The Adviser 1549

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COMMUNITY CONNECT | page 14 Employment | page 19 Trades and Services | page 21 7 Day TV Guide | page 22 /SheppartonAdviser

YOUNG FACES AT ROTARY PAGE 8

No 1:1549

STUDENT LEADERS INDUCTED IN CHANGING TIMES

NUTRITION IS ON THE MENU PAGE 12

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

SHEPP UNITED WIN INAUGURAL CUP Sport Adviser

PAGE 17

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

Roll up, roll up: Pfizer jabs to start next week

By Struan Jones FRONT-LINE healthcare workers will begin receiving the COVID-19 vaccine from next week at the GV Health vaccine hub, and public sector aged care residents will start receiving the vaccine from Monday, March 15 in their homes at facilities across the region.

The first GV Health staff to receive the jab will include 150 staff working at the hospital’s emergency department, COVID-19 testing and respiratory ward, and in the critical care unit.

Continued Page 7

EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH... Shepparton’s Deborah Nzigire gets some hands-on assistance from former Sri Lankan cricketer, Tillakaratne Dilshan at Princess Park. The former national captain led a cricket clinic for multicultural youth, encouraging youngsters to take up one of the nation’s favourite sports. INSET: HAVING A GO... Shepparton’s Brenda Atembo ready to swing the bat. Photos: Struan Jones

Multicultural Shepparton attracts cricket star

By Struan Jones SOME of Shepparton’s newest young residents met with international cricket royalty last week when former Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan led a clinic for migrant children at Princess Park.

More than 50 youngsters attended the session, hosted by the Ethnic Council of Sheppar ton and District and the Shepparton/Youth Club United Cricket Club, which was designed to introducing new migrant children to one of the

country’s favourite sports.

T h e E t h n i c C o u n c i l ’s s t r a t e g i c engagement coordinator, Sam Atukorala, said the clinic was the perfect opportunity to get young kids involved in organised sport.

Continued Page 7

NEWS

SAM gets the keys to the door THE builders have finished all the works and the final touches have been put in place to the point where the Council took possession of the building earlier this month and will now start to move in.

Tenants will be SAM Limited, Kaiela Arts and the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre.

“We’ve all watched the new SAM building take shape with great anticipation over the past 18 months and finally moving day is here!” said Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe. “The new SAM building is already iconic, and we are looking forward to inviting in the community and visitors to make the most of all the experiences that will be on offer. It’s been compelling to see how the design has transformed into this unique, grand building, but just wait to see what will be on offer inside.”

SAM, Kaiela Arts and the Visitor Centre will commence transitioning to the new site from March 1. It is anticipated that the new SAM building will be open to visitors as of March 31, with Kaiela Arts and the Visitor Centre likely to be fully operational at that time, along with the SAM gift shop.

While the ground floor will be open to the public in late March, levels one to four will remain closed until closer to the Opening Launch in October to enable SAM to complete the installation of its collection and upcoming exhibition program.

A grand opening weekend is planned for 15 -17 October 2021 once SAM’s collections, exhibition installations and programs are in place.

While reaching the physical completion stage, along with the moving in of the tenants, there are still some elements that are being finalised. This includes SAM Limited appointing a successful tenderer to operate the new SAM café and function space.

“New SAM provides the opportunity for the Shepparton Art Museum, Kaiela Arts and our Visitor Centre to work together to further strengthen how we recognise and celebrate Greater

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TAKING POSSESSION OF THE NEW SAM... Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe and director of SAM, Dr Rebecca Coates at the new gallery. Photo: Supplied

Shepparton, particularly our Indigenous heritage and the role it plays in our past, present and future”, suggests Cr O’Keeffe.

“Having our Visitor Centre located in new SAM – the gateway to Greater Shepparton, will also enhance the way in which we welcome visitors to our region.”

NEWS

Major upgrade for local packing firm FRUIT production is a major contributor to the Shepparton economy and the success of it can be seen in the means of getting it to market.

Gone are the days of hundreds of people working side by side, manually sorting and packing fruit into boxes. Globally, the process has developed over the years taking full advantage of technology to store and orientate the fruit in a pack to ensure it presents in the most positive light.

Major growing and packing company, Geoffrey Thompson Fruit Packing is presently rebuilding their packing shed in a new facility at the former SPC buildings in Mooroopna.

Chief among the works will be the substantial investment in state-of-the-art packing line technology that brings their facility in line with some of the best in the world. While the number of workers will remain the same, the emphasis will be on improved materials handling and storage.

Peter Thompson, director for Geoffrey Thompson scoured the world for the best options available understanding that Australia has much to compete with for global markets.

The three stacks at the plant are quite visible for some distance yet the new facility will include a refrigerated cool storage shed that will store bulk fruit bins 45 high, reaching almost as high as these stacks.

The new mechanical handling system will move the produce from the cool room to the packing line and back to the cool rooms in an on-demand process with minimal exposure to the higher atmospheric temperature of the packing room.

Managing the $55M project is Sydney company, FDC Building.

REBUILDING THE BUILDING... FDC Building project manager, Kyran Hughan, indicates to Geoffrey Thompson Fruit Packing director, Peter Thompson, how the concrete walls on the existing building will be relocated. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

Project manager, Kyran Hughan, in showing work progress, explained how part of the concrete panel walls on the south east corner of the complex will be realigned into a new position to provide additional space for the production line inside.

The new facility is due to be completed and ready for operation by the end of this year.

Commercial property is getting back on track SITTING down with Rocky Gagliardi provides a colourful painted picture of the Shepparton property market, delivered at a machine gun pace yet is noticeably information rich.

