The Adviser 1548

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REFRESHING NEW LOOK FOR GMCU PAGE 3

If It’s Got Wheels No 1:1548

Shepparton vaccines only weeks away

STARTS PAGE 13

ELECTRIC DREAMS PAGE 18

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021

NEW PRESIDENT FOR SHEPP UNITED SOCCER CLUB Sport Adviser PAGE 23

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

All abilities shine

By Struan Jones PFIZER-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines will be arriving in Shepparton in the coming weeks, with front-line healthcare workers and public aged care residents first in line to receive the jab from the Goulburn Valley vaccine hub.

The roll-out of the vaccines began in Victoria Monday morning, with the head of infection prevention at Monash Health in Melbourne, Professor Rhonda Stuart, the first Victorian recipient of the vaccine.

Continued Page 11

GREAT DAY OUT... GV Harmony Cup participants (l-r) Ben Richards, Jass Cooper, Jasmina Meka, and Rob Goulding were joined by former Australian cricketer Sarah Elliott (in black) yesterday for a day of cricketing fun at Shepparton’s Princess Park. Photo: Struan Jones

By Struan Jones A RECORD number of teams and participants turned out for the 2021 GV Harmony Cup at Shepparton’s Princess Park yesterday for the annual celebration of all abilities cricket.

In perfect cricketing conditions, more than 130 players from across the region representing 13 teams, padded up and rolled the

arm over in a round-robin of matches featuring 10-overs per side games with modified rules.

Hosted by Shepparton disability services and support organisation, Connect GV, and the Shepparton/Youth Club United Cricket Club, the carnival started out six years ago as a friendly match between just two teams.

Continued Page 11

NEWS

Bonus on offer for Aussies to get hands dirty on farms

By Struan Jones JOBSEEK ERS who take up seasonal horticulture work will be eligible for a $2,430 bonus as part of a taxpayer-funded scheme to attract more Australians into farm work.

The new $10M ‘Seasonal Harvest Sign-on Bonus’ will be provided in two payments, with $810 paid after two weeks of work and a further $1,620 paid after an additional six weeks of work.

To be eligible, workers need to complete at least 10 days’ work within a one-month period to receive the first bonus and at least another 30 days within a three-month period for the additional payment.

The agriculture industry, normally reliant on international workers, has faced labour shortfalls this harvest season in light of national and state border restrictions.

Australian citizens willing to work in the field have not made up the difference, despite government incentives.

The measure is designed to complement the plan to bring up to 1,500 Pacific Islander workers to the state, via a quarantine period in Tasmania, to help manage this year’s harvest.

Minister for Agriculture, Mary-Anne Thomas, spruiked the bonus by saying, "It’s a big day’s work, but the reward can be just as big – the Sign-on Bonus means jobseekers can take home almost $2,500 on top of their wage.”

“We’ve said from the start that while Pacific Islander workers will be important to the harvest’s success, it’s not a silver bullet. We’re doing all that we can to help

SWEET BONUS... The new Seasonal Harvest Sign-on Bonus is intended to attract more Aussies into farm work. Photo: APAL/Rosalea Ryan

our farmers get their produce to market – but we need a national approach.”

Victorian Farmers Federation president, Emma Germano, described the move as a step in the right direction, however its effects were more likely long-term rather than a short-term fix. “ T here’s a cle a r ne e d for more Australians on farms and often when people go to work on them they’re paid right and it’s a really enjoyable and rewarding experience,” Ms Germano said.

“You’re not stuck in an office all day, you’re out working the land in some of Victoria’s most beautiful areas.”

For further details about how to apply for the sign-on bonus, visit agriculture.vic. gov.au/bigharvest.

The Goulburn and Murray Valleys’ largest circulating newspaper CONTACT US: ADVERTISING: melanie.spencer@sheppartonadviser.com.au CLASSIFIEDS: classifieds@sheppartonadviser.com.au EDITORIAL: editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au WEBSITE: www.sheppadviser.com.au RECEPTION: Telephone: 5832 8900 ADDRESS: Newspaper House, 219-225 Wyndham St, PO Box 1664, Shepparton, Victoria 3630 The Adviser is a member of the Victorian Country Press Association

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Page 2 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021

NEWS

Refreshing new look for GMCU AS an organisation serving the needs of feel. It provides us with a great platform members and the community for over 65 that continues to enhance member owned years, GMCU has taken a step to freshen banking services that help the community up its branding with a new look and feel to and members to thrive.”

Ms Stragalinos added, “With the launch its services. of the new look for Speaking at the the brand, what we launch of the new are really launching look, GMCU board is a renewed chair, Eugenie prom is e. We a re S t raga l i nos sa id , committed to “We remain delivering banking committed to with purpose that delivering all the helps our members things our members achieve their have told us they financial and life value most about goals.”

GMCU, including G M C U ’ s putting the welfare CEO, Melissa Ralph refreshed look will of our members and community at the heart of everything we be revealed across the branch network via a rolling reveal across all ten branches do.”

CEO, Melissa Ralph said, “We are over the coming days. GMCU’s online and extraordinarily proud to have been able mobile app channels will also be updated to work with our members and local to reflect the new look and feel. suppliers to bring to life the new look and

TAKING OFF THE COVERS... GMCU CEO, Melissa Ralph. branch manager, Dallas Moore and board chair, Eugenie Stragalinos remove the covers from the new logo. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

We are extraordinarily proud to have been able to work with our members and local suppliers to bring to life the new look and feel.

