The Adviser 1742 by The Adviser

Government stops short: Zurcas Lane residents left stranded

By Deanne Jeffers

RESIDENTS at Harmony Retirement Village have pledged not to give up the fight to have the bus stop on Zurcas Lane reinstated, after its closure by the State Government in May 2023 without explanation. Continued Page 41 By

age limit) 18 now. And it just became part of my identity and my routine. I would go every fortnight or so unless I was sick or something to donate plasma,” said Simmo Continued Page 12

Photo: Emma Harrop

Photography exhibition opened

TALENTED students from Shepparton ACE Secondary College have unveiled their stunning photography at Noble Monks cafe and restaurant.

The exhibition, which opened on Thursday, November 28, showcases the students' creative vision and technical skills.

Under the guidance of their dedicated teacher, Kerry Short, the students have explored the fundamentals of photography, including composition, lighting, and post-production techniques

using Adobe Photoshop. Their captivating images, now on display at 120/126 Maude St, Shepparton, offer a glimpse into their artistic journey.

Parents, carers, and teaching staff joined the students at the exhibition opening, celebrating their achievements and admiring their work.

If you're interested in owning one of these remarkable pieces, please contact Shepparton ACE Secondary College or inquire at Noble Monks.

Three cheers, free parking is here

FREE parking in the Shepparton CBD began on Monday, December 2, 2024, and will run for two months ending on Friday, January 31, 2025, returning to paid on-street parking again on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Time limits still apply for the parking spaces during this period and infringements will be issued to anyone who overstays the time displayed on the signs for the area.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the initiative is a great way to encourage the community to shop local during the holiday season.

“This initiative gives residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy all the CBD has to offer while saving on parking costs during December and January. However, we remind everyone to observe time limits,” he said.

The complimentary parking does not apply to the multi meck car park, Goulburn Valley Health or CarePark car parks.

For more information, including a map of parking areas, please visit Council’s website https:// greatershepparton.com.au/

FREE PARKING... Parking in Shepparton CBD is now free until Friday, January 31, 2025, and returning to paid on-street parking again on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Photo: Emma Harrop

PROUD EFFORTS...

Shepparton ACE Secondary College has unveiled its annual photography exhibition at Noble Monks, showcasing their talented students’ skills in creating impressive images. Pictured are students involved in the exhibition, from left: Daniel Hooper, Sienna Sutcliffe, Miles Hoffman (back), Jamie Downie, Charlotte Hilbig.

Photo: Deanne Jeffers

Unity, not division: Tyrrell calls for end of Treaty for Victoria

The results of the Voice referendum last year showed that the majority of Victorians are opposed to a specific treaty to be established with our First Nations people

Tyrrell MP

NEGOTIATIONS for Australia's first Treaty with First Peoples have begun in Victoria. Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, Member for Northern Victoria, has voiced her opposition to the State Government’s Treaty for Victoria, calling on Premier Jacinta Allan to immediately cease negotiations with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

Tyrrell said the planned treaty was divisive and one that most Victorians opposed.

“The results of the Voice referendum last year showed that the majority of Victorians are opposed to a specific treaty to be established with our First Nations people,” Mrs Tyrrell said. “This was particularly the case in my electorate of Northern Victoria Region, where my constituents overwhelmingly rejected division based on race.”

During her contribution, Tyrrell said the way to improve the lives of Indigenous Victorians is not through secretive negotiations, costing Victorian taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, but through transparent and responsible programs directly benefitting the lives of First Peoples.

Tyrrell also spoke of her own Indigenous heritage on her father’s side but said that her heritage had never played a role in working to achieve her accomplishments.

“I have never relied on my family history to get me to where I am today. I grew up in a low socio-economic household, where in my childhood I experienced neglect, parental use of drugs and alcohol and both physical and emotional abuse,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

“Like so many others, I am living proof

LACK OF TRANSPARENCY... Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell

MP has raised concern about secrecy in the State Government’s Treaty negotiations with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. Mrs Tyrrell, who spoke of her own Indigenous heritage, has called for the State Governent to immediately cease the Treaty plan. Photo: Supplied

that we do not need to divide or separate Australians in order to improve their outcomes.”

The Victorian Government has worked with First Peoples for the past eight years to lay the foundations for Treaty negotiations. Formal negotiations between the State Government and elected members of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria began November 21, and Premier Allan said that Treaty is a practical way to achieve practical change.

“Treaty is our chance to build a stronger Victoria. A Victoria where Aboriginal people have a say over the policies and programs that impact their lives,” Premier Allan said.

“We’ll be negotiating how to give First Nations people a proper say over their families and communities. And how we can lay the foundations for a better future – for all of us.”

