Delivered to an estimated 60,000 readers in print and online
Nomination forms, guidelines and further information can be found at greatershepparton.com.au
Nominations close Friday 6 December, 2024.
Photo: Emma Harrop
Asbestos Disposal Point at Cosgrove Landfill
Safe disposal of asbestos is as important as safe removal. The Asbestos Disposal Point at Cosgrove Landfill provides a convenient and responsible way to safely dispose of small amounts of asbestos waste.
To use the site, make a booking and strictly follow packaging, transport and onsite disposal requirements. Disposal fees apply.
The Asbestos Disposal Point will only accept waste that is:
• Non-friable or ‘bonded’ asbestos – such as asbestos cement sheeting (also known as ‘fibro’ or ‘AC Sheeting’), roof tiles, eaves, fencing, pipes
• Packaged correctly – asbestos waste must be double wrapped, sealed and labelled in heavy duty (minimum of 0.2mm thickness) HDPE plastic sheeting or specialised asbestos bags.
• Small quantities only – Under 10 m2 or 100 kgs per load.
To make a booking or to find out more about conditions of use and disposal fees scan the QR code, visit shepp.city/asbestos or call 03 5832 9700
SAFE ASBESTOS REMOVAL
Before starting any building work, trades work or home improvement projects, check for asbestos. If you find asbestos, it is strongly recommended that you engage a licensed asbestos removalist to remove it safely. To find out more about identifying and removing asbestos visit asbestos.vic.gov.au
For more information, visit shepp.city/asbestos
OSCAR PIASTRI TAKES GOLD
Oscar Piastri, who has strong family ties to Shepparton, is the latest Australian to conquer a Formula 1 Grand Prix, securing a remarkable victory in Hungary! Driving his McLaren to triumph at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, Piastri becomes just the fifth Australian ever to win a Grand Prix. Congratulations, Oscar!
stood in solidarity as a call to peace in Gaza at the Queen’s Garden on Saturday. People from Greater Shepparton have again joined their voices to those around the world asking for World Leaders to intervene and stop the violence. Overseas conflict can be easy to dismiss from the safety of Australia, but for some in the community, it has a real-life effect on their friends and family.
20TH
FALCON NATIONALS EN ROUTE TO SHEPPARTON
March 13-16, 2025, the 20th Falcon GT Nationals, sponsored by Grand Tourer, will be held in Shepparton at the MOVE Museum. The most recent 2023 event in Bathurst had more then 400 cars, with entrants travelling from all over Australia to be part of the biannual event. For more information, to register a vehicle or purchase tickets, go to: 20thfalcongtnationals2025.com
NATIONAL TREE DAY
Connect with nature and join the community for National Tree Day celebrations on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
As a special treat, Greater Shepparton City Council will also be giving away native plants to take home. Don’t forget to pre-register online to secure your spot.
Where? Yakka Basin Reserve - accessible via Grenache Drive off Southdown Street. Parking is available along Grenache Drive.
GOULBURN VALLY TO RALLY
VIGIL AT QUEENS GARDENS
Concerned locals braved the bitter weather and
Everything you need for a fun and rewarding planting experience will be provided, including gloves and tools. Plus, enjoy a delicious free BBQ on site to refuel after your hard work!
This Saturday Greater Shepparton residents are invited to march against Gendered Violence. Meeting at Victoria Park Lake at 11am, near the north end, participants will march past the police station and courthouse before continuing back to the lake. There will be guest speakers an open
mic. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to wear orange and Purple.
NEW ARRIVAL AT KYABRAM FAUNA PARK
Kyabram Fauna Park has welcomed a new arrival with some striking quoll-ities. A one-year-old, male spotted-tailed quoll has taken up residence along the Park’s main trail, alongside an elderly Spottedtailed quoll and two Eastern quolls.
Kyabram Fauna Park keeper Jessica Lyne said the young Dasyurid [pronounced: daz-ee-you-rid] is settling in well and is catching the eyes of visitors despite being a primarily nocturnal species.
Grant round opens to preserve our region’s heritage
THE Heritage Conservation Grants Program, which was launched in 2017, aims to promote conservation of the region’s heritage through maintenance, preservation, reconstruction or restoration that improves the physical integrity or appearance of a place, while being respectful of the place’s significance.
Greater Shepparton City Council, in association with the Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee, is pleased to the launch the 2024/2025 Heritage Conservation Grants Program.
In 2023/2024, the seventh year of the grant program, more than $39,000 was awarded to heritage conservation projects across the municipality. Funds were used for a range of works,
including restoration of verandahs, chimney restorations, painting and roof/gutter repairs.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available, on a $1 for $1 basis, which can include financial or in-kind contributions. Individuals, community groups or organisations who own or manage properties within the Heritage Overlay, both individually significant and contributory to a heritage precinct, are eligible to apply.
Eligible projects will assist in repairing or conserving the heritage fabric or enable documentation such as specialist assessments or conservation management plans. Works must be undertaken and completed between October 2024 and May
2025. Full eligibility requirements are outlined in the Heritage Grants Guidelines 2019, which is available on Council’s website. Grant applications can be lodged with Council until 5pm on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with Council’s free Heritage Advisory Service to discuss the proposed works. To make an appointment with a Heritage Advisor, please contact Council’s Building, Planning and Compliance Department on (03) 5832 9700.
For more information on the 2024/2025 Heritage Conservation Grants Program, visit greatershepparton.com.au/ greater-shepparton-heritage-grants-program
COUNCIL IS ASKING FOR COMMUNITY INPUT AND YOUR THOUGHTS MATTER!
Conversations have commenced for the Council Plan 2025 – 2029 and we need the community’s help to set priorities and focus areas for the next four years.
We want to hear from those who live, work and play in the Greater Shepparton area and it’s as simple as participating in an online survey.
Scan the QR code or visit shaping.greatershepparton.com.au
BRAVE STAND... former Goulburn Valley Grammer student, Sabaina Abdullah, who recently graduated with a double degree in Law and International Relations, was one of the five guest speakers at the peace vigil held at the Queens Garden last Saturday. Photo: Aaron Cordy
RACING EXCELLENCE... Oscar Piastri receiving the Sir Jack Brabham Award in 2022 with former Formula 1 driver and Motorsport Australia Hall of Fame member Tim Schenken OAM. Photo: Supplied
Giveaway closes Sunday!
