By Aaron Cordy
CRITICAL fire equipment destined for Shepparton has been diverted to the Sunshine fire station in Melbourne.
In 2019, the CFA ordered new firefighting vehicles, including a milliondollar Pumper Platform truck designed to fight fires and conduct rescues at a height that is vital for Shepparton with its larger buildings. Continued Page 13
By Deanne Jeffers
HOW can we leverage our region’s advantages, overcome barriers and draw more people to the region to work, live and play? Answering these challenges is the secret to retaining and attracting staff, growing businesses and making our patch a destination for both visitors and those looking to put down roots, propelling the Goulburn Valley into a future of growth and
economic stability. Destination Goulburn Valley (DGV) is the region’s peak body seeking to solve these questions by uniting businesses, policymakers and leveraging our region’s unique qualities. Their recent summit, Building Momentum for our Future, brought together keynote speakers and industry professionals to share knowledge and to network.
Continued Page 13
FOOD and grocery manufacturing is crucial to regional Australia, employing nearly 40 per cent of the sector’s 280,000 strong workforce.
Greater Shepparton stands out as a key player, transforming locally sourced agricultural products into trusted Australian brands.
Tuesday, September 3, the Committee for Greater Shepparton (C4GS) and the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) hosted an event to highlight the strength of food and grocery manufacturing in Greater Shepparton, dubbed the “Food Bowl of Australia”.
From dairy products and canned fruits to instant soups and liquid fabric softeners, the region's diverse output reflects its strong and manufacturing base.
"Greater Shepparton’s impact goes beyond producing fresh local produce. It’s about transforming products from farm to supermarket shelf through manufacturing. This is now the lifeblood of the region’s economy and employment,” said C4GS CEO, Linda Nieuwenhuizen.
“We’re excited about our partnership with AFGC to showcase how essential food and grocery manufacturing is to our region, Victoria, and the nation.”
Data released at the event revealed:
Largest manufacturing sector: Food and grocery is the largest manufacturing sector of the Greater Shepparton region, which includes Moira, Shepparton and Campaspe.
Economic contribution: the sector generates more than $3 billion annually.
Employment impact: it accounts for 66.5 per cent of total manufacturing jobs in the region.
Product dominance: Dairy manufacturing represents 52 per cent of the sector while fruit
dubbed the “Food Bowl of Australia”. Photo: Emma Harrop
and vegetable processing accounts for 22 per cent.
Greater Shepparton, producing about 25 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural output, excels in transforming local produce into a wide range of products, bolstering both employment and the broader economy. The sector, however, faces national challenges, including the need for a skilled workforce, energy security and resilient supply chains.
As the world moves to a lower carbon economy, substantial investment will be needed to drive clean energy and circular economy transitions and to adopt digital technologies to maintain global competitiveness.
We call on the government to back our regions like Greater Shepparton through an investment tax incentive to enhance the future
capability of this vital industry, ensuring it continues to sustain Australian jobs and the economy.
The Future Made in Australia policy is one way the government can unlock the manufacturing power of its regions.
“Manufacturing is important, but we can't take it for granted. Today’s data highlights the significant size and importance of the food and beverage industry, but it also underscores the need for future investment to keep this sector competitive and robust,” said AFGC CEO Tanya Barden.
“The government has a golden opportunity to leverage Australia’s natural agricultural endowments by supporting regions that process them into products.”
Shepparton resident Murray Slee passed away on September 6, aged 101.
In 1956, Mr Slee was elected to the City of Shepparton’s Council and remains the longestserving Councillor. He worked relentlessly for 34 years, serving the community and led the way as Mayor for three terms from 1976 to 1979.
In 2001, Murray was awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal for his outstanding service to local government and his community in Shepparton.
His memorial service will be held at Saint Augustine's Church at 11am Thursday, September 12.
NAGAMBIE ROADS FOLLOW UP
Nagambie resident, Ken Platt who brought the poor state of Vickers Road, Nagambie to our and VicRoads attention, has received confirmation that the poorly done patch job was not a temporary fix prior to a full replacement that is clearly needed.
“Hi Ken,
Thank you for contacting Transport Victoria with your enquiry.
We would like to confirm that the reported hazards have been successfully addressed and marked as completed,” was the response via email.
It is fair to say Ken and other Vickers Road users are not impressed with the shonky patch job, and less so with VicRoads indifferent response.
In the coming weeks, both Echuca Road, between Cornish Road and Gange Street Mooroopna, and Verney Road, between Ford Road and the Goulburn Valley Highway, will change from 80km/h to 60km/h. Additionally, a new 40km/h school zone will be introduced on Verney Road along the school frontage to increase safety for students.
The speed limit changes along Verney Road, Shepparton and Echuca Road, Mooroopna, are part of a broader strategy to reduce traffic-related incidents and create safer environments for both motorists and pedestrians.