However, Tyrrell highlighted the secrecy and lack of transparency shown by the Premier regarding the Treaty process. She said, “Not only is this Treaty not welcomed by the majority of my constituents, but the fact that the Premier refuses to divulge any information about the process is a major concern in the community, and frankly unacceptable.

“We need unity rather than division in Victoria and Jacinta Allan needs to cease this Treaty plan immediately.”

Rikkie-Lee

The formula for artistic passion

Amy Meka's Formula One painting displayed at MOVE

takes hold in many forms, and a passion for drawing, painting, and creating can lead people on an incredible journey.

Amy Meka's passion for art came out in portraits of her friends, popstars, and her passion for her Albanian heritage with her painting of Skanderbeg. But it was Amy's love of motorsport,

instilled by her father Neil, which inspired her unique style that is getting Amy noticed around the world with her paintings of Formula One drivers.

"I grew up around motorsport in general. My dad was a big stickler on motorsport and absolutely loved it. And growing up, I was always around cars," said Amy.

"After the Monza Grand Prix in 2021, I decided to paint the Daniel Ricciardo painting, and he ended up acknowledging it on social media. My dad was like, 'Oh, these drivers, they'll never see anything at all of this.' I was like, I'm gonna try it. I just did it for fun. I had a lot of artworks in the past where I couldn't really figure out my style, and then I tried that, and like, okay, colours pop, and all of a sudden, Daniel puts it on his social media. I'm like, Okay, I guess these drivers did see it."

From there, Amy continued to express her love for Formula One through her art.

"From there, I think I painted the Carlos Sainz painting. And then Lewis Hamilton, Pierre Gasly, etc, etc. I took a poster version of it to the 2022 Grand Prix just on a whim to see if I could get any signatures. Sure enough, I got the poster version of Carlos signed, just hanging over a fence.

"So, the following year, I went with my sister, and I took a whole big bag with four different paintings, which were the Lewis, Daniel Ricciardo,

Carlos and Pierre paintings. I got Carlos Sainz and Pierre signed that day, and I had Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo post it on their social media that day as well. I went home to my dad, and I said, 'See, I can get the drivers to do signatures on the artwork.'"

Family has been a massive influence on Amy's pursuit of her dreams. Her grandfathers, Muharrem Yze and Fezi' Johny' Meka, were both heavily influential in her life. Local Fezi taught her to humbly pursue her passions. Muharrem, an artist in Albania imprisoned under communist rule, was forced to paint patriotic images over the cell walls that can still be seen today.

"I have to say a little bit of a thank you to my family and friends as well because they've steadfast my way into believing in me and trusting my work, and they knew I always had it in me to push my art. I truly cannot thank my family enough, especially my mum, Eriona, my siblings, and my partner. They're all just very helpful in ensuring that I keep on it and make sure that the work stands out to the world, not just to my bedroom."

Though she is far from done painting drivers, you can see Amy Meka's incredible Formula One paintings at the MOVE museum. To purchase one of her original works or a print, phone 0417557939 or email amymekart@gmail.com

Just this past week, a number of cars hit a huge pothole on the Midland Highway causing

Shepparton Police Protest

Recently Shepparton Police officers stopped work in protest of advocating for fair wage increase and improved conditions.

Our police officers go out every single day to keep our communities safe.

The Allan Labor Government needs to come back to the negotiation table and give our frontline men and women the support and respect they deserve.

The government has their priorities all wrong. Safer roads

It was a pleasure to meet with the Grade 5 and 6 Students at St Brendan’s Primary School in Shepparton.

It is so great to meet with students across my electorate, not only sharing my experience in Local and State Government, and as a Community Leader, but also to hear their feedback and to answer their questions.

There is always such a buzz in the room as we talk about being part of such a wonderful community and the future aspirations for our region.

By Aaron Cordy

INSPIRATION

FORMULA ONE... Amy Meka’s passion for art came out in portraits of her friends, popstars, her Albanian heritage and her love for Formula One racing. Check out Amy’s incredible Formula One paintings at the MOVE museum. Photo: Aaron Cordy

GMCU appoints new CEO

Richard brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services sector, including leadership roles in business banking, retail banking, risk management and financial reporting

Eugenie Stragalinos, chair of GMCU

AT its annual general meeting last Wednesday, Goulburn Murray Credit Union Co-Operative Ltd (GMCU) announced the appointment of Richard O’Nians as chief executive officer.

some challenging economic conditions. The board is reassured to have a leader of Richard’s calibre navigate GMCU through those times,” she said.

Mr O’Nians has longstanding connections to regional Victoria and is looking forward to broadening his ties to the community.

Eugenie Stragalinos, chair of GMCU, welcