The Adviser 1674

Final winners of the $25.5k Giveaway

THE GMCU $25,500 Giveaway has

POWERFUL COLLABORATION FOR GOOD... SPC Ltd has united with the country’s largest food relief charity, Foodbank in an alliance to supply essential staples to support vulnerable individuals and families in Australia. From left is Foodbank CEO Brianna Casey, SPC chief operating officer Matthew McMichael, SPC CEO Neil Brimacombe, SPC chairman Hussein Rifai, Visy Sales Manager Food Can Division, Jordan Coall, Food Can site manager Shepparton, Scott Matthew and general manager Food Can Division, Brian Thiele. Photo: Supplied

Joining forces to combat growing food insecurity

PROVIDING top-notch food for over a century, renowned Australian brand SPC Global Ltd, has joined forces with the country’s largest food relief charity, Foodbank, in an alliance to supply

essential pantry staples to support vulnerable individuals and families in Australia.

Collaborating with supply partners Visy and Rinoldi, Foodbank and SPC

have combined their efforts to produce an impressive quantity of 230,000 cans of spaghetti and tomatoes at the SPC factory in Shepparton. Continued Page 8

Surprising, gladdening and quintessentially Australian

This year’s Furphy Literary Awardwinning short story is bound to delight

By Natasha Fujimoto

FULL of gasp-out loud surprises, Aussie tucker, magic and an effortless, God-given talent to communicate with animals, this year’s Furphy Literary Award-winning short story, Away to Me is, at heart, a simple love story that simply sparkles.

Author and newspaper journalist, Jen Rewell said of her wholly original yarn,

“It’s a story about a man, Half-Arthur, who has a very special way with animals- a gift. He can do anything with them, but sadly he is out of work, and he gets hungrier and hungrier and must tighten and tighten his belt until...’

Something rather strange but wonderful happens here, but I’m a not going to tell you what it is because that would ruin the pleasure of surprise. Suffice to say that from this point onwards, Away with Me keeps on surprising while gladdening the heart with its endearing, very Aussie, love story.

When asked about how she found the inspiration to write such a singular short story, Jen said,

“I do tend to dream things up. I dream things up just before I wake up and then, as the stories are bubbling out of my brain, I tend to tell my teenage children who will listen to my crazy ideas. Later, perhaps after a few days, they will come back to me and ask, ‘have you written that one down yet?’ Busy as I am, when I do get to write my stories down, they turn out like Away to Me.”

Taking place in the familiar countryside, Jen’s seemingly simple story invites all manner of explication. When asked about the varied interpretations of her award-winning story Jen said,

“I really like that so many people love the story, I mean it’s lovely to win the award and to have so many people read it from all walks of life. People are always going to bring their own history to a story when they read it. Everyone who reads Away to Me will take something different away from it dependent upon

their own history and experiences. I know how I wrote the story but as long as people read it and get something out of it, then that’s lovely.”

To enjoy Jen’s Away to Me head to the following link https:// www.furphystory.com.au/furphy-literary-award/the-awards/.

New nursing lab for students

NURSING students at La Trobe’s Shepparton campus converged on Corio Street on Monday afternoon to mark the launch of a new, purpose-built facility.

The temporary nursing lab and teaching space will be available for students over the next 18 months, while the $20M Shepparton campus redevelopment takes shape.

The Corio Street hub will offer a bigger

simulated hospital environment for the students.

In line with the launch, nursing students will be wearing sustainable scrubs that were donated to the cohort of 150 students by social enterprise Assembled Threads.

The scrubs were donated as part of a trial in a grant by Sustainability Victoria.

Escape to peace & tranquility

ORIGINAL, SPARKLING AND DESERVING OF A WIN... This year’s Furphy Literary Award winning short story, Away to Me (italics please) is a magical, endearing and wholly unexpected Aussie yarn that simply must be read. Pictured is Jen Rewell, the short story’s talented and award winning author who thankfully has turned her skill towards completing her first novel. Photo: Supplied

sponsors to show their gratitude to the 142 businesses who contributed to the region’s largest shopping competition. A chance to network and enjoy a friendly reprieve from the fast-paced nature of business and work, the gathering was a pleasant and gratifying event filled with speeches, stories and laughter.