SHOWING THE NEW LOOK... GMCU CEO, Melissa Ralph and board chairman, Eugenie Stragalinos in front of the new corporate logo. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 3

NEWS

Roundabout to be flattened STOP, GO... Traffic lights will be installed at the Knight Street/ Hawdon Street in a project designed to pre-empt the surge in traffic anticipated for the opening of the new campus of the Greater Shepparton Secondary College. Photo: Struan Jones

THE roundabout intersection of Knight and Hawdon Streets in Shepparton will be replaced by traffic lights.

The $4M upgrade of the intersection, not far from the new site of the Greater Shepparton Secondary College, Notre Dame College and St Brendans Primary School, is aimed at addressing traffic concerns once the new ‘super school’ is complete for the 2022 school year.

It is expected that more than 2,000 students will attend GSSC once it’s operational, leading to heavy traffic and the potential for congestion.

Federal Member for Nicholls, M r Drum, made the announcement last week which included $500,000 of funding to go towards improving road safety around Murchison Primary School and St Joseph’s

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Catholic Church in Cobram. This includes the installation of electronic speed limit signs.

“The concept of bringing four schools into one has led to many questions on how the traffic can be handled, this project assists with that,” Mr Drum said.

“It’s also a junction that’s close to Notre Dame and St Brendan’s schools so we know that part of Shepparton will be very busy every morning and evening.

“There will be challenges for town planners and the school will need to build capacity for buses, drop-off zones and parking. It won’t be simple or easy, but the Federal Government is trying to lessen the impact on our local roads.”

The three projects are expected to be completed by July this year.

NEWS

Questions asked over GV Health masterplan

SUMMER MARKET FUN... Shepparton’s Summer City Market returns this Friday and Saturday to the CBD. Photo: Supplied

Sun, fun and shopping

By Stephanie Holliday A SENSE of normalcy will return to 2021, with the Shepparton Summer City Market in the Maude Street Mall set to go ahead this Friday and Saturday.

Local traders are excited to welcome shoppers to the Mall and enjoy a weekend of shopping and great food, with great promotions on offer across the whole CBD. “Our local businesses need the support of the community,” Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, said.

“I encourage shoppers to get out and find a bargain, the Summer City Market will have fashion, homewares, jewellery and much more on sale throughout the event and unique market stalls, roving live music and food vendors, so treat yourself to a great day out and support our local businesses,” This year as part of the Summer City Market, the

Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be offering free parking at the multi deck car park on Friday.

Maude Street Mall trader, Peter Dunbabin of Focus Cards and Gifts, said he was excited to welcome locals back to the Mall after a trading hiatus last week.

“It will be wonderful to see an event taking place in our CBD, I look forward to welcoming customers through our doors and see the mall bustling with eager shoppers,” he said.

The market will be subject to COVID-19 regulations, with entry to the Maude Street Mall fenced off and kept at a limited capacity. Attendees must check in via QR code on arrival. Shoppers are advised that if they are feeling unwell, do not attend.

The Summer City Market is on at Maude Street Mall Friday, February 26 from 9am – 6pm and Saturday, February 27 from 9am – 4pm, for further details, check out Council’s Facebook page.

THE Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell, has continued to pressure the State Government for a commitment to fund the completion of the Goulburn Valley Health redevelopment, including a designated Mother & Baby Unit.

In a constituency question to the Minister for Health, Martin Foley, in State Parliament last week, Ms Lovell called on the Minister to release the long-awaited hospital masterplan and commit funding to complete the full redevelopment of the hospital in the 2021-22 State Budget.

According to Ms Lovell, nearly three years after it was due to be finalised, the GV Health masterplan has still not been released.

“With the 2021-22 State Budget to be delivered in May, it is time the Government committed the necessary investment to complete the redevelopment of GV Health to ensure the hospital meets the health needs of the Goulburn Valley community,” she said.

Ms Lovell said the need to complete the redevelopment was critical as components of the hospital, including mental health and outpatients, were not adequate to meet current and future demand and the need for a designated mother and baby unit to support young mothers and new families in the Goulburn Valley was unquestioned.

“The Minister must release the GV Health masterplan and ensure that the completion of the development is funded in the May State Budget,” she said.

Martin Foley’s office was contacted by The Adviser for comment but received no reply.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 5

NEWS

School built for two

MAKING PEOPLE LOOK AND FEEL GREAT... The Shepparton Skin & Body team (l-r): Manager, Chelsea Harbor, Bianca Puglisi, Jess Falsetta, Sam Usher, Kirstie Malloch, Abbey Cleeland and Stacey Ross, in their new location at 115 Wyndham Street, Shepparton. Photo: Struan Jones

Look good and feel better SE L F - C A R E h as never b e en more important than now, and looking after yourself can take many forms, including a trip to one of Shepparton’s best beauty salons.

One of the best pieces of advice you may need to hear is to ‘treat yourself as if you were someone you are responsible for helping’. Effective treatments at a dedicated salon can help you to look and feel great.

Shepparton Skin & Body has recently moved to its new location at 115 Wyndham Street, and offers a wide range of beauty services including laser hair removal, waxing, lash and brow services as well as a range of specialised skin and facial services, so you walk away with silky smooth skin

using the best products available.