LABOR WON’T BE BLOWN OVER ABOUT WINDFARMS
Labor Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has refused to review the windfarm setback distance, ignoring the pleas of Nanneella residents where a wind energy facility is proposed to be built.
“Labor Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny is completely ignoring the legitimate concerns of rural and regional Victorians and refusing to consider changing the wind turbine setback distance, because of an ideological obsession with forcing a large-scale energy transition upon the state,” said Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell.
Shepp Sings is holding its annual Spring Concert on Saturday, September 14 at MEAC in Mooroopna from 2pm.
The local community choir that has grown since April 2023 to over 40 members, with Clifton Boschetti as the conductor/musical director and will sing a range of wellknown songs at the Spring Concert. Their performance will include "Ghost Riders in the Sky," and "Angels" by Robbie Williams, which will feature a solo by 7-year-old Lucas. Entry is a gold coin donation.
TIPPED OFF
Murchison residents frustrated that their local tip has been temporarily closed down due to staff shortages, have been further incensed when a representative of Greater Shepparton City Council told them to dump their rubbish at the Rushworth Resource Recovery Centre. It is an interesting suggestion from GSCC, as Rushworth falls under the Campaspe Shire Council.
CRICKET SEASON
The Shepparton Youth Club United Cricket Club inviting all boys and girls to its "come and try" night on Thursday, September 19 from 5pm, on the main oval at Princess Park. For more information, visit the Facebook page.
RESIDENTS of Greater Shepparton and the surrounding areas that were affected by the October 2022 floods are being encouraged by the Shepparton Flood Recovery team to share their experiences via an online survey before Sunday, September 15, to improve flood safety.
A research project conducted by Natural Hazards Research Australia (NHRA) in partnership with RMIT, Macquarie University, Monash University and SES researchers, wants to hear from people affected by the sudden-onset and the long lead time riverine flooding.
Head of the project, Dr Blythe McLennan, has advised that the survey will require participants to take their time to complete, given that it encompasses their full experience of the October 2022 Floods.
“I need to say from the outset that the survey is not a short one, you'll need to make a cuppa tea and sit down. We're really interested in hearing people's experiences of the floods, all the way from before, during and after, right up to how they are feeling, and how they think they’re doing today. That’s why it’s a lot of information to get through,” said Dr McLennan.
“The survey will steer people into what is most relevant to them. So, if they evacuated, they will be steered towards questions about evacuation etc, so it will be tailored for each person. There’s just so much of people’s experiences we want to capture.”
Information gathered by NHRA is already being used in Queensland and New South Wales after their floods, to
help build better responses for future events.
To take part in the online survey visit https://www. naturalhazards.com.au/floods2022/sa-vic-nsw.
Greater
Connected Community in partnership with Bendigo Bank, has donated over $700,000 to more than 130 local groups and organisations, fostering growth, development, and a strong community spirit across the Greater Shepparton region. This year marks their tenth anniversary of supporting the community. Photo:
GREATER Shepparton Connected Community (GSCC), in partnership with Bendigo Bank, is celebrating 10 years of dedicated service to the local community. Over the past decade, GSCC has donated over $700,000 to more than 130 local groups and organisations, fostering growth, development, and a strong community spirit across the Greater Shepparton region.
These contributions have made a meaningful difference, supporting grassroots sports clubs, educational initiatives, and community welfare programs. GSCC’s ongoing partnership with Bendigo Bank allows everyday banking to benefit the community. By opening an account at the Bendigo Bank Shepparton branch and requesting it be ‘linked’ as a Greater Shepparton Connected Community account, customers help generate funds at no cost to themselves. Bendigo Bank then contributes a monthly commission to the Shepparton Connected Community fund, which is distributed to local groups through
a grant application process.
Recently, GSCC Board members joined 2023 grant recipients, Undera Football Netball Club, for a dinner on Thursday, 15th August. The club celebrated the installation of their new netball scoreboard, funded by GSCC, showcasing the impact of GSCC’s support and reinforcing the strong relationships between the organisation and its beneficiaries.
Looking ahead, GSCC remains committed to its mission of supporting local groups and organisations. GSCC is excited to announce a special event to commemorate this 10-year milestone, scheduled for Tuesday, 15th October, at The Woolshed at Emerald Bank and we invite the community to stay tuned for further details and join us in celebrating our collective achievements.
For more information about Greater Shepparton Connected Community and how you can get involved, please visit Greater Shepparton Connected Community (sheppartoncc.com).
We welcome Letters to the Editor but they are not guaranteed to be included and may be edited for reasons of style or content. Letters will not be eligible for consideration if they contain defamatory material, or information of a personal nature which is not in the public domain.
$200M GLASGOW GIFT
Dear Editor,
Our $200M Glasgow gift is deeply embarrassing.