From left, Heath Munari (Content & Campaign Coordinator), Rob Chaston (Credit Manager), John Calleja (Director Deputy Chair), Adam Woods (Director), Steven McAuley (Head of Lending), Michael Leake (Chief Marketing Officer), Tom Krause (Chief Financial Officer), Hayley Collins (Chief Risk Compliance & Governance Officer), David Laws (Chief Sales & Services Officer), Eugenie Stragalinos (Director Board Chair), Barney Ling (Chief Information Officer), Heath Barton (Manager Branch Services), Ged Smith (Chief Executive Officer). Photo: Emma Harrop

Final winners of the $25.5k Giveaway

continued from front page

JODI is a GMCU customer and already has a good idea about what she’ll spend her winnings on.

“My TV just died, so this is fantastic timing. I’ve also been wanting to go to New Zealand so I think some of this prize will go towards this, maybe even a cruise too, this is so exciting!”

A further eight people have won $500 each from the grand prize draw.

Elaine Lodding won after shopping at Coles Express - Riverside Plaza, “Very good, that’s wonderful!” she exclaimed.

Nicole Tomlin enjoyed a coffee at Café 3620 in Kyabram which rendered her $500 richer, “Oh beautiful, I entered after having

coffee with my kinder mum’s group, I will have to shout them a coffee,” she said.

Ginette Yosh did some grocery shopping at Woolworths - Safeway Plaza and walked away $500 better off, “Oh wow, just what I need, thank you!” she laughed.

Claire Lumas won after shopping at WB Hunters, “Fantastic, oh my gosh, wow! Thank you very much!” she said.

Vanessa Hayes-Beetson spent some money at Trellys Outdoor and ended up with $500 back in her pocket, as did Vicki Gillespie after shopping at Autobarn.

Julie Manning bought some items from Woolworths - Shepparton Marketplace and was delighted to hear she was a winner, “Oh heavens, that’s great!” she exclaimed.

One last winner wishes to remain anonymous.

GMCU branch services manager, Heath Barton, congratulated Jodi on her big win. “A special congratulations to Jodi for taking away the grand prize! It’s always great to see our community members being rewarded for supporting their local businesses. Thank you to the hundreds of businesses and thousands of shoppers for getting involved and making the 2023 GMCU $25,500 Giveaway one of the best yet,” said Mr Barton.Congratulations to all the winners this year and thank you to everyone for supporting the Giveaway. Most importantly though, for supporting local businesses. Your contribution helps our region to thrive.

FINAL WINNERS... Claire Lumas at WB Hunters, Ginette Yosh at Woolworths Safeway Plaza, Julie Manning Woolworths Marketplace, Vanessa Hayes-Beetson at Trellys Outdoor, Vicki Gillespie at Autobarn, Nicole Tomlin at Café 3620 in Kyabram and Jodi Beare, winner of the grand $5000 prize, at SPC Factory Sales. Photos: Emma Harrop

Exceptional businesses accept new round of nominations

FIVE more exceptional local businesses have been recognised in their nominated categories in this year’s SPC Business Excellence Awards.

Vision Radiology was nominated in ‘Customer Service Award: Professional Services’ sponsored by WDEA Works, with Ebony Fletcher accepting the nomination.

North End Bakehouse was nominated in

‘Business of the Year Award: Retail Services’ sponsored by Harvey Norman Shepparton, with Matt Aylett accepting the nomination.

Elsewhere at SAM was nominated in ‘Visitor Experience of the Year Award’ sponsored by Shepparton & Goulburn Valley, with Alaina Tuckett accepting the nomination.

Marc’s Mowing was nominated in ‘Best New

Business (under 2 years) of the Year Award sponsored by the Greater Shepparton Business Centre, with Marc Pengilly accepting the nomination.

GV Batteries was nominated in ‘Best Marketing/ Advertising Campaign Award’ sponsored by LiSTNR, Win TV & The Adviser, with Patrick Parsons accepting the nomination.

State 1 Security was nominated in ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award,’ sponsored by Shepparton BMW, with Abbas Al-Najar accepting the nomination.

Shepparton BMW was nominated in ‘GV Health Workplace Award’ sponsored by the Greater Shepparton Business Network with Aaron Brain accepting the nomination.

CAT 8- GV HEALTH WORKPLACE AWARD NOMINEE... From left, Tracy Lyle from sponsor GSBN, Aaron Brain from Shepparton BMW and Neil Brimacombe from sponsor SPC. Photo: Emma Harrop

CAT 3- VISITOR EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE... From left, Ingrid Thomas from sponsor Shepparton & Goulburn Valley, Alaina Tuckett from Elsewhere at SAM and Neil Brimacombe from sponsor SPC.

Photo: Emma Harrop

CAT 1- CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD : PROFESSIONAL SERVICES NOMINEE.. .From left, Neil Brimacombe from sponsor SPC, Ebony Fletcher from Vision Radiology and Paula Jones from sponsor WDEA.

Photo: Emma Harrop

CAT 4 - BEST NEW BUSINESS (UNDER 2 YEARS) OF THE YEAR

AWARD NOMINEE...From left, Neil Brimacombe from sponsor SPC, Marc Pengilly from Marc’s Mowing and Ingrid Thomas from sponsor Greater Shepparton Business Centre.

Photo: Emma Harrop

CAT 2- BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: RETAIL SERVICES NOMINEE... From left, Becc Fischer from sponsor Harvey Norman Shepparton, Matt Aylett from North End Bakehouse and Neil Brimacombe from sponsor SPC. Photo: Emma Harrop

CAT 5- BEST MARKETING/ ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN AWARD NOMINEE... From left Alan Kellock for sponsors LiSTNR, Win TV & The Adviser, Patrick Parsons from GV Batteries and Neil Brimacombe from sponsor SPC.

Photo: Emma Harrop

Joining forces to combat growing food insecurity

THIS initiative aims to provide muchneeded support to households across the country facing hardships and severe food insecurity. According to The Foodbank Hunger Report 2022, over 2M households experienced acute food shortage on any given day in Australia while more than half a million struggled to put food on the table.

“Australians are experiencing some of the most insecure and stressful times in history, as we continue to recover from the global pandemic and navigate through ongoing strain from increases in cost of living. SPC is proud to continuously dedicate our time and resources to support some of Australia's most vulnerable individuals and families,

Hussein Rifai.

“SPC is committed to delivering Better Food for the Future, and as part of this mission, we are proud to continue giving back to our communities and supporting important initiatives such as the Foodbank Collaborative Program to do our part in helping create better lives for our fellow Australians.”

Having been a dedicated supporter of The Foodbank Collaborative Supply Program for numerous years, SPC took their commitment to new heights this year by organising a special event at their factory in Shepparton to raise awareness.

The gathering brought together various stakeholders, including Foodbank CEO Brianna Casey, representatives from donating supplier Visy, such as General Manager Brian Thiele and Sales Manager Jordan Coall as well as media partners.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey attended the event and thanked SPC and collaborative partners for their ongoing support to Foodbank, sharing further

“In 2022, SPC donated 67,300 kilograms of tinned tomatoes and spaghetti for Foodbank’s Collaborative Supply Program and with the support of SPC, Foodbank sourced 82 million kilograms of food and relief groceries for vulnerable Australians.

“The day-to-day reality of food insecurity we’re seeing at Foodbank has certainly changed – it’s not just people on the street, but people in your street. It could be your neighbour, your colleague or your friend, more and more we’re seeing people with mortgages, double income families, rents to

pay, all turn up at Foodbank needing help.

“Without amazing partners such as SPC, Rinoldi and Visy, we wouldn’t be able to do

what we do – help put food on the table for the more than one million Aussies we help every month.” Ms Casey said.

TAKING A TOUR TO MAKE AN IMPACT... Food manufacturer SPC, packaging manufacturer Visy and Rinoldi Pasta have combined their efforts with Foodbank to provide much-needed support to households across the country facing hardship. Pictured are representatives from each of the collaborating organisations taking a tour of the Shepparton SPC factory on Tuesday, August 1. Photo: Supplied

A platform to showcase resilience and response

New exhibition at SAM encapsulates the experience and impact of

THE art exhibition After the Rain showcases the latest creations from seven artists belonging to the Tuesday Junction art group.

Hailing from Echuca, a place with a Yorta Yorta name meaning 'meeting of the waters,' these artists were direct witnesses to the landscape's transformation and their community's reaction when the Goulburn, Campaspe, and Murray Rivers overflowed during the flood in October 2022.

Through their artworks, the artists express their first-hand experiences and emotions related to the natural disaster and its aftermath, offering insights into the changes

last year’s floods

brought about by the flood on both the environment and the local community.

The exhibition serves as a platform to communicate the resilience and response of their community in the face of adversity, fostering understanding and connection among viewers.

Tuesday Junction's artistic responses have encapsulated their firsthand experience and the enduring impact of the significant flood.

The exhibition presents a diverse display of the artists' individual practices, encompassing various approaches and mediums such as painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media,

COMMUNITY CONNECT

HAILING FROM THE MEETING OF WATERS... Having witnessed the transformation of the landscape and the community’s reaction to it during last year’s floods, Tuesday Junction art group from Echuca have expressed their experiences and emotions through their exhibition, After the Rain. This new exhibition is currently on display at the Shepparton Art Museum until October15. Photo: Supplied

textiles, and found object assemblage.

Notably, a significant collaborative piece stands out, featuring reclaimed hessian sacks sourced from the flood. These sacks have been skilfully embroidered and sewn together to create an installation that hangs within the space, symbolically weaving their collective experiences into a cohesive narrative.

COUNTRY MUSIC FOR CHARITY... On Thursday, August 10 at the Cricketers Arms Hotel, Mooroopna is the very talented singers, Col Thomson and Vanessa Waara performing from 1-4pm. Entry for the show is $10 with meals at 12 noon. For bookings, please phone Joyce on 040 821 411.

The exhibition serves as a powerful testimony to their shared journey and the profound influence of the flood on their art and lives.

After the Rain is a Shepparton Art Museum EOI exhibition and is open in the H D.T Williamson Community Gallery until October 15.

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY EVENT... A suicide discussion to be held at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre (MEAC) on Friday August 25 from 5.45pm-8pm. For further information please call Steve Neff on 0400 314 858.

Tell us about your ‘not-for-profit’ community events via email at classifieds@sheppartonadviser.com.au (information is required at least 2 weeks before an event). Please note listings are to be fewer than 55 words. Queen Base (Faded) $150

Bases ................................................... to $300

Week 6

CAFE THREE620 $500 Winner, Nicole Tomlin

TRELLY’S OUTDOOR $500 Winner, Vanessa Hayes-Beetson

WB HUNTER MITRE 10 $500 Winner, Claire Lummas

Week 5

SAFEWAY PLAZA $500 Winner, Ginette Yosh

WOOLWORTHS MARKETPLACE $500 Winner, Vicki Gillespie

Week 4

AUTOBARN $500 Winner, Vicki Gillespie

MOOROOPNA HARDWARE

$500 Winner, Margaret Collier

SPC FACTORY SALES $500 Winner, Pirkko Hirvihalme

COLES RIVERSIDE PLAZA $500 Winner, James Symons

Week 3

MACISAAC ROAD TAKEAWAY $500 Winner, Sam Cifici

BIG W $500 Winner, Madison Hopkins

BILLABONG GARDEN COMPLEX $500 Winner, Bradley Allott

SPC FACTORY SALES $500 Winner, Denise Hipwell

Week 2

FAIRLEYS SUPA IGA $500 Winner, Iren Havas

Week 1

KWIK BITE CAFE $500 Winner, Karlee Foster

WINNERS NOT PICTURED

$500 Winner, Shelly Tate shopped at Spirited Flame

$500 Winner, Julie Haddow shopped at BIG W

$500 Winner, Paul Cykner shopped at House $500 Winner, Elaine Lodding shopped at Woolworths Safeway Plaza $500 Winner, wishes to remain anonymous shopped at Poolwerx

Shepparton Club’s next charity raffle

OVER the next 12 months, Shepparton Club will be collaborating with local charities in an effort to give back and spread awareness of the amazing foundations in our community that support local people. This month, they have selected GV Hospice to be the charity of choice for their raffle.

GV Hospice is a not-for-profit, homebased palliative care service which provides comprehensive, collaborative and specialist support to people living in the City of Greater Shepparton.

GV Hospice supports people with a life limiting illness to live well by offering support at home to improve the quality of life of individuals, carers and their families.

GV Hospice provides 24 hour, 7 days per week support to people of all ages and is

free of charge. GV Hospice has a team of palliative care specialists experienced in providing support, answering questions and offering holistic care in the home.

On Friday, August 18, the next charity raffle will be drawn at Shepparton Club at 7pm, with a Facebook livestream on their page for those who are unable to attend.

Prizes include $50 meat vouchers, $50 club vouchers, $50 Shepp access eco packs, and a member’s bonus draw with a $100 Market Meats voucher and a $100 club voucher.

Scanning the QR code will enter you into the “online prizes” pool only, to enter the “in-house prizes” pool, you must also purchase a physical raffle ticket at the club from 6pm onwards.

To enter scan the QR code on the right,

drop into the Shepparton Club at 455 Wyndham Street, or call 5831 4488 for your chance to win. Be sure to like the

Shepparton Club on Facebook for the latest specials and to see what’s happening.

Brandishing a GV apple to stand-up for local growers

SAM Birrell MP, the Federal Member for Nicholls, strongly criticised the Labor Government's water policy during a recent event. He passionately held up a Goulburn Valley apple to emphasise the importance of protecting the food bowl of Australia. According to him, the policy would create obstacles in cultivating clean and nutritious local produce, putting the region's agricultural sector at risk.

During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, August 2, Mr Birrell raised concerns about the Government's alterations to Industrial Relations Laws and the PALM Scheme. He asserted that these changes were posing significant challenges

for local farmers, jeopardising their ability to sustain their operations and remain financially viable.

“Apple growers are telling me it’s getting harder to produce this product because of the policies of the Labor Government,” Mr Birrell told Parliament while holding a local apple.

“IR laws are making it incredibly difficult, including the changes to the PALM Scheme to run an orchard and grow healthy, clean Australian fruit,” he said.

In a direct criticism, Mr. Birrell singled out Minister for Water, Tanya Plibersek, accusing her of neglecting the concerns of basin residents. He expressed deep concern over

her proposal to withdraw an additional 450 gigalitres of water from Basin communities, a move he believes poses a serious threat to the future of Australian produce.

“The Government’s plan to rip a further 450 gigalitres out of the productive water pool that grows, clean Australian food threatens the viability of orchards and dairy farms in the food bowl of Australia,” he told Parliament.

It comes as households across Nicholls continue to struggle with the cost of living and Mr Birrell said Labor’s changes to these policies are increasing the cost of produce and risking local jobs and businesses.

CARE, COMPASSION, CHOICE... GV Hospice team leader/admin Tracey Kerr, GV Hospice community engagement and volunteer co-ordinator Maree Chin, GV Hospice clinical nurse specialist Rachael Kubeil, GV Hospice executive manager Wendy Ross and Shepparton club manager Wayne Sutton. Photo: Emma Harrop

OLIVET CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

89 Main Road, Campbells Creek Vic 3451

(03) 5472 3817

PRIMARY/SECONDARY TEACHER 1.0

Primar y - Year 10 trained. We are creating a full-time position par tially suppor ting remedial secondar y Maths, English, and a designated lower primar y subject plus PE and/or DigiTech skills per mitting.

This position is ongoing par t-time and/or full-time dependent on your preparedness to cover the varied lear ning criteria. Term 4 ongoing.

Applications close 28th August 2023

Application Forms and Positions

Descriptions are available under employment tab www.olivet.vic.edu.au

Principal Steven Nicholas snicholas@olivet.vic.edu.au

The successful applicant will acknowledge and fully suppor t the Christ-focussed ethos and principles of the College

ALL APPLICANTS MUST DEMONSTRATE:

• A strong commitment to Catholic Education and Catholic Identity

• An understand of best practice in relation to teaching literacy and numeracy

• An ability to promote academic excellence

• The capacity to work effectively as a team member Accreditation to teach Religious Education or a willingness to seek Accreditation

• An understanding of AITSL standards and expectations of Professional Teachers

• An understanding of and commitment to the VRQA Child Safe Standards

APPLICATIONS CLOSE TUESDAY 15TH OF AUGUST

All applications should be forwarded via email to the Principal directly: principal@sptongala.catholic.edu.au

Please include a letter of introduction, your curriculum vitae along with the names and contacts of three referees able to comment on your suitability for this role GRADUATES WELCOME TO APPLY

@sptongala 91705

JOURNALIST/WRITER

Part (approx. 30 hours) or Full Time Position

We have a fantastic opportunity in our Editorial team! We’re currently seeking applications for a journalist/writer to join The Adviser, this region’s largest circulating and best-read newspaper. This exciting and dynamic position involves being part of our editorial team to help plan, write and organise editorial for each weekly edition of The Adviser including online articles.

WHAT’S THIS ROLE ABOUT?

