The Adviser 1731

CLOSING DOWN

manchester

Fairley Leadership cohort visit Parliament House

FEDRAL Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell MP, has hosted the 2024 Goulburn Murray Community Leadership - The Fairley

Leadership Program in Parliament House.

Mr Birrell organised a broad variety of Members of Parliament to speak to the group

as well as participation in a Question-andAnswer session.

Our Services include:

Accomodation (STA and SIL)

• Independent Member for Indi, Helen

• Assistance on daily life activities

Home Modifications Transport Assistance with Social & Community Participation Gardening Domestic Cleaning Allied Health

0411 185 322

www.threesisterscommunitycare.com.au

“As a 2013 graduate I wanted to ensure the Fairley cohort had a memorable experience in our Nation’s capital and the opportunity to hear from a variety of our country’s leaders,” Mr Birrell said. “Every MP has had a unique leadership journey and has a huge amount of knowledge to share with inspiring leaders,” he said.

The following MPs presented to the group:

• The Hon Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP.

• The Hon Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP.

• The Hon Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud MP.

• The Hon, Shadow Minister for Regional Education and Regional Development, Darren Chester MP.

• Federal Member for Flinders, Zoe Mckenzie MP.

• Independent Senator for the ACT, David Pocock.

They work together, play together and are loved by staff and students – Greater Shepparton’s network of small schools offer more than meets the eye.

Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura are surrounded by rural schools that have been delivering great education for as many as 150 years. Shifting demographics means some are smaller than they used to be – but they are better than ever.

In secondary education, larger schools deliver greater subject choice and pathway options. In primary school, size is less important when teaching the basics – so long as students never miss out on opportunities.

That is why Greater Shepparton’s small schools share sport days, excursions, visiting specialists and services, plus professional teacher development. They also share a unique ‘small school’ experience – where student peers and teachers are like family.

Your local school is your best school

Search ‘Find My School’ for the location of your local government primary school, where your child is guaranteed placement. If it’s a small school, consider the advantages by chatting with the local principal:

• Ardmona Primary Jean Varty, 5829 0273

• Dookie Primary Luke Kleinig, 5828 6585

• Harston Primary Karen (Kaz) Batson, 5854 8317

• Lemnos Primary Kerry Miller, 5829 9287

• Merrigum Primary Tony Shannon, 5855 2275

• Mooroopna North Primary Rebecca (Bec) Brown, 5829 0141

• Undera Primary Robyn Bell, 5826 0211

• Zeerust Primary Lisa Wilson, 5829 8282

Members spoke to the group about leadership, why they joined politics, their values, what drives them, as well as advice for leadership in regional communities.

“I hope participants left Canberra feeling inspired and the day gave them the confidence to drive change on a community matter or project important to them,” Mr Birrell said.

“Each MP was very open to the group and provided insights that few people have the opportunity to experience.

“Regardless of our different positions and robust conversations in the Chamber, there’s a lot of bipartisan work that goes on in Parliament House behind the scenes and this is an example of that.

“Parliament House is a house for everyone, and it was a privilege to host the Fairley cohort,” Mr Birrell said.

The group took part in a tour of Parliament House and were also provided tickets to Question Time on behalf of Mr Birrell.

Haines MP.

FAIRLEY LEADERSHIP... The Fairley Leadership Program members visited Parliament House last week. The group met several MPs including Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell pictured addressing them. Photo: Supplied

SMALL

SUPPORTIVE… Lemnos students Billy and Zander

one-on-one time with Principal Kerry Miller

40 YEARS YOUNG

The Apprenticeship Factory and Monarch Personnel celebrated its 40th birthday on Thursday, September 12 at the Terminus. The Apprenticeship Factory has supported 7,000 young people into apprenticeships or traineeships in a wide range of industry sectors. Pictured Paula Ryan, the Apprenticeship Factory CEO and Frank Moretto of Moretto Building, receiving his Life Membership of Goulburn Murray Group Training.

RUBBISH DUMPING

There has been a spate of rubbish dumping around the region lately, with old tyres, mattresses and shop trolleys seeming to be some of the most common bulky items discarded, instead of being taken to local tips, but are by no means not the only things being dumped.

Our local riverways and bushlands are seeing the worst of the dumping but there has also been a lot of rubbish left on the

side of the road and on streets in front of homes. If you see any illegal dumping, you can report it online at ww.epa@vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 372 842.

RUSHWORTH

FIELD AND GAME

Member for Northern Victoria RikkieLee Tyrrell has used the latest sitting week of State Parliament to praise the work by members of the Rushworth Field and Game in the conservation of local native wildlife.

“The Rushworth Field and Game Club currently have 70 members who actively assist the local wildlife to flourish.” Mrs Tyrrell said.

“The Club regularly makes parrot nesting boxes and hen houses that are then placed in trees, and also in wetlands, serving as safe nesting sites for native birds.”

WALK FOR CAMP QUALITY

Keep an eye out this Saturday in Shepparton as Australian Defence Force Major Ed Orszulak, makes the Shepparton leg of his 2,720km walk from Brisbane to Melbourne to raise funds for Camp Quality. Ed will walk on average 40km a day for 70 days and cross the finish line in Melbourne on Monday 30 September.

SPORTING GRANTS OPEN

The latest round of the Sporting Club Grants Program, with grants of up to $5,000 available to support clubs is open. The grants are separated into different categories of varying funding, including $5,000 for training coaches and volunteers, $4,000 for setting up new sports or active recreation programs, $1,000 for uniforms and equipment, and $750 to assist clubs with travel to away games and competitions. For more information and to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au/funding/ sporting-club-grants-program.

MURCHISON COMMUNITY

GARDEN

Murchison Neighbourhood House is celebrating 25 years of community spirit by officially launching the Murchison Community Garden on Saturday, October 26, 11am – 1pm. ABC Gardening Australia's Sophie Thomson visited Murchison earlier this year to help set up the garden.

There will be a free sausage sizzle provided by the Murchison Men’s Shed, free coffee from the King Billy Coffee van, as well as a plant sale.

for all the family with entertainers, side shows including: Art & Crafts, Horticulture, Sideshow Alley by the Victorian Showmen’s Guild, wide variety of food trucks and trade stalls! Free family entertainment: Warren Brophy’s Outdoor Circus

Purchase online at or www.sheppshow.com.au For more information go to www.sheppshow.com.au or

The Apprenticeship Factory 40th Anniversary night. Frank Moretto of Moretto Building, receiving his Life Membership of Goulburn Murray Group Training.

The tyres pictured were dumped near the train station in Mooroopna.

Locals give Shitbox Rally a crack

By Ern Meharry

BACK in Autumn 2022 just as we were emerging from the Covid pandemic, Ern Meharry’s son-in-law Amba Allan rang him and asked if he wanted to do the “Shitbox Rally” that spring.

When told that the Rally involved 250 cars worth less than $1,500 travelling from MacKay to Darwin via the Gulf, Ern's response was “You idiot” followed by “OK when do we go?”.

into new treatments for pancreatic cancer.

Ern and Amba found an old Holden Commodore for $1,000 and completed the rally in Darwin in October 2022 raising over $16,000 plus $2,500 raised by the auctioning

They were fortunate that the only real problems they had were three flat tyres.Some cars weren’t so lucky and failed to complete

All up that rally raised just short of $2M for

Fast forward to 2024 and the Spring Rally is from Bendigo to Townsville via Innaminka

Ern has roped his neighbour and golfing buddy David Baldwin into doing the rally.

After a couple of dead ends, they found a 1996 Ford Courier Dual Cab for $1,000.

Their team's name is ‘The NAGAS’. The golfers amongst you will understand!

Ern and David's fundraising has been going well with the major event being a BBQ night to watch Carlton v Geelong late in June which raised over $3,000. Other fundraising has been from friends, and local businesses and collecting container deposit refunds.

Currently, they have raised $16,152 with five weeks to go and the total raised for the Spring Rally by all 250 teams is over $1.6M.

A massive effort you will agree, more impressive when you think they do three of these rallies every year.

On this page you will find a QR code that takes you to ‘The NAGA’S’ fundraising page. All donations are tax-deductible.

Dave and Ern leave from Bendigo on the October 19, hopefully arriving in Townsville on Friday October 25 and they plan to drive

their Shitbox back home and keep it for another Rally.

More information is available from https:// www.shitboxrally.com.au/

SHITBOX RALLY... The Shitbox Rally is a dedicated fundraising event for the Cancer Council research projects. The major Shitbox Rally Donors and Crew from left, Blake Knaggs, Watters Electrical; Paul Tsobaris, Aussie Hotel; Geoff Withers, Past President, Rotary Club of Shepparton; Ern Meharry, Crew; Bob Ellis, Choices Flooring; Tim Webb, Central Tyre Service and David Baldwin, Crew. Photo: Supplied

FUNDRAISER... Ern and David held a BBQ night to watch Carlton v Geelong late in June which raised over $3,000. Loading up for the Shitbox BBQ Fundraiser evening, Ern Meharry and Paul Phillips, Phillips Cellars. Photo: Supplied

Greater Shepparton Secondary College 2024 debutants

STUDENTS at Greater Shepparton Secondary College have dazzled at their recent presentation balls. Held in April and June 2024, these elegant events showcased the students' growth and confidence.

Months of preparation culminated in a night of glamour, as students stepped outside their comfort zones and strutted their stuff on the dance floor with their new moves taught by InStyle Dancing.

JUNE PRESENTATION BALL.. . Pictured from left back row: Gerry Vecchio from InStyle Dancing and students Jesse Prentice, Millicent Lundberg, Cooper Symes, Keiko Martin-Walsh, Thomas Jones and Gabriella Cacambouras. Third row: Liam Huddle, Mollie Willing, Connor Robson, Charlotte Seal, Josh Mills, Katherine Morris, Peter Woods, Yasmin Wojcik. Second row: Amelia Vecchio from InStyle Dancing and students Stela Hoxha, Amber O’Toole, Liam Kellett, Laura Trewin, Ryan White, Matilda Kelly Front row: Gretel Peters, Liam Exton, Maya Byrne, Jed Ferguson, Riva Zerbato, Marlo D’Addona

APRIL PRESENTATION BALL... Pictured from left back row: Gerry Vecchio from InStyle Dancing, with students Josh Mizzi, Cody Fairless, Nehemiah Lemke, Madeline Rodda, Jake Davidson, Ava Ahmet. Third row: Coby Henery, Jaye Ennis, Brody Antonuv, Jazmin Mathers, Kaleb McCrae, Maggie Harrison, Wynton Scott, Lacey Dow. Second row: Amelia Vecchio from InStyle Dancing and students Ananiya Dieudonne, Scarlett Guest, Christian Mundabi, Tylah O’Brien, Harrison Willaton, Abbey Bennett, Bailey Poole, Ellie Armstrong. Front row: Madelyn Berry, Kohbi Dow, Lila Urquhart, Joshua Macgibbon, Connor Fallon, Alana Owen, Nathan Ferrier, Ava Mellino.

Finny’s to say farewell to Shepparton

Massive markdowns for end of an era sale

continued from front page

OPENING in 1989, Finny’s Manchester quickly became known for its wall-to-wall selection of the finest manchester, earning a reputation for quality and value. Over the years, the store became a fixture in the town, with customers returning time and time again for the personalised service and unbeatable deals that became its trademark.

“I had this thing—whatever I could buy, no matter what anyone else sold it for, I was going to be cheaper. We used to open at seven o’clock in the morning, and we’d have 500 people lined up around the block,” reflected business founder and owner, Ray Finn.

Deciding to close the Bendigo store in June and the Shepparton flagship store in mid-December was a tough choice, driven by Ray Finn's decision to retire due to health concerns.

"We’ve been here 35 years. It’s sad that we’re closing, but it’s the end of an era,” said Ray. "It’s all just because of ill health, sort of slowly getting me.”

Known as the "little store with big savings," Finny’s has been a local institution where the whole family has been involved.