That huge sum, paid by Victorians to run our own cancelled Commonwealth Games in Scotland, is a massive slap in the face amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Imagine how that $200M could have been spent in regional Victoria. It could have created 2,000 nursing jobs to help regional Victorians get better health care and stop ambulance ramping. It could have built 400 new homes for families in need. The list goes on and on. Instead, that $200M is being shipped off
We knew the Allan Labor Government was out of touch with regional Victorians, but this really stings. We have forked out $600M on the cancelled games and $200M is being used to run them in another country. Labor can’t manage money and it’s regional Victorians
Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh
ialla is on the cusp of a growth boom. Every day we see the evidence as residential housing expands the Kialla Lakes and Seven Creeks estates ever southward. Growth is a good thing – but only if we as a community match people with the services they need and desire.
Kialla’s growth is not based on a “best guess”. Last year’s independent report, Kialla Community Infrastructure Needs Assessment, details the growth we can expect over coming years. Commissioned by Greater Shepparton City Council, it confirms Kialla will see some of the highest housing growth across our region as we approach mid-century.
The report provides important insight into the infrastructure needs of Kialla as we experience this certainty. It makes very interesting reading.
The five key growth areas are Kialla North, Kialla West, Kialla South, Waterbird Creek and Kialla Central – potentially doubling our population in 10-or-so years. The report also makes clear the likelihood that the current airport site will eventually become housing.
Over the next few decades, Kialla will generate about 200 kindergarten places, will need up to five GPs, an additional primary school (maybe a high school) and a library.
The Shepparton and Mooroopna 2050 Regional Growth Plan provides a vision for the future development of Greater Shepparton and our city can expect to see a population of 78,000 by 2031. The plan refers to much community infrastructure – such as the Munarra Centre, La Trobe University redevelopment and the creation of an arts precinct, all good initiatives – but I cannot see in this plan the infrastructure planning to meet
the needs of a much larger Kialla.
Kialla is as large or larger than some of our towns and should be treated as such when it comes to services. It is further away from the Shepparton town centre than Mooroopna, and yet does not even have a public toilet.
The independent assessment report notes: “Kialla does not have an extensive range of community infrastructure and most of the infrastructure it has, is located some distance from the... growth areas.”
Kialla is building its own proud community, contributes significant rates and requires the attention a growth area deserves.
One of the reasons I am standing for council in the October elections is because of the ward structure. Having Kialla Ward, and knowing the growth we will experience, provides an opportunity for services to keep pace with population.
I have lived in the Kialla area for 15 years and have reported on many local councils throughout my journalism and broadcasting career on local radio. I have volunteered on school councils, a health board and sporting clubs. Through the Fairley Leadership Program and an extensive network of friends and community leaders, I am ready to effectively represent Kialla Ward.
Terri Cowley, council candidate for Kialla Ward
THE Greater Shepparton 2024 Business Excellence Awards sponsored by SPC and organised by Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN) are taking nominations for businesses and individuals that demonstrate outstanding contributions within the Greater Shepparton community.
EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS
• Professional Services
This award is designed to recognise businesses committed to leading business practices within the professional services sector, setting the standard for excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.
• Trade Services
This award is designed to recognise trade businesses and businesses that require on-the-job or tertiary-level training; who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and customer service in their respective fields.
• Retail Services
This award is designed to recognise successful retail businesses that stand out make a real impact in the Greater Shepparton community.
EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE
• Retail/Hospitality Services
This award is open to businesses operating within the retail and hospitality sector that excel in providing exceptional products, services and experiences to customers.
• Professional Services
This award is open to businesses that demonstrate market-leading customer service and processes in the field of Professional Services.
• Trade Services
This award is open to businesses that demonstrate market-leading customer service and processes in the field of Trade Services.
EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION
This award recognises businesses that have applied innovation through new knowledge, technologies, methodologies or processes to improve effectiveness or quality of their services.
EXCELLENCE IN FOOD & AGRIBUSINESS
This award recognises outstanding achievements by a food and agribusiness that has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, excellence and business practices that seek to grow and shape the future of agribusiness in the region.
BEST MARKETING/ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN
This award recognises outstanding marketing and advertising strategies that effectively reach rural and regional consumers through a combination of modern and traditional techniques.
VISITOR EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR
This award is open to all businesses operating in the Greater Shepparton Region offering a visitor experience and/or servicing the tourism industry that can demonstrate their commitment to consistently delivering an exceptional visitor experience over the past 12 months.
EXCELLENCE IN EXPORT MARKET DEVELOPMENT
This award celebrates a local business that has demonstrated success and sustainable growth in its international exports. This achievement is attributed to their innovation, resourcefulness and
eco-friendly practices
IMMIX Shepparton emerges as a beacon of sustainability in the metal recycling industry, offering a comprehensive solution for managing scrap metal. With a legacy of over half a century, IMMIX combines experience with innovation to provide unparalleled service. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their hands-on approach, ensuring that every client's recycling needs are met with expertise and care. The industrial and agricultural sector, which often
deals with substantial scrap metal waste, can particularly benefit from IMMIX's tailored clean-up services. By choosing IMMIX, customers receive competitive compensation for their scrap and contribute to environmental conservation, reinforcing the cycle of sustainability. For those in the Shepparton area, IMMIX's new facility on Wheeler Street stands ready to transform waste into worth, reflecting its ethos of eco-friendly practices and economic benefit.
commitment to competing on a global scale.
EMERGING & MICRO BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The award recognises a start-up business that has effectively driven growth over the last 12 months and can demonstrate the potential to achieve future success. Open to new businesses in the Greater Shepparton region trading for a period of less than 24 months.
APPRENTICE/TRAINEE OF THE YEAR
This award recognises an individual from within your business who is undertaking an Apprenticeship or Traineeship and has shown excellent progress in their training, approach to the job and overall performance.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
This award is designed to recognise and encourage the achievements of a young professional graduate aged between 18-30 who has demonstrated a noteworthy commitment to excellence, innovation and the community in their profession, and who has worked to promote their profession.
Nominations close Wednesday, 25 September. Successful nominations will be announced over 10 weeks from July to October, culminating in the grand gala presentation evening on Friday, 25 October. Visit www.gsbn.net.au or scan the QR code to nominate someone or a business. For more information call 0407 503 886.
THE Shepparton Show returns this October, Friday 11 and Saturday 12 for two days of fun and excitement, including the spectacular fireworks show at 9pm Friday by Southern Cross Pyrotechnics. This year’s free entertainment includes:
• Warren Brophy’s Outdoor Circus and the Globe of Death.
• L achie Cossor & The Outback Stockman Show -the show has been described as ‘orchestrated chaos.’ It is a fun show with some horsemanship, working dogs and crowd participation, it’s educational with a comedy spin on it. The show features several animals including horses, ponies, dogs, pigs, a goat and an over-sized bull.
Lachie is a singer/songwriter with many years of experience in performing from big bands to solo shows. At some venues he has been known to play and sing on the back of a bullock or horse which is a great drawcard. His debut album Rollin, has been very successful. “I was lucky enough to win the 2017 Aristocrat Entertainer of the Year People’s Choice award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Stan Coster Award in 2022,” said Lachie.
• Roving performers -The Great Gizmo and No Bull Drummers provide fun and games for kids of all ages.
• A n animal nursery supplied by Hannah’s Homestead and Aussie Farm Animals, Free Camel Rides.
• Community Displays-Australian Native Society, Rural Health Teddy Bear’s
SHOWTIME...
The Shepparton Show returns this October, Friday 11 and Saturday 12 for two days of fun and excitement, including the spectacular firework show. All your favourites will return for two days of fun and activities.
Supplied
Hospital, Highland Dance, Valios Sheep Display, GV Rail Club, MEAC, CWA scones and light lunches, Shepparton Heritage Centre, Shepparton Search & Rescue. GV Sewing Centre Shepparton will be demonstrating Brother Sewing machines and other exciting products for the crafty-minded.
• S ideshow Alley by the Victorians Showmen’s Guild, a wide variety of food trucks and trade stalls.
• L ivestock judging-Friday Miniature Horses and Ponies, Youth Show Dairy Cattle. Saturday-Dairy Cattle, Boer Goats, Dairy Goats, Miniature Goats, Championship Dog Show, Woodchop demonstration.
This year they have an online entry portal for all your show entries including Arts & Crafts, Cookery, Horticulture, Photography, Dairy Cattle, Boer Goats and Dairy Goats.
You can enter via Showday Online, or if you prefer call into their office at 301 High St, Shepparton 10am-3pm weekdays. Arts, Crafts, Cookery and Photography entries close Friday 20th September 2024. They have a discounted earlybird 2-day family pass (2 adults & 3 children) for $60 plus a booking fee available online via Ticketebo, offer ends at 5pm Thursday 10th October 2024.
Friday & Saturday Gate price: Family: $55.00 1-day family (2 adults & 3 children to 15 years OR 1 Adult & 4 children to 15 years.) Adult: $25, Pensioner/Concession
STEVE ‘Trelly’ Threlfall is a local businessman with family ties that stretch back 100 years and would like to see some common sense on the Council, which is why he is running in the upcoming election for the McEwen Ward.
“Common sense, common sense and more common sense! Get back to the basics of delivering services and advancing economic health to the region,” said Steve on why he decided to run for Council.
“Common sense is not that common at the Council table. Woke agendas and a cancel culture is dividing people, not uniting them. I see it and am constantly being reminded of it by Greater Shepparton residents. Just look at what council is dealing with right now, Gaza, is not a council issue.”
Steve has been an active member of the community sponsoring hundreds of school, sporting and recreational events over his 35 years of business in Shepparton. He sits on boards and committees that protect, advance and embrace bushlands and wildlife. He sees our local waterways as one of the most important issues facing Greater Shepparton, which needs to embrace, showcase and protect its rivers, creeks and wetlands.
“Our whole region’s economic wellbeing is linked to water, without water you’ll see tumbleweeds rolling down Wyndham Street.
“We have beautiful housing estates, retirement living, a golf course, GOTAFE education, the driver training
complex and the sports precinct which has the potential to deliver a $70M economic impact across the region.
“We need to incentivise investors, not wrap them in Council red tape, dated processes and endless hurdles.”
SEVERIN Duhring, a passionate volunteer and Mooroopna resident for 54 years, is a candidate for the Goulburn River Ward. With a strong commitment to ensuring the needs of his community are heard, Duhring believes the new ward system will provide a fairer distribution of the council’s budget, addressing the imbalance that currently favours Shepparton over smaller towns.
"I want my region to thrive and progress," said Duhring. "The current model is very Shepparton-centric, and the smaller towns are often left out and feel like the poor cousins."
“I believe that council should focus on
their core business and not push their views out to the community that are not the council’s responsibility. There was a lot of anger over Australia Day, and we need councillors who will listen,” Severin said. “Poor decisions are a sign of poor leadership and that needs to change.”
A tireless advocate for Mooroopna, Duhring has served on numerous committees and groups, including the Mooroopna Community Plan Steering Committee, Mooroopna Kiwanis Australia Day Committee, and Greater Shepparton City Council Australia Day Committee. His 35 years with Mooroopna Kiwanis Club, his involvement with the L2P program, and his 2015 Greater Shepparton Volunteer of the Year Award
highlight his dedication to the community.
Duhring has also been deeply involved with local organisations like Mooroopna Football Club, KidsTown, Mooroopna Tennis Club, Rumbalara and more.
If elected, he would like to see ratepayers receive two tip tickets each year to assist them to remove waste unable to be disposed of in kerbside bins.
With a long history of community involvement and a proven track record, Duhring is ready to bring his commitment to represent the Goulburn River Ward. “My hope is that we get a diverse range of representation across the wards, who are focussed on advocating for the needs of their communities,” said Duhring.
FOR GOULBURN RIVER WARD... Severin Duhring is a candidate in the local government elections for Goulburn River Ward.
PAUL Wickham is well known in Mooroopna and surrounding areas for the care and support he provides at the family pharmacy he has run for 17 years, and now Paul has decided to run for the local council in the Goulburn River Ward.
“I am excited to represent the locals of Mooroopna, Toolamba, Dhurringile, Murchison and stretching over to Arcadia and south of the Broken River,” said Paul.
“Following the 2022 floods, it is clear that there is an opportunity to revisit the Greater Shepparton and Mooroopna 2050 Regional City Growth Plan to see how we can create a more resilient community to the west of the Goulburn River.”
Paul saw first-hand the effect the floods had on the wider Mooroopna community. Not only was he personally affected, but he continued to serve the community by making deliveries via boat until the waters receded, which gave him a deep understanding of how much the community suffered.
Paul has been an active member of the community supporting local groups like the GV Rail Club, Undera Football and Netball Club and he even chipped in a pair of much-needed first aid kits to the Mooroopna Mens Shed and brought the gentlemen lunch when they reopened earlier this year.
“The GV is a vibrant agricultural and manufacturing area, and we need to continue to build on these assets and also grow our tourism around the beautiful Goulburn River. Our sporting and
CITY GROWTH... Paul Wickham has announced he is running for Goulburn River Ward in the upcoming Council election. The Goulburn River Ward is vast, covering part of Mooroopna then stretching over to Toolamba, Dhurringile, Murchison and down to Arcadia and south of the Broken River. Photo: Supplied
community groups are another important asset that makes us a great place to live. By listening to locals we can identify local issues, find local solutions and build local leadership.
“I love the Goulburn Valley and believe we can all prosper if we work together. I am keen to listen to the needs of our community and also inspire people to dream of big ideas for the GV. I believe it is important to make sure we create a great community for our young people to thrive and for our elderly to live long and healthy lives.”
HEALTH Y COMMUNITY... Phillip Chua has announced he is running for the Pine Lodge Ward in the upcoming Council election. Pine Lodge Ward runs from Ford and Doyles Roads, encompassing everything north and east of the Broken and Goulburn Rivers. Photo: Supplied
PHILLIP Chua has been looking after the health and well-being of residents for over a decade as a naturopath, and he wants to look after the greater well-being of the community by running for council in the Pine Lodge Ward.
“I am passionate about improving the health of individuals and therefore communities, I also want to see a younger demographic represented more at a local government level,” said Phillip.
Phillip sees the three biggest issues facing Greater Shepparton as road quality and maintenance, maintaining infrastructure with increasing cost of material and labour costs and supporting small businesses.
While talking to clients and members of South Shepparton Community Church where Phillip volunteers or out meeting the constituents the feedback he receives is centred
around these areas.
“Some of the key issues that are being raised when I’m talking to constituents are; we all want roads that will get us home safely, effective rubbish removal and getting value for the rates we pay. These are some areas where I believe we can make improvements and will advocate for this when elected.
“I bring to the role experience of being in a profession (naturopath) that requires constant learning and having to be flexible in decisionmaking as information changes. These skills will help with decision-making that considers what is best for the whole community.
“Strong communities are not built by individuals. It is built among individuals, in our homes, streets, neighbourhoods, groups and schools.”
By Aaron Cordy
THE homeless crisis in Australia affects more people in the wider community than ever before, with Greater Shepparton being no exception. The stigma attached to homeless people as being addicts and alcoholics who can no longer function in society is a myth that needs to be broken as the housing crisis worsens and more people and families find themselves without a roof over their heads.
This program will be delivered by trusted health professionals in a respectful and non-judgmental manner
Wyndham House Clinic is offering a free service to those who are doing it hardest in our community with their new Homeless Health Access Program. The eligibility requirements for the walk-in service are homelessness and the risk of being homeless.
This program will be delivered by trusted health professionals in a respectful
and non-judgmental manner by the experienced doctors of Wyndham House at the Salvation Army Corps Community Centre on Nixon Street Shepparton, between 10am and 2pm every Thursday.
The program will provide flexible, compassionate, nonjudgemental care and assistance to a broad range of people who may have been displaced from their homes due to the current housing and financial crisis, and/or individuals who are at risk of falling through the cracks of society’s safety net as they battle mental health issues. The program begins tomorrow and is open to all homeless people or people at risk of homelessness.
BREAST SCREEN SERVICE... The State Government’s landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain has been
THE State Government’s landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain has revealed the significant impact pain conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain and migraines are having on the lives of Victorian women and girls.
The results from the survey of more than 13,000 women, girls, carers, families and healthcare workers highlight the negative experiences that many have had when seeking care.
Women and girls have shared their
experiences of sexism and misogyny, feeling ignored or dismissed by clinicians who attributed their pain to psychological and personality factors, as well as culturally unsafe care.
They also reported cases of delayed diagnosis, the high cost of care and the impact pain can have on their quality of life, relationships with family and friends, and their careers.
Nurses who made up the majority of healthcare workers participating,
observed a lack of knowledge about women’s health from available clinicians was the biggest barrier to care for many of their patients.
About 40 per cent of women who participated in the survey were from regional and rural Victoria – their insights highlighted the importance of being able to access the right care closer to home.
The stories and experiences generously shared by Victorian women and girls in the survey, via written submissions and forums over the last few months will now form the development of recommendations to improve the way women’s healthcare is delivered in Victoria.
“These survey results are an important step towards building a new system that is informed by the voices of women, girls, families, carers, the healthcare clinical workforce and researchers.”
“Our new mobile women’s health clinic will help us bring new services directly to women in regional Victoria, offering a safe and inclusive space for care,” Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas.
The results come at the same time as the State Government prepares to launch
its $5M Mobile Women’s Health Clinic. Operated by BreastScreen Victoria to make free healthcare more accessible for women living in rural and regional parts of Victoria, the new mobile women’s health service will hit the road in late October.
“BreastScreen Victoria understands the challenges regional Victorian women face accessing healthcare. We're working with the government on this program to offer additional women's health services as part of our mobile breast screening service,” said BreastScreen Victoria Acting CEO Luke Neill.
The mobile clinic will offer a variety of women’s health services including sexual and reproductive health information, advice, clinical services and referrals to other necessary specialists.
All services will be delivered by an experienced nurse who will work to build connections with women, their community and local health services.
This is an expansion of BreastScreen Victoria’s existing successful mobile breast screening service and will be open to women of all ages.
DGV CHAIR, Eugenie Stragalinos said the summit, which is the first of its kind in the region, was a success.
“Building Momentum for our Future was a brilliant opportunity for local business leaders to connect and network with thought leaders, industry experts and fellow local businesses to explore growth opportunities for both their business and the region’s shared visitor economy,” Eugenie said.
The summit was a day of learning and an opportunity to connect with businesses and other bodies that will support the region and businesses to thrive.
Simon Keustenmacher, co-founder of The Demographics Group, shared thoughtprovoking insights into demographics and opportunities to harness new groups by investing in housing, local jobs, education and entertainment.
Guests also heard about challenges and lessons learned from Megan Williams, co-founder of Camel Milk Co. and a range of tourism bodies and supports
THE Nationals' Member for Shepparton District, Kim O'Keeffe, has contacted the Minister for Emergency Services, Jacyln Symes urging the government to reverse its decision after the State Government reallocated a vital firefighting resource pumper platform to metropolitan Melbourne.
"The reallocation of the pumper platform away from Shepparton is a clear example of the Labor government neglecting the needs of regional communities," Ms O'Keeffe said.
“As the Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes should know the consequences of taking this vital equipment away from our community. She needs to explain why the government has made this appalling decision and ignored the risk assessment.”
The risk assessment conducted before the purchase of the pumper platform identified Shepparton as one of two of the highest-risk areas most in need of this equipment due to its increasing number of tall buildings, including Shepparton Law Courts, Goulburn Valley Health, and Greater Shepparton Secondary College.
But now the state Labor government
TRUCKED
has performed a last-minute switcheroo by taking a million-dollar Pumper Platform truck designed to fight fires and conduct rescues at a height that was destined for Shepparton, and giving it to Sunshine fire station in Melbourne instead.
has performed a last-minute backflip and sent the pumper ordered for Shepparton to Sunshine in metropolitan Melbourne.
When the split of the CFA and the creation of Fire Rescue Victoria was proposed, Liberal Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell raised concerns that this would lead to resources going to Melbourne at the expense of regional cities, and those concerns appear to have come to fruition.
“Shepparton firefighters have been expecting a new Pumper Platform for several years, and staff have been trained to use it. Now at the last minute, the Labor government is sending it to Sunshine, leaving Shepparton in the lurch,” said Ms Lovell.
“The growing number of large facilities and tall buildings around Shepparton, including vital services like our hospital, means the city desperately needs to have a pumper with an aerial platform to fight fires and perform rescues at height, but the state Labor government has prioritised metropolitan Melbourne over Shepparton.
“The Labor government’s backflip is deeply disappointing, and I call on the Minister for Emergency Services to reverse the decision,” said Ms Lovell.
including Alysia Brandenburg (Tourism and Experience Economy), Kristy Malapa (Tourism Australia), Grace Maynard (Austrade), Chantelle Khan (Victorian Tourism Industry Council), Charles Deuchrass (Visit Victoria), and Vickie Scott (DGV executive officer).
The event was MC’d by national awardwinning journalist Karen O’Sullivan and provided ample time amongst the speakers to network and share ideas, inspiring collaboration between local groups.
As Mr Keustenmacher aptly put it, “To have a successful business in the region, you need to have a successful region.”
ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT POSITION AVAILABLE
St Brendan’s 121 Knight Street, Shepparton
Permanent Part-time (11hrs/week)
9am - 3pm Thursday and Friday
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MAIDENHAIR Ferns x 2 $8 each Ph: 0432 797 138
Lilies x 2 $9 ea Ph: 0432 797 138
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Shepparton will be looking to book a spot in its first grand-final since it last won a flag back in 2018.
The Bears will feel that they deserve another crack at the reigning premier Echuca in a fortnight. But co-coaches Xavier Stevenson and Ted Lindon are no fools. They know that their Bears will have to earn their spot in the big dance. Rochester will not just hand it to them.
The Bears made a statement with their first semi-final demolition of Mooroopna, with the game all but over by the main break at Seymour last Sunday when they led by 55 points.
Murray Bushrangers midfielder Ned Byrne was superb through the midfield in the win. He booted three goals and racked up plenty of possessions.
Adam Decicco, Ethan Baxter, Lewis McShane, Luke Smith, Trent Herbert and Morrison Medal fancy and one of the league’s best ruckman Ash Holland will be extremely important for the Bears. They will be looking to lead from the front for their team.
The Bears have prided themselves on strong starts to games and they blitzed the Cats in the opening quarter last Sunday. They will look to try and jump out the
This promises to be a cracking contest with a grand-final spot the prize for the winner.
The minor premier suffered a narrow loss in the second semi-final to the reigning premier Echuca while Euroa won a high-scoring cutthroat first semi-final against Shepparton.
High-scoring is what Euroa wants as that suits its style while Mooroopna will want similar to what it was like in the qualifying final – low scoring.
This match-up sees the best defensive team (Mooroopna) v the best attacking team (Euroa).
Euroa shooter Olivia Morris was brilliant in the semi-final win over the Bears, scoring 47 of her team’s 74 goals.
The Magpies jumped out of the blocks to drop 22 goals in the first quarter and restrict the Bears to 13.
The second quarter was a tight affair and then the Magpies asserted themselves again by winning the third quarter by six goals and they won the last quarter. Hollie Reid, Eliza Hoare, Sophie Owen and
blocks quickly to make it hard for the Tigers to get back in the contest.
The Tigers and coach Ash Watson will be wary of the way the Bears start games.
He will demand that his players are ready from whatever the Bears throw at them because he will know that if they close at quarter time, that’s a win going into the second quarter.