Salon manager and beauty therapist, Chelsea Harbor, said the business has grown so much over the last three years since taking over the business and has even seen a boom in clients since last September when Coronavirus lockdowns eased.

“We felt that we’ve grown as a business and we needed something fresh to resonate with what we are now,” she said.

“We needed a new space. We’ve hired three additional beauty therapists and are excited to have our doors open to everyone.”

Shepparton Skin & Body is now at 115 Wyndham Street (just up from Higgins Bakery) and can be contacted on 5821 0271.

Page 6 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021

W HILE the new Greater Shepparton Secondary College will be one of the largest schools in the state, the region also has a surprisingly small number of schools that sit at the other end of the spectrum with student numbers.

Dhurringile Primary School in particular has only two students this year. Both of the seven-year-old boys are in grade two.

The school has a long history dating back to 1917 and served the needs of the surrounding rural community with up to twenty or more pupils at different times.

The facilities at the school are as might be expected at any school with the boys having access to a range of teaching aids that denote the times, computer tablets and Lego constructor aids with servo additions that serve to teach coordination and assembly skills in addition to extending their language capabilities.

Principal and teacher, Lisa Wilson said, “There are a number of schools, perhaps 10, in the region with a small cohort of students.

We coordinate regular activities together to give the students a sense of community with field and nature trips and the like.”

The two boys, Lachie Merriman and Jayde Klerk both enjoy going to school and being together.

PLENTY OF ROOM IN THE PLAYGROUND...

Dhurringile Primary School students, Lachie Merriman (7) and Jayde Klerk (7) with school principal/teacher, Lisa Wilson. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 7

NEWS

Adventure awaits

Welcome to Shepparton and pad up

By Struan Jones SPORT has always been a great social connection tool. On the field, attitude and ability are what counts. Ethnicity, religion or language are largely irrelevant, and nothing creates friends out of strangers faster than the esprit de corps of a sports team.

For these reasons and more, the Ethnic Council of Shepparton will be hosting an ‘Introducing new migrant children to cricket’ session this Friday.

In a coup for Shepparton, the special guest for the session will be former captain of the Sri Lankan national cricket team, Tillakaratne Dilshan.

Dilshan, an innovative and exciting cricketer with skills in all aspects of the game, played 87 tests for Sri Lanka, in a career that included 16 test centuries, 22 ODI centuries and a T20 average of 28.19.

The session aims to introduce one of Australia’s favourite sports to Shepparton’s migrant children, especially between the ages of 9 and 12.

Ethnic Council of Shepparton strategic engagement coordinator, Sam Atukorala, said there was likely a lot of untapped cricketing talent among young people from

SUPERSTAR OF THE GAME... Former Sri Lankan captain, Tillakaratne Dilshan, will run a cricket clinic on Friday at Shepparton’s Princess Park, particularly encouraging migrant youngsters to get involved in the global game. Photo: Supplied

newly arrived families.

“There’s no doubt about it, from clinics we’ve run in the past, it’s clear there are a lot of young, talented cricketers from many different backgrounds,” he said.

“Also, sport is a great connector. Getting involved in a local cricket club combats social isolation and leads to people engaging with the wider community. Kids play, parents volunteer, and friendships are made.”

The session will run on Friday, February 26 from 4.30 to 7pm at the Shepparton/ Youth United Cricket Club at Princess Park. No pre-registration is required.

Page 8 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021

EXPLORE AUSTRALIA...

Prestige Jayco Bendigo general manager, Tony Spence.

Photo: Supplied

E X PL OR I N G t he g re at out do or s with your own caravan or camper is an ingenious way to appreciate our wonderful country and all it has to offer while being able to retreat to the comfort and luxury of your own space.

The expert team at Prestige Jayco Bendigo are able to help you through selecting the perfect caravan or camper to suit your needs and budget.

Operating for almost 30 years, they are proud to be a dealership for an Australian made product that caters for all holidays, so you can be sure to find one that's right for you.

Jayco products come with a two-year

manufacturing warranty and five-year structural warranty, and the guarantee of national service network assistance in the unlikely event a priority repair is required.

Prestige Jayco Bendigo are proud to stock the latest Jayco Adventure Series which includes J Pod, J Trak, CrossTrak, All Terrain range and Toy Haulers models, in addition to many others.

If you're looking to sell your caravan, they also purchase caravans and campers.

When planning your next adventure, visit Prestige Jayco Bendigo at 21-27 Midland Highway, Epsom or call 5447 9977.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 9

NEWS

Stories to be proud of: Deadly and Proud launch online storytelling campaign WITH negotiations toward a treaty underway, Victorians have the chance to explore stories of Victoria’s rich Aboriginal cultures and communities and share pride in the state’s progress.

The Victorian Government has launched the online platform, deadlyandproud.com.au, to share stories from Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians about why all Victorians can feel pride in the state’s Indigenous heritage.

Victorians can learn more about the land on which these stories are told and the connection to country by exploring the interactive map of Victoria on the platform.

‘Deadly’ to Aboriginal people means strong, amazing and awesome, it’s been used in this campaign to describe the storytellers and advocates, and the stories they share.

Tony Briggs, Yorta Yorta and Wurundjeri man, Deadly & Proud campaign director, said “the platform gives all Victorians the opportunity to see why they can share in our pride as Aboriginal people.”

“All Victorians can and should be proud of what we have in Victoria. Our state’s history is shared, as is our future,” Mr Briggs said.

Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, Muriel Bamblett, wants Victorians to know that they don’t have to go to the Northern Territory to find a real ‘Aboriginal experience’: Victoria has its own wealth of historical and

CONTINUOUS CULTURE...

Muriel Bamblett, a member of the First Peoples’ Assembly and storyteller on deadlyandproud. com.au, says Victorians should explore the wealth of Indigenous historic and cultural sites in Victoria. Photo: Supplied

cultural sites people can be proud of, including in places like the Barmah Forest.

Muriel is sharing her story on the path to treaty as a part of the Victorian Government’s Deadly & Proud campaign.

Mooroopna-born Archie Roach, Gunditjmara and Bundjalung man, musician and Deadly & Proud storyteller, said the campaign provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue with the wider Victorian public.

“Country is sacred, and we want all Victorians to understand why. The rich history of this land is something everyone can be proud of, and a treaty is an integral step in that journey,” Mr Roach said.

Page 10 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021

LOCAL JOBS AIN’T SO SILLY... Silly Solly’s, the discount variety store, is opening in Shepparton next month. New staff members, Craig Robinson, Ellen Crossley, Kaylie Fowler, Hillary Jarrett are excited to open. Photo: Struan Jones

Making shopping great again IT'S been a tough 12 months for retail, but that hasn't stopped a brand-new shop opening up in the heart of Shepparton.

This giant store, which is sure to catch the eye, is the first Victorian iteration of one of Australia's fastest growing discount store retailers.

Silly Solly's, the store that sells 10,000 products and nothing over $5, is setting up between Chemist Warehouse and Best & Less in the Vaughan Street central shopping precinct.

Solly Stanton (the silly one) says he's "making shopping great again!"

A passionate people person, Solly says he is obsessed with his customers.

"We are creating a happy face for people,"

he said.

"At Silly Solly's we give our customers a better shopping experience, quality products, friendly customer service and a fun place to shop."

"We want our customers to save money and live better!"

A quick scroll through Google reviews will give you a sense of Silly Solly's success. There's a lot of love for this discount variety store.

The store even responded during COVID times with a huge focus on everyday essential items.

Look out for Silly Solly's in Shepparton, with a big red front next to Chemist Warehouse in the CBD, opening up on Tuesday, March 9.

NEWS

Shepparton vaccines only weeks away continued from front page TRIALLING an outreach model to be implemented across regional Victoria, Geelong’s Barwon Health commenced its public sector residential aged care program this week.

Shepparton’s GV Health will operate a vaccine hub in Shepparton and enable mobile outreach teams to health services and public sector residential aged care

facilities in Shepparton, Numurkah, Nathalia, Cobram, Yarrawonga, Benalla, Mansfield, Yea, Eildon, Alexandra, Kilmore, Seymour, Tatura, Rushworth and Kyabram.

“We are excited that the first COVID19 vaccine is arriving in our region in the coming weeks, and we thank our front-line workers for leading the way and helping to keep us all safe,” GV Health chief executive, Matt Sharp, said.

According to GV Health’s COVIDResponse executive manager, Alicia Cunningham, the exact timing of when initial doses will arrive in Shepparton is still being confirmed with the Department of Health.

T he Pfizer vaccine was the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive approval for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Two doses of the vaccine are required at least three weeks apart.

All abilities shine

continued from front page

SINCE then, it has grown to a region-wide celebration of cricket and yesterday’s event even featured former international cricketers Sarah Elliott and Ray Bright.

Event organiser and vice-president of the Shepparton/Youth Club United Cricket Club, Tony Giblin, said the day was part of his club giving back to the community,

“It’s fabulous, but it’s more important the clients are getting the value out of it as well,” he said.

“It’s something they can look forward to, especially after the lockdowns, it’s a bit of a release, a bit of fun and exercise and it’s part of our club joining in the community.

“We're really happy with how it’s all gone. Hopefully next year it’ll be bigger.”

S H E PPA R TO N

ROUND UP FEBRUARY 2021

FATAL CRASH Police are investigating after a fatal crash in Bunbartha on Saturday night. Emergency services were called to Bowey Road near SheppartonBarmah Road to reports a car had crashed into a tree about 10.25pm. A male driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene. So far this year there have been two fatalities on roads in Greater Shepparton.

BOTTLE SHOP THEFT Pre-mix cans and a bottle of spirit were stolen from a High Street, Shepparton retailer in a late December incident.

This unknown female may know some of the details. If you can identify her please make contact with First Constable Jensen on 5820 5777 or email, vp44440@police.vic.gov.au.

Alternatively you can provide your information anonymously via Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

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Trusted Family & Business Protection CCTV • Alarms • Intercoms • Guards • Patrols

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The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 11

NEWS

Over 100 years combined experience

SMILEY... Benalla’s Bridie Willan with Simon Ryan, owner of Boats & More Shepparton, collecting her $5,000 Compleat Angler voucher. Photo: Supplied

Catch of the day lands $5,000

By Struan Jones BENALLA local and amateur angler, Bridie Willan, pulled this monster from the deep last month and won herself a whopping $5000 voucher as part of the Compleat Angler Metre Long Club competition.