• Sourcing and creating compelling content that is consumer relevant across print and digital platforms

• Work to deadlines in a fast-paced newspaper environment

• Help deliver unique content, drive conversation and engage our readers in print and online

• Generate great local general news content across a variety of fields of community interest

• Experience in uploading articles to websites and social media

• Digital photography skills/experience and/or an interest in this is an advantage

If you are a can-do community minded person, are passionate about writing, and you have excellent organisational and time management skills, we’d love to meet and have a chat about this wonderful role within our team.

As a member of The Adviser’s editiorial team, you will get the resources and support you need in a place that respects your contribution, nurtures your talent and celebrates your achievements.

If this sounds like the position for you, we are interviewing now so please do not delay, email your application letter, resume and portfolio to: melanie.spencer@sheppartonadviser.com.au

38-40 Welsford Street, Shepparton Ph 5832 8900

TEACHING POSITIONS

Seeking Expressions of Interest

Secondary School Teacher

Mathematics

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for a suitably qualified secondary school Math and Science teacher to join our sta in 2024.

To be considered for this position, candidates must be currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian institute of Teaching (VIT) and have a solid knowledge of the subject matter for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Key Details

• Ongoing position • Contact hours 8.30am to 4pm

• Potential to also move into the role of faculty Leader for either Math or Science

To view full position description, please scan the QR code or visit www cags.vic.edu.au/employment Expressions

BARGAIN BUYS

Adviser SPORT

Over 200 descend on Shepparton

The Hockey Australia Country Championships are underway!

WITH an electrifying buzz of anticipation in the air this year’s Hockey Australia Country Championships got underway with an official opening on Friday, August 5 at the Hockey complex, Shepparton Sports City.

Beginning with the Captains Call, where team captains from all competing teams came together to set the tone for the tournament, the seven-day event got underway showcasing some of nation’s best regional hockey talent.

This year’s fixture encompasses 12 men and women’s teams representing New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and the Australian Defence Force.

“For our regional hockey community and legion of players who participate in the sport in these areas, this event on our national calendar is their time in the spotlight,” said Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles.

“Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association have done a wonderful job in readiness for hosting and welcoming the teams for these championships, so it promises to be a fantastic week of competition.”

“The enthusiasm and preparation done by the Council and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association since taking on the responsibility of hosting the event will provide a fantastic experience for teams and supporters alike,” Mr Pryles said.

Queensland aims to repeat their outstanding performance from last year when they emerged victorious in both the men's and women's competitions. They also

secured the titles for the Top Goal Scorers and Players of the tournament in both categories.

After the tournament, the Australian 2023 Country

NETball previews split round R16 with sam saracino

MOOROOPNA V KYABRAM

Mooroopna will look to bounce back when it welcomes Kyabram to the Cattery.

The Cats dropped from the top of the ladder to third after its six-goal loss to Seymour last round.

Coach Di Hanslow won’t be too concerned by some the losses in the past few weeks.

She will be tweaking the style depending on the opponent, confident come September that they have the game plan to win the premiership.

Shelby Britten, Ella Ogier and Asha Gray will be the players trying to lead from the front to ensure the Cats bank another four points to keep pace in the battle to be the 2023 minor premier.

Kyabram will look to Jayda Richardson,

Caitie Minger and young gun Hollie Reid to try and ensure the visitors are competitive for long periods of the contest. Tip: Mooroopna.

SHEPPARTON SWANS V SEYMOUR

The Shepparton Swans are playing for pride and they will be looking to claim a big scalp before the home and away seasons winds up.

They have been really competitive in most of their matches in 2023 to claim six wins from their 15 games.

Captain and shooter Chelsea McDonald has been one of the shining lights while Hannah Garner, Sophie Garner and Klarindah Hudson are others to have had consistent seasons.

If they can continue that form then they

will be a chance of taking it to the reigning premier and second placed Lions.

The visitors will look to Sarah Szczykulski, Casey Adamson and playing coach and shooter Ellie Fuhrmeister to ensure they bank the win to keep pace in the tussle for the minor premiership. Tip: Seymour.

TATURA V SHEPPARTON UNITED

Tatura will be hoping to use the win over Kyabram to continue its push towards locking in a finals spot.

Coach Fiona Boyer is professional enough to keep her girls on course and to not think the job is done yet.

Post this game, the Bulldogs travel to Kings Park to take on the reigning premier before closing out its campaign at Tatura Park

Kick Marketing Goals

against the Swans.

Molly Boyle and Jasmine Fraser will be looking to continue their good form while shooters Julia Clarke and Charlette Gray will be important to ensure the Bulldogs get off to a strong start to ensure the team can control the tempo of the contest.

United will look to shooters Diaz Barzen and Georgia Walpole who were outstanding against the Bears despite the loss.

Laura Cole and Olivia Kirby continue to play consistent netball for the Demons. They will look to lead as they have done all year to try and help the team claim a big scalp before the end of the home and away season. Tip: Tatura.

Squads will be revealed, featuring Senior Men's and Women's squads, along with Under 21 Men's and Women's squads.

WITH THE CAPTAINS CALL IT BEGINS... This year’s Hockey Australia Country Championships is underway, bringing teams from around the nation to compete in the electric seven day event proudly hosted by Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association. Pictured from left are the team captains from South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. Standing tall in the centre of the group is Greater Shepparton City Council mayor, Cr Shane Sali. Photo: Emma Harrop

TOP TIPSTERS

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B u y i n g y u r f i r s t h o m e is not impossible.

MOOROOPNA V KYABRAM

This should be a fantastic contest that has plenty on the line.

A win for Kyabram and it will virtually sewup third spot on the ladder, while victory for the Cats keeps their hopes alive of finishing third, which many say is nearly the best spot to finish come September. The Cats were really good in two of the four quarters against the Lions so coach John Lamont knows the importance of a fourquarter effort against the top six teams. Unfortunately, the Cats have fallen short in most matches in 2023 versus the top six teams, only defeating Mansfield, so Lamont and his coaching staff will be keen on claiming a scalp ahead of the September finals.

Bryce Rutherford, Matt Deane, Jed Woods, Daniel Johnston and Ethan Hunt will be the Cats trying to lead by example to take it up to the Bombers who got back on the winners’ list last round after losses in round 13 and 14. Kaine Herbert, Liam Ogden, Jason Morgan, Charlie Barnett and Bradley Mangan were the Bombers that lead the way in what was a solid team effort to get the win over Tatura. If they can continue that form and others chip in to lend support, then I think it will be Kyabram in front at around 4.30pm. Tip: Kyabram

SHEPPARTON SWANS V SEYMOUR

The Shepparton Swans will be looking to dish it up to one of the best teams in the competition as they look to try and claim a big scalp before season’s end. In recent weeks, the young Swans have played with plenty of dare and freedom. They took up to the reigning premier for 2 ½ quarters and won the second half against Mansfield last round after they were down by nearly 50 points at half-time.

Coach Jedd Wright would be liking what his chargers are doing in the back half of the season despite not getting the wins on the board.

Max Clohesy, Quade Johnstone, James Auld, Steele Simpson and Will Dwyer will be looking to continue their recent good form for the Swans.

Joshua Alford, Jack O’Sullivan, Ricky Schraven, Ben Cooney, Rory Scopel, Nathan Fowler and Michael Hartley will be looking to lead the way for the Lions to ensure they bank the win and take another step towards locking in a top two finish. Tip: Seymour.

TATURA V SHEPPARTON UNITED

This will be an interesting match-up between two teams looking to finish off 2023 in a positive manner.

The Bulldogs were well beaten by Kyabram last round while the Demons gave up a fourgoal lead to eventually slump to a 21-point defeat and to the bottom of the ladder.

As a proud club, the Demons will be desperate to climb off the ladder before season’s end. This is one of three opportunities to do that. Following the match against the Bulldogs, the Demons finish with a home fixture against Benalla and an away match against Rochester to round out their home and away season.

Coach Duane Hueston would have ear-marked this period as an opportunity to get a win or two. But it won’t be easy, especially if they don’t string together four quarters. Last round, they only played a half. But it was a really good half, so he will be looking to replicate that against the Dogs.

To do that the likes of Marcus Wattie, Damien Pigatto, Adam Pigatto, Kyle Clarke, Mitchell Roche and Jayden Magro need to lead the way while the Dogs will look to Comanche Walls, Michael Archer, Brayden Hall, James Bennett, Ryan Young and Ethan Penrith to steer them to their fifth win of 2023. With the game at Tatura Park, I am leaning towards the home team to get the chocolates. Tip: Tatura.