Commercial property in the Shepparton CBD in particular has been in the doldrums for several years, but Covid has seen a renewed activity with new businesses opening up and others expanding or relocating in order to do so.

Rocky sees the rich cosmopolitan community in Shepparton as being a major driving force in new people and new business taking shape.

C ov id h a s a l s o m ad e p e o pl e i n Melbourne cautious and the scale of economic difference between setting up a new business, along with the vastly superior climate between here and there is seeing new restaurants and cafes starting to take advantage of what Shepparton has to offer.

“We have moved a number of properties recently that have been sitting around for a long time so the next twelve months will see a renewed and invigorating face appearing

NEW BUSINESSES ARE COMING TO TOWN... Rocky Gagliardi from Gagliardi Scott Real Estate is leasing more commercial property to new businesses coming into Shepparton. Photo: Steve Hutcheson.

on Shepparton,” said Rocky.

“Government agencies, commercial and retail business are all setting up here now faster than it has done in a while. Planned improvements to the infrastructure can only

add to that interest and activity.”

Rocky is the principal at Gagliardi Scott Real Estate at 182 High Street, Shepparton and he can be contacted on 5831 1800.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 3

LETTERS

HAVE YOU MET

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.

SILO ART PROPOSED FOR SAM A mural for the SAM? Would it be possible to commission a silo artist to paint a mural on the two wall panels facing Wyndham Street, Shepparton in the new SAM building?

May I suggest: • A water wheel • A Furphy water cart

Have you met...

Veronica Jamison?

• The SPC logo • The front of the Shepparton Butter Factory Ian Moffat , Kialla Want to have your say?

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

LOVING SHEPPARTON... Veronica Jamison, chief executive officer of Shepparton Villages. Photo: Struan Jones

WHERE ARE YOU FROM, AND HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR WAY TO SHEPPARTON? I was born in Cessnock in New South Wales, but before I came to Shepparton I was in Inverloch in South Gippsland.

I initially represented the aged care providers Victoria and Tasmania, and Shepparton Villages was one of our members.

So, I first got to know Shepparton Villages about six years ago and was asked if I'd be interested in coming onto the Board, which I did because I thought it was a great organisation.

One t h i ng led to a not her, a nd when the chief executive officer (my predecessor) resigned, I had a good think about it and I thought, you know what, it'd be something I'd be interested in doing. I applied for the role and was lucky enough to get it.

WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? I like helping people. So for me, I always find that the best part, no matter what I do. There's always some element of helping people in what I do, whether that's at a strategic level or at a very grassroots operational level.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE SHEPPARTON IN THREE WORDS? Wonderful Victorian oasis.

WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK? I do a range of things outside of work.

I play piano badly. I cycle. I belong to a boogie boarding group, primarily

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over 60 of which I’m now probably the youngest - so I love to catch waves whenever I can. I love riding my bike.

I love catching up with family, friends, and being in the great outdoors.

WHAT YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT GREATER SHEPPARTON? I t h i n k it's got a n ice nat u ra l environment that the city has built on, and it has a lovely feel to it. Being a bike rider, I’ve really enjoyed being able to jump on my bike and ride along Broken River. I've even ridden all the way to Tatura and back and got to discover things along the way.

WHAT'S ONE THING ABOUT SHEPPARTON YOU WOULD CHANGE TO MAKE IT BETTER? I'd l i ke to see more m i xed-use d e velopm e nt s i n t h e C B D a r e a , particularly with a focus on building apartments. This would help revitalise the CBD and bring it back to life. There are lots of great assets in and around the CBD, and if more people lived in town, those assets would get more use.

The new Shepparton Art Museum is about to open and imagine having as walking distance from your apartment that beautiful new rooftop bar? You've got Aquamoves, you've got river trails, and plus, the businesses that already exist in the CBD – the more people within walking distance would bring more business to them, particularly the hospitality businesses.

NEWS

Radiation centre an award-winning design

By Stephanie Holliday SH EPPA RTON'S GenesisCare Cancer Radiation Centre on Corio street has received an award for its excellence in design and construction from Master Builders Victoria.

Dee Hepyukselen, manager of the centre,

said the award received by Erilyan Projects Pty Ltd, from Master Builders Victoria for their 2020 Excellence in Construction Awards, is a testament to how closely the facility was designed with patients' needs at the forefront.

"Our aim was for patients to feel as comfortable and as welcome as possible.

Our centre, right here in Shepparton's CBD, ensures many Goulburn Valley residents receiving radiotherapy treatment do not have to travel hundreds of kilometers to Melbourne," said Ms Hepyukselen.

"GenesisCare would like to extend our congratulations to the brilliant team at Erilyan who worked tirelessly, and so closely with us, to build a truly state-of-the-art cancer facility, offering locals rapid access to the latest treatment techniques."

Director of Erilyan, Jon Lewis, was thrilled to win the award for a project of particular

community significance.

"While we are a Melbourne company, more than 80 percent of our tradies on this project were locals," Mr Lewis said.

"So it's the great work of the local community that has resulted in the standard of excellence for such an important project that Shepparton and Goulburn Valley residents will access."

Sheppar ton G enesisCare Cancer Radiation Centre work in partnership with Goulburn Valley Health to provide various radiotherapy treatments to cancer patients and treated over 500 patients since opening last year.

STATE OF THE ART... Shepparton GenesisCare Cancer Radiation Centre manager Dee Hepyukselen, Erilyan director Jon Lewis and Master Builders Regional Manager Steve Donaghey. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

Sheed to meet with Water Minister over Green’s Lake GREENS Lake has been a popular and affordable water playground for a number of years yet is facing a difficult and uncertain future having been decommissioned as an irrigation storage reserve.

