire.nsw.gov.au or by phoning Sam Armer on (03) 5888 5100. If you wish to discuss this position further, please contact Matthew Clarke on (03) 5888 5100.

5832 8989 The Goulburn and Murray Valleys’ largest circulating newspaper

$SSOLFDWLRQV VKRXOG EH PDUNHG ³&RQ¿ GHQWLDO´ ± '(9(/2 30(17 MANAGER - PO1102021 and forwarded to: The General Manager Berrigan Shire Council 56 CHANTER STREET BERRIGAN NSW 2712 Or to: jobs@berriganshire.nsw.gov.au

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 2.00pm Wednesday, 17th February, 2021

Berrigan Shire Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

(Multiple Positions Available) Contact Person: Sheree Monteleone – Manager Family Violence Services

CARE RECOVERY AND COUNSELLING CLINICIAN

75 Hours per Fortnight Contact Person: Debbie McDonald – Manager Alcohol and Other Drug Services

Has the following position available:

EXPERIENCED BOOKKEEPER /OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR (30 to 35 Hours Per Week) Lift N Shift is a local, long standing transport company located in Kialla. We are looking for a compentent and capable bookkeeper with the following skills to join our small friendly team.

Successful applicants should have: • At least 3 year experience using MYOB • Extensive payroll experience • Have excellent Excel and Word skills • Ability to carry out bookkeeping tasks to BAS • Excellent organisational skills & attention to detail • Knowledge of transport is desirable but not essential.

For a full position description or to email your application please email pasta1@iinet.net.au

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE – REFUGEE HEALTH PROGRAM 45 Hours per Fortnight Fixed Term until 30th June 2022 Contact Person: Paula Hanson – Manager Health Services

REFUGEE ACCESS WORKER 45 Hours per Fortnight Fixed Term until 30th June 2022 Contact Person: Paula Hanson – Manager Health Services

PERSONAL TRAINER

75 Hours per Fortnight Fixed Term until 10th December 2021 Contact Person: Paula Hanson – Manager Health Services Contact people can be reached via Primary Care Connect’s phone number (03) 58233200.

Applications for these positions will close at 5.00pm on Friday 26th February.

For position descriptions and to apply please visit our website www.primarycareconnect.com.au

Newspapersringthetills For your next advertising campaign phone 5832 8989 THE

AmemberofTheVictorianCountryPressAssociation

Has the following positions available:

EXPERIENCED LOW LOADER DRIVERS & SEMI TIPPER DRIVERS Above award wages are offered as well as excellent working conditions.

Hours are Monday to Friday, 6am to 5pm (overtime is available) Successful applicants should have: • Minimum HA licence • Construction Induction Card (or be prepared to obtain one) • Good driving record (Complete VicRoads printout required) • Should be able to pass medical for tipper drivers • Forklift & boom licences (desirable but not essential) – for low loader drivers • Be well presented & have good customer service skills • Live in the Shepparton area More information about these positions is available by phoning Frank on 0438 579 631.

Fax or Email your resume or previous employment history to Fax: 5823 2810 Email: pasta1@iinet.net.au

CLASSIFIEDS

T 03 5832 8989 W www.sheppadviser.com.au

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 19

CLASSIFIED BARGAIN BUYS 2 SEATER couch, good condition, $20 Ph 0400 214 989 BOOKSHELF FREE Ph 0410 001 381 BRASS bed head, end and rails $50 Ph 0437 546 396 CHAIRS outdoor, strong mesh, blue $15 each Ph 0433 818 594 Tongala Senior Citizens Club

FOR SALE

DOG KENNEL wood, weather resistant, bug repellent, suit small dog, very good condition $50 Ph 0407 824 333 HORSE Manure, 6 x 4 trailer load delivered Shepparton Mooroopna area, start preparing the ground for those winter vegies, they love it $30 Ph 0447 974 400 LEGO minecraft $25 Ph 0421 850 832 MYNA BIRD TRAPS $50 Mooroopna Men's Shed Ph Michael 0418 993 692 TV Panasonic, 39 inches, good working condition, used as a spare $50 Ph 0428 215 618 TV STAND/CABINET 93cm long, glass doors, adjustable shelf, swivel top, no scratches or marks $50 Ph 0428 215 618

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE: Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns.

Our Position Vacant/Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry a specific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for ‘Business Opportunities’, ‘Commission Only’ training courses and employment services should be submitted under those headings. Placing misleading ads is an offence against the fair trading legislation and all advertisements are subject to the publisher’s approval.

online www.sheppadviser.com.au Email classifieds@sheppartonadviser.com.au Phone 03 5832 8989

FOR SALE

ALLTYPE

GARAGE DOORS Supply, install & service.

Garage doors, Automatic doors & Gate openers Call Phil on 0418 577 280 or 5829 2221 RECLINER denim blue, double excellent condition, $500 ONO, must pick up, Ph 0438 025 171 Kialla Vic

PLANTS FOR SALE large variety to suit all gardens at affordable prices!