Ryan O'Keefe, Andy Henderson, Lachlan Watson, Bailey Boyack and Matt Kellett will be hoping to continue the form of the last quarter in the loss to the Murray Bombers in the major semi-final.
Mitch Cricelli was great in the elimination final win with six goals. He will need to have a huge game like he did a fortnight ago as will Doug Wren and Mitch Bright Mitch Trewhella remains an unlikely starter for the Tigers after he was stretchered off in the loss to the Murray Bombers.
He will leave a big hole to fill for the Tigers through that midfield, but his absence will provide an opportunity for some of the youngsters to step up and grab the opportunity. And another worrying stat that the Tigers will be desperate to reverse is the two defeats it had to Shepparton during the home and away season. For mine, the Tigers will give a roar, but I think it will be the Bears that prevail to set-up what will be a mouth-watering clash with red-hot favourite Echuca. Tip: Shepparton.
Kellie Davidson were important for the Magpies through the mid-court while Tyler Marchbank and Ellie Warnock had a good battle with the Shepparton shooters last Sunday. Mooroopna was able to win one of the four quarters while one quarter it squared with the reigning premier. Coach Di Hanslow would have been pretty pleased with most aspects with the exception of the final result. The Cats defended strongly as they have all season through Dayna Williams and Caitlin McLachlan. They will need to do that again when up against Mia Sudomirski and Morris. Through the mid-court, Asha Gray, Shelby Brittan and Mia Fallon will be important to ensure the shooters led by captain Ash Lancaster get the supply. Lancaster will need to get support from Jac Ball, Taylah Lloyd and Eliza Gesler. This is a real flip of the coin for me, but if the Cats can keep it to a low-scoring affair, then I think they can go that one step further than 2023 and qualify for a grand-final. Tip: Mooroopna.
SEN’s Gerard Whateley has expressed his discontent with Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge following another underperformance in 2024.
Following the club’s disappointing elimination final loss to the Hawks, Whateley feels as though the Bulldogs have received their answer regarding Beveridge’s ability to lead the club back to the heights of 2016.
“Whenever the heat has come for Beveridge, the Bulldogs have had the safety as he has been safely in contract and all they had to do was ask themselves the question whether everything was as it should be, and then ignore the outside”, Whateley told SEN’s Crunch Time.
“Next year would be the last year of his contract.
“There are two streams of thought, put the coach on the edge of the plank and go ‘let’s find out’, but the modern set up is if you put the coach on the edge of the plank you never really find out because it gets inside the walls.
“It’s got very little to do with the coach and more to do with the environment.
“We saw it blow up and Leon Cameron barely lasted eight rounds, Nathan Buckley got to halfway so the only one that got through was Ken Hinkley, but I’ll argue all day long that that wasn’t successful.
“They set up the wrong strategy, he was coaching for his life winning thirteen in a row and they forgot about what it’s going to look like when it actually matters.”
With just one year left on Beveridge’s deal, Whateley believes
it may be beneficial for the club to simply cut ties as early as possible.
“It’s a very difficult thing to navigate, and my view is different”, he said.
“Your business is better off paying out one year, to provide the environment of ‘let’s thrive’, rather than it all falls apart because of what gets inside.
“I think the (Justin) Longmuir decision was going to cost, say, $650,000 for one year, that’s money well spent to get your answer as opposed to it blowing up your season.
“It’s not hard to imagine Beveridge goes into next year they start 2 and 3, and the whole thing falls apart, because of the uncertainty.”
This comes after what was an extremely up and down season for the Bulldogs. Entering the year, the Dogs were expected to make a finals push given their ninth-place finish in 2023.
The year failed to properly kick off until late in the season, sitting on just eight wins in Round 18 before taking home six of their last seven.
Entering September, the Dogs were widely seen as one of the favourites to take the premiership despite missing out on a top four finish.
With all that being said, they fell short, yet again.
“The Bulldogs didn’t know where they were going to land," Whateley continued.
"They go to the finals as one of the hot teams, their profile was spot on, but they are out again in an elimination final.
“If they make the prelim, these questions all answer themselves.
“But they didn’t, they are out again in the same spot that they keep going out, the miss the top four, and they lose the elimination final.
“Three weeks ago, this wasn’t their trajectory. Three weeks ago, it was ‘are we making a prelim’, ‘are we making a Grand Final here’?
“They just got their answer last night, and that’s the ultimate answer, ‘oh we’re in the same spot we’re always in’.
“So that’s where I reckon it gets interesting, and then trying to forecast the long-term coach, who is a premiership coach, is he still going to be the coach in three years’ time? Is this the final throws of it? Is there a second life to it?
“I reckon those are the questions you can only start to answer now that you’ve got the final result, because in May it looked shaky as, in August it looked rosy, but now in September it’s the ‘oh it’s the same answer’.
“It’s totally counterproductive going into next season with Luke Beveridge in the last year of his contract.”