Independent Member for Shepparton District, Suzanna Sheed, is set to meet with the Acting Water Minister, the Honourable Richard Wynne, to urge urgent action to restore its previous water lever and avoid the potential of a major fish-kill.

A meeting has been scheduled for this week and Ms Sheed will share the concerns of local fishing groups of the need for more water to be allocated to the lake.

“Local fishing groups are contacting me regularly updating me on the state of the lake and their genuine fears of a major fish kill if water is not allocated to the lake quickly,” Ms Sheed said.

“Fishing groups have been told that the Arthur Rylah Institute has been commissioned to investigate the fish numbers and that it is working on the lake to determine the water quality, depth and temperature of the lake.

“The fact that the facilities at Greens Lake were recently upgraded, together with restocking of fish in recent years, are all strong arguments for Greens Lake to be retained as an important recreational, camping and fishing asset for our local community.”

There are important environmental considerations given Greens Lake is a popular sanctuary for waterbirds including pelicans, brolgas, swans and many other bird species.

“I hope that the Minister will give the issue a full and fair hearing and act immediately after our meeting,” Ms Sheed said.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 5

NEWS

The news and Facebook

By Damian Drum, Federal Member for Nicholls IF you ever needed further proof that some digital platforms have become too powerful, you only have to look at the events of past weeks when Facebook blocked Australian news on its site.

T he heav y-ha nded move not on ly impacted large and small news outlets – including those in and around Greater Sheppar ton – but also state health departments that act as a key outlet for COV I D -19 updates and other vital emergency service and public information pages.

The move by Facebook – a US-based company valued at well in excess of $700B – was in response to legislation currently before the Australian Parliament that seeks to address the bargaining power imbalance between Australian news media businesses and the major digital platforms, Google and Facebook.

T he News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code was developed af ter extensive public consultation spanning almost three years, canvassing a range of views including from the tech giants.

The Code creates a framework for parties to reach commercial agreements so that news media businesses are fairly remunerated for the content they generate.

Less than 24 hours after the bill was passed in the House of Representatives

with bipartisan support, Facebook blocked Australian news sites, with numerous other pages “inadvertently” caught up in the dramatic escalation of events.

Facebook defended its provocative move by issuing a statement that claimed the Code “fundamentally misunderstands the relationship between our platform and publishers who use it to share news content”.

We will not be bullied by international tech companies that don’t get what they want.

“It has left us facing a stark choice: attempt to comply with a law that ignores the realities of this relationship or stop allowing news content on our services in Australia. With a heavy heart, we are choosing the latter,” Facebook Australian boss, William Easton, said.

But for many, Facebook’s move further compromised perceptions in the community of the quality and reliability of information

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on the site.

Facebook effectively said it would not include any material sourced from a n or g a n i s at ion t h at employ s pa id journalists, has editorial policies, carries out fact checking and takes commercial accountability for the accuracy of the information it publishes.

T he Fe dera l G over n m e nt , le d by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, has consistently said that it wants Facebook and Google to remain operating in Australia – but it also expects them to comply with laws passed by the democratically elected parliament of Australia.

The Code will specifically benefit this publication, and others like it, in several ways.

It provides for digital platforms to make standard offers to news media businesses. Such offers provide a way for smaller media businesses, including those in regional areas, to avoid the expense of going through bargaining and arbitration, while still obtaining an acceptable level of remuneration.

If a standard offer is not sufficiently attractive, the Code enables news media businesses to collectively bargain and collectively engage in arbitration with digital platforms. This means that small media businesses can share the costs, and avoid individually committing the time needed to engage in negotiation and arbitration.

The Code also requires that information

MAKING A POINT... Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum takes outlines the News Media Bargaining Code. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

provided by digital platforms about data collections and algorithm changes be in a readily understandable form. This is intended to make it easier for smaller news businesses to quickly understand the information they receive.

The Federal Government values quality journalism and believes news outlets – big and small – should be compensated for their work.

We will not be bullied by international tech companies that don’t get what they want.

(Editors note: Since Mr Drum prepared this piece and its publication, Facebook has since retracted its block on news website for the time being and are beginning to negotiate with media companies.)

NEWS

Multicultural Shepparton attracts cricket star continued from front page “There were many newly-arrived kids from non-cricketing communities, which was great to see,” he said.

“And there’s some real talent there, there are some good players and a mix of kids from different communities.”

Tillakaratne Dilshan captained his country in all three formats of the game and is often regarded as one of the most innovative ODI batsmen of all time. His presence alone on

Friday drew a crowd, particularly among older generation cricket fans who posed for selfies with the star.

The 44-year old now plays Premier Cricket for Casey South-Melbourne after settling in Melbourne’s outer suburbs after a 17-year international career.

Long-time local cricketer and member of the 1988 Aboriginal Cricket Tour of England, Greg James, attended the clinic and performed a Welcome to Country.

He said it was a great initiative to use

high-profile players to inspire and attract kids into the game.

“If you start at an early age and get them engaged, it’s a great way to get them excited

about cricket,” he said.

“It was great to see so many people down there from different backgrounds.”

SMILES... Local Khan Mohammadi was all smiles listening to Dilshan answer questions from the crowd.

Photo: Struan Jones

Roll up, roll up: Pfizer jabs to start next week continued from front page THIS will be followed by the public aged care residents at GV Health Aged Care facilities at the Shepparton, Tatura and Rushworth campuses from March 15.

As one of nine vaccine hubs across the state, the GV Health vaccine hub will also start vaccinations for priority 1a health care workers in health services, public sector residential aged care facilities and GP Respiratory Clinics beyond Shepparton, including in Numurkah, Nathalia, Cobram, Yarrawonga, Benalla, Mansfield, Yea, Eildon, Alexandra, Kilmore, Seymour,

Tatura, Rushworth and Kyabram.

According to GV Health COV I D Response executive manager, A licia Cunningham, exact timing for administration of the COVID-19 vaccine across the GV Health vaccine hub catchment area from March 22 onwards is dependent on vaccine availability.

“We understand the Goulburn Valley community has a lot of interest in and questions about the COVID-19 vaccine launch and we will endeavour to keep the community informed throughout the vaccine rollout period,” GV Health chief executive, Matt Sharp, said.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 7

NEWS

YOUNGER FACES... Notre Dame College trainees and Shepparton Rotary Club guests, Nonie Shipston, Luke Turcatto, Grace Newman, Darcie Guthrie, and Jess Carroll. Photo: Struan Jones

Bringing youth into the fold at Rotary

By Struan Jones BRINGING youth into a town’s service organisations is a constant challenge, so the Shepparton Rotary Club welcomed some younger guests to dinner last week.

Gap year trainees and young teachers from Shepparton’s Notre Dame College joined Rotarians at their weekly dinner to expose them to the workings and fellowship of a Rotary club.

President of Shepparton Rotary, Joseph Tam, said bringing young people into the fold of the organisation was important to keep the Rotary spirit going.

“This is a very important thing for Rotary,” Mr Tam said.

“We want to keep the Rotary spirit going so we need new blood, new ideas, to keep our club young and rejuvenated and have new ideas and projects.”

M r Tam said he wanted you nger generations to feel welcome at the

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club, and to show them Rotarians “are ord i na r y, normal people who have the same objective, and that is to serve our community and at the same time to develop fellowship between our fellow Rotarians and make our community a better place for all.”

Notre Dame sport and PE trainee, Nonie Shipston, who graduated from Year 12 last year and is taking a gap year before a move to La Trobe University in Bendigo in 2022, said the evening was about getting younger people involved in community service.

Nonie was one of five trainees present who had the chance to rub shoulders with Greater Shepparton City councillors Greg James, Anthony Brophy, and Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe and talk leadership and community service.

The Shepparton Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at 6:20pm at the Peppermill Inn Hotel.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 9

NEWS

Courage and optimism the message of Leadership Luncheon SOME of Shepparton’s best business minds and industry leaders will be present when the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry holds its inaugural Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, March 18, at the Woolshed Emerald Bank, with tickets available now.

Thought leaders from Greater Shepparton will meet with business owners to discuss the courage, clarity and capability needed to lead a business through 2020 and the innovation, preparedness and vision to lead in 2021.

Guest speakers will include: • Kreskas Bros. Transport chief executive officer, Peter Hill • SPC chief executive officer, Robert Giles • Med-Con founder, Ray Stockwell • Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions Hume director, Matt Nelson The Chamber welcomes attendees to the Luncheon, which will feature a discussion among the guest speakers around the recognition of business achievements, renewed vision for the region and a sense of optimism for the future. Time will be allocated for a Q&A with the panel.

Peter Hill of Lemnos-based Kreskas Bros said all businesses had been through a difficult 12 months, but confidence was rising moving into 2021 with the arrival of vaccines and an end in sight to the pandemic.

“The Leadership Luncheon is going to be extremely valuable,” he said.

“There’s lot more confidence moving into 2021. The lives lost and illnesses have been

JOIN THE ADVISER TEAM... Journalist Struan Jones will be leaving The Adviser at the end of this month. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

Exciting opportunity opens at The Adviser OPTIMISM... Kreskas Bros. Transport chief executive officer, Peter Hill, will be one of the guest speakers at the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, March 18. Photo: Supplied, Kreskas Bros.

tragic, but I think it hasn’t been as bad as we first thought, thanks to good decisions by State and Federal Governments.

“What 2020 showed for our region was that we’ve got the right people in the right place.

“People have had a difficult last 12 months and if there’s anything that they can take away from the leadership lunch, then that’s great.”

For more information and tickets go to sheppartonchamber.com.au.

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By Struan Jones I’VE been writing for The Adviser since July last year when I moved to Shepparton to take up a role as a journalist here. A career change has beckoned, however, and as of the end of this month, I’ll be moving on to something different.

This means an opportunity has opened and The Adviser is on the lookout for a journalist to take over my role.

My background in journalism has been brief. I had spent 18 months writing for local newspapers in the Alpine Shire around Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford before 2020 wrought some mild havoc and I found myself moving across the state, eventually settling in Shepparton.

Since then, it has been a pleasure to work at a newspaper with 37 years of history of reflecting and promoting the local community and its businesses.

Working for The Adviser, you get to tell the stories of the Greater Shepparton community in a positive light, covering the stories that matter to people that they don’t necessarily find elsewhere.

It is an opportunity for anyone who is community minded, has confidence in stringing a few words together and is not shy about picking up the phone and asking questions.

I would encourage anyone out there with the relevant experience and interest to apply for the role, so if you, or someone you know, are interested then don’t pass up this opportunity. Have a chat to the passionate team at The Adviser - your free weekly community newspaper.

For more information about this role, visit our Facebook page, @SheppartonAdviser, and see the ad in the Employment section of this edition.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 11

NEWS

GSSC student leaders inducted in changing times

By Struan Jones STUDENT leaders from the Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) were officially recognised last week, for what will be the final year the College is split between three campuses.

Students Caitlyn Glasson and Ben Okely were inducted as college co-captains, with Stephanie Fleming and Georgia Waser serving as college vice captains.

In an investiture assembly at the Wanganui Campus on Friday, the student body was addressed by Greater S heppa r ton C it y c ou nc i l lor, Rob P r ie s t ly, who congratulated the appointed student leaders, while acknowledging those not formally recognised.

BIG YEAR... Co-captain, Caitlyn Glasson, addresses the student body.

“If you are one of the majority of the kids not getting a pin today, listen up: You don’t need the title to be a leader.

Leaders are not always at the top of the tree. What you do for others, makes the difference, and that’s leadership,” he said.

“You might push back on racism – that's leadership.

You might be a friend to someone who has few – that's leadership. You might choose to extend a hand when it would be easier to say a harsh word – that's leadership.

“It’s about speaking out and defending ideas and principals that are for the greater good.”

Campus and house captains were also inducted from across the school.

HONOUR... Cr Rob Priestly pins the captain’s badge on Ben Okely’s jacket, co-captain of Greater Shepparton Secondary College while Wanganui Campus principal, Jon Neall, watches on.

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WORDS ON LEADERSHIP... Greater Shepparton City Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Rob Priestly, told students the number one trait required in today’s world is the ability to cope with change. Photos: Struan Jones

ROLE MODELS... Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, meets Greater Shepparton Secondary college co-captain, Caitlyn Glasson.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 13

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

COMMUNITY CONNECT

S H E PPA R TO N

ROUND UP MARCH 2021

Tell us about your ‘not-for-profit’ community events via email at classifieds@sheppartonadviser.com.au (information is required at least two weeks before an event).

Please note listings are to be fewer than 55 words.

UPCOMING SWEET CHARITY On Thursday, March 11 at the Cricketers Arms Hotel, Mooroopna, renowned country music star Col Thompson will be appearing. Doors open at 5pm, show from 7:30pm – 10:30pm. cost is $10. Bookings with Joyce Yates 0408 218 411. All proceeds go towards raising money for homelessness.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER World day of prayer will be held on Friday, March 5 at 10am. This years’ service will be held at Shepparton Uniting Church. Call Judith on 5822 0545 for more info. Country Churches of Dookie, Katandra West & Pine Lodge will be hosted this year by the Dookie Uniting Church, Curtain St Dookie at 10 am Friday, March 5.

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 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

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WIN FOR TEAM BLUE

send us your snaps WANT to see your photos in the newspaper? We are calling on all our readers to send in their photos for the chance to have it selected to go to print.

Birdlife around Shepparton has been quite noticeable over the past month or so. At Shepparton’s iconic Lake Victoria, local Thon Vaultron snapped this photo of some of the winged residents.

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.

On Monday, February 22, Cobram detectives with assistance from Echuca, Wangaratta and Melbourne detectives arrested a 30-year-old Kyabram male and a 45-year-old Shepparton male, for offending across the Moira Shire.

The pair were charged and remanded with aggravated burglary, burglary, theft, intentionally exposing emergency worker by driving, driving and drug offences.

The males had offended across Moira shire, Shepparton, Mulwala and Tocumwal between Monday, February 8 and Thursday, February 11.

Police have recovered some of the stolen property in Tocumwal that has been linked to the Yarrawonga burglaries and thefts. Police are in the process of returning the property to the rightful owners.

Brought to you by

NEWS

Fox and wild dog People, technology behind Gradian goals bounty collections resume PEOPLE, processes and technology are three exciting pillars behind the recent growth and goals of Shepparton-owned civil construction company, Gradian Projects.

The company recently launched its newest business, Gradian Hydrotech in December last year, to add to its acquisition of Milcast in 2018.

With a desire to grow regional employment and re-invigorate home-grown manufacturing in the region, managing director Deepak Singh said their growing workforce has been the platform for new and exciting innovations for its customers.

“People come first, and it’s been a busy period for us making sure we can get our culture aligned to our goals and the processes and systems to deliver for our customers,’’ he said.

The investment in these processes has resulted in new product lines such as box culverts and modular bridges such as recently installed in Numurkah.

But it is the ability to bring technology to the table which excites the Mr Singh and his fellow director Mathew Ryan.

This includes a soon-to-be launched e-commerce side to the business to streamline the process of order to installation in the field.

“We’ve employed technology and are soon to launch a platform for e-commerce on our website,” Mr Singh said.

“We think it’s a real game-changer in many ways because now, a farmer, anyone can put together what they need for their product and begin the order process right away.”

By being able to cost and order materials for projects such as bay outlets, head walls and rice flumes, customers are able to have a hands-on approach to costing their project and getting it started straight away.

“We want to do things differently and make a difference and the e-commerce aspect of our site is one way, but we will still have a platform to liaise with customers who want to send in their designs and get started almost straight away,” Mr Singh said.

“Projects are always going to need managing and tailoring to a degree, but we want to use technology as best we can.”

LOCAL GROWTH... Directors of Gradian Hydrotech, Mathew Ryan and Deepak Singh. Photo: Struan Jones

Gradian Projects was born just over three years ago, when in 2017, Mr Singh and Mr Ryan started their own company, with their own vision to impact the industry.

In 2018, Gradian 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,’’ Mr Singh said.

With a view to expanding its customer base in the North East and Central New South Wales markets, the focus is on making 2021 a landmark year for the fledgling company, intent on putting Shepparton on the map and using the resources of people and processes to make a difference.

“These are exciting times. We have momentum now after three years and it’s all going to impact our customers in a positive way. We look forward to continual innovation in our industry,’’ Mr Singh added.