The yearly draw received 94 entries for the 2020 season, made up of Murray Cod, Barramundi, Mulloway, Flathead and Kingfish. Bridie, 23, was the lucky entrant.

Fishing at Cobrawonga, downstream from Yarrawonga, Bridie had just hooked a personal-best 61cm cod before following it up 40 minutes later with this 120cm beauty.

“It was so exciting! I didn’t really know what to think. It wasn’t fighting too hard because they’re not exactly athletic fish when they’re that big, so they just stay as close to the bottom as possible,” she said.

“It got me snagged and I thought I’d lost it, but it came back which was really exciting. It was in the boat within 10 minutes.”

For her trouble, she now has a $5000 Compleat Angler voucher to spend.

“All I want is a camp chair. A really good camp chair,” she said.

“But then I’ve got the rest of it which needs to be used.”

Page 12 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021

PEACE OF MIND... The friendly team at Community Insurance Brokers from L-R: Mark Cornick, Clinton Campbell, Karah Bothwell, John Petzke, Helyana Gilroy, Paul Fleming, Robert Baker, Jaidyn Mitchell, Jan Petzke, Hayley Morey, Natalie Spencer and Tanya Phillips. Photo: Supplied

UTILISING the expertise of an insurance broker is an invaluable way to protect what's most important to you. Much like a lawyer or accountant who provides you with professional advice, based on years of training and experience, a qualified broker will do the same with your insurance needs.

Community Insurance Brokers is a leading insurance brokerage based in Shepparton, formed following the merger of long-standing individual brokerages from the Shepparton area. They are your trusted insurance partner for small to large enterprises, entrepreneurs, rural matters and individuals.

The intricacies of insurance can be incredibly complicated to decipher and an insurance broker can help you understand

the details of a policy and also work with you to understand your business or personal needs to determine what level of cover you need to ensure you are protected.

With a friendly team of 12, over 100 years of combined experience and access to over 150 national and international insurers, Community Insurance Brokers ensure they provide competitive, expert insurance solutions for any enterprise, farm or individual and specialise in navigating the complexity of the insurance market to provide a tailored insurance program to meet your requirements.

Their vibrant office is located at 100 Nixon street and they can be contacted on 5821 7655.

PART OF IT... Lionel Waterson, 75, runs the Saturday morning Shepparton Parkrun every week. Photo: Struan Jones

Staying alive at 75

By Lionel Waterson BACK in the late 1970s the Bee Gees wrote a song Stayin’ Alive which was used in the movie Saturday Night Fever.

I am now in the privileged position of ‘stayin’ alive’ at 75 and loving it. It’s not Old Age to me, but a whole New Age! I have never been here before. What’s so great about it?

Every breath I take.

Some are not as fortunate as me. My younger brother did not make it, so I am making the most of it.

Still working? Part time. Why? Because I was asked to stay on. How nice is that?

Enjoying it? Sure am. There is a clue - keep busy, it gives you something to wake up for.

When you look in the mirror each morning, see if you can find a new wrinkle (great eyesight exercise). Then put

your hands on both cheeks and pull back till they disappear, then let go. Young folk cannot do that. Give them a name or a number, they will all be there tomorrow, so introduce the newcomer to the regulars.

Now you are up, keep moving, see if you can find all the bits you took off the night before: Glasses, hearing aids, false teeth and your...what was the other thing? Ah, never mind.

Go for a walk - best part of the day and say ‘Morning’ to all you meet. Try touching your toes, use a stick if needs be. If you bend over, you might not be able to get up again.

Keep up to date with what is happening by reading the paper, but resist going to the Death Notices and Funerals first.

Make sure before 8am you have a good laugh. It keeps the

wrinkles at bay.

Suggestion: Stand naked in front of a mirror and smile.

You are looking at your New Age body. That should do the trick.

Before lunch time, talk to a young person - they will need it as much as you. Be nice to anyone who serves you at the supermarket, corner shop, or just walks past your house if you are out the front.

Do something special each week. Mine’s Parkrun, you are always welcome there.

It is part of life this New Age bit, you will have to make some adjustments, that goes with the birth certificate and your health.

Remember the Bee Gees: “Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah, Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.’

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 13

February 2021

Resort living, at your fingertips IMAGINE a day that starts off with a trip to the hairdressers, followed by dining in a quaint courtyard before an afternoon spent socialising with friends, enjoying games by the bar and perhaps watching a movie.

Sounds like a day spent on a holiday cruise ship, right?

Living in a place where all these wonderful activities and facilities are at your doorstep is possible when you are a resident at Shepparton Villages.

Re sident s ar e s et tl ing into their new home at Mooroopna Place after Shepparton Villages opened 60 of the new 100 beds at the new $20M redeveloped residential care facility.

Campbell Cour t, which is the newly refurbished 60 bed wing at Mooroopna Place, houses a huge open dining area, outdoor courtyard, garden, a games and bar area, small lounge and mutli-purpose rooms as well as a private dining room and visitor room.

Residents from Acacia House, and some from Hakea Lodge and Maculata Place, moved in on February 2 and 3, with one resident describing it as “heaven” and another saying he felt like he was living at a resort. Residents are thrilled with the bright open design, with many taking advantage of the outdoor gardens and sheltered areas.