"We were filming a TV ad one night, and we finished the ad and said, ‘We need a catch line.’ I said, ‘But it’s only a little store.’ And Liz said, ‘Yeah, with big savings.’ And that’s how it came about—‘A little store with the big savings.’ It stuck forever,” Ray explained.

To mark the store’s final chapter, Finny’s Manchester is holding what will be its biggest sale yet. With all stock needing to go, the sale offers a rare opportunity for customers to take home premium linens and towels at a fraction of the price.

from 10am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays.

Rare opportunity to secure commercial land in the Rural City of Wangaratta

Generous allotments of 2,029m2 to 8,569m2 (approximately)

Mixed Use Zoned with titles expected Q1 FY2025-2026

Tone Road boasts 7,200 average annual daily vehicles (Sce: VicRoads)

• Only minutes from Bunnings on southern entrance to the city

• 50% regional commercial & industrial stamp duty discount

Goulburn-Murray Water Flow

Water for the environment is being fed into the Lower Broken and Nine Mile creeks between Katamatite, Numurkah and Nathalia to improve waterway health and benefit native fish and vegetation. In late August water flow increased to approximately 400 ML/day at Rices Weir (at the bottom of the creek) for two weeks. This flow is within normal Goulburn-Murray Water operational limits. Flo has now reduced to approximately 200 ML/day and will continue throughout Spring. The Lower Broken Creek has been impacted by

and

These flows are aimed at

in

of water for the environment:

health of the creek and boosting native fish numbers. Water for the environment is water that’s allocated and managed to improve the health of waterways, wetlands and floodplains. The Lower Broken Creek (pictured upstream of Numurkah) received a much-needed top-up. Native fish such as Golden Perch, recorded in a Lower Broken Creek fish survey, will benefit from water for the environment.

Ray and the Finn family look forward to welcoming you at Finny’s Manchester, located at 136 High Street. The store remains open

SAYING GOODNIGHT... After 35 years Finny’s Manchester has decided it will close its doors at the end of the year, due to Ray Finn’s retirement and ill health. Pictured from left are from the Finny’s Manchester team are Shirley, Tara, Anne and Ray Finn, Tina Sicali (nee Finn), Tina and Darielle. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

RETAIL EXCELLENCE… Reflecting on the businesses’ 35 years, Finny’s Manchester founder and owner Ray Finn recalls

Local farmers rally in Canberra

ON Tuesday, September 10, a convoy of 40 trucks and farm vehicles numbered more than 2,000 farmers and supporters, led by the National Farmer Federation, perched on the lawns in front of Parliament House in Canberra to send a powerful message to the people who determine the policies that impact farmers’ livelihoods.

The industry concerns raised include:

• The activist-led ban on live sheep exports by sea

• Refusal to settle the live cattle class action

• Calls to scrap the Diesel Fuel Rebate and proposed new taxes for biosecurity and superannuation

• Calls to scrap the 88 days of specified work for backpackers

• Water buybacks in the Murray Darling Basin and protecting the Great Artesian Basin

• Unnecessary red tape from Scope 3 emissions reporting

• The community impacts of energy and renewables developments.

A strong local contingent was at the rally in Canberra, including Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell.

“What I've found with a lot of farmers is issues around the endless bureaucracy that they have to deal with. Farmers are telling me they have to pay a compliance fee for almost everything,” said Mr Birrell.

“It might not seem like a lot on its own, but by the time each one is added up, it’s like death by a thousand cuts. If they're not getting great prices, some of them are, some of them aren’t, the input to run a business keeps going up, up, up and up, and the Government doesn't seem to have any sympathy for that.

“Most farms are small businesses. This government seems to design industrial relations where the only people who can

understand it, and the only businesses who can do it, read through 700 pages of law, are really big corporations. And they don’t seem to care about the family farm, where one of the family members does all this work. It is just getting harder and harder to do.”

Locally there have been farmers selling up and looking to sell due to the current economic crisis, which has not been made easier by the government.

“That’s what the risk is. It is not daily news that people just give, or people say, I was thinking about expanding my business but the government has just made it too hard I'm not going to bother. I think that’s happening more than we realise,” said Mr Birrell.

“I do make the point that there are ways to protest your message, and these farmers were very respectful of our community and what they are going through.”

A daring read about life

By Aaron Cordy

MOST people have a few good stories in them, finding the courage and encouragement to sit down to wrestle that story onto the page is sometimes all that is needed to discover everyone has a book in them.

For Robert Bryant, it was walking with a mate through his old stomping ground of Numurkah, when he pointed out a few landmarks with a little yarn about them. His mate gave him a gentle push that Robert should be writing these stories down.

Retired from his last business gig, chairing Geoffrey Thompson Holdings in September 2023, Robert tried some hard

manual work but broke down physically.

He then had a crack at writing his memoir Life is a Daring Adventure , the story of a man’s quest into the unknown. Never learning from a textbook and slow to learn from experience Rob was born into dairy farming, drifted into grain trading and flowered into finance, eventually listing his company on the Australian Securities Exchange. His book delves into a life of hardships and finding a way through the hard times.

“A lot of it in the book is about the breakdowns that occurred in that time. Interest rates at 17-18 per cent during the late 80s, we owed $1M at that stage. It’s an interesting story. How do you survive owing

that much money in a farming environment and you are paying that much interest,” said Rob.

To find out the full story of how he survived and much more, you can find copies of Life is a Daring Adventure at Collins Booksellers, 262 Maude St, Shepparton, The Wunghnu, Nathalia and Strathmerton Post Offices, the Numurkah newsagent on Melville Street and the Cobram newsagent on Banks Street. You can also purchase the e-reader version for your Kindle.

All proceeds from the sale of Life is a Daring Adventure will go to The Cottage, 8 St Andrews Rd Shepparton where over 450 people have been residents since 2017.

SHEPPARTON

ROUND UP SEPTEMBER

2024

ARRESTS FOLLOWING ALLEDGED ROBBERY

A man has been charged following an alleged robbery in Byrneside in August. It is alleged the man attended a Midland Highway Service Station on August 30, before fleeing with a sum of cash and cigarettes.

Detectives from the Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit arrested a 35-year-old Tatura man in relation to the incident September 4, 2024.

He has since been charged with robbery and common law assault. He will appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court in December.

COOLHEADS YOUNG DRIVER PROGRAM

A thought provoking, confronting and informative road safety program with advice on a wide range of topics for young drivers.

The Coolheads program highlights real consequences of distraction and risk taking while driving and is designed to improve attitudes of young drivers.

Greater Shepparton police and local agencies will present the last Coolheads session of the year on November 13, 2024, at 6.45pm for a 7pm start at Westside Performing Arts Centre (141-179 Echuca Road, Mooroopna).

The program is FREE and tickets are available now. Registration is via Riverlinks Venues.

Shepp Show giveaway

and The Adviser is giving away family passes to six lucky winners. Photo: Supplied

Enter for your chance to win one of five family passes

THE Shepparton Show returns this October, Friday 11 and Saturday 12 for two days of fun and excitement, and The Adviser is giving away family passes to six lucky winners.

For your chance to win a family pass, simply find all the show bags scattered throughout this edition, pop your name and best daytime phone number on the back of an envelope along with how many show bags you counted, and send it to our office in person or via mail to PO Box 1664 Shepparton VIC 3630.

You can also enter online via The Shepparton Adviser’s Facebook page by liking the Shepparton Show post and tagging a friend. Be sure to like both the Shepparton Adviser and Shepparton Show Facebook pages to be in the running to win.

The family passes are for two adults and three children aged up to 15 years OR one Adult and four children aged up to 15 years. Competition closes Wednesday, October 2. Winners will be

❛❛ I found the lump myself and was shocked when it was breast cancer. Our boys were just 4, 7 and 13, after a big cry, my husband and I made a deal to do everything we could to beat it.”

Belinda, diagnosed age 45

This diary does more than help organise our lives, it’s packed with expert health advice important to every woman - like breast, heart, family, finance and mental health, along with diet, exercise and lots more. Plus you’ll be helping identify new treatments that save and improve the lives of people with breast cancer. Giving hope to Belinda, her loved ones and the 57 people diagnosed with breast cancer every day.

$ 19.99 from Newsagents, Woolworths, Participating Post Offices & womenshealthdiary.com.au

notified by phone.

If you miss out on a free pass, you can still purchase discounted early bird two-day family passes (2 adults & 3 children) for $60 plus a booking fee, available online via Ticketebo, offer ends at 5pm Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Friday and Saturday gate prices are $55 for a family (two adults and three children up to 15 years, OR one adult and four children up to 15 years), $25 for adults, $15 for Pensioner/Concession and secondary students, $6 for primary school students while children under five are free.

The firework display at 9am Saturday (weather permitting) is a major drawcard and one that shouldn’t be missed, amongst many other free entertainments. For more information, go to www. sheppshow.com.au.

LETTERS Letters to the Editor

We welcome Letters to the Editor but they are not guaranteed to be included and may be edited for reasons of style or content. Letters will not be eligible for consideration if they contain defamatory material, or information of a personal nature which is not in the public domain.

REAL ENGAGEMENT

We need to see real engagement, not just surface level consultations. We’ve become accustomed to community often being encouraged to engage with council operations, and unfortunately all too often they walk away feeling as if their opinions were not valued.

Not only within the organisation, but as individual councillors, it’s important to see real engagement with the community - having normal conversations that feel productive for the community and feed into the capacity of council to deliver great outcomes for our regions.

I’ve made it clear in the past, if elected this would be my full-time commitment, I don’t intend to treat the role or our communities as a side-role or hobby, as so often happens. Instead, my time will be allocated to truly engaging with the communities of Mooroopna, Toolamba, Murchison, Dhurringile, Arcadia and surrounds.

Community is at the heart of everything that a council should do, decisions cannot be made for community without community involved.

Rowan Farren Candidate for Goulburn River Ward

POLITICS ARE HURTING FARMERS

Dear Editor,

Australians are in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis, with no light at the end of the tunnel. But how many people realise we are not going to see that light until we address the issues that are exacerbating the crisis, in particular lack of support for our core industries of mining and agriculture?

While many things change, our nation’s reliance on mining and agriculture has been a constant for centuries, yet we now have a Federal Government trying to ‘kill the golden goose’.

Tuesday, September 10, farmers gathered in Canberra to protest what some are calling the most anti-agriculture government in Australia’s history. Numerous policies are hurting farmers, and when we make it more difficult to grow food the cost at the supermarket naturally increases.

There are many examples, none more stark than Water Minister Tanya Plibersek’s insistence on water buybacks, which are not needed and will further reduce production, cost thousands of jobs and severely impact rural communities. These are all proven facts yet are ignored by a Minister with insufficient knowledge of her portfolio or the unintended consequences of her ill-informed decisions.

Likewise, we see mining proposals jeopardised or halted, with the Blayney gold mine a prime example of the same Minister’s interference for political reasons, yet at our nation’s expense.

If Australia wants to claw its way back to being ‘the lucky country’, we could start by supporting the agriculture and mining industries that have sustained us for generations, instead of doing everything possible to reduce their productivity or shut them down, which is what we are seeing from the Albanese Government.

Yours faithfully, Stephen Ball Mayrung, NSW

Want to have your say?

Email your letters to the editor to editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au

Please keep letters to under 200 words.

GIVEAWAY... The Shepparton Show returns this October, Friday 11 and Saturday 12 for two days of fun and excitement,

The next chapter of the Rumbalara Football Netball Club...

Munarra is open to the community

THE word ‘Munarra’ means thunder in Yorta Yorta language, and the recently opened Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) is expected to profoundly impact the empowerment and education pathways of both Yorta Yorta communities and the broader Goulburn Murray region.

The MCRE is a First Nations-led pathways-based university, and it is the first of its kind in Australia. The MCRE is a chance to achieve; a chance to enhance Aboriginal cultural identity, expression and celebration; grow in our leadership; improve our health; build our education; enhance our employment options; and move towards equitable social inclusion and reconciliation.