VICTORIA’S fox and wild dog bounty collections restarted this week.

Designated collection centres are now operating across the state, including in Tatura, Benalla, Broadford, Mansfield, Ovens and Wodonga.

Collections close each summer, when hunters are encouraged to collect fox scalps and wild dog body parts on their properties, and to freeze or air dry them.

People can submit entire fox scalps for a $10 reward and entire wild dog body parts for a $120 reward during scheduled collection times.

Agriculture Victoria biosecurity manager, Jason Wishart, is urging hunters to refresh their knowledge about the terms and conditions to ensure they submit animal pieces covered by the bounty.

More than 874,000 fox scalps and 3,900 wild dog body parts have been collected in Victoria since the bounty was introduced in 2011.

“In 2020 alone, some 59,799 fox scalps and 417 wild dog body parts were collected from 1,062 hunters,” Mr Wishart said.

“We achieved this last year despite reduced mobility and a pause in collections. Although the numbers are lower than previous years, it was still a tremendous effort.

Foxes and wild dogs prey on livestock, especially lambs, inflicting significant economic and production loss to Victoria’s livestock sector. They also have an impact on native wildlife.

The 2021 bounty collections will run until the end of October.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 15

NEWS

Ball’s in your court EXPERT CLINICIANS... 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

BEST FOOT FORWARD... Head into Intersport for all your sporting shoe needs. Gary ‘Nipper’ Harvey and Caysie-Lea Strafford are excited for the winter sports season. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

AFTER an almost non-existent footy and soccer season last year, this year’s sporting calendar is set to be one of the best on record. We have missed the camaraderie and excitement team sports bring to our lives, and getting the right gear is the best way to ensure you put your best foot forward.

Intersport Shepparton have an extensive range of soccer, football and netball footwear to give you a fresh start and extra edge on the court or field.

“After Covid affected pretty much all sport in 2020, everyone’s looking forward

to getting back out there, participating and giving it their best,” store owner, Gary Harvey said.

“We have such a large range of sporting shoes in addition to all the other gear you need and look forward to assisting people to select the best shoe for them.”

Intersport is proudly family owned and boasts a brilliant range of stock, friendly local staff and exceptional prices. Drop into Intersport at 16/69 High Street, Shepparton, call 5858 5695 or follow ‘Intersport Shepparton’ on Facebook.

Looking good and feeling better SELF-CARE has never been 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.

Let us take the hassle out OF FINDING THE RIGHT INSURANCE FOR YOU

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Page 16 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021

E shepparton@mclardymcshane.com.au | www.mclardymcshane.com.au

NEWS

HEALTHY START... Start Outdoors owner Kim Merkel, Best Start coordinator Belinda Whitelaw, RDI Nutrition senior nutritionist Katie Thorp and Healthy Communities team leader Charlie Maude. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

Nutrition on the menu for Activities in the Park DINNERTIME and hungry kids go in hand in hand. We plan and cook meals to ensure our children enjoy a nutritious and fulfilling meal, yet many of us are met with looks of disdain when we dish up dinner, even being surprised when an old favourite is suddenly branded unpalatable by an outraged toddler.

Healthy eating is an integral part of giving your children a great head start in life and supporting their growth and development.

Education surrounding why it's important to eat healthily and keep active can be key to helping children understand why we eat the things we should and could very well help with those meal time battles.

Greater Shepparton City Council's Activities in the Park initiative is holding two fun-filled events in conjunction with Katie Thorp from RDI Nutrition and Kim Merkel from Start Outdoors to help educate the preschool set about healthy eating and being

active through activities.

"Having a head start before children enter the school system lays the foundation for a healthy relationship with food, ideally for life," said nutritionist Katie.

The session will include mat time, reading a book about healthy eating, playing a mystery game and building a 'Super Healthy Fruit and Veggie Person'.

"Fundamental movement skills are the foundation for future sport participation." said Start Outdoors owner, Kim Merkel.

Registering beforehand is preferable through Council's website and remember to bring a hat and drink bottle, wear comfortable shoes and have fun!

Session times are as follows: Friday March 19 – Mactier Gardens, Tatura 9.30am – 11am Wednesday March 31 – Ferrari Park, Mooroopna 9.30am – 11am

In the market for a loan MANY of us have now faced the reality that international travel will not be on the cards any time soon.

Thankfully, we live in a beautiful part of the world where rivers, beaches and picturesque camping grounds are only a stone’s throw away.

It’s a great time to invest in a camper, caravan, boat, jet ski or even new car to help make those holidays exploring our backyard and the great outdoors all the more enjoyable.

Not many of us have the cash on hand to buy a large ticket item outright, and that’s where a personal loan comes in handy, turning your dreams into reality.

T h a t ’s w h e r e L o a n M a r k e t Shepparton’s lending expert, Mike Timothee, can help. With over 20 years’ of finance and customer service experience, Mike is able to help you choose from a panel of lenders, to find the personal loan that’s right for you.

Loan Market Shepparton is located at 281 Wyndham Street and Mike can be contacted on 5831 7747 or 0438 372 280 for an obligation free chat about all aspects of your finance needs. Mike offers afterhour appointments to suit your lifestyle and work schedule.

PERSONAL LOAN EXPERT... Loan Market Shepparton broker, Mike Timothee, offers obligation-free consultations for a range of lending options. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 17

NEWS

Happy first birthday A N N I V E R S A R I E S a n d b i r t h d ay s are celebrations which commemorate milestones and offer a chance to reflect on the year that has passed. The birthday celebration of a business that helps improve the lives and health of our local community is an especially joyous one as GV Skin hit the one-year mark of providing skin healthcare in Shepparton.