Varapodio Way has its own kitchen

Page 14 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021

ALL FUN AND GAMES... Shepparton Villages’ residents, Olga McDonald and Anne Gooiker, enjoying a spot of scrabble. Photo: Supplied

and dining area, two internal courtyards, lounges and reading nooks, a large activities space and a huge lounge and gathering area for games, socialisation and movie nights.

Residents will be able to move freely between both wings and access the central hairdressers, café area, wellness centre and visiting consulting suites.

The 40 bed Varapodio Way wing – a completely new building - will open on April 13, with a waiting list already well established. Inquiries can be made by calling Helen on 5832 0800.

A GOOD YARN... Wilma White and Helen Mulcahy enjoy some knitting in Campbell Court. Photo: Supplied

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 15

February 2021

Keeping your mind sharp WE’VE all had the occasional ‘senior’s moment’. Maybe you've gone into the kitchen and can't remember why, or can't recall a familiar name during a conversation. Memory lapses can occur at any age, but ageing alone is generally not a cause of cognitive decline. When significant m e m o r y l o s s o cc ur s a m o n g o l d e r people, it’s generally not due to ageing but to organic disorders, brain injury, or neurological illness.

Studies have shown that you can help

prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia with some basic good health habits: • Staying physically active and eating well • Getting enough sleep • Having good social connections • Limiting alcohol to no more than one drink a day Memory and other cognitive changes can be frustrating, but the good news is that, thanks to decades of research, you can learn how to get your mind active.

There are various strategies we can use to help maintain cognitive fitness: 1. KEEP LEARNING Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them.

Many people have jobs that keep them mentally active. Pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, volunteering or mentoring are additional ways to keep your mind sharp.

2. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Myths about ageing can contribute to a failing memory. Middle-aged and older learners do worse on memory tasks when they're exposed to negative stereotypes about ageing and memor y, and better when the messages are positive about memory preservation into old age. People who believe that they are not in control of their memory function are less likely to work at maintaining or improving their memor y skills and therefore are more likely to experience cognitive decline. If you believe you can improve and you translate that belief into practice, you have a better chance of keeping your mind sharp.

3. PRIORITISE YOUR BRAIN USE If you don't need to use mental energy

remembering where you put your keys or the time of your granddaughter's birthday party, you'll be better able to concentrate on learning and remembering new and important things. Take advantage of smart phone reminders, calendars and planners, maps, shopping lists, file folders, and address books to keep routine information accessible. Designate a place at home for your glasses, purse, keys, and other items you use often.

4. REPEAT WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW When you want to remember something you've just heard, read, or thought about, repeat it out loud or write it down. That way, you reinforce the memory or connection.

For example, if you've just been told someone's name, use it when you speak with them.

5. SPACE IT OUT Repetition is most potent as a learning tool when it's properly timed. It's best not to repeat something many times in a short period, as if you were cramming for an exam. Spacing out periods of study helps improve memory and is particularly valuable when you are trying to master complicated information, such as the details of a new work assignment.

A little louder please

HEARING loss is when your ability to hear is reduced, making it more difficult for you to hear speech and all the other sounds in life you love.

The smooth sounds of your favourite crooner, Dan Andrew’s latest press conference and the sweet laughter of your grandchildren are all important sounds that we wish to hear to the fullest.

A loss of hearing can be caused by many factors, but age and exposure to loud noise are the most common causes.

The incidence of hearing loss increases as we get older. Over half the population aged between 60 and 70 have a hearing loss. This increases to more than 70 per cent of those over the age of 70, and 80 per cent of those over the age of 80.

“As rule of thumb it’s a good idea to get your hearing checked every two years or in between times if you notice a significant

change in your hearing," Hearing Australia principal audiologist, Emma Scanlan, said.

"Many people wait 7-10 years after they first notice a hearing problem to get their hearing checked and during this time might start to avoid occasions or situations that they previously enjoyed.

The earlier you do something about it, the sooner you can start to benefit from receiving hearing help and can continue to enjoy the sounds you love.”

It's important to keep on top of hearing checks, and keep an eye (or ear) out for signs of hearing loss.

Signs of hearing loss include: • Asking people to repeat themselves • Your family complaining the TV volume is up too loud • A ringing or buzzing sound in your ears • Straining to hear in many situations • Missing out on everyday sounds

IT’S OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY! Thank you to all our valued clients, staff and fellow health professionals for your support over the past 20 years.

If you have a question about your foot health or need to make an appointment, call us today!

Bessie Hammond Podiatrist

Marissa Nicolacopoulos Podiatrist

Michelle Teague Podiatrist

5821 3006 543 Wyndham St, Shepparton www.lakesidepodiatry.com.au Steve Goodwin Podiatrist

Page 16 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Nicky Pummeroy Administration

Alex Goodwin Podiatrist

NEWS

HIGH DEFINITION… Darby’s Paints Shepparton store manager, Megan Brown and Damian Racioppo. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

Quality paints and expert advice WHAT'S the first thing you notice about a car? For most people, it's the colour.

Whether it's a sleek black, elegant pearl white or a custom, bright or pastel shade, the colour of a vehicle is of tremendous importance.