THE GMCU $25,500 Giveaway is entering its final days, and so far, there have been 68,000 entries! That’s a minimum of a $680,000 boost to local businesses with entrants spending at least $10 (and in many cases more) in store to be in it to win it!
When week two winner Julie Kelly heard the
news of her win. She said, “It’s the best news I’ve had all month.”
Week five winner Allan Farrell of Kialla West shopped at SPC Factory Sales. When told of the news, Allan said, “Oh wow, I’m stoked with that. That’s great. Thanks so much!”
You too could join our list of lucky winners
by shopping at participating stores. The competition will close on Sunday, July 28 with the draw for the major $5,000 prize held on Monday. If you want a chance at the grand prize or a $500 gift card from the GMCU, be sure to get shopping and fill out an entry form at participating stores. Good luck!
Pictured from left is Harris Scarfe manager Karen Bull, GMCU Shepparton branch manager Julie Hutchins, Week 5 winner Rosemary Harstedt from Tatura and The Adviser general manager Will Adams.
Pictured from left is WB Hunter team member Frank who encouraged Louise to enter, Week 5 winner Lousie Watson from Undera, GMCU Shepparton branch manager Julie Hutchins and The Adviser general manager Will Adams. Louise said she shops at WB Hunter all the time and plans on spending some of her winnings there. Photo: Emma Harrop
Pictured from left is SPC Factory Sales team member Tim, Week 5 winner Allan Farrell and The Adviser managing director Geoff Adams. Allan from Kialla West said he is a regular shopper at SPC Factory Sales and especially likes their regular specials. He also said his wife is a customer with GMCU. He is looking forward to spending is $500 locally at the participating stores and thanked the GMCU and the Adviser. Photo: Emma Harrop
Pictured from left is Emma Harrop from The Adviser, Week 5 winner Leanne Tyndall from Numurkah and SPC Factory Sales team member Jacob. Leanne was very excited about her win and mentioned she always shops at SPC Factory Sales and loves that it’s Australian made. Photo: The Adviser
from left is father and son duo Zafer and Imran Coskun from Che Che’s Pizza in Mooroopna and Week 5 winner Peter Boschetti. Peter was grateful for his win and said he’d be back to buy a pizza soon. Photo: Emma Harrop
Greater Shepparton’s new ward system explained
By Deanne Jeffers
IN LAST week’s Adviser, we had a closer look at the changes under the restructuring of the City of Greater Shepparton into nine distinct wards, and in particular the five wards that comprise the main city of Shepparton: Kialla Ward in the south, Poplar Ward in the east, Balaclava Ward in the north east, McEwan ward in the northwest, and Yanha Gurtji taking in the city central.
Under the restructuring, enrolled voters will vote for a single candidate to represent their ward. It is important to check your enrolment to ensure you’re voting in the ward where you reside, as voting packs will be posted in October. Property owners,
occupiers or corporations can enrol directly with the council to be councilenrolled voters. All enrolled voters must vote, or they may be fined.
To help locals better understand the changes, The Adviser is breaking down the new wards and introducing candidates standing in the elections over the coming weeks. If you have any questions, or are running for council, contact us at editorial@sheppartonadviser.com. au or message The Adviser on social media! Instagram: @SheppartonAdviser or Facebook: www.facebook.com/ SheppartonAdviser
This week we delve into the rural wards outside of Shepparton:
LOWER GOULBURN WARD – 5,248 VOTERS, 259 KM2
and the Echuca and Minchin Roads. It includes Undera, Ardmona, Mooroopna North and Coomboona.
PINE LODGE WARD – 5,468 VOTERS, 821 KM2
This ward is in the north-east of Shepparton and includes towns like Congupna, Tallygaroopna, Katandra West and Dookie, using the boundaries of the Goulburn and Broken Rivers. To include enough voters in this ward, the outskirts of Shepparton North were added to the Pine Lodge Ward.
MIDLAND WARD – 5,216 VOTERS, 471 KM2
This ward includes the communities of Tatura, Merrigum and the surrounding agricultural land, particularly to the west of Tatura. Its southern boundary is Bitcon Road, extending north to Echuca Road, and its western boundary is Craven and Minchin Roads.
GOULBURN RIVER WARD – 4,976 WARDS, 818 KM2
This ward takes in the area of Mooroopna south of the Midland Highway, extending into the southern rural areas of the municipality. This includes towns of Murchison and Toolamba, and Kialla East.
This ward includes the area of Mooroopna north of the Midland Highway between the Goulburn River
Photo: Emma Harrop
ROUND UP
HAVE YOU SEEN JESSE?
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate Jesse Beckhurst. A warrant has been issued for the 30-year-old’s arrest for contravening court orders.
Beckhurst is described as 156cm tall with a thin build and long black hair that is usually in a bun. He is known to frequent the Shepparton area.
Anyone with information on his current whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
DID YOU SEE SOMETHING?
Shepparton Police are continuing an investigation into an alleged affray which occurred at approximately 3.30pm on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
The affray is alleged to have occurred near WB Ferrari Park located at the intersection of Echuca Road and McLennan Street in Mooroopna.
Investigators are appealing for any witnesses that may have seen something, know something or have footage to come forward.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Shepparton Police Station on (03) 5820 5777. Alternatively, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an online report here → https://bit.ly/49xi64a where you can remain anonymous.
Reference # 240428749
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THE former Goulburn Valley Grammar School graduate recently assumed command of HMAS Sydney, one of three Hobartclass guided missile destroyers and one of Australia’s most lethal maritime capabilities.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of leading 200 highly competent Australians through what will be a challenging test of our readiness and preparedness,” said Commander Maddison.
“The purpose of RIMPAC is to encourage interoperability and interchangeability in a highly complex environment with our partners in the Indo-Pacific. That really gets to the theme of RIMPAC – Partners, Integrated and Prepared.
“We are privileged to be working with 29 other countries – both old partners like our Royal New Zealand Navy friends just over
the pier from us and some partners from further away, but who value a stable region such as the Netherlands, Germany or Italy.”
Commander Maddison first came to Pearl Harbor on the southern coast of Hawaii for RIMPAC 2010 in HMAS Warramunga when he was a sub-lieutenant officer of the watch. That period saw him participate in two more RIMPACs in 2018 and 2020.
Two years serving as Sydney’s executive officer followed, before assuming command.
Commander Maddison said, in his experience, the best memories of RIMPAC are made ashore, interacting with international colleagues on various topics, ranging from shipborne life, maritime tactics or recent operational experiences.
“My crew and I are looking forward to building and fostering relationships,” Commander Maddison said.
Safe asbestos removal at Cosgrove Landfill
A NEW site for the safe disposal of small quantities of packaged, non-friable (also known as bonded) asbestos waste has opened locally. The Asbestos Disposal Point at Cosgrove Landfill has been specifically designed to temporarily store asbestos safely prior to transporting it to the landfill cell for final disposal.
The site will operate Monday to Friday 8am-3pm, and Saturday 9-11am. Trades, householders and licensed asbestos removalists can access the service by completing a booking via website shepp.city/ asbestos. Bookings are essential.
Previously a popular building material in Australia, asbestos waste that is dumped in public spaces or kerbside bins may be harmful and is a cost to the community and local businesses.
Greater Shepparton City Council’s director of infrastructure, Gary Randhawa, said, “It’s important for Greater Shepparton that we have a conveniently located facility for the safe disposal of materials containing asbestos. This facility will help support the gradual and safe removal of this legacy waste from our buildings.”
The disposal point will only accept small quantities (under 10 square metres or less than 100kgs) of non-friable asbestos waste that is correctly packaged. This includes materials such as cement sheeting, also known as AC sheeting or fibro.
To find out more about identifying and removing asbestos safely, visit asbestos.vic.gov.au or to make a booking or learn more call Greater Shepparton
LEGACY WASTE... You can now dispose of small quantities of packaged, bonded asbestos at Cosgrove Landfill. Photo: Supplied
WAR GAMES... Commanding Officer of HMAS Sydney, Commander David ‘Billy’ Maddison speaks to media during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, at Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam, Hawaii. Photo: Supplied
Celebrating strong culture, strong kids!
FOR THE KIDS... Following an extremely successful week of NAIDOC celebrations, Rumbalara Aboriginal CoOperative will host an event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, catering to families and children aged 0-5. Photo was captured at the NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony. Photo: Supplied/Rumbalara
ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, held annually, celebrates First Nations children as the future of their people, as bright, resilient and confident leaders.
To commemorate this special day, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative will host an event on Thursday, August 1, 10.30am to 1.30pm, at the Playground/ BBQ area at 20 Rumbalara Road, Mooroopna.
Rumbalara’s Children’s Day follows
Strong in Culture, Stronger Together, is this year’s Children’s Day theme and focuses on empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are not only connected to their community but are proud of their culture, which is one of the most sacred, strong and important assets that they can have.
GIVEN the ever-changing landscape of taxes, it’s always best to get your return prepared by a professional. Tax Guru Chartered Accountants are experts in tax law and have provided us with a list of changes and focuses the ATO have in the forefront for last financial year.
Before you complete your tax return for 2023–24, here is a summary of what's new and any changes that may affect you.
Changes to income tax rates
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has made a welcomed change to individual income tax rates and thresholds. As a result,
an extremely successful NAIDOC Week celebrations. Event organisers said it was the biggest turnout ever, and that there were heaps of community support.
Families are invited for a fun-filled day with games, cultural activities, storytelling and more. Go to Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative's Facebook for more info, or register for free at https://bit.ly/46asIov
for most taxpayers, you will pay less tax each payday and keep more of what you earn. This change will apply to all taxable income you earn from 1 July 2024. The changes will not impact your 202324 tax return.
Superannuation Changes from 1 July 2024
For the first time since July 2021 the Australian Government has raised the contribution caps for superannuation. Both the concessional (new limit $30k) and non-concessional ($120k) contribution limits will increase – allowing you to put more of your money into super. The other change is an increase to the employer superannuation guarantee rate (from 11% to 11.5%), meaning your employer, if you have one, will need to put more into your super account.
Inflated rental property claims in focus
Despite 86 per cent of property owners using a registered tax agent, 9 out of 10 rental property owners are still making mistakes in their income tax returns. As such, ATO will continue to check tax returns having exorbitant expenses and lack of substantive documentation. To determine the accuracy of tax returns lodged by rental property owners, the ATO cross checks data from a range of sources including banks, land title offices, insurance companies, property managers and sharing economy providers.
Cents per kilometre increase
If you're claiming work-related car expenses using the cents per kilometre method, this rate has increased to 85c per kilometre for the 2023-24 income year. The cents per kilometre rate is an allinclusive rate and covers all your eligible car expenses including registration, insurance, repairs, maintenance, fuel, and decline in value. You can't claim a deduction for these costs separately, elsewhere in your return.
Crypto and other financial transactions
The ATO has announced a data-matching program that will collect information from cryptocurrency exchanges on crypto trades for the 2024 to 2026 income years. According to the ATO, the innovative and complex nature of crypto can lead to a genuine lack of awareness of the tax obligations associated with these activities. It is taxpayers’ duty to report these transactions to ATO to the best of their knowledge.
To ensure you get the best possible return and to avoid any errors, the team at Tax Guru Chartered Accountants are located at Suite 3/164 Welsford Street, Shepparton and can be reached on 03 5822 1900 or through email info@taxguru.net.au. For more information, you can visit their website www.taxguru.net.au.
Acing life education in Japan
First trip overseas for students
TRAVEL is essential to lifelong education. Experiencing cultures first-hand amongst the local people can open thoughts and ideas to new ways of living life, which is why Shepparton ACE Secondary College will again send some of their lucky young students overseas in September.
10 ACE students and two teachers fly to Japan on Wednesday, September 11 for nine days of lifechanging experience and return on the 20th. The students will spend three days in Tokyo before catching the Shinkansen train to Kyoto for three days, followed by another train to Hiroshima, and on to Osaka where they will eventually fly home.
They will experience the scramble of Shibuya Crossing, learn about the tragedy of Hiroshima and visit a range of remarkable temples and castles.
Of the 10, two students have travelled overseas before with the school to Cambodia and Vietnam, so for the students new to international travel this will hopefully be the beginning of a lifelong passion for experiencing the world outside Australia. While there are many things they are looking forward to, trying the local food, especially sushi, is top of the list.
“I used to be at a different school, and I learnt Japanese for two years. So, I can speak some of the language and I'm excited to be able to use it,” said an excited Jasmyn.
Shepparton ACE Secondary College fully subsidises the senior schools overseas travel program, with participants only needing to source their passports, vaccinations and to provide their own spending money.
BROADER EDUCATION...
10 ACE College students and
September as
of
overseas travel program. The life-changing experience will include learning about the tragedy of Hiroshima and visiting a range of remarkable temples and castles.
CLEANING out your shed or discarding materials like batteries, cast iron, or even solar panels? Do it correctly and dispose of your items at Future Recycling, Shepparton’s best scrap yard.
Future Recycling is Shepperton’s leading ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycling facility. With many households conscious of where their rubbish ends up, and keen to divert as much of it as possible from landfills, more domestic customers are using Future Recycling’s services to discard items that should not be placed in kerbside bins.
In most cases the service is free, and the customer gets paid for their scrap. Future Recycling accept all kinds of scrap metals in any weight or quantity at their Shepparton depot and can arrange collection for larger
quantities or a regular bin service if required.
Whether you’re an individual looking for a scrap metal buyer, a farmer looking to clean up your property, or a business or corporation looking for resource recovery and recycling, Future Recycling will take care of you professionally and competitively. They also have the only 24-hour public weighbridge in Shepparton that’s fully accredited and certified for hassle free service.
A continuous improvement attitude to site development and service means they offer industryleading services as well as the best value for your scrap metal. To learn more visit www.futurerecycling.com. au or go to their site at 121-135 Old Dookie Road, Shepparton.
two teachers will fly to Japan in
part
the school’s
Side-Backrow from left, Miles, Samuel, Jacob and Jasmyn. Front, Isabella, Scout and Abby are some of some of the lucky students taking the amazing journey.
Photo: Aaron Cordy
INNOVATIVE LEADERS IN THEIR FIELD… Future Recycling is a Victorian owned and carbon-neutral leader in resource recovery and metal recycling.
Pictured from left, Mick Argentino, Chris Argentino, Peter Nolan and Shepparton branch manager Daniel Thewma. Photo: Deanne Jeffers
A community connector case study Goodbye UK, hello Shepparton!
By Fiona Blick SHEPPARTON
attracts key professionals from all over the world, from Sri Lanka and India to Canada and the UK.
One such couple, Shannon and Angharad, arrived in Shepparton from England in February after Shannon accepted a position in the allied health industry.
Angharad said they decided as a couple to explore new opportunities and lifestyles options and regional Australia was the best fit for them.
“The work is more in demand in regional areas but while the job was on the skills list for migration, it was difficult to find a sponsor initially,” she said. “We didn't know anything about Shepparton until we saw the job but after a bit of Google research, it seemed like a good fit.
“I'm not a city girl and it seemed like a good accessible area.”
Moving to a new country and not knowing anyone, leaving all their friends and family was a big stress factor for the couple.
“However, we have been proactive to be social and go to Shannon’s work functions and I've been going to coffee mornings and walks and just putting myself out there.
“It is tough, and we haven't really made many friends yet, but we will get there. It is early days.”
Angharad said she couldn’t understand why some people aren’t keen on moving to regional areas.
“I love being regional, there's so many nice places to see and things to do outdoors,” she said.
“Also, Greater Shepparton is not really as 'in the middle of nowhere' as people think and make out, which has been the vibe from some Facebook groups.
“We generally found the community to be so friendly and helpful, so much more than we expected.
“Everywhere I have been in Shepparton, I felt people were kind and chatty and genuinely interested to talk to me.
“This is really nice because for the first few months I didn’t have a job and was on my own all day while Shannon was at work and feeling overwhelmed with even just simple things like grocery shopping, which takes three times longer than usual because I didn't know any of the brands or things have different names or you can't get something you usually get.
“We've been to Melbourne a couple of times and the friendliness factor definitely wasn't the same!”
Angharad and Shannon are settled now and Angharad has found job in the critical social work sector.
Not only that but their belongings have finally arrived from the UK, and they have a new addition to their family – a rescue puppy – so the house feels a bit more like home now.
“We knew housing would be difficult but luckily our employer supported us for the first few weeks until we secured a rental,” Angharad said.
“Fiona from the C4GS Community Connector Program provided us with loads of useful info before we moved, on all sorts of things even down to which shops to buy
furniture.
“She also acted as a reference for our rental application as we are new to Australia and renting.
“We've also had a few coffees and chats which kept me sane having someone else to talk to and she told me about lots of lovely places to visit.”
For more information on the Committee for Greater Shepparton Community Connector Program please phone Fiona Blick on 0499 351 441.
Building Momentum for
INDUSTRY, business owners and operators will come together for a day of learning, inspiration and collaboration at the inaugural Destination Goulburn Valley Summit – Building Momentum for Our Future on September 4, 2024.
Connect and network with thought leaders, industry experts and your peers to explore growth opportunities for both your business and our region’s shared visitor economy.
DGV is the independent advocacy group for the Goulburn Valley, striving to celebrate the Goulburn Valley and promote the GV as a leading visitor destination.
Delegates can expect
keynotes from top business leaders, interactive workshops, and panel discussions designed to inspire new growth ideas. This event, the first of its kind in our region, emphasises collaboration and celebration.
We are fortunate to have the nationally awardwinning journalist, Karen O’Sullivan as our MC for the day and keynote speakers, Simon Kuestenmacher, co-founder at The Demographics Group and co-founder at The Camel Milk Co Megan Williams together with Industry representatives from Tourism Australia, Visit Victoria and the Victorian Tourism Industry Council. Additional guest
speakers to be announced in the coming days.
Be sure to secure your spot now! Early bird tickets on sale now, until July 31, 2024. DGV Partners$104.50 and $132 for nonpartners. Sign up to DGV now to take advantage of Partner prices.
Tickets provide delegates with a full-day pass with access to all plenary sessions, workshops, and networking drinks with all catering provided (coffee on arrival, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and networking drinks). For more information or to secure your tickets, visit www. destinationgoulburnvalley. com.au/summit.
ACROSS THE DITCH... Shannon and Angharad in England, pictured just prior to moving to Shepparton. Settling in the region has been a breeze thanks to the Committee for Greater Shepparton’s Community Connector program. Photo: Supplied
EMPLOYMENT CAREERS & TRAINING
In the City of Greater Shepparton, Health Care and Social Assistance is the largest employer, generating 7,811 local jobs in 2022/23. An analysis of the jobs held
Follow your passion with GOTAFE
OPEN days are a great opportunity for people considering further study, allowing you to explore subject areas, career paths, talk to careers advisors and make informed decisions about your future.
School leavers can gain an understanding of study and career pathways, find out what areas interest them and learn what tertiary education is all about.
For people who are re-entering the workforce, looking for a change in career direction or returning to study, open days provide an opportunity to experience different fields and learn about pathways into university.
Julie-Anne Bamblett-McGee is a testament to the power of education pathways between TAFE and Universities.
Now a Registered Nurse, Julie-Ann completed a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at GOTAFE and a Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe University Shepparton.
She was also supported by the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) in Shepparton.
“GOTAFE definitely helped me prepare for further study,” she said.
Julie-Anne now works full-time at Rumbalara Medical Clinic, where she is changing lives and improving access to healthcare.
Getting to where she is now hasn’t come without its challenges.
“Juggling parenting, working and studying was extremely difficult,” she said. “GOTAFE helped me make it through the course as a single parent.”
No matter how challenging juggling study, work and parenting got, Julie-Anne’s passion for nursing shone through.
GOTAFE is holding a series of Open Days during August, giving community members the chance to learn more about career and education opportunities.
Whether you are just starting out in your career, aiming for a career change, upskilling or seeking professional growth –YOU’VE GOT THIS!
Visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au to learn more, register for GOTAFE’s Open Days, or browse course offerings.
The major differences between the jobs held by local workers in the City of Greater Shepparton and Victoria were:
A largest percentage of local workers employed in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (8.6% compared to 2.1% in Victoria)
A smaller percentage of workers employed in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (5.2% compared to 9.8% in Victoria).
A largest percentage of local workers employed in Health Care and Social Assistance (21.3% compared to 14.9% in Victoria)
A smaller percentage of local workers employed in Financial and Insurance Services (1.3% compared to 4.5% in Victoria). 8.6%
PROUD ACHIEVEMENTS... Julie-Anne Bamblett-McGee is a testament to the power of education pathways between TAFE and Universities. Now a Registered Nurse, Julie-Ann completed a Diploma of Nursing at GOTAFE and a Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe University Shepparton. Photo: Supplied
Power up your career
ELECTRICIANS are in high-demand and there has never been a better time to embark on an apprenticeship in Electrotechnology, with government-funded places and practical training while earning a competitive wage, and the potential for high earnings and multiple career paths.
Watters Electrical are a fantastic choice for qualified electricians and apprentices alike. Join a culture of excellence that is close to home and offers comprehensive training. Watters is family-owned and has 65 years of experience where you can collaborate with a diverse team of toptier electricians, data technicians, solar and battery install specialists, civil operators and project managers.
Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment to nurture workers’ skills is important to Watters, and they also provide social events and opportunities to celebrate
BUILDING
Department of Rural Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences of The University of Melbourne, Dr Claire Quilliam, has headed up research into the support needed for rural mature-aged students in healthcare, with an aim to help breach the gape in the workforce.
your achievements. Each year, they generally have around 70-80 apprentices across their three branches in Shepparton, Wangaratta and Albury.
Watters are always on the lookout for great tradesmen and A Grade Electricians are encouraged to apply now for roles.
If you are starting your journey in this rewarding field, preference will be given to candidates with Year 11 maths, who have completed work experience with Watters Electrical and consider completing a Pre-Apprenticeship course.
Applications for apprenticeships open around October every year via Seek, the Watters Electrical website and on their socials. Visit www.watters.com.au/ to learn more or apply for various roles within this recognisable and reputed local business. Interviews are conducted for the 2025 intake of apprentices in October/November this year.
Increasing support for mature-aged students
By Aaron Cordy
FIXING the Healthcare manpower shortage is a many-layered problem that needs to be approached from an array of angles to attract, keep and maintain qualified people in rural centres.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne Shepparton, Deakin University, Bentley, WA, and La Trobe University, Bendigo, have combined their skills and knowledge into a study aimed at building support to help mature-aged rural students into healthcare.
Dr Claire Quilliam, The University of Melbourne along with Dr Nicole Crawford, Deakin University, and Carol McKinstry, La Trobe, looked at the rural pipeline approach of recruiting rural people into health professions, educating them in their communities so they can join the workforce.
“With current rural health workforce approaches, there is a big emphasis on retention because we focus on recruiting people from outside rural communities,” said
“So, you have to get them here, then you have to work to keep them here because they don’t have those deep connections with the community; they don’t have close friends or strong connections with social groups. It takes years to develop those relationships, and in my mind, that’s a lot of work that has to go into retaining people. Or we can go with building opportunities for developing the rural pipeline and supporting rural people who already have a sense of belonging in their community or nearby communities. They get their qualifications done and they stay in their community because that’s where they have that belonging.”
Mature-aged students face different challenges than students straight out of high school, so the study focused on how best to support them. The researchers used surveys, interviews, and focus groups across three rural campuses to develop a comprehensive description of each case from multiple perspectives. Participants included
professional and academic staff working at the campuses, mature-aged students enrolled in nursing or allied health courses, and placement supervisors.
The researchers found that most of the support for mature-aged students comes from the student's home life, or informally from campus staff. While these types of supports are great, a lack of specific supports for this cohort driven by the campus can leave students at risk of dropping out when family and life commitments outside of study demand their attention. And it was clear there needs to be an array of support services tailored to meet the needs of mature-aged students with their own challenges.
“We need to support rural campuses to think through how they’re going to support this cohort. Mature-aged students made up over 50 per cent of nursing and allied health student cohorts on these rural campuses. We don’t want them withdrawing because it’s too hard,” said Dr Quilliam.
Dr Quilliam.
PATHWAYS... Rural Nursing and Allied Health Research fellow,
Photo: Aaron Cordy
Pictured from left from Watters Electrical are fourth year apprentice Cihan Ozcan, operations manager Matt Hanlon and first-year apprentice Matt Di Petta. Photo: Emma Harrop
Rewarding careers, supportive workplace and diverse opportunities
KATE Furlanetto’s journey in nursing began right here in Greater Shepparton, where she first heard about La Trobe University's new Bachelor of Nursing course while she was in high school.
Excited by the prospect of studying locally, Kate enrolled and completed her undergraduate degree, training at GV Health.
After finishing her general graduate nursing year at GV Health, Kate had a brief stint in mental health, which piqued her interest. This led her to pursue a postgraduate diploma in Mental Health Nursing, eventually becoming a community case manager for vulnerable adults and older adults.
Supported by GV Health throughout her studies, Kate completed her Master's in Mental Health Nursing and published research on cognitive impairment in general hospitals.
Almost five years ago, Kate became a Mental Health Clinical Nurse Educator at GV Health, focusing on professional development and research.
"I got to establish online learning spaces and conduct local research, which was published in the International Journal for Mental Health Nursing," she shared. "Working here allows you to represent regional issues and think creatively about solutions.
“There's no hurry to specialise is probably my advice,” Kate said. “The opportunities are here on our doorstep. And GV Health provides a huge range of services.
“And, you know, there's expected growth into the future, which is only going to mean more opportunities for young people to find a position that really nurtures their learning and satisfies their curiosity.
“When you're committed to a role and you're passionate about what you do, the opportunities will present themselves.
“And then it's up to you to catch them.”
requiring short and long-term treatment and support.
Services include adult, aged persons, child and youth mental health and community.
To learn more about a career at GV Health, visit gvhealth.org.au/careers/mental-health.
Our Mental Health Workforce Navigator offers free, personalised support for newly relocating employees including housing assistance, partner employment, childcare, social groups and integration into our community. For more information contact mentalhealthcareers@gvhealth.org.au or (03) 4804 4310.
GV Health’s Mental Health team provides a comprehensive range of services for community members suffering from, or at risk of, serious mental health problems
you become a vital part of the team. Our organisation seeks opportunities for growth, development and learning and as a result, our staff are
Aspiring student at La Trobe Shepparton
“We’re a small tight-knit family”
SECOND-year student studying a Bachelor of Education Bethany Gray knew she wanted to remain in Shepparton and pursue her degree at La Trobe University.
Seeking early entry Bethany was accepted into the Aspire Community Contribution Program, due to her many years of scouting, as well as being a college captain of GSSC in its first year.
“It was a very helpful program. I gained access to a lot of resources and help. It facilitated the idea of community information sources. We had a page of alumni and current students from all different campuses that were in the Aspire program,” said Bethany.
“I love being in La Trobe Shepparton, we’re a small, tight-knit family. You know everyone’s there to support you. It was fantastic, particularly from going to a school on the larger side, to a small university. It was nice to have assistance understanding my timetable, finding classrooms, or being told, ‘Beth, apply for that or do this.’ Everyone here as a tight community supports you, which is my favourite part of La Trobe. Particularly being regional, I still get to live at home and feed off my parents, which is the best. But also knowing that I'm learning something and building up my skills and qualifications to give back to where I grew up.”
LEARNING LOCALLY... Bethany Gray loves studying at La Trobe in Shepparton. The freedom to pursue a higher education where she grew up has taken a lot of stress out of the important life step. Being accepted into the Aspire Community Contribution Program has been a dream come true. Photo: Aaron Cordy
40 years supporting local people
2024 MARKS 40 years of business for Goulburn Murray Group Training, trading as The Apprenticeship Factory and Monarch Personnel. They began in 1984 as a local notfor-profit, community-based organisation supporting local people with employment and training opportunities.
This is a significant milestone for an organisation that provides a crucial link between young people wanting to obtain a trade qualification, and employers looking to hire an apprentice or trainee.
The Apprenticeship Factory has a dedicated team of local staff who realise the importance of creating opportunities for young people so that the region can continue to grow. Their staff continually work with businesses and young school leavers who are looking to work in the trades sector.
“Our business also offers recruitment for both temporary and permanent roles through
Monarch Personnel.
Monarch Personnel offers a streamlined employment process, getting to know your business before providing suitable new members for your team.
“What we pride ourselves on is our reputation for delivering high-quality, honest and cost-effective recruitment solutions”
“What we pride ourselves on is our reputation for delivering high-quality, honest and cost-effective recruitment solutions,” said CEO, Paula Ryan.
“This begins with listening and understanding what is important to you, the business when selecting the right candidate to put forward for the role. We can assist in filling casual temporary roles at times when a
business hits a busy period or has staff on annual leave or sick leave. This could be 1 day or up to 4 weeks or even more,”
If you would like assistance with your temporary and permanent recruitment needs, call the team at Monarch Personnel and let
them find the “right fit” for your organisation or if you are looking for an Apprentice or Trainee give the team at The Apprenticeship Factory a call on (03) 58 224 555, or visit www.theapprenticeshipfactory.com.au.
FORTY YEARS... The Apprenticeship Factory has a dedicated team of local staff including Tracy Duke and Natalie Simpson, who realise the importance of creating opportunities for young people so that the region can continue to grow for 40 years. Photo: Adviser
Paula Ryan
Supporting education support staff to become teachers
THE State Government is launching a new pilot program to allow more than 300 dedicated Education Support staff and Koorie Education Support Officers to gain teaching qualifications while working in schools.
The program will enable rural and regional education support staff—who are employed in various roles such as teaching assistants, integration aides, and cultural liaison officers, to pursue a full teaching qualification and help combat the Australia-wide issue of teacher shortages.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll launched the $13.9M initiative today to trial undergraduate-level employmentbased teaching degrees to upskill staff working in Victorian government secondary and specialist schools.
The innovative and tailored program, set to start in 2025, will be delivered by Federation University Australia and La Trobe University and will support people in studying and qualifying as teachers while undertaking paid employment.
Participants will be supported with Department of Education-funded living expenses scholarships, relocation incentives and mentoring support. In the final years of
Emerging groups:
The number of local workers in the City of Greater Shepparton increased by 9,498 between 2002/03 and 2022/23, that’s an increase of almost 9.5k in 20 years!
the program, they will be eligible to start teaching as paraprofessionals.
“The Allan Labor Government is proud to invest $13.9M”
Both universities’ programs will focus on supporting participation by Education Support staff in rural and regional Victoria. At the same time, La Trobe University’s program will encourage participation from Koorie Education Support Officers.
Minister for Education
Ben Carroll
The new undergraduate-level employment-based teaching degrees will further expand Victoria’s nationleading suite of employment-based teaching degrees, known as the Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow programs, currently available to postgraduate students.
“The Allan Labor Government is proud to invest $13.9M, so our outstanding Education Support staff have the support they need to pursue rewarding teaching careers,” said Minister for Education Ben Carroll.