Drs Matthew Wong and Wil Chong are the specialists behind GV skin, and throughout the year have consulted with thousands of people, treating their skin issues, and potentially savings lives through early intervention.

The team at GV Skin would like to thank the Greater Shepparton community for their support and willingness to put

their trust and faith into the hands of their friendly team.

Drs Matthew Wong and Wil Chong would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to their families and staff for their wonderful support and effort throughout the year.

The ongoing message from Drs Matthew Wong and Wil Chong is to look after your skin in the sun, and if you notice any changes or have any concerns, come in for a comprehensive skin check.

GV Skin and Specialist Centre is located at 20 Wyndham Street, on the left-hand side when heading north out of the CBD on the GV Highway. They can be contacted on 5820 0500.

CELEBRATING A FANTASTIC YEAR... (back l-r) Felicia Chiew, Dr Matthew Wong, Dr Wil Chong, Angeline Lee, (front l-r) Brittany Daniels, Heather Thomas, Julie Roberts and Gina Baker. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

Positions open on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council VICTORIAN Traditional Owners are being encouraged to apply for positions on the state’s Aboriginal Heritage Council.

Up to three positions are currently available on the 11-member council, which is made up exclusively of Victorian Traditional Owners.

The council’s role is to strengthen understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultural heritage and to ensure responsibility for heritage remains with Traditional Owners.

The responsibilities of Council include: • Being the central coordinating body responsible for ancestral remains in Victoria • Providing advice to the ministers for Aboriginal Affairs and Planning • Providing advice to the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet • Determining applications from Traditional Owner groups seeking to become Registered Aboriginal Parties • Promoting public awareness and understanding of

Aboriginal cultural heritage • Managing the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund • Facilitating research into Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria.

Victorian Traditional Owners who reside in the state, have extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage and its regulatory environment and have time to commit to council duties are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit aboriginalheritagecouncil. vic.gov.au.

Roll up your sleeve

BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED... The Red Cross is calling on Shepparton residents to consider giving blood, with a shortfall in supplied expected as a result of the Labour Day long weekend. Photo: Supplied

ABOUT 70 additional people are needed to donate blood or plasma in Shepparton over the next two weeks including on the Labour Day public holiday, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is reminding people the need for blood is ongoing even with a day off from work.

“Donated blood can’t be stockpiled.

Some blood products have a shelf life of just five days, which means we need regular donations throughout the long weekend for patients in hospitals,” Lifeblood spokesperson, Erin Lagoudakis said.

“Even those planning a staycation or trip away can help save lives by planning ahead and booking a donation before or after Page 18 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021

their holiday.”

Ms Lagoudakis said fewer collection days a nd pea k dema nd ma ke long weekends a challenge for blood stocks, particularly when just three percent of the population donates blood. On average, the Shepparton Donor Centre needs to collect around 250 donations each week, but this figure can vary based on patient demands.

About nine million Australians may be eligible to donate blood but only 500,000 people do. That means there are about 8.5 million Australians who may be able to donate, but don’t.

To book a blood or plasma donation visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 19

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The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 21

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Adviser

SPORT

GV Rallye celebrates 25 years T H E G ou lbu r n Va l ley ’s largest and longest running charity motoring event is off to Hepburn Springs. Not so much a race but a fun social event to raise funds for GV Hospice Care. The last GV Hospice R a l lye i n 2019 raised over $68,000.

All types of vehicles are welcome , whe t her it b e a 1920s A Model, a post war classic V W, Ferrari, or Volvo, or your modern f a m i ly s e d a n , a ny t h i n g

Finals loom with one round to play

roadworthy goes.

A l l t he road s for t he Rallye are sealed and the d istance w ill be a rou nd 60 0 k ms over t wo days going over lots of roads you wouldn’t normally travel down. The start is early Saturday morning May 1, from Shepparton and return on Sunday afternoon May 2, after the lunch time Rallye Banquet, to be held an hour or so from Shepparton.

Entry Cost: $280 per car

By Struan Jones NAGAMBIE and Waaia have shot to the top of the Cricket Shepparton A-Grade ladder after crushing victories last Saturday.

With a final round to be played this Saturday, the make-up of the top six is not yet set in stone, with the top five separated by only 11 points and sixth-placed Central Park/ St Brendans hanging onto their position by just one point.

Playing at home on Saturday, Nagambie made light work of Karramomus, firstly posting a massive 3/220, before putting the visitors to the sword with their first-class bowling attack.

Nathan Fothergill took 3/17 from nine overs, but Karramomous showed fight to hang on to end at 9/92 at the close of their 45 overs.

All results in brief: • Numurkah vs BYE • Central Park/St Brendans 9/199 R Lau 44, XG Chalkley 29, RR Yze 28, BA Scott 26, B Armstrong 4/28, S Martin 2/30, B Archer 2/38, DEF Tatura 10/91 BA Scott 4/20 • Euroa 68 B Holmes 5/11, H Sirett 3/16 DEF

BY Katandra 1/69 B Clurey 37* B Black 26* • Kyabram 1/74 PA Newman 53* DEF Old Students 73 C McLay 3/18, J McLay 2/9, A McKenzie 2/12, C Ryan 2/16 • Mooroopna 8/143 L Zanchetta 55*, S O'Brien 30, G Hutchins 2/5, J Sidebottom 2/48 DEF BY Northerners 4/144 J Brett 88, M Brett 43*, S D'Elia 2/22 • Waaia 5/190 L Evans 56, C Brown 32*, MJ Cleeland 28, M Jarrett 2/30 DEF Shepparton United 132 C Vidanapathirana, 42 C Rendina 25, L Evans 3/10, G Meyland 3/27, C Brown 2/31 • Nagambie 3/220 B Tarran 84*, KJ WinterIrving 79, MC Nolan 32 DEF Karramomus 9/92 N Fothergill 3/17, KJ Winter-Irving 2/15, B Biggs 2/20

ROLLING TO RAISE FUNDS... GV Rallye is calling for entrants to this year’s event. Photo: supplied.