Munarra has an interdisciplinary teaching focus on sports science, engineering, allied health services, renewables, trades, early childhood, community services, nursing, agriculture, cyber security, cultural identity and entrepreneurship.

The project is a partnership between Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Kaiela Institute, University of Melbourne and Greater Shepparton City Council, and is supported by the Victorian Government. The project will work towards creating education and employment pathways for Indigenous and non-

Indigenous communities. It will combine education, culture, the arts and sport to create healthy people, healthy communities and the leaders of tomorrow.

It has been established as a ‘business of aspiration and optimism’, with an ‘invincible spirit’ as its guiding principle, partnering with complementary organisations, service, programs and social enterprises.

The Munarra Centre is delivered by a consortium of partners, led by Munarra Limited, a not-for-profit incorporation, overseen by an Aboriginal-led board of directors. Munarra Limited manage the day-to-day operations of the Centre.

The state-of-the-art education building will support students to achieve vocational and tertiary qualifications, build leaders of tomorrow and develop young people with skills to support the region and the nation. The unique landscape

Message from Travis Morgan, Munarra Limited chair

THIS moment’s been in play for more than six years, since we received funding from the Victorian Government and I’d like to acknowledge Premier Andrews for his support then to afford us this opportunity to build this great infrastructure. This infrastructure will not just benefit the Shepparton community, but the region, the state and the nation as well. Also, we are strengthening our partnerships across the ditch in Whakatane with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi (New Zealand/Aotearoa).

I’d like to acknowledge the State Government and the University of Melbourne for coming on board and partnering with us here on Yorta Yorta Country, which has been a partnership for the last 20 years working with the School of Rural Health and the Academy of Sports, Health & Education (ASHE), which over the last 20 years has put through about 1,000 students. These students have got qualifications and gone on to work and contribute to this community and state, which is a great achievement.

The Munarra Centre gives us another opportunity to practice our inherent rights

here on country about welcoming people in and hosting people of our country and making sure that we are looking after country and looking after people, which we’ve done for thousands of years.

I’d also like to acknowledge the Munarra Board. Uncle Paul Briggs, Josh Atkinson, Milton Nomikoudis, Barry Judd and Aunty Jan Muir, as well as past board members, for their contributions over the last four to five years.

I’d also like to thank and acknowledge Tiriki Onus and Inala Cooper for the work they’ve done. This building has been a lot of work in play in terms of not just this board, but also

7, 2024

and culturally significant landscaping and architectural design provide welcoming spaces for students, Elders and the broader community to gather.

Munarra will create economic opportunities and career pathways for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through sports, health education and research and the celebration of learning, community and culture.

The first stage of construction brings the education campus to life. Future stages of development include upgrades to the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, the development of a Regional Centre of Sporting Excellence, accommodation, health and wellbeing services and early childhood education.

Munarra Limited board members:

Travis Morgan, chairperson

Paul Briggs AO, deputy chair

Jan Muir, board member

Prof. Barry Judd, board member

Milton Nomikoudis, board member

the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Kaiela Institute, University of Melbourne, Latrobe University and the broader community.

The design – from the building to the landscape – has all been planned with community. With engagement happening over 12 months, talking to over 1,000 people – what they would like to see from a building like Munarra. As you’re walking through the Centre, you’ll see key aspects of art, culture and landscape from broad range of Yorta Yorta country – from the Warby Ranges with the rocks to the Barmah National Park with the wetlands. These elements have all been put into this building. It showcases Yorta Yorta culture and people to the region, to the nation and internationally.

I’m really proud to present Munarra to the community. This is another fantastic infrastructure project that adds onto

Josh Atkinson, board member

A legacy of community and collaboration

Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative, Njernda Aboriginal Co-Op, and Rumbalara Football Netball Club. These are the institutions that have come along to support community and support the region. Thank you.

August

the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) was o icially opened by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples of Victoria Natalie Hutchins and Paul Briggs AO, deputy chair of Munarra Limited and executive chairperson of Kaiela Institute, a key driver of the MCRE project.

Photo: Deanne Je ers

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS... Travis Morgan is chair of Munarra Limited. He thanked program partners including the State Government and University of Melbourne for helping realise the Munarra Centre. Photo: Deanne Je ers

An Australian-first Bachelor University,

and something we can all be proud of

It’s absolutely

Global classroom and research hub in our own backyard: $30.2M project now open

THE First Nations-led educational centre, the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, is a nation leading initiative addressing parity and placing First Nations Australians at the forefront of higher education.

Munarra, which means thunder in Yorta Yorta language, resonates with the Centre’s aspiration to significantly impact the empowerment and education pathways of Yorta Yorta communities and broader Goulburn Murray region.

The state-of-the-art building incorporates Aboriginal knowledge into its design and programs, symbolising decades of efforts to place First Nations at the forefront of higher education. The project involves a partnership between the Victorian Government with an investment of $30.2M, Rumbalara Football Netball Club, the Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne, which contributed $6.65M.

Professor Barry Judd, deputy vice-chancellor (Indigenous) at the University of Melbourne, said, “Munarra represents much more than a physical space; it is laying the foundation for a future where First Nations Australians’ history, culture, and potential are not just acknowledged, but integral to our nation’s

programs. This is about true parity and prosperity for all.”

"It's absolutely exciting. I have not seen a centre like this anywhere else in Australia and rarely anywhere around the world,” Professor Judd said. He also highlighted that the development of the Centre in the region addresses the tyranny of distance when it comes to education.

"People who live in regional and remote Australia, and First Nations people make up a significant component of that population, are geographically disadvantaged at all levels of education,” Professor Judd explained. “To have a facility like this that links students based here in this region with the world is so important, and the technology allows that to happen.

“The classrooms in this facility can, in a literal sense, operate as global classrooms. They can, through the university's IT system, link with classrooms in Melbourne, in other parts of Australia, potentially with our First Nations partners in northeast

Arnhem Land, for example, but also with the world.

“We also have growing linkages here with people in Aotearoa, New Zealand. So, it's extremely important that students don't need to move away from home to get a quality post-secondary education, and they can do it all here."

Professor Judd said, "Education will form a vital part of the excellence that the Munarra Centre will bring to the region. Munarra will also serve the educational needs and build the educational profile of the region in other innovative ways, as a research hub that will support industry and community research, as an incubator for ideas that will bring together champions of the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity Plan and other enterprises to plan and enact growth of this wonderful region, and as a place of learning to build the appreciation of all the region's population on the beauty, ingenuity, and depth of Yorta Yorta culture and practices."

NATION LEADING.. Pictured is Professor Barry Judd, deputy vice-chancellor (Indigenous) at the University of Melbourne at the opening of the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence. The University of Melbourne’s connection with the Centre underlines a history of more than two decades of involvement and collaboration with the Goulburn Murray region.

Photo: Deanne Je ers

Professor Barry Judd, deputy vice-chancellor (Indigenous), University of Melbourne

Cultivating changemakers

THE demand for skilled professionals is on the rise. Increased access to education is ensuring that our region has the talent it needs to thrive. The Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) was birthed 20 years ago as an initiative from Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC) and the University of Melbourne to improve education, health and employment outcomes for Indigenous people in the region.

ASHE is a First Nations-led education institution which focusses on sport, health and education. While many of its students are Indigenous, around 20 to 30 per cent are not.

Beginning in 2004 with just six students, and today catering for approximately 119, ASHE has been instrumental in improving outcomes and contributing to workforce and skills shortages in the region, producing over 1,000 ready-to-work graduates from the program across a range of disciplines.

The current course offerings available at ASHE are:

• Victorian Pathway Certificate (GOTAFE) - Years 11 & 12

• Cert III in Early Childhood (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)

• Cert IV in Community Services Alcohol and Other Drugs (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)

• Cert IV in Community Services (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)

• Diploma of Community Services (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)

• Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs & Mental Health (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)

• Diploma of Nursing (GOTAFE)

• Bachelor of Nursing (LATROBE UNIVERSITY)

Over the next 12 months ASHE will transition in name to the Munarra Academy, as part of the evolution of the program at the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence. ASHE will

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also look at increasing these educational offerings in 2025, including partnership with more education providers. To learn more about ASHE, visit https://ashe.unimelb.edu.au/

DAY ONE... Victorian Pathways Certificate - Years 11 & 12 - students from the Academy of Sport, Health and Education on their first day of class at the Munarra Centre. Photo: Supplied

The walk is a walk to the future

Scholars Hut to state-of-the-art campus

THE grand opening of the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) on August 7, 2024, marked a momentous milestone in both the history of our region and the nation. As the first of its kind in Australia, the MCRE represents a significant leap forward in placing First Nations peoples at the forefront of higher education, fostering shared prosperity across our community.

The celebration began at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC), where Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Natalie Hutchins, announced the removal of the mortgage on the RFNC land to pave the way for its future expansion. The opening ceremony featured Indigenous leaders, performers, and speakers, who led a powerful smoking ceremony. RFNC President Josh Atkinson reflected on the club’s rich history, followed by a ceremonial walk towards the MCRE.

“The walk is a walk to the future. Crossing that blue bridge symbolises the deep connection between the history of

the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, the journey of the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, and the future we envision for our people, rooted in education and Indigenous knowledge,” said Uncle Paul Briggs AO, Yorta Yorta Elder and Kaiela Institute executive chairperson.

Uncle Paul emphasised that the MCRE is not just a centre for education but also a beacon for the reclamation of language, culture, and ceremonial practices, alongside Western education across all levels—tertiary, secondary, and primary.

“This vision secures our future,” he said. “Standing on this ground, surrounded by

the vibrant energy of our youth, we walk across the bridge towards a brighter future for our region and our people, opening what will become a cornerstone for our community’s growth.”

The MCRE and RFNC are now symbolically united, connected by the iconic blue bridge adorned with the word “Cummeragunja,” a nod to the historic Cummeragunja Walk Off—a pivotal moment in Indigenous history that sparked a nationwide movement for Aboriginal rights. Today, that walk continues, not just in memory but in action, as First Nations people move toward a future of

opportunity, self-determination, and growth, with the MCRE at the heart of this journey.

For First Nations Australians, accessing education has been complex and challenging, shaped by the broader history of colonisation, policies of exclusion, and ongoing struggles for recognition and equity. In the face of this history, the MCRE stands as a pillar of hope for a brighter future.

“The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is supported by Rumbalara Co-Operative, Njernda Cooperatives, Kaiela Arts, and Yorta Yorta Nation,” Uncle Paul added. “These institutions form the infrastructure that will sustain the Centre’s mission, alongside the Goulburn Murray, as we pursue economic resilience.”

Paul Briggs AO Munarra Limited director

A study environment evoking pride

in its students and the community

You need culture, and you need your connection to culture to have a sense of who you are to fulfil your educational journey

WITH sports participating at its core, the Academy of Sports, Health and Education, better known as ASHE, is working to improve Aboriginal equality and overall life outcomes, providing accessible, culturally-relevant education, training, health and employment opportunities and outcomes primarily – but not exclusively – to First Nations people.

ASHE students relocated from their Nixon Street campus to the new Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) in Term 3 this year. Heidi Knowles, who is manager of operations and student success at ASHE, as well as a past student and current acting director, said first reactions to the brand-new campus were very positive.

"It's such an amazing, magnificent building. For them, you know, we really don't have anything so amazing and to be a part of history and to have a magnificent building like this, it's starting to give them a sense of belonging,” she said.

"Culture plays a big part in education, and especially in an Indigenous person's life. You need culture, and you need your connection to culture to have a sense of who you are to fulfil your educational journey."

The transition has fostered a sense of belonging and provided students and staff with improved facilities, including culturally significant designs and a child-friendly room for students with children. These state-of-the-art learning facilities cater to both high school and mature aged students, breaking

barriers that limit participation in education.

The holistic approach of ASHE addresses various aspects of students' lives, enhancing their engagement and success. The new campus offers significantly better amenities compared to the old Nixon Street Campus, including more classrooms and upgraded communal spaces. Knowles hopes the new centre will attract more students, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and contribute to their educational and employment journey.