GV HEALTH WHERE YOUR CAREER AND LIFESTYLE COME TOGETHER
Join GV Health’s Mental Health team
There are many opportunities for entry level or experienced professionals across a range of disciplines:
• Adult Mental Health
• Aged Persons Mental Health
• Child and Youth Mental Health
• Acute Adult Inpatient Unit
- Wanyarra
• Community Mental Health
Jared Chapman was attracted to GV Health’s commitment to providing professional development opportunities
Jared grew up and started his nursing career in Queensland.
He developed a passion for mental health working at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
At the start of last year, Jared fell in love with his now wife, who was living in the Goulburn Valley.
After navigating a long-distance relationship, Jared eventually decided to make the jump to move to the region and explore living and working in a regional area.
He applied to work at GV Health and is now working in the community
mental health sector.
Jared says he enjoys working in the environment that community mental health affords along with the opportunity to provide holistic treatment, care and support for consumers and their families.
The continuity of care has enabled him to see the positive changes that occur in the consumer’s lives throughout their recovery journeys.
“I was attracted to the role due to GV Health’s commitment to providing professional development opportunities,” Jared said.
“GV Health was able to support my move from Queensland and offer relocation incentive support.
“The Workforce Navigator from GV Health regularly checked in to ensure I had access to all available supports and services throughout this process.
“GV Health also supported me in continuing my education and helped me obtain a scholarship for my Masters in Mental Health Nursing.
“GV Health are a supportive health service who look after their workforce.”
To learn more about a career at GV Health, visit gvhealth.org.au/careers/mental-health or contact our Mental Health Workforce Navigator on mentalhealthcareers@gvhealth.org.au / (03) 4804 4310.
Jared and his wife Irina.
KYABRAM V SHEPPARTON UNITED
Kyabram will be looking to take another step towards securing its place in the September action when it welcomes Shepparton United to its recreation reserve. The visitors come into the match on a high after a comprehensive win over Benalla last round.
It was the Demons second win of 2024 and it was set up by the strong contributors from Liam Serra (four goals), Joel Serra, Jesse Cucinotta, Samuel Jackson, Mitchell Serra and Kaedyn Napier (three goals).
The Bombers would have been thrilled to come away from the High Country with the win and a place inside the top six. The win allowed them to move a game clear of Mansfield (7th) and Shepparton Swans (8th).
Brad Whitford, Bohden Learmonth, Marcus Khoo, Aidan Robinson and Jackson Griffiths helped set up the win after the visitors won three of the four quarters at Mansfield.
In a further positive for the Bombers, they had 9 different goal-kickers and their leading goalkicker Anthony DePasquale didn’t kick a goal.
an opportunity to chalk up a rare win at Deakin Reserve last round.
After some competitive performances in the past month, coach Jarrod Waite would have been disappointed with his chargers.
He would feel they missed an opportunity and struggled for the best part of that game until the last quarter where they out-scored the Demons. But by that time, the game was already lost.
The re-appointed Waite will turn to the likes of Christopher Welsh, Wade King, Tyler McGregor, Patrick Warner and Colby Mathieson to try and take the game to the visiting Eagles from the first bounce. On the other hand, the Eagles will be looking for their first win since June 1 when they defeated Euroa at Memorial Oval.
They have been hit hard by players unavailable in recent weeks and it has impacted them on the scoreboard and in the win-loss column.
The Demons won three quarters and if they can get some little wins within the game, they will fancy themselves, but with so much on the line I think the Bombers win. Tip: Kyabram.
TATURA V ROCHESTER
Rochester will be looking to bounce back to the winners’ list after it was handed a reality check against Shepparton at home last round. The loss was their first since losing to the Bears in Round 3.
Despite the loss, the Tigers remain clear in third place and they will look to Nathan McCarty, Mitchell Trewhella, Blake Evans, Lachlan Watson and Douglas Wren to lead them back onto the winners’ list against the struggling Dogs.
Despite struggling to go with the Bears and winning only one quarter, coach Ash Watson will feel confident has chargers can turn it around against the Dogs who suffered a heavy loss last round down at Seymour.
The Dogs are really limping to the finish line. They have been decimated by injuries to a number of their best 21 and aside from the opening day win they have had some really tough days at the office in season 2024.
Ben Les, Tom Dunstan, Brayden Van Winden, Cody George, Jack Christopher and coach Jack Hutchins will be important if the Eagles are to end their run out of outs and keep their September dream alive.
Tip: Mansfield.
SHEPPARTON SWANS V MOOROOPNA
This is a massive match in the context of the season for the Shepparton Swans.
The Swans kept their September dream alive when they came from behind to overcome Euroa at Memorial Oval by two goals.
The win moved them to equal on points with seventh placed Mansfield and four points adrift of sixth placed Kyabram.
Swans coach Jedd Wright knows there is little margin for error for his chargers.
And he knows the Cats will be coming out eager to redeem themselves after giving up a 10-goal loss to Echuca.
Ruckman, Keelin Betson, Jed Woods, Campbell McElhinney, Ben Hicks and Angus Hanrahan will be important for the Cats.
They will look to Curtis Ryan, Chris Ryan, Mitch Heywood, Andrew Ciavarella and Liam Scopelliti to try and make them competitive against the Tigers who will be desperate to get back on the winners list. Tip: Rochester.
ECHUCA V EUROA
Euroa has nothing to lose when it makes the trip across to the Port of the Murray River to take on the reigning premier.
The Murray Bombers are an unbelievable outfit and very much have adopted the next man up mantra despite having a bunch of the premiership players out of the best 21.
Daniel Willis has been super for the Green Machine. Known for his forward craft, he relished the challenge of going back to be a key back for the premiers.
Sam Willoughby (three goals), Benjamin Reid, Jack McHale, Harry Milburn and Will Monahan (three goals) were outstanding in the win over the Cats last round.
The Murray Bombers had 10 different goalkickers in the 10-goal win.
The Magpies will have their work cut out if they allow the game to be played on Echuca’s terms. They were very solid for three quarters last round before not scoring a last quarter goal to go down by 11 points.
Lachlan Hill, Ryan Pendlebury, Marcus Varley, Andrew Bell and Jett Trotter will be looking to lead the way for the visitors.
If they can match Echuca around the contest, then they will fancy themselves of coming away with the win. Tip: Echuca.
BENALLA V MANSFIELD
Benalla will be looking to redeem itself after it missed
Coach John Lamont would have been happy with the team’s start, but he would be disappointed by the second quarter and how the team finished the game against the Murray Bombers.
They missed the suspended Daniel Johnstone against the Murray Bombers.
He will miss a further two games before he returns to the forward line, so the likes of ruckman Mark Kovacevic, Andrew Riordan, Max Clohesy, Hugh Mason and Steele Simpson will be important if the Swans are to win and keep their September dream alive. Tip: Shepparton Swans.
SHEPPARTON V SEYMOUR
Shepparton will be looking to take another step towards locking in its place in the top two when it welcomes the in-form Seymour to Deakin Reserve.
The Lions come to Deakin Reserve off their biggest win of the season when it defeated the hapless Dogs by nearly 200 points.
The win by them was the single biggest winning margin of any team in season 2024.
Coach Ben Davey knows his team will face a tougher challenge when they take on the Bears led by leading ruckman Ashley Holland, Jacob Watts, Liam Duguid, Lachy Rumbiolo and Ethan Baxter
The Bears were dominant during the middle part of the game and they had 13 different goalkickers.
In a further boost for the Bears premiership aspirations, Jonty Wardle made a successful return after a lengthy lay off and co-coach Xavier Stevenson returned to the line-up.
Riley Mason (10 goals), Nathan Fowler (eight goals), Jack Murphy, Max Lawrence and Tom Maloney were some of the Lions to feast on the hapless Bulldogs. They have been competitive in their losses this season and while I don’t think they can claim the scalp of the Bears, I think they can push them all the way. Tip: Shepparton.
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THE BIG TALKING POINTS AND QUESTIONS OUT OF ROUND 19
LACHLAN GELEIT/SEN
Round 19 taught us plenty about the AFL.
The weekend saw crazy comebacks, big upsets, statement results, huge individual performances and more!
With that in mind, here’s what we learned from the weekend’s footy.
Sam Mitchell is the 2024 Coach of the Year
Hawthorn outworked and outmuscled Collingwood on Saturday, but most of all, the game was won in the coaches’ box by Sam Mitchell.
Mitchell had his side dominate the Pies in the areas that they’ve been so good at in recent years, having his team win groundballs by 37, disposals by a ridiculous 146 and inside 50s by 32 … it was a complete thrashing in all areas.
The Hawks are now 9-2 in their last 11 and will well and truly play finals if they continue performing like this.
Given where the Hawks were at Round 7 at 1-6 to where they are now, Mitchell without a doubt deserves to be the Coach of the Year as his ability to turn this side around has been simply amazing. His former premiership teammate Campbell Brown also agrees.
With 10 wins to their name, the Hawks will play September footy if they just win three of their last five and with games against Adelaide, GWS, Carlton, Richmond and North on the run home, you’d be backing them to do so.
If they get there they’ll be doing some serious damage too.
Brisbane is so back
We’ve pretty much known this for
weeks, but Sunday’s two-point win over Sydney well and truly proved that the Lions are genuine contenders in 2024.
Up against the best side in it, there was no better test at no better time for Chris Fagan’s side, and they absolutely passed with flying colours.
That’s seven wins in a row for the Lions who now sit outright third and they’ll be eyeing another top-two finish to give themselves the best chance of making amends for last year’s Grand Final heartbreak.
Their stars are firing on all cylinders and most impressively, they did the job on Sunday without a huge
performance from Lachie Neale who was held to just 18 touches.
After starting slowly, there’s no doubt this side is timing their run to perfection and apart from Sydney, they’re probably the one team that you don’t want to play at the moment, particularly at home.
With Gold Coast (People First Stadium), St Kilda (Marvel), GWS (Gabba), Collingwood (MCG) and Essendon (Gabba) on the run home, who says the Lions won’t have 12 wins on the trot in the lead-in to September?
Craig McRae doesn’t think
Collingwood is finished, but they absolutely are just that Saturday’s 66-point defeat to Hawthorn was the biggest in Craig McRae’s reign as Collingwood coach, but the 2023 premiershipwinning leader is still holding hope this season.
Post-game, McRae said: “We’re still breathing here. Nothing is finished here.
“Resilience, pick yourself up and go again…. pick yourself up, dust yourself off, get on with it. You know, you fall off the bike, get up.”
While you’ve got to admire McRae’s optimism, the reality is that Collingwood is finished in 2024.
Sitting 13th and two games out of finals, the Pies need to go 4-1 from here to make it and that just won’t happen with how they’re playing and who they face – Richmond, Carlton, Sydney (away), Brisbane and Melbourne – on the run home.
While the Pies have had their struggles through the year with injury, the players appear to have genuinely given up as they’re being outhunted and outgunned week after week.
With four straight losses to their game, the Pies simply aren’t coping with being the hunted instead of the hunter, and it’s killed their season.
The next question is can they respond like Sydney and Geelong have in 2024 after down 2023 seasons… or is this a sign of things to come?
Geelong has lost their aura at the Cattery
Geelong was seemingly once unbeatable at home, but opposition teams just aren’t afraid to travel down the highway anymore.
Saturday’s 47-point loss to the Dogs on home soil was their third
defeat in their last five games at the venue as fortress Kardinia was again breached.
It was Chris Scott’s biggest loss at that ground since taking over in 2011 and banking wins at home has been the backbone of so many top-four results and seasons in contention for the men in hoops.
While they usually play the ground to perfection, the ball lived in the Bulldogs’ front half on Saturday as they dominated inside 50s 39-61.
Although the Cats are still every chance to make the top four, they’re going to need to at least take care of both of their remaining home games against Adelaide and West Coast at GMHBA to even consider doing so.
Drop another one of those, and they’ll be right back to the fighting pack.
It’s a big week for Essendon Essendon really let one slip on Friday night against Adelaide.
The two-point loss means they’ve now just won two of their last seven and they’re clinging onto their finals hopes by their fingernails.
With Sydney and Brisbane at the Gabba in their last two, the Dons simply must beat St Kilda next Saturday if they’re to fight off those underneath them in the race to September.
Lose at Marvel Stadium against Ross Lyon’s outfit, and the Dons will be more unlikely than likely to make a finals berth.
We’re not at elimination final time yet, but things will get extremely shaky if they drop another winnable game.
It’ll be a pretty big drop-off from the top four contenders they looked like just a few weeks ago if they can’t get the job done under the roof.
Best coach?: Sam Mitchell’s Hawks dominated the Magpies on Saturday. Photo: ROB PREZIOSO