Plants on Mokoan 17 Mokoan Ave, Kialla Lakes Open 10am until 4:30pm

REGIONAL

MEAL DEALS

CHAIRS wooden directors chairs, canvas seats and back rests, 4 at $5 each Ph 5823 2752 DESK reasonable condition, no longer needed, assembly required FREE Ph 0410 001 381

BOOK YOUR CLASSIFIEDS NOW

BUY AN

PETS PET ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE:

As of July 2019, it is now a requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, that an advertisement must include the unique source number (required from the Pet Exchange Register) of the seller and the individual microchip number of each cat or dog being sold or given away. These requirements apply to puppies and kittens as well as adult dogs and cats.

For further information phone 5832 8900.

4 YOUNG budgies, $10 each Ph 0473 860 306 JAPANESE QUAIL $12 each Ph 0493 054 759

WANTED TO BUY ALWAYS buying gold & silver, broken jewellery.

JB Jewellers, 265 Maude St, Shepparton. Ph 5831 1611 BOOKS non fiction, Australian history, true stories, biographies, no cooking or gardening Ph 0478 031 355 COUCH cheap or free Ph 0435 747 760 QUEEN BED cheap or free Ph 0435 747 760 WASHING MACHINE for large family, need urgently, working order, FREE Ph 0450 447 281 FOR YOUR NEXT ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN PHONE 5832 8989 THE

A member of The Victorian Country Press Association

8 KEBAB

$

TO RECEIVE A FREE CAN OF SOFT DRINK*

*PRESENT VOUCHER TO REDEEM DEAL

P. 5821 2277 64 High St @pizzaplaceshepparton Deal ends FEB 19th 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES

Did you know?

A simple way for job seekers and employers to come

together!

The Adviser’s Editorial and Complaints policies are available on our website at: http://www.sheppadviser.com.au/ editorial-policy/ If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about this, please email: editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au Or call our friendly team on (03) 5832 8900 or come and see us at 219 Wyndham Street, Shepparton.

TUITION

SPECIALISED TUTORING FOR 2021

Specialised, inĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ƚƵƚŽƌŝŶŐ ƐƚĂƌƟŶŐ ŝŶ &ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϮϭ͘ ,ŝŐŚůLJ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ƉƌŝŵĂƌLJ ƐĐŚŽŽů ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ůŝƚĞƌĂĐLJ ƋƵĂůŝĮĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ D͘ ; ŶŐůŝƐŚ ůŝƚĞƌĂƚƵƌĞ ĂŶĚ ǁƌŝƟŶŐͿ ŝƐ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐ ĂŌĞƌ ƐĐŚŽŽů ŚŽƵƌƐ ƚƵƚŽƌŝŶŐ ŝŶ ůŝƚĞƌĂĐLJ ĂŶĚͬŽƌ ŶƵŵĞƌĂĐLJ͘ For enquiries and/or to book sessions please call Natasha on 0474 754 394. Located in central Shepparton.

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CLASSIFIEDS COUPON

Deadline Friday 12 noon Address 219-225 Wyndham St, Shepparton Email classifieds@sheppartonadviser.com.au Conditions of acceptance - price must be included in advertisement and limit of 3 FREE advertisements (under $50) only per week

BARGAIN BUYS

WANTED TO BUY (FREE)

Phone number

One item per coupon. 14 word limit - 1 word per box.

Items under $50 FREE

Name ...............................................................................................................................................................

Address ...........................................................................................................................................................

Page 20 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021

For more information or to place your employment advertisement, please phone 5832 8989 or email classifieds@sheppartonadviser.com.au

Covering six newspaper towns on average weekly in one hit

The Goulburn and Murray Valleys’ largest circulating newspaper

ATYOURSERVICE Antenna • • •

Our region’s best Trades & Services

Asphalting • • •

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0400078711

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Local Pool Fencing Specialists • Aluminium & Glass • Pool Fencing • Slatted Screens • Timber Finish • Sliding Gates • Temp Fencing A&G CUSTOM FENCING • Onsite Welding

CALL 0414 993 394 WWW.ALUMINIUMGLASSPOOLFENCING.COM.AU

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Lawn Maintenance • • •

7210 GV Hwy, Kialla West

HAVING your home imperceptibly eaten by termites sounds like something from a horror film, however it is surprisingly common.

There is no insurance for termite damage, so homeowners need to take proactive steps to protect their investment.

During the cooler winter months, termites are less active, with numbers venturing out from a nest reduced by about 90 percent.

However, as the weather warms, as it is now, the queen gets hungry and sends out her armies en masse, travelling up to 100 metres to find your floorboards or walls.

Shepparton's home-grown pest control expert, Jason Aspland of Jason’s Pest Control, said every proactive homeowner should have their house inspected every year.

He said most of the calls he receives are from people who have stepped onto a formally-reliable floorboard to discover they’ve been housing hundreds or thousands of crawling housemates.

Massage • • •

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Rhys Cottrell

(03) 5823 2133

admin@cottrellselectrical.com.au REC NO. 3017

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SPECIAL TEAM TOP SERVICE

call 0417 010 991 fully insured - free quotes

Garden Care and

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Heating • • •

Armed with the cutting-edge Termatrac radar technology, he is able to detect termite activity using thermal and moisture imaging, tracing entry points to the house and even tracing the critters back to their nest.

For more information and a friendly chat, contact Jason Aspland from Jason’s Pest Control on 1800 599 699.

Mention this ad and receive a $30 discount.

FLOOR HEATING In-slab, under-tile and under-floor

ELECTRICAL FLOOR HEATING INSTALLATION & REPAIRS 7210 GV Hwy, Kialla West Ph: 5823 2133

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f: Shepparton Oriental Massage

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Waste Removal • • •

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53 Mitchell St, SHEPPARTON E: INFO@FRONTLINETRAILERS.COM.AU P:

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A PEST TO PESTS... Jason Aspland of Jason’s Pest Control is warning homeowners to have their homes inspected for termites as the weather warms up. Photo: Struan Jones.

Professional massuers and physiotherapists

138 Echuca Rd, Mooroopna | 55 High St, Shepparton 630c Wyndham St, Shepparton (near McDonalds) Call 5858 4503 or 0410 704 134

special pensioner rates

Gardening • • •

Massage • • •

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lawnmowing & edging, pruning, weeding & rubbish removal

Pest Control • • •

Electrician • • •

Termite season about to kick off

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FOR ALL YOUR CARPENTRY AND CONSTRUCTION NEEDS

Lot 1 & 2 Huggard Drive, Mooroopna

5825 3433 or 5825 2323

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 21

Page 22 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021

SPORT

Adviser

Aussie BMX Team plans to return to Shepparton postponed SHEPPARTON’S plan to welcome back members of the Australian BMX team for a special BMX development program on Thursday and Friday ahead of round 1 and 2 of the Victorian State Series this weekend has been put on ice in light of the recent lockdown.

According to Council, the event has been postponed with new dates to be announced.

Following on from the popular 2020 BMX Supercross World Cup last January, the city had received funding to develop a training and legacy program to support the growth and development of the sport in the region.

It had been planned that Shepparton World Cup silver medallists Anthony Dean and Saya Sakakibara will be joined by their fellow BMX Australian Cycling Team member Izaac Kennedy who won a bronze at the World Cup in Shepparton to help launch

the BMX Development Program for the Shepparton BMX Club.

The program will consist of students from both primary and secondary schools in conjunction with members of the Shepparton BM X Club having the opportunity to develop their skills on the track, as well as mentoring the future athletes of the sport.

BMX Australian Cycling Team technical director, Wade Bootes, said they were keen to get back to the Shepparton BMX track.

"We are all excited to return and compete at the Shepparton BMX Club. This will be the first time for many athletes competing since the World Cup last year," Mr Bootes said.

"We are also fortunate to be in town for the BMX development Program which will benefit so many students and members of the club."

The legacy program will launch the

WELCOME BACK, SOON... Australian BMX team athlete, Saya Sakakibara, was scheduled to be back in Shepparton for a BMX development program and the Victorian State Series this weekend. The program has been postponed. Photo: Supplied

region's BMX events in Greater Shepparton for 2021 including hosting Round 1 and 2 of the Victorian State Series as well as the

Victorian State Championships, scheduled for October 8-10.

Local footy, netball crowd numbers capped

By Struan Jones LOCAL football and netball matches will have crowd numbers capped at 1,000 under newly announced restrictions for community football.

According to AFL Victoria’s ‘Return to Training and Games Protocols’ document, updated this month, training

and games can resume for all participants, provided: 1. It is conducted outdoors.

2. A patron cap of 1000 3. Clubs maintain records of those attending their venue 5. Spectators follow relevant gathering rules The rules come more than one month prior to the Easter

round 1 opening of the Goulburn Valley League fixture, which sees action kick off on Friday, April 2. Given the unpredictability of the spread of the virus and subsequent restrictions, these guidelines could very well change several times before then.

Cricket forced to pulls stumps, again

CRICKET Shepparton’s horrible run of cancelled rounds has continued, with last Saturday’s afternoon of cricket cancelled due to the latest lockdown announcement.

The skipped round resulted in draws for all teams – the fourth time this has occurred this season, with rain, heat, and the threat

of rain cancelling previous A-Grade rounds.

With only 13 rounds in the season, it means 30 percent of the season’s matches have been abandoned so far.

With only three Haisman Shield A Grade left to play before the finals, Mooroopna, Kyabram, Nagambie, Waaia, Old Students,

and Numurkah round out the top six.

Also cancelled last weekend were the full suite of T/20 grand finals, scheduled at Mooroopna on Sunday.

Cricket Shepparton president, David D'Elia, said the grand finals have been tentatively rescheduled to the Labour Day

public holiday on Monday, March 8.

"There's still a lot of uncertainty, but that's the date we're aiming for," he said.

"It all depends on what restrictions we go to out of this lockdown. Do we go back to normal, or a different level of restrictions?

There are a lot of unknowns."

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Page 23

Page 24 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1547 Wednesday, February 17, 2021