The qualified and expert team at Darby's Paints Shepparton deal with the professionals in panel shops and engineering manufacturers around Victoria on a daily basis to bring your colour vision to life.

"Darby's Paints Shepparton has solid insight into the industry, and in particular, what our customers' needs are," store manager, Megan Brown, said.

"With our three stores which service hundreds of panel shops right across

Victoria, we are up-to-date with the latest and best products. We have screw compressors, scroll compressors, piston compressors and petrol (mobile) compressors on hand in addition to the expertise and information to help you find the compressor that best suits your needs."

Darby's Paints Shepparton are excited to now be stockists of Anest Iwata, an extensive compressor range that covers the hobby market right through to the commercial industry, supplementing panel shops, truck and trailer painting, industrial and farming paint needs.

Visit their store at 12 Campbell Street, Shepparton or call 5821 0111 for more information about this new product range.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 17

Electric Dreams SOLD... Shepparton’s Bill Parsons with his Model S Tesla.

By Struan Jones THIS week I had the pleasure of going for a drive in a Tesla Model S. It was, hands down, the most incredible car I’d ever been inside.

I didn’t drive it – the owner, Shepparton’s Bill Parsons, did – but that was enough to get a good feel.

If you think electric cars are just normal cars with a whiny electric motor, you’re wrong.

When it comes to this Tesla S, every aspect of the driving experience is better.

First of all, let’s start where all drives start: Acceleration.

The latest generation of Model S Teslas can get you from stationary to 100km/hr in 2.1 seconds. Just consider that for a moment. It takes an F1 car about 2.6.

Getting from 0 to 100 in 2 seconds would feel like you’re about to launch into orbit.

I’m not sure if Bill’s car hits those numbers exactly. His version is a previous model coming up on its fourth birthday. But no matter. When Bill “put the boot in”, as he says, I definitely felt something very different to what my 2008 Lancer feels like. It’s terrifyingly capable.

Any discussion of electric cars is peppered with ‘Yeah, but..?’ questions.

So here are Bill’s answers to some of the Page 18 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021

most common questions: Yeah, but the range?

380km. Yeah, but what if you run out of power?

You won’t. The car will warn you if you get too far from home or a Tesla supercharger.

Yeah, but it’s expensive, right? Charging at a Tesla supercharger is free, and fast.

Otherwise at home, Bill plugs the car into the 30-amp single phase charger in his garage which puts 30km/hr in the car every hour.

He’s calculated it costs about 50c an hour to charge the car, or less than $7 for a full charge.

So, the Tesla works out at about 4 cents per kilometre. Bill’s other car, a glorious 1999 S Class Mercedes-Benz, works out at about 20 cents per kilometre.

Then there is an annual Tesla service that costs $600.

We cruise around town for a bit and Bill tells me more good stuff about the car. Anything logical and common sense about driving – Tesla has thought of it.

You can drive without touching the steering wheel. The car will do it all. However, that’s illegal in Victoria. Bill has a mate who drives a Tesla and was getting a bit laissez-faire about holding the wheel when the car had such a good grip on things. He soon got a call from Tesla asking him to please keep both hand on the

wheel. Because Tesla know. There are sensors, and everything is transmitted back to base, mainly for the purpose of software upgrades for the car – something that happens every month or so while you sleep.

Inside, a giant touchscreen is the centre console. Any setting you want to adjust can be done, almost iPad style, on the touchscreen.

The boot is a boot, and under the bonnet, there’s another boot. That’s because the battery sits over the back axle.

The thing is incredibly beautiful. It’s ethereal.

Even after nearly four years of driving, Bill’s Tesla looks like it just rolled out of the showroom.

They aren’t cheap, and the buy-in price has certainly been a barrier to the take up of electric vehicles (EV) in Australia, but according to Bill, “if people experienced them and go for a drive in them, they’d start to have second thoughts.”

If you, or anyone you know, is passionate about their car, motorbike, bicycle, or wheelbarrow (basically anything with wheels), please get in contact with The Adviser at editor@ sheppartonadviser.com.au. Happy driving!

JOIN THE

Adviser Delivery Team!

We are looking for deliverers

in Mooroopna & Tatura Available on Wednesdays?

Want to keep fit and paid at the same time?

Interested? Enquire today!

Call 5832 8900 or email front@sheppartonadviser.com.au

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 19

Facebook can’t ban

local newspapers Dear Adviser readers, Last week Facebook banned news outlets in Australia.

Facebook is abusing their global monopolistic powers in an attempt to bully Australian news outlets, and we support the ACCC and the Commonwealth Government’s efforts to rein them in.

HOWEVER, FACEBOOK CAN’T BAN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS! This is a very powerful reminder of the importance of local newspapers as a trusted and independent source of local news.

The Adviser is proudly committed to printing local news and being an independent voice for our community.

The Adviser remains committed to local journalism and is more relevant than ever before as the true source of local news and information.

For your local news online, please go direct to: www.sheppadviser.com.au And if you’d like a free subscription to The Adviser, right now we have a special offer where you go into the draw for a chance to win a $50 Cellar 47 voucher to dine in or take away!

Yours sincerely, Geoff Adams Managing Editor & Publisher of The Adviser

Page 20 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 21

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SPORT

Adviser BIG VISION… New president of the Shepparton United Soccer Club, Nathan Sali, wants to get more people coming along to watch local sport. Photo: Struan Jones

Shepparton says g’day to Gaz YABLETT... Gary Ablett spoke at two functions in Shepparton over the weekend.