Further, technology is embedded in all classrooms, giving students access to courses from around the country and the world, allowing them to participate in learning opportunities and connect with a global learning community.

Ms Knowles is a testament to the power of what opportunity, and particularly ASHE’s unique model, can achieve.

A recovered ice user, she has been clean for nine years and approached ASHE in 2018 hoping to give back and to the community and enhance her opportunities.

After starting a course in community services, Ms Knowles was awarded Student of the Year and was offered casual

Proud to have been a part of the Munarra project.

With over 20 years experience in the concreting industryJoseph and his team will be sure to give you all the advice and knowledge required to complete your concrete project to the highest standard.

Our Services:

•Commercial Slabs

•Factory Floors

•Cool Stores

•Architectural and In-situ

•Concrete Hardscapes

•Stencil

•Concrete Roadways

•Sub-division Footpaths

•Decorative Concrete - including Exposed Aggregate

•Concrete Cutting, Demolition and Removal

employment with the Year 11 and 12 students and Cert IV Community Service students.

“They were that impressed with me they asked if I was interested in doing my training and assessment.” Ms Knowles went on to teach Community Services students for two years in addition to working as a coordinator at ASHE part time before being offered the ASHE manager role.

“Places like this, we need them for our community,” said Ms Knowles. “Because it gives the community a second chance if they need it, and I’m a product of that.”

"Hopefully, we’ll have even more Indigenous and nonIndigenous people come here and be a part of the Munarra Centre and study. That way, we can get more of our community out into employment and on their educational journey."

THE POWER OF EDUCATION... Manager of operations and student success and acting director at the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE), Heidi Knowles, is a testament to the success and strength of ASHE’s innovative programs and structure. A past student herself, Ms Knowles said ASHE enabled her to realise her full potential and provides a vital link to culture and community.

Heidi Knowles Manager of operations and student success and acting director ASHE

PATHWAY TO OUR

FUTURE” “BUILDING A

Rumbalara Football Netball Club & Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence

Rumbalara Football Netball Club is a proud and strong Aboriginal led sporting club dedicated to strengthening the community and bringing families together through strong, vibrant leadership. It is a place that people of all ages and backgrounds can call their own.

Paul Briggs - Executive Chairman Kaiela Institute

A prosperity plan for all

TACKLING disadvantage and opening new opportunities to the most vulnerable, so that everyone can participate on a level playing field and contribute to the collective wealth of the region is central to the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity Plan.

Driven by the Kaiela Institute, a First Nations-led analysis and policy think tank, with support from education partners University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and GOTAFE, the Plan seeks to build a thriving First Nations economy to generate new income, opportunities and shared prosperity for the benefit of all people.

“In Shepparton we have been relentless in our desire to make radical changes to extreme disadvantage,” said Paul Briggs AO, executive chairman of Kaiela Institute. “Designed by the region, for the region, the Plan marks an historical turning point. it is a watershed moment for our region that promises to restore a thriving First Nations economy. This, in turn will create new productivity and prosperity for everyone.”

“By working in close collaboration with Yorta Yorta and First Nations people, the region can create a thriving economy with circular economic flows building shared prosperity and regional growth.”

The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is a key

annum through economic stimulation; provided by employment and business

Designed by the region, for the region, the Plan marks an historical turning point

enabler of the 15-year Plan, aiming to deliver parity on life expectancy and quality of life for Yorta Yorta people, whilst generating an additional $150M gross regional product (GRP) per annum through economic stimulation; provided by employment and business growth for both established and upcoming First Nations-led business initiatives.

The Plan flips how we view and understand the place and role of First Nations people in the regional economy from a prevailing deficit model to a positive and contributory model. Taking responsibility, the region will share in the value generated from a place-based circular economy model, whilst also fostering understanding of, and respect for, the social, cultural and economic contributions of Yorta Yorta and First Nations people.

CONGRATULATIONS FROM LA TROBE UNIVERSITY ON OPENING SHEPPARTON’S MUNARRA CENTRE OF REGIONAL EXCELLENCE.

Mr Mohamed, a Gooreng Gooreng man from Bundaberg in Queensland, is Australia's dedicated First Nations representative for international engagement. He has a strong connection to community, having worked in First Nations health, social justice and reconciliation over decades, as well as in government and the corporate sector.

As a former CEO of Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative (RAC) and Director of the Academy of Sport Health and Education (ASHE), a partnership between Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC), University of Melbourne and GOTAFE, he is a stand-out example of the region’s investment in First Nations leadership.

In his address, Mr Mohamed spoke of the deep and longstanding personal connection he has with the region and its First Nations-led institutions, and drew on the aims and work of his Office of First Nations International Engagement at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to drive a First Nations approach to foreign policy, including trade and investment, and development, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Mr Mohamed is working to identify new

Levelling the playing field:

2024 Dungala Kaiela Oration highlights First Nations diplomacy

JUSTIN Mohamed, Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People, delivered the Dungala Kaiela Oration on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton in July, alongside local Yorta Yorta and other First Nations communities, and Goulburn Valley community members.

areas of cooperation between First Nations communities and Australia’s international partners, including in intellectual property and exports, climate change, human rights, tourism and development.

Kaiela Institute (KI) executive director Paul Briggs AO said it was significant that the 2024 Oration would be joined by Mr Mohamad given the Institute’s efforts to build a productive and prosperous future of the Goulburn Murray community.

“We look forward to his advocacy at national and international levels in his new role as the inaugural Ambassador for First Nations people. We are confident this will build momentum for delivering the innovative Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity and Productivity Plan, a wholeof-region partnership to recognise and deliver our right to a thriving First Nations economy,” Paul Briggs said.

University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell said the University’s enduring commitment and partnership with the KI and the Goulburn Valley was emphasised by the annual Oration, now in its 16th year.

A recording of Mr Mohamed's Oration can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/4eBB8sj

OPEN FOR OPPORTUNITIES... The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is the cornerstone of the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity Plan, aiming to deliver $150M back into the economy through a circular economy model. Pictured is Kaiela Institue executive chairman, Paul Briggs AO. Photo: Deanne Je ers

Paul Briggs AO

Kaiela Institue executive chairman

Plan Champions

Plan Champions

EXECUTIVE

For too long, Yorta Yorta and First Nations people have been expected to step into the Western world in order to prosper. From this position of a lack of perceived value, everyone in the community loses. Yorta Yorta people see the world differently.

Rather than seeing Yorta Yorta and First Nations as people that mainstream society needs to give to, the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity Plan (the Plan) provides a space so that the region can start to see they are people who have something to give that is of great value. This Plan provides a place-based investment model that, if successfully executed, has the potential to change the social and cultural fabric of our nation.

While this 15 year Plan is ambitious, the Goulburn Murray region is ready. A strong foundation of local Indigenous infrastructure is mobilised for investment to ensure that Yorta Yorta and First Nations people are part of the future growth of gross regional product (GRP) in the region. A governance structure has been developed that will allow ‘learning as you go’ and the flexibility to adapt as priorities change over time. The monitoring and evaluation framework will provide a place-based approach to the Government’s Closing the Gap agenda.

The Vision

Critically, the right stakeholders across the region are committed for the long term to shared responsibility to restoring access to the regional economy for Yorta Yorta and other First Nations people. Through the creation of a circular economy, where local Yorta Yorta and First Nations people can contribute to, and then benefit from, the growth of the wider economy, the Goulburn Murray region has an opportunity to lead the nation on how to create a shared prosperity model that tangibly benefits everyone.

The vision of this Plan is to generate an additional $150m GRP per annum by 2036 for the Goulburn Murray region through the economic inclusion, prosperity and shared value of Yorta Yorta and First Nations people. The activation of the strategic themes in this Plan will provide significant benefits, some of which are illustrated below.

Champions

Additional $150m GRP per annum by 2036 for the Goulburn Murray region through the inclusion, prosperity and shared value of First Nations people.

SHARED PROSPERITY AND REGIONAL INVESTMENT MODEL

By working together, the region will share in the value and prosperity that is generated from a place-based, productivitydriven investment and re-investment model. This will build understanding of, and respect for, the social, cultural and economic contribution of Yorta Yorta and First Nations people.

EMPOWERING

CULTURE IS EDUCATION

Established in 2004, the Academy of Sport, Health & Education is an Indigenous focused program with a difference. ASHE, created in partnership between Rumbalara Football Netball Club and The University of Melbourne, provides pathways to further education and employment for young and mature-aged students, learning in a culturally safe and supported environment.

To improve Aboriginal equality and overall life outcomes using a distinctly unique community development and whole-of-life support model, providing accessible, culturally-relevant education, training, health and employment opportunities and outcomes to primarily – but not exclusively – Aboriginal people.

OUR FUTURE

Three factors central to Academy of Sport, Health and Education.

ASHE serves the needs of all people in the community, not only those with talent in sport. The curriculum is cross-sectoral, focusing on individual needs, the identification of personal goals and direct links to

employment and other education opportunities.

The partnership between RFNC and the University of Melbourne is a robust and powerful one. RFNC is at the hub of community leadership, with a proven record of delivering community programs. The University of Melbourne brings its academic expertise,

Levelling the playing field.

ASHE uses sporting participation to undertake education and training within a culturally appropriate environment, particularly for Indigenous students. Students are supported to follow their interests and talents beyond sport, however. “We’re about more than just sport, we see talents in many areas and our aim is to capture what each student wants to do and what is best for them,” explained Seldan. “The biggest outcome is to keep our students engaged by providing one-on-one learning experiences, cultural

organisational capacity and longterm commitment to engagement with the region through its Goulburn Valley Initiative. This partnership, in collaboration with Goulburn Oven’s TAFE, LaTrobe University, Partners in Training and its culturally friendly and flexible programs, forms the foundation of ASHE.

education, employment opportunities and pathways, while also improving health and wellbeing outcomes. “When students graduate, we don’t just let them go, we work on pathways for each individual student for employment or future studies and support them until they start the next chapter,” Seldan said. With sport participation at its core, ASHE is working to improve Aboriginal equality and overall life outcomes, providing accessible, culturally-relevant education, training, health and employment opportunities and outcomes to primarily – but not exclusively – Aboriginal people.

INVINCIBLE SPIRIT... Cummeragunja Football Team (1927). Coach Tom Dunnolly is pictured in the middle behind the premiership trophy. Between 1926 and 1931, Cummeragunja won the premiership five times in six seasons in the Western Riding and Moira Association and became known as “The Invincibles.” Photo: Supplied

THE PAGE... Cummeragunja Station was established in 1888 on the NSW side of the Murray (Dungala) River. Many residents had relocated from Maloga Mission, tired of its strict religious control. A er petitioning the Governor, land for Cummeragunja was reserved two years later. The station thrived until 1915, when the NSW Aboriginal Protection Board took control, imposing restrictive conditions. Residents faced poor rations, children were removed for forced labour, and funds were seized by the Board. By the 1930s, deteriorating conditions and illness like tuberculosis plagued the community, leading to a mass strike in 1939, the first by First Nations people. Photos: Supplied

The long journey to true parity in education and knowledge sharing

DURING the early years of colonisation, First Nations Australians were largely excluded from formal education systems established by European settlers. Colonial authorities and missionaries often saw Indigenous people as incapable of benefiting from education. The few educational opportunities that did exist were typically geared towards assimilation, aiming to “civilise” First Nations children by erasing their cultural identities and languages.

IN the 19th and early 20th centuries, many First Nations children were removed from their families and placed in missions or reserves, where missionaries provided education. However, this education was often basic and aimed at training children for lowskilled labour rather than providing a comprehensive or empowering education.

This centre is a significant step towards fostering a more cohesive and vibrant community, where everyone can thrive together!

I'm truly excited about the positive impact the Munarra Centre of Regional Excellence will bring to our community! Its focus on sustainability will not only promote educational practices but also inspire future generations in elite sport and health. Additionally, the commitment to inclusion ensures that everyone, regardless of background or ability, will have access to resources and opportunities.

Being part of the construction through my company, Atkinson Electrical, has been an incredible experience. We take pride in contributing to a project that embodies innovation and community spirit.

FIRST Nations Australians have faced a complex path to accessing education, hindered by colonisation, policies of exclusion and ongoing struggles for recognition and equity. The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is set to transform outcomes and create new opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Early Colonial Period: Missions and Reserves:The Stolen Generations: Exclusion and Marginalisation... Education as a Tool for Assimilation...Disruption and Loss...

THE policy of forcibly removing First Nations children from their families, now known as the Stolen Generations, further disrupted access to education for many Indigenous Australians. These children were placed in institutions or with non-Indigenous families, where they often faced neglect, abuse, and a lack of proper education. The trauma of this period had lasting effects on individuals and communities, including a deep mistrust of formal education systems.

TURNING

Post-World War II:

EXCELLENCE… Pictured are Munarra Limited interim CEO Tom O’Reilly and chairperson Travis Morgan as the Munarra Centre neared practical completion earlier this year. Photo: Deanne Je ers

CULTURAL EDUCATION… Programs like the Munarra Centre and ASHE aim to empower First Nations students through education grounded in cultural and community needs. Pictured top and bottom le are ASHE students Brogan McGee and Jorja Kirby participating in Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Foundation’s Pit Stop Program. Le to right at ASHE Fest are RUMBAWOMAN Dakoda Woodscarpio and ASHEMAN Djarmbi Collyer with a student. Photos: Amy De Paoloa

The 1970s and Beyond:

Looking to the future...

A KEY aspect of improving educational outcomes for First Nations Australians has been the recognition of the importance of culturally relevant education. This includes incorporating Indigenous knowledge, languages, and perspectives into the curriculum and creating supportive environments that respect and celebrate First Nations identity. Programs like the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence reflect this approach, aiming to empower First Nations students through education that is grounded in their cultural heritage and community needs.

Contemporary Era:

Gradual Change and Advocacy... Self-Determination and Educational Reforms... Progress and Ongoing Challenges...

AFTER World War II, there was a slow shift in attitudes towards First Nations education. Advocacy from First Nations leaders, such as William Cooper and Doug Nicholls, began to challenge the status quo, demanding equal rights and access to education. The 1967 Referendum, which allowed First Nations people to be counted in the census and gave the federal government the power to make laws for Indigenous Australians, marked a significant turning point.

THE 1970s saw the rise of the Aboriginal rights movement and the principle of self-determination, which included calls for greater control over education. The establishment of Aboriginal-run schools, the introduction of Indigenous studies in universities, and the development of policies aimed at improving educational outcomes for First Nations students were important steps forward.

Today, there are more opportunities for First Nations Australians to access education at all levels. Initiatives such as scholarships and targeted support services have helped increase participation and retention rates and universities now offer a range of First Nations studies programs and have established centres for Indigenous education and research. However, significant challenges remain. First Nations students still face barriers to education and gaps in educational attainment between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Nations Australians persists, particularly in remote and rural areas.

Delivering Technologies, Delivering Opportunity

Chris Johnson and the SKS Indigenous Technologies team take this special opportunity to congratulate everyone involved in Australia’s first First Nations-led pathways-based university - The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence

REGIONAL

Indigenous-led from the ground up

Key milestones exceeded by lead builder

NESTLED within the Shepparton Sports Precinct, the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) stands as a vibrant hub of cultural and educational significance. A striking blue bridge, bearing the word "Cummeragunja" in its intricate design, links the Centre to the Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC), symbolising the deep-rooted connection to the local Indigenous heritage.

Occupying a 3,000-square-metre space on a 1.486-hectare site adjacent the Shepparton Sports Stadium off Numurkah Road in North Shepparton, the land was leased from the Greater Shepparton City Council under a 50-year peppercorn lease meaning that the MCRE is primed for future expansion.

This cutting-edge facility features four classrooms that can each accommodate 25-30 people, along with a child-friendly classroom. At its core is a central courtyard, ideal for performances and events with a capacity of 150-200 people. The Centre also includes a Yarning Room, an Elders Lounge with a replica night sky embedded in the ceiling and ambient soundproofing, a boardroom, and staff offices. A café space, intended to be utilised for teaching hospitality skills, is planned, along with leasable office space and a community meeting room.

landscaping by Bush Projects Landscape Architecture. The project was carried out by TVN On-Country, an Indigenousled construction company, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to cultural integrity and excellence.

It’s truly special to open it for the community

Designed by ARM Architecture, the MCRE showcases an Aboriginal flag-inspired roof and culturally significant

TVN On-Country achieved a 10.8 per cent spend with Victorian Aboriginal businesses against a mandated spend of 1.5 per cent, and 32.9 per cent of the project team were Victorian Aboriginal people, against a 15 per cent target. Notably, it included students from ASHE, who are studying at the completed MCRE.

27,267 hours of onsite construction works were completed by disadvantaged Victorians, against a 3,000-hour target and 15.9 per cent of total labour hours for apprentices and trainees was carried out by women, against a 4 per cent target. It is TV On-Country's biggest project to date, and as managing director and proud Wiradjuri man, Jebb Hutchison put it, their most significant and rewarding project. "It's truly special to open it for the community," Jebb said, reflecting on the project's significance.

NATURAL DESIGN... Culturally significant landscaping was created by Bush Projects Landscape Architecture. Photo: Deanne Je ers

WORLD CLASS BUILD... ARM Architecture designed the building which showcases an Aboriginal flag-inspired roof and colours. Photo: Deanne Je ers

ARTWORKS... The Munarra Centre features cultural artworks inside and out. Photo: Deanne Je ers

Jebb Hutchison Director, TV On-Country

A symbol of cultural heritage and resilience

Together with wonderful artists and community we created a meaningful story that we could see ourselves and our identity in

First First Nations-led pathways-based university opens

in Shepparton

THE Munarra Centre is more than just a striking architectural feat – it is a profound cultural beacon, meticulously designed to celebrate and integrate First Nations culture and heritage. Every aspect of the building, from its shape to its artistic details, reflects a deep commitment to cultural expression and community connection.

The building is shaped like the Aboriginal flag, best viewed from above. The courtyard is positioned in the centre, opened to the sky. This choice not only honours the flag's symbolism of unity and identity but also embeds cultural significance into the very structure of the Centre, with all areas having access to the outside world and to Country.

Arches shaped like emu eggs further deepen this connection. Emu eggs are emblematic of nurturing and protection, symbolising the Centre’s role in supporting and guiding the younger generation. This theme of care and growth is echoed throughout the building’s design, creating a welcoming space for all who enter.

Belinda Briggs, Kaiela Arts vice president and Nanyak adviser, said, “The artwork before you, wrapping around and woven throughout is a representation of who we are, where we come from and informing our visions of the future.

“Together with wonderful artists and community we created a meaningful story that we could see ourselves and our identity in.

“Kaiela Arts had the honour to work with artists Glennys Briggs, Norm Stewart and Suzanne Atkinson, in collaboration

SIGNIFICANT WORKS… The MCRE is grounded in First Nations connections, stories and knowledge; it is a place to uphold values and celebrate their identities and culture. Phase one of the commission was developed to create the building cladding and screening elements for the central courtyard, which involved discussions between Yorta Yorta artists, Kaiela Arts and Spacecra to share insights about the artworks and practice. Pictured in the back row are Stewart Russell (Spacecra ), Belinda Briggs (Kaiela Arts), and artist Norm Stewart. Front row: Danica Miller (Spacecra ), artists Suzanne Atkinson and Glennys Briggs, and Lyn Thorpe

with Stewart Russell and Danica Millar of Spacecraft, architects ARM Architecture and landscape architects Bush Projects Landscape Architecture to bring those things that give us our stories to life.”

Belinda explained that Aunty Glennys’ work spanning the front entrance informs us that ceremony, knowledge and spirit is here. The work depicts a bullroarer and a string bag, traditional items used in ceremonies. These elements are not merely decorative but serve as conduits for cultural transmission and knowledge, linking visitors with Aboriginal traditions.

Suzanne Atkinson’s Bull Ants speak to the might of an individual but also the strength in numbers, the resilience to endure, determination to overcome and an invincible spirit.

On the east and west ends of the building, Uncle Norm Stewart’s depiction of the blowhole at Tocumwal acts as a portal to other worlds, representing the connection to land and ancestral stories. Similarly, Uncle Norm’s Three Rivers artwork pays homage to Dungala, Kaiela and Yakoa, or Murray, Goulburn and Campaspe rivers, and draws eyes skyward, inviting respect for our waterways, and the life that they, the sun, and that ancestors, provide.

(Kaiela Arts). Photo: Supplied

COMMUNITY ART… Pictured is Zioni Matthysen Garling participating in culturally immersive workshop called Munarra Gunyah, developed and led by Kaiela Arts’ Belinda Briggs and Lyn Thorpe. ‘Gunyah’ means ‘camp’ in Yorta Yorta language. Photo: Supplied

Shepparton

Belinda Briggs Kaiela Arts vice president and Nanyak adviser

Dream big to build big opportunities

THE journey to the completed Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence has been one that has uplifted the community and in particular, First Nation Australians, from conception through construction.

The build was completed by 70 per cent First Nations-owned construction company TVN On-Country, providing a range of opportunities to First Nations peoples. Ambitious social procurement targets ensured First Nation Victorians were employed at every stage of construction, with every target exceeded.

Jebb Hutchison, the managing director, shared his emotional response to seeing the vision come to life after 18 months of hard work. Jebb said, "This is our largest build to date, a design and construct build, so, you know, big risk, a big risk for us as

an organisation to take it on, but also a big risk for the government to award a contract

of this value to a First Nations building organisation from Albury-Wodonga, you know, the boys from the bush.”

"Having a First Nations head contractor lead this project opened up the opportunities for more First Nations contractors, trades, and employment opportunities, not just with them, but with our own organisation as well. That allowed us to employ what I'll say are future leaders."

Not only were social procurement targets achieved and surpassed, but students from ASHE have also been involved in the Centre’s construction and will continue their employment with TVN On-Country, something Jebb is very proud of.

“ASHE is an amazing program and amazing organisation that just continues to turn out amazing outcomes,” said Jebb. “It’s a continuation of what’s possible when given the opportunity.”

"Part of our business philosophy is we try and provide opportunities for First Nations

First Nations builder exceeded benchmarks

CULTURAL CONSTRUCTION...

The

build was completed by 70 per cent First Nations-owned company, TVN On-Country, who exceeded ambitious social procurement targets during construction.

people in particular and I'm proud we’ve achieved that. I grew up in Hillston in central New South Wales, and I understand what an opportunity can do for people because, you know, where I come from, sometimes there's a lack of opportunity."

Mr Hutchison is a proud Wiradjuri man and said his mother was the first in his family to be formally educated, something she pursued in middle age. Jebb said now the building is complete, he too looks forward to furthering his knowledge as a student at the MCRE.

Jebb extended gratitude to the supportive community, stakeholders and visionary leaders. He said, "Together we're stronger," expressing hope that the Centre will unite and benefit the entire community.

"As our culture is built on shared knowledge, we need to continue to share our knowledge so that the next generation is ready to take over the hard work we've done."

Munarra Centre

Pictured is the team at TVN On-Country at the grand opening event.

Photo: Deanne Je ers

FOSTERING PROGRESS…

Pictured is associate professor Michael Donovan, La Trobe University’s pro vice-chancellor (Indigenous), and Uncle Paul Briggs AO, executive director of The Kaiela Institute. Photo: Supplied

Million-dollar pledge for First Nations parity

A SIGNIFICANT step toward bolstering support for First Nations people and enhancing regional higher education access, equity and opportunity was taken by La Trobe University. The University pledged over $1M in 2023 to establish a thriving partnership with Munarra Limited over the next three years.

This investment includes five new proposals among a total of seven commitments. These include scholarships for all First Nations students at the Shepparton campus, a fully funded role for student engagement, support, and recruitment, a guaranteed three-year revenue share for Munarra, and Munarra being chosen as the preferred partner for cultural awareness training for La Trobe staff.

“The commitments reflect the confidence we have in Munarra, its vision and our partnership,” said former vice-chancellor professor John Dewar AO, who finished his tenure at the beginning of 2024. He emphasised La Trobe’s commitment to investing in initiatives that will help both institutions achieve their collective ambitions.

Uncle Paul Briggs AO, executive director of The Kaiela Institute, welcomed La Trobe’s funding pledge, stating it will deliver tangible benefits to the communities they serve.

Associate professor, Michael Donovan, La Trobe University’s pro vice-chancellor (Indigenous), noted that this is an exciting development for the whole community.

Lisa McKenzie, chair of the La Trobe University Shepparton Regional Advisory Board, said the Munarra Centre will be an incredible asset that will have the capacity to transform lives.

“Munarra Limited and La Trobe share a commitment to equity and outcomes, and it will be exciting to see the benefits of this partnership unfold,” Lisa said.

This collaboration is an achievement for both organisations, following many fruitful discussions in the months prior. La Trobe University and Munarra Limited will formalise these proposed commitments into written agreements in accordance with the memorandum of understanding, which was signed on November 3, 2024.

New education pathway empowering First Nations community members

GOTAFE celebrates the opening of the new Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, which represents a significant step in reaffirming the region's commitment to First Nations education.

The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence will enhance outcomes and improve participation levels in education for cohorts which have typically been underrepresented.

The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence builds on successful student learning and support models, including The Academy of Sport Health and Education (ASHE).

ASHE has relocated to the Munarra Centre and in collaboration with La Trobe University and GOTAFE, will continue to deliver VCE, TAFE and University, emphasising the importance of accessible pathways between TAFE and university studies.

ASHE began as a partnership between Rumbalara Football Netball Club and the University of Melbourne in 2004.

ASHE started with six students and has evolved into a thriving education

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION... The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence expands upon proven student support models, including The Academy of Sport Health and Education (ASHE). ASHE, now located in Munarra, is supported by strong partnerships with educational institutes including La Trobe University and GOTAFE, to o er VCE, TAFE and university courses. This collaboration emphasises seamless transition between di erent levels of study. Photo: Supplied

GOTAFE hopes the facility will support and increase access to education for local First Nations community members and looks forward to seeing the impact it will have in the years to come

program that offers VCE and TAFE qualifications, supporting over 1,200 students in their transition to employment or further education.

GOTAFE hopes the facility will support and increase access to education for local First Nations community members and looks forward to seeing the impact it will have in the years to come.

To learn more about GOTAFE, visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au

Message from Paul Briggs AO, Munarra Limited deputy chair I’D like to thank everyone for joining us to celebrate such an important investment into our future and our shared future, and into our children’s future. The health and wellbeing of the next generation is a legacy that we want to be able to improve on. The strengthening of not just a vision for the future, but in building the strategy and skills to achieve it.

The Munarra Centre and Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC) are powerful tools of change. Together with our allied partnerships and organisations that surround us, we are working to extract ourselves out of that crisis mode of operations. Having a vision is critical to be able to pull us out of the crisis elements of our community.

Some of the strengths that we’ve been able to achieve underpin the partnerships that will transform this region and act as a beacon of change to the rest of the nation. RFNC has really been a powerful tool for creating partnerships like the one with Melbourne University and the State Government.

I want to acknowledge the Elders present to witness the opening of the Munarra Centre. In particular people I’ve grown up with. Uncle Boydie – we talked about football and the invincible spirit of the Cummaragunja Football and Cricket teams and the championships that come off there. My dad, Les Briggs, who was born in 1896. He talked about those champion teams and champion runners, gift winners and footballers. The invincible spirit was well and truly alive. Uncle Boydie is almost 96 and a surviving member of the 1946 All Blacks premiership team, who played out of Dasher’s paddock between here and Mooroopna.

We were operating off the fringes, off the riverbanks, and off the tip sites at that point in time. We were in labouring roles, and we had a football team that lasted maybe one year and couldn’t continue for all sorts of reasons. So, Rumbalara has emerged from our Cummeragunja days in our journey to Dasher's paddock after the 1939 walk-off at Cummeragunja. Now we’re present in front of this magnificent piece of infrastructure that’s connected to the heart and soul of the young people, and I’m just so proud of it.

I’m proud of the achievements and the legacy that people like Uncle Boydie and others have established. The cultural integrity and family values that I’ve known as part of Yorta Yorta peoples that I’ve grown up with. I’m blessed to be part of that and hopefully that’s a legacy that we’re leaving for future generations.

At the official opening, we deliberately walked from the footy ground to Munarra. I’m mindful of where the footy club came from and our challenge over 15 years to be part of football and to be admitted into the AFL Victoria Affiliation. It’s a journey of trust and

courage that the state took with us, in helping us put grass on the oval, putting the lights up, changerooms, and investing in something that was not accepted at that time, but that has now proven to be one of the great investments in our future.

So that walk across the big blue bridge into the Munarra Centre is a walk towards our future. It was a walk towards our access into mainstream tertiary education but also for ourselves to put investment back into research and inclusion of First Nations knowledge into curriculum, and to invest into the professional workforce development, not only for the other industries across this region, but into teaching the workforce to be able to meet the needs of our children in the educational learning centres.

We’re going to be able to work as an aggregator of education services and be a facilitator of professional development within the educational sphere. It’s also talking about cultural knowledge and reclamation of our language, of our cultural expression and how we bring ceremony back from a cultural perspective. That’s working with bodies like Yorta Yorta Nation, Rumbalara Co-Operative, Njernda Co-Operative and Kaiela Arts, and looking to where we have deficits or the need to create further infrastructure or skillsets to enable us to drive the future towards what we’re looking for.

Our history is quite a turbulent history. The piece of land that the RFNC sits on was purchased in 1992. I remember standing on the channel bank and thinking that’s a good spot – kids can ride their bikes and mums can push their prams. We can be independent in how we access the club, we’re not reliant on people. That was the first point, spending $180,000 to buy the land that now occupies RFNC and then later negotiations with the state and the council on access to this piece of land to build the Munarra Centre so that it becomes one precinct. It is magnificent.

The Munarra Centre is also an enabler that we built into the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity Plan. We’ve never had a plan. We walked off Cummeragunja in 1939 and we didn’t have a plan as to what we were going to do, we were doing it day by day. This is the first plan to talk about how we build an economy, but also how we protect our cultural integrity. It promises life expectancy, and it promises

equality of life and outcomes for our young people. It also talks to regional productivity of $150M. If us black fellas can live as long and share in the same quality of life as everybody else, it is a win-win model of engagement.

We’re building really good partnerships around that, but it’s early days of work to be done. To say that we’re very optimistic about the ability of this to transform the future – transform it for ourselves as First Nations peoples, transform the region to create a health vibrant region that is inclusive, and be a beacon for other regions right around Australia; because I know that people are struggling and suffering everywhere, not just here. So, we have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters in other parts.

There are plans in the future to increase the footprint and have student accommodation and childcare, and to develop a centre for sports excellence to work with the young people. To have the facilities that can attract people from around the globe. To attract elite sporting competitions here and for us to be able to impact the 2032 Olympic Games. Opening opportunities for people to get onto the track and field, or other competitions and

the chance to go into Aboriginal businesses and all sorts of forums – that's what the Munarra Centre will be able to generate: the enthusiasm, the aspiration and the optimism that we can achieve this.

centre will provide meaningful educational, sporting, and cultural opportunities to our region’s young people, placing First Nations culture at the centre. Council was pleased to contribute civil works and facilitate a long term lease for the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence.

FOOTY GROUNDS TO THE CLASSROOM... Paul Briggs AO pictured. The formation of Rumbalara Football Netball Club has been a pathway to greater outcomes and to the creation of the Munarra Centre.

Photo: Deanne Je ers

Spring Spectacular of Orchids

EXQUISITE COLOURS... Spring Spectacular of Orchids is returning to the GV this September. This year the event will be held at the

be beautiful orchids on display. With expert growers available to give advice and do

IMMERSE in vibrant colours and exquisite perfumed fragrance this September at the GV Orchid Club’s Spring Spectacular of Orchids.

This year's Spring Spectacular will be held at the Congupna Community Centre, on Katamatite Road, Congupna, on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29.

There will be the most beautiful orchids in Northern Victoria on show. With expert growers available to give advice and do potting demonstrations. Patrons can buy their own orchids, hand-crafted ironworks for the garden and orchid-growing accessories on the day, with multiple retailers present.

“It doesn’t matter if you have one orchid or even none, the show is all about having people enjoy the beautiful orchids and their fragrances. When you walk into the show, you can’t help but say, ‘Oh, wow!’ People are always so surprised by how many different types and colours there are,” said Goulburn Valley Orchid Club president, Chris Ibbotson. Don't forget, this year it will be held at the Congupna Community Centre, Saturday, September 28 from 9am-4pm and Sunday, September 29 from 10am – 3pm. $5 entry for adults, children under 14 free, the Spring Spectacular has something for everyone.

provide vital advice and information, help coordinate care, provide referrals and offer emotional support for patients.

Charity raffle supporting specialist nurses

THE specialist prostate cancer nurses at GV Health’s Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre, provide vital advice and information, help coordinate care, provide referrals and offer emotional support for patients receiving care.

To help GV Health’s specialist prostate cancer nurses continue their great work, the proceeds of this month’s Shepparton Club’s Charity Raffle are going to this fantastic organisation.

The Shepparton Club Charity Raffle will be live-streamed on Facebook from 7pm on

the day for those who can’t be there. Make sure you get your ticket and good luck! With a veritable treasure trove of both online and in-house draw prizes to be won, you can purchase your online draw tickets at https://pubandclub.co/ sheppartoncharityraffle, scan the QR or drop into the Shepparton Club at 455 Wyndham Street before 7pm, Friday, September 20, for a quiet drink and a scrumptious meal and the chance to share in the prizes. For bookings call 5831 4488.

My job is to help you with all State Government issues so please feel free to drop into my office for a chat. Alternatively, reach out via phone or email. I am here to help better our community, so let’s do this together.

CHARITY RAFFLE... This month’s Shepparton Club Charity Raffle will go to GV Health’s specialist prostate cancer nurses. Prostate cancer specialist nurses like Sonia Strachan, pictured with Shepparton club manager, Wayne Sutton

Photo: Aaron Cordy

Congupna Community Centre, on Katamatite Road. There will

potting demonstrations. Pictured Lindsay and Chris Ibbotson. Photo: Aaron Cordy

DEPUTY MAYOR...

Your candidates for Council elections 2024

Santhiya Subramaniam brings approachable leadership to the Lower Goulburn Ward

SANTHIYA Subramaniam believes it is essential to have a young professional voice in local government, which is why she is running for the Lower Goulburn Ward in the upcoming council election.

Sam Spinks wants to serve all the people of the Poplar Ward

DEPUTY Mayor, Cr Sam Spinks believes local government has the greatest ability to meet the needs of communities, which is why she will again run for upcoming Greater Shepparton City Council elections in the Poplar Ward.

“After four years as a Councillor and current Deputy Mayor, I have shown that I am about action not just words. I bring strong values of equity and common sense, a commitment to being transparent and accountable, and a passion for bettering our community and the lives of those who live here,” said Sam.

In her time on Council, Sam sees housing, worker and skills shortages, public transport and the cost of living as the big issues facing the

community. But she also understands footpaths, bike paths, drainage, waste management and playgrounds are important to locals too.

While at sporting events and being part of the school community with her children, the mother of two believes in giving back when she can.

In a community as diverse as Greater Shepparton, Sam believes Council needs to serve all the people.

“I have a passion for social justice and community development, and I hope to focus on doing the little things well with care and transparency, on making sure each of our community members feels heard and seen, and on creating a Greater Shepparton that is the most accessible and inclusive it can possibly be.”

“Greater Shepparton, with its welcoming history, strong agricultural sector, and blend of country and city living, is an ideal place for both new and established residents. As a young professional raising my family here, I am deeply invested in our community’s future. I am proud to represent our diverse and multicultural community, and I am committed to ensuring that our unique needs and aspirations are reflected in local governance,” said Santhiya.

Santhiya believes the three biggest issues facing Greater Shepparton are:

Resource Management and Budget Constraints.

“Managing the budget effectively amidst fluctuating revenues and increased demands for services and balancing financial resources with community needs for infrastructure, social services, and development projects remains a significant challenge.”

Community Engagement and Representation.

“Ensuring that all community voices are heard and represented in local decision-making processes is crucial. There may be concerns about how well the local government engages with diverse community groups and addresses their specific needs.”

Urban and Regional Planning. “Managing growth and development in a way that preserves the region's character while accommodating population increases is a critical issue. This includes addressing issues related to zoning, land use, and infrastructure planning to support sustainable development.

“Apart from these three, I shall not forget the three R’s we tend to address a lot which are Rubbish, Rates, Roads. These issues require careful planning and strategic decision-making to support the community’s

well-being and the region’s growth.”

Through her work with the Flamingo Project and The Door Bells: Migrant Women's Network, and her connection with Rotary Club of Mooroopna Santhiya is building roots in the community.

“I aim to bring inclusive and approachable leadership to our community. Although I am young and new to Greater Shepparton, having returned to work and raise my family here, I believe my fresh perspective on council developments and projects will be a valuable asset. While I may not have deep family roots or a long history in the area, my innovative viewpoint can contribute positively to our community's growth.”

Rudo Makombe is giving back to the Balaclava Ward

RUDO Makombe wants to give back to the community she has fallen in love with, which is why she will run in the upcoming council election, for the Balaclava Ward.

“I want to give back to the community and be part of a team that makes informed decisions. As the government closest to the community, I believe council should be a bridge between the community and local government,” said Rudo.

Rudo has a passion for community work that has given her vast experience through roles and organisations like, Forward in Faith Ministries International, serving as an elder and youth advisor. Vice chairperson of the FIFMI Women's Ministry in Victoria. Missions' director for FIFMI Australia Youth. Chairman of Australian Christian Business Fellowship Victoria. She is a member of the Zimbabwe GV Association. A member of The Door Bells: Migrant Women.

"I’ve done philanthropic work through an outreach program supporting families and women who experience pregnancy and infant loss, inspired by my personal experience and book, Miraculous Restoration. I'm excited to continue learning about

and getting involved with more local organisations as l learn more about our community.”

Through her work in primary and secondary health, Rudo has seen the shortfalls in the local healthcare sector, and she would like to see more investment in that area.

“I see the unreliable and inadequate health services, including healthcare worker and specialist shortages, which fail to meet the diverse needs of a growing city.”

She believes the outdated stormwater drainage systems and solutions fast-tracked from the 2022 flood inquiry feedback, along with the slow economic development and limited retail expansion in Shepparton North, need to be addressed to build a strong local economy and establish relationships with state and international markets.

“I aim to connect the community to the council by creating diverse platforms for engagement, ensuring the council is creative in informing the community about its services and projects. I bring communication, collaboration, compassion, commitment, creativity, consistency and excellence in everything I do.”

Rowan Farren running for Goulburn River Ward

MOOROOPNA resident, Rowan Farren, is a candidate for Goulburn River Ward. Rowan describes himself as a proud Rotarian and he has held roles as chairperson of the Mooroopna Flood Recovery Committee, active member in the Mooroopna Steering Committee and played a role in the Mooroopna Town Hall initiatives, facilitating and MC’ing the community discussions. He has previously been a Victorian youth Congress member, graduate of the Shepparton leadership program, and a member of the Shepparton Latrobe Student Association.

“I believe that I can bring young blood into

the council, ensuring that Greater Shepparton is a place that everyone, young and old can be proud of living in. Having worked across advocacy, local government and within the politics space, I have an understanding of the systems that are in place, and I believe this is fundamental for actually achieving things for our community,” Rowan said.

“Fundamentally, I want to make sure that when I have children and grandchildren, they are able to say they are proud of where they come from; and they are able to access all the opportunities they desire. Having worked in

advocacy, I believe that our community deserves a strong voice that will give them the time they deserve, and not treat being a councillor as a hobby.

“What I’m hearing from residents is that they don’t feel like they are getting value for the rates they pay, getting the basics right is fundamental for council, many feel without a strong voice to advocate for them.

“We also need to see appropriate investment across our region, it’s been clear that many feel as though the south-western part of our community have felt neglected,” said Rowan.

current Deputy Mayor

Cr Sam Spinks is running for the Poplar Ward in the upcoming council election. The Poplar Ward is set between Archer Street, Benalla Road, Doyles Road and the Broken River.

Photo: Supplied

APPROACHABLE LEADERSHIP... Santhiya Subramaniam has announced she is running for the Lower Goulburn Ward in the upcoming Council elections. The Lower Goulburn Ward encompasses everything north of the Midland Highway in Mooroopna, to Minchin Road and Echuca Road up to the Goulburn River, with the Undera and Ardmona communities. Photo: Supplied

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY... Rudo Makombe has announced she will run in the Balaclava Ward in the upcoming Council elections. The Balaclava Ward is nestled between Benalla Road, Grahamvale Road, Ford Road, Numurkah Road, with a slight incline along the Railway Parade and Knight Street. Photo: Aaron Cordy

COMMUNITY ADVOCACY...

Rowan Farren is a candidate for Goulburn River Ward in the upcoming Greater Shepparton local government elections. Photo: Supplied

Fern Summer seeks reelection in Shepparton CBD under new ward system

FERN Summer is a local nurse who has served as a council member since 2012, including two consecutive years as deputy mayor, and she has decided she is not done yet. Having represented the entire municipality as a councillor, Fern now looks to represent the Yanha Gurtji (Shepparton CBD) Ward.

“After 12 years on the job, it feels like we are only getting started. Delivering for the community is such a good feeling and we still have so much work to do,” Fern said. “With a new CEO and cohort of Councillors, we need strong leadership that can push back on state government targets.”

“Long term vision will position ourselves as a leading regional centre. This means

tackling social disadvantage and delivering community assets like off-leash dog parks, community gardens and free youth activities.”

Fern said the council must promote the region’s strengths, keep pace with investment, infrastructure, and growth; and stay out of social issues. Fern highlighted that she did not vote in favour of changes to Australia Day and said she does not believe local government has the sensitivity or expertise to take a stance on international conflicts.

“Greater Shepparton is a magnificent, fast growing city. It is imperative we keep pace with investment, infrastructure, services, employment and culture,” Fern said. “We need to better promote our strengths – river

frontages, unique small towns, strong retail sector and innovative agricultural industries. These will attract skilled professionals, retain youth and develop pride in our region.

“As a nurse, I take a public health approach toward council matters and strive to bridge the gap between organisational goals and public expectations. I have taken tangible steps to improve the lives of those with disabilities by instigating Council’s Access and Inclusion Grant and initiated a 10-year capital works program for shade sails over playgrounds. I have the experience to lead with confidence and bring continuity, knowledge and capability to the council table.”

Kieron Eddy brings realworld experience to the Lower Goulburn Ward

Valley-lifer and proud Undera local for the last nine years is tired of feeling like Greater Shepparton City Council has forgotten the little communities beyond Shepparton, which is why he is running for the upcoming council election in the Lower Goulburn Ward.

“I decided to run because I'm dissatisfied with the apparent preferential treatment of Shepparton over the smaller communities within the council area,” said Kieron.

Kieron doesn’t see himself as a politician but as a straightforward, community-minded business owner with a lot of real-world experience.

“It's safe to say that practical real-world experience is what I would bring to Council,” Kieron said. “The type of experience you can't get in a classroom and the type of common sense that comes from getting knocked down and picking yourself up repeatedly. I call it like I

see it and if that upsets people well I guess that's just too bad.”

Working in many fields including 18 years on a farm, Kieron sees water buybacks as one of the key issues facing Greater Shepparton.

“The removal of irrigation water is the biggest issue, and I don't think there's enough understanding as to the effect this will have on the area long-term.

“And as usual the roads, rates and rubbish are issues that have been overlooked in favour of cosmetic issues that don't serve the greater community.

“For too long, councils have spent your money and borrowed more on your behalf, only to be left with degraded roads, more bins, higher rates and no real plan to pay back the debt they've incurred, estimated to be somewhere around $70M. In my opinion, this is unsustainable and needs to be brought under control as soon as possible.”

Tom Saxton wants to bring value to the Yanha Gurtji Ward

TOM Saxton wants a brighter future for Greater Shepparton, which is why he is running in the upcoming council election in the Yanha Gurtji Ward.

Shepparton born and raised, Tom was awarded Young Citizen of the Year 2020 and Young Volunteer of the Year 2021 and is the youngest Fairley Leadership Program graduate, showcasing his passion for the community.

“I’ve lived in Shepparton my whole life and witnessed its growth. I’m running because we need a united Council focused on longterm planning to ensure our region’s potential is realised. I want to help shape the council to support businesses, families, and future growth, making Shepparton a place where everyone can thrive,” said Tom.

As a Victorian Youth Congress member and having led and organised a team from Northern Victoria to participate in the Victorian Youth Parliament, Tom has advocated for Greater Shepparton and regional Victoria at the state level and on Parliamentary platforms, which has given him great insight into the issues facing voters. He said economic conditions and outgrowing local infrastructure need to be priorities for Council

“With economic growth slowing and the cost of living rising, businesses, families, and individuals are feeling the strain. Vacant shops are common, highlighting the need to support local businesses and keep our community thriving.

“As Greater Shepparton grows, our infrastructure struggles to keep up. The Council must secure funding for our region from State and Federal governments to expand essential services, like healthcare, to meet the needs of our growing population.”

Like many, Tom knows Greater Shepparton pays some of the highest rates in the state, he wants to see locals get value for their hardearned dollars.

“Shepparton’s rates are among the highest in the state, yet satisfaction with Council decisions is low. Concerns about wasteful spending are common. We need strategic planning to maximise every ratepayer dollar.

“My background in advocacy and research equips me to make informed, thoughtful decisions in the community’s best interests. I’m committed to transparency and will publish my reasoning for every vote I make.”

RUNNING FOR YANHA GURTJI... City of Greater Shepparton Councillor Fern Summer is a candidate for Yanha Gurtji, which encompasses the Shepparton CBD area, in the local government elections. Photo: Supplied

KIERON Eddy, Goulburn

REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE... Kieron Eddy has announced he is running for the Lower Goulburn Ward in the upcoming Council elections. The Lower Goulburn Ward encompasses everything north of the Midland Highway in Mooroopna, to Minchin Road and Echuca Road up to the Goulburn River, with the Undera and Ardmona communities. Photo: Aaron Cordy

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR... Tom Saxton has announced he is running for the Yanha Gurtji Ward in the upcoming council election. The Yanha Gurtji Ward takes in the centre of Shepparton, running along the Broken and Goulburn rivers, Archer Street and Knight Street.

Photo: Supplied

Spring is here!

THE splendour of springtime is upon us, and photographers from the Shepparton Camera Club have shared their stunning images from a recent outing in Dookie. With its rolling hills and vibrant canola fields, Dookie is a striking place to visit this time of year, but every season offers a new visual delight. Shepparton Camera Club is a hobby group for photographers

of all skill levels and interests. In addition to their monthly club meeting held the third Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm (except December) at the U3A, the club have regular workshops and outings with their cameras. For more information visit their Facebook page or email sheppartoncameraclub@outlook.com

FIELDS OF YELLOW... A lone tree stands in a field of bright canola. Photo: Suzanne Barker

SEASONAL BEAUTY... The hills of Dookie look stunning yearround, providing unique countryside to marvel at during each season. Spring is a particularly stunning time, punctuated by the yellow canola flowers in bloom. Photo: Leigh Teitz

GOLDEN HOUR... Streams of light cast down on the green and gold plains of Dookie. Photo: Leigh Teitz

Calls for a fully funded MICA unit

THE Hume Region remains one of the few areas in Victoria without a fully funded Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) unit. MICA units are critical in emergency care, staffed by highly trained paramedics equipped to handle life-threatening situations that require more advanced medical intervention than standard ambulances can provide.

State Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has called on the Minister for Ambulance Services, Mary-Anne Thomas, to establish a fully funded MICA unit in the Hume region. She expressed concern that despite multiple business cases and requests from local paramedic team managers, the region remains one of the only in Victoria without a fully funded MICA unit.

“Shepparton and the Hume region has continually been overlooked for funding from the State Government resourcing a MICA unit. At the moment we only have a Single Responder Unit, SRU which means there is only one MICA paramedic in a sedan,” Ms O’Keeffe said.

Ms O'Keeffe outlined the limitations of the SRU model, which, unlike a full MICA unit that includes two MICA paramedics

and the capability to transport patients in a stretcher vehicle, leaves a single paramedic at risk of being exposed to critical procedures on their own.

“The SRU Model was introduced back in 2011 and is no longer suitable for what’s required today. Our paramedics are dealing with a heavy medical workload, often transporting patients long distances due to specialised care not being available locally,” Ms O'Keeffe said.

Ms O'Keeffe also said that she was contacted by a local paramedic, who raised the issue that Greater Shepparton had the highest fatality statistics in 2023.

“The paramedic, raised concerns about the risk of transporting critically ill patients over long distances and the impact this has on the availability of paramedics within the community,” Ms O’Keeffe said. “It is unacceptable that our region, despite numerous requests over the last two decades, has not seen an increase in MICA resources.”

“This government also recently took away a promised fire truck for Shepparton. It is time the government provide” the resources needed for our emergency services in regional Victoria.”

Bright futures ahead thanks to bursary support

YEAR 12 students at Shepparton ACE Secondary College are finishing their schooling with a bright future ahead of them thanks to Greater Shepparton Foundation, Shepparton South Rotary Club and the Margaret Attwood Trust.

A total of nine bursaries have been awarded to ACE College students who are undertaking pathways to employment or further studies at the small, low fee secondary school in Shepparton.

Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer Amanda McCulloch said the students and their families were identified as needing additional financial support and the Foundation were able to facilitate the initiative through its partnerships

with local philanthropic organisations.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring together local partners in Shepparton South Rotary Club and Margaret Attwood Trust to support students to undertake Certificate and Diploma level courses in 2025,” explained Ms McCulloch.

ACE Secondary College careers advisor Sile

Coleman says the bursaries were greatly received by families and will be used to support the cost of studies.

“ACE College is a wonderful community based secondary college that provides a safe, accessible learning environment which focuses on positive educational experiences and outcomes and creating pathways to tertiary study and

employment,” explained Ms Coleman.

“Sometimes the barriers to study are too great, and having access to the bursaries through the Greater Shepparton Foundation and its partners is a wonderful initiative to support students and their families remain engaged in learning and pathways to employment.”

Seven students are undertaking a Diploma Community Services, one will be undertaking a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and one a Certificate III in Motor Sport Technology, and all will be applying the bursaries to support the purchase of equipment or course fees in 2025.

Antiques Roadshow back by popular demand! Unlocking the value of history at Albury Antiques Shepparton

HAVE you ever wondered about the value of an heirloom or a treasured antique? Perhaps you are a collector of stories and want to unlock the history of an inherited valuable. If this sounds like you, then you are in for a treat!

Celebrating the culmination of four successful years, Albury Antiques Shepparton is thrilled and proud to host the Antiques Roadshow in store on Sunday, September 22 from 10 am to 3 pm. Back by popular demand, the event is set to excite with experienced valuer, John Simpson, onsite all day to provide free appraisals.

Welcoming antiques of all kinds, shapes and sizes to the roadshow, light refreshments will follow, and there will also be an opportunity for patrons to sell their antiques to the store.

As an expression of appreciation and gratitude to the community, proprietors

Roy and Dulie Raux look forward to seeing many new and return faces at the event while also encouraging patrons to browse and take advantage of the incredible End of Lease Sale, which continues every Friday through to Sunday.

Specialising in precious items from France, England and Early Australia, Albury Antiques boasts an incredible 50 per cent off most items during the sale, incorporating a vast array of china, books, paintings, chandeliers and so much more.

Take a joyful step back in time at Albury Antiques Shepparton Roadshow and End of Lease Sale, you never know what treasures you’ll discover.

Albury Antiques Shepparton is located at 159 High St, Shepparton and you can contact the store at alburyantiques@ gmail.com or by calling Roy on 0424 688 744.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT... Nine students from Shepparton ACE Secondary College have been awarded bursaries to help them pursue pathways to employment or further studies. The initiative, facilitated by the Greater Shepparton Foundation (GSF), aims to ease the financial burden for students and their families. Pictured are GSF executive officer Amanda McCulloch and Shepparton ACE Secondary College careers advisor Sile (Sheila) Coleman with ACE students (names withheld). Photo: Supplied

UNDER RESOURCED... The State Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe has called on the Minister for Ambulance Services to establish a fully funded Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic (MICA) unit in the Hume region which includes the Shepparton District. Photo: The Adviser

HISTORY MAKING NOT TO BE MISSED... Back by popular demand, Albury Antiques Shepparton is proud to host the Antiques Road Show once again on Sunday, September 22 from 10 am to 3 pm. Ready to uncover both the history and value of your antiques, experienced valuer, John Simpson will deliver free appraisals during the day, while you can also make the most of the store’s massive end-of-lease-sale while you’re there. Pictured are proprietors Roy and Dulie Raux. Photo: Emma Harrop

NIGHTSHIFT LEADING HAND

ATYOURSERVICE

Football GRAND FINAL

SHEPPARTON vs. ECHUCA

After 18 home and away rounds coupled with three weeks of finals we are down to the top two teams to play off for the 2024 crown. Echuca was the first team into the big dance after a hard-fought win over Shepparton and then accounting for arch rival Rochester in week two of the finals. Shepparton had to take the longer route by having to get past Mooroopna and Rochester in the past fortnight after suffering a first week loss to Echuca. Shepparton lost the qualifying final but lost no friends. The Bears pushed the Murray Bombers all the way, only going down after they were blitzed by the reigning premier in the last quarter. This to me has the hallmarks of 2014 and 2018 when the favourites were beaten by the underdog. Does Shepparton deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Echuca? Probably not. But they have earned the right to play in the grand-final, losing once during the home and away to Echuca and once in the finals, again to the Murray Bombers. Echuca has been the benchmark since 2021, finishing on top when that season was called and winning the past two premierships. They are shooting for a third straight premiership and will go down as one of the greatest teams of all time with a win. Not many teams win three in a row. Not since the Seymour Lions did in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Standing in their way trying to stop them will be Ned Byrne, Adam Decicco, Ashley Holland, Jonty Wardle and Trent Herbert, Ted Lindon, Mitch Brett, Lewis McShane, Jhett Cooper and Xavier Stevenson will be others that will be important for the Bears. For the reigning premier they will look to Kane Morris, Cameron Valentine, Mitchell Wales, Sam Willoughby and Jackson Stewart to play well while Riley Smith, Logan Prout, Benjamin Reid, Samuel Reid and Aiden Mills will be others that will be important for the Green Machine. In the win over the Bears, they had 8 goalkickers and against the Tigers they had 9 different players hit the scoreboard. Tyler Larkin, Joel Brett and Jacob Watts all missed the qualifying loss to Echuca. And, they are back and will be important for the Bears. The Bears will look to ensure the things they pride themselves on – contest and pressure are on against the Murray Bombers. The Murray Bombers are a well drilled unit and it will take the Bears’ best to break them down and have the game played on their terms for long periods. Another factor will be the weather. If there is wind then that could play a huge part in the contest like it has in the past. I genuinely give the Bears a big show of spoiling the party, but I am going for the Murray Bombers to create a slice of history and claim a third straight premiership. Tip: Echuca.

netball

GRAND final

EUROA VS. ECHUCA

Fast forward 12 months and it is the same two teams that battle it out for the Goulburn Valley League A grade crown. Echuca and Euroa are the two teams left after 18 home and away rounds and three weeks of finals. The reigning premier is refreshed and ready to go while last year’s runner-up is on fire with plenty of momentum going into the big dance. Euroa accounted for Shepparton by 14 goals in the first semi-final and then backed it by knocking out minor premier Mooroopna for a second straight season in the preliminary final. The Magpies started slow and were down by four goals at the first break. A strong second quarter saw them in the lead by two goals at the main break. And, they were able to continue to build their lead with a strong second half, winning by 16 goals to set up what should be a cracking game in the grand-final. Echuca has won 11 straight games after its round 9 draw with Tatura. Euroa has won eight of its past 12 games in the back half of the season. The teams have played each other twice with a win apiece. In saying that, the last meeting between the teams was late in the season where Echuca got the better of Euroa by 18 goals. Most of the match-ups across the court promise to be mouth-watering. Lauren

Jones and Ash Mangan v Olivia Morris and Mia Sudomirski. Ellie Warnock and Tylah Marchbank v Belinda Lees and Holly Chadwick. Steph Vick v Kellie Davidson. Greta Pearson v Hollie Reid. Lilly Devlin v Sophie Owen. The team’s two benches will have a role, but I doubt that the starting 7 of both teams will change much other than some movement of the magnets by the coaches to different positions on the court. Euroa has the best attack in the competition and Echuca the second-best defence, only behind the vanquished Mooroopna. I am a firm believer that defence is where premierships are won and lost. If the Murray Bombers can do that well then that will go a long way to helping them to back-to-back titles. There is no doubt that the Magpies will want to right the wrongs of 2023. Hunger and motivation won’t be the issue. It will be a case of whether they can use the disappointment of last year and turn it in to what drives them to get to the top of the mountain in the big dance. This game will no doubt have many momentum swings. And, the team who can execute the key moments late in the match will win the title. For mine, this will be worth every bit of the entry fee to watch these two great teams battle it out for the tag of 2024 champion. I am going for Echuca to win a thriller. Tip: Echuca.

“I

LET

MYSELF DOWN”:

REMORSEFUL HINKLEY ADDRESSES POST-MATCH ALTERCATION WITH HAWTHORN SKIPPER

HUGH FITZPATRICK/SEN

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley fronted up to the media after his postgame altercation with the Hawthorn Football Club.

Tensions boiled over between Hinkley and James Sicily with the Hawks skipper taking umbrage to Hinkley’s verbal tirade on Jack Ginnivan who started the fire earlier in the week with comments Hinkley described as “disrespectful”.

The veteran coach says he regrets the altercation and wishes to apologise to the Hawks.

“Clearly I’m disappointed,” Hinkley told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“I let myself down and I let the club down and I shouldn’t of done what I did after the game, the emotional stuff got to me a little bit too much but as I said last night, I apologise and I wish that hadn’t happened and the game gets you sometimes.

“There’s an incident that didn’t need to happen, I was going over with the right intentions to show respect to Luke Bruest who has been a great player and unfortunately it took me closer to where I needed to be to be honest and that’s just the reality of what happened.

“It was obviously a little return of what had happened during the week but I should be better than that.

“I know Sam Mitchell and the Hawthorn Football Club are disappointed, I appreciate and understand why they would be and I just hope at some point that the game is allowed to be seen for what it was and that was a great game.”

For the full chat, listen to the full interview with Hinkley, Gerard Whateley, Dermot Brereton and Mark Bickley on Crunch Time.

Regretful: Port Adelaide head coach Ken Hinkley. Photo: JAMES ROSS/AAP IMAGE