(tax deductable) plus $140 per person which covers all meals. Sunday breakfast is included in room rate.

I f you wou ld l i ke to

receive an entry form or more information, please c o n t a c t k e l v i n . m au d e @ gmail.com or on 0418 992 270

Lovell wants sport crowd limit lifted

THE Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell, has urged the State Government to scrap the 1,000-person crowd limit at local outdoor sporting venues, saying the limit will restrict revenue and place pressure on club volunteers.

Ms Lovell has said the number of COVID cases in regional Victoria is extremely low compared to metropolitan Melbourne, with some areas not recording a single positive case throughout the entire pandemic.

“Rural communities that have had little or no cases of COVID-19 should not be lumped in with metro Melbourne and the State Government needs to remove these capacity limits to support grass-roots sporting clubs throughout regional Victoria,” she said.

Goulburn Valley League operations manager, Jo Spencer, said under current restrictions, some clubs were having to

register blockbuster matches as public events weeks out from the scheduled date in order to plan for more than 1,000 spectators.

“It’s an incredible administrative strain on clubs, but they are willing to do it because they know how much we’ve all missed football and netball in the community,” she said.

GVL round 1 kicks off on the evening of Good Friday (April 2). There will be a blockbuster 6pm clash between the Shepparton Bears and Shepparton United at Deakin Reserve, which is expected to draw a large crowd.

Shepparton, Echuca, and Mansfield Football Netball Clubs are all in the process of registering matches with the State Government to allow more than 1,000 spectators to the venue.

However, Ms Spencer remained optimistic: “If it means we have to jump through 100 hoops to play, then we will.”

POS. TEAM

CRICKET SHEPPARTON TERRACE HAISMAN SHIELD A GRADE

1 2 3 4 5 6

Nagambie Waaia Kyabram Mooroopna Northerners Central Park/ St Brendans

PLAYED

LOST

POINTS

11 12 11 11 11

WON DRAW

6 6 5 5 5

4 4 4 4 3

1 2 2 2 3

51 51 45 45 42

11

4

4

3

40

POS. TEAM

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

PLAYED

Numurkah Katandra Old Students Shepp. United Euroa Karramomous Tatura

11 11 11 11 11 11 11

WON DRAW

4 4 4 2 2 1 0

4 4 3 4 3 4 3

LOST

POINTS

3 3 4 5 6 6 8

39 38 33 25 23 19 9

The Adviser. Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – Page 23

SPORT

Adviser

Shepp United get to work at atWork Cup

By Struan Jones SHEPPARTON United’s women’s football team has taken out the atWork Australia Cup after defeating Eaglehawk, Wangaratta Rovers, and Nathalia on their way to a final showdown against Echuca.

The inaugural round-robin style football carnival, which featured eight women’s teams playing 24-minute matches with a threeminute break, was held at the Shepparton’s Rumbalara Football Netball Club.

AFL Goulburn Murray commercial and operations manager, Zara O’Keeffe, said the atWork Australia Cup, which incorporates teams from the Northern Country Women’s League, will become an annual event.

For Shepparton United, the carnival was the club’s first foray into open-age women’s football with a team led by Ruby Williams, Renee Scott, Claire Magill. The club has fielded an under-18s team in the Shepparton and Districts Junior Football League for the

WINNERS’ CIRCLE... Shepparton United is aiming to field a women’s team in the Northern Country Women’s League in 2022. Photo: Supplied

past four seasons.

Women’s coach Dean Walton said United’s aim was to have a full women’s squad competing in the Northern Country

TAKING HOME CHOCOLATES... A Shepparton United women’s team took out the inaugural atWork Australia Cup at Shepparton’s Rumbalara oval on Sunday. Photo: Supplied

Women’s League for the 2022 season.

“We’ll look to enter the NCWL next year, and we’ll start advertising and recruiting in

by July this year,” he said.

“For some of our players who are now of open-age, we’re encouraging them to keep

up their football then return to United for 2022.”

With the Northern Country Women’s League kicking off on Sunday, March 14, the cup was seen as a perfect pre-season hit out between teams in the region.

2021 Interleague clash postponed THE Goulburn Valley League (GVL) and the Ovens and Murray Football and Netball League (O&M) interleague clash, scheduled for the general bye round on Saturday, May 22, has been called off.

The week off, between Round 7 and Round 8, will instead be used as a spare weekend up the sleeve of the GVL to be used in case of match cancellations as a result

of Government lockdowns.

Due to be hosted by the GVL, matches would have included Senior and Under 18 football along with Open and 17 & Under netball. The Senior football teams would have once again played for the Ash-Wilson Trophy, currently held by the O&M. The leagues have competed against each other since

Page 24 – The Adviser Australia No.1:1549 Wednesday, March 3, 2021

2001 with the trophy named after former Shepparton and Albury legend Stephen Ash and Wangaratta Rovers champion Mick Wilson.

Planning is underway for Season 2021 with Round 1 of the GVL season due to kick off on Good Friday (April 2) with the Shepparton Bears taking on Shepparton United at Deakin Reserve.