Photo: Struan Jones

MORE than 300 people had the pleasure of meeting and listening to former AFL star Gary Ablett at Shepparton’s Woolshed last weekend, when the ‘Little Master’ featured as the guest speaker at two weekend functions hosted by the Shepparton Swans Football and Netball Club.

Over dinner on Saturday and lunch on Sunday, Ablett was joined on stage by emcee Paul Howard, opening up about his career,

his move to the Suns and his return to the Cats, family, and much more.

More than $20,000 was raised for charity by auctioning off some memorabilia items, including a framed photograph of Gary Ablett Senior with late Cats legend Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer, and a print of the 2007 Geelong team, featuring Gary junior alongside brother Nathan, after their drought-breaking premiership win.

Long weekend to feature multi-sport event A WEEKEND of community sporting events in Shepparton will be the feature of next month's Labour Day weekend on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7.

Shepparton community athletic clubs and local event managers have partnered up to create the Shepparton Multi-Sport Weekend to life – a real, not virtual - event.

The weekend will kick off late on Saturday afternoon with the 2km Kids Run, which will raise money for the GV Health Kids Ward via the GV Health Foundation.

The Kids Run will be the curtain raiser for the Aquathlon, a swim/run event at Victoria Lake.

On Sunday morning, the Goulburn River

Fun Run will step over the start line at Victoria Lake Park at 7am and will feature 21km, 14km, and 7km runs.

"Our tourism industry relies strongly on scheduled events to attract visitors to our city, and we have a long journey towards full recovery," event organiser, Liz Connick, said.

"We will be encouraging any visitors to stay over for the weekend and explore our city, its restaurants, cafes and the other tourism businesses in our region."

All participants need to register online, and the entry links can be found on the Shepparton Multi-Sport Weekend Facebook Page.

Bright times for the blues as Sali takes presidency

By Struan Jones THE Shepparton United Soccer Club will launch into the 2021 season with a completely new board with a view to start a new era for the club.

New president, Nathan Sali, has taken over the reins from long-time club stalwart, Mark Georgiou, and says his goal is to get the community more involved in local sport.

“When I was a kid and came down to watch football on the weekends, there’d be 500 people here. More recently, it’s more like 50, and it’s good football!” he said.

Sali describes last year’s lockdown-affected season as a ‘leap year.’ Now, with players coming back after a whole year off, he said

there’s a lot of ground to be made up, and not just in terms of players’ fitness.

The club has appointed Hussein Sumaili as the head coach for the men’s Division 1 team, and Gabby Dwyer will lead the hugely successful women’s team, which has already bagged six premierships.

“To come in with a brand-new committee, we’re pretty much starting from scratch and working our way up to the top again,” Sali said.

Reviving local sport, getting sponsors on board and crowds to matches are all Sali’s priorities as the new president.

Senior BASL competition kicks off on April 11.

Mooroopna leads pack

By Struan Jones MOOROOPNA holds the top on Cricket Shepparton’s A-Grade ladder after a confidence boosting nine-run win over Shepparton United on Saturday.

Playing at Princess Park, Mooroopna batted first and opening pair Corey Windridge and Brodie McDonald were steady hands, both reaching half centuries and forging a 107-run opening partnership.

From there, United’s bowling attack continued to strike, taking 7/102 to restrict Mooroopna to 209 at the close of their 45 overs.

In reply, a handy 46 from United captain Dwain Vidler wasn’t enough to get the home team over the line, as they fell 10 runs short of victory, all out for 200. With the ball for Mooroopna, Simon D'Elia starred, taking 3/34 from his nine overs.

All other top-six teams (except for Kyabram, which had the bye) registered wins. There are two rounds left to play before finals.

All results in brief: • Kyabram v BYE

• Tatura 70 L Evans 3/12, A Shelton 3/30, C Brown 2/12 DEF BY Waaia 0/71 BG Carey 52* • Shepparton United 200 D Vidler 46, E Adams 40, R Bari 35, S D'Elia 3/34, J Wright 2/32, WJ Dundon 2/41, DEF BY Mooroopna 7/209 C Windridge 58, B McDonald 53, B Mulcahy 31, S O'Brien 26, C Vidanapathirana 2/38 • Numurkah 8/136 D Grandell 47, L Paul 3/23, AI Crosbie 2/28 DEF Euroa 74 T Braybon 5/22, M Eckard 4/3 • Karramomus 121 S Walton 34, CC Boyer 5/13, TX Kelly 2/15 DEF BY Central Park/St Brendans 7/234 TX Kelly 60*, XG Chalkley 38, C Holland 29, M Reeves 27, L Keady 2/56 • Old Students 111 H Taylor-Lloyd 3/23, B Biggs 3/25, KJ Winter-Irving 2/27 DEF BY Nagambie 9/184 K Duncan 29, LD Nolan 26, N Breslin 4/27, T Looby 3/27 • Katandra 134 B Black 40, M Brett 3/16, G Hutchins 2/17, T Sidebottom 2/30, J Brett 2/32 DEF BY Northerners 3/135 J Brett 41, B Pedretti 29, RJ Ireland 2/27 The Adviser. Australia No.1:1548 Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Page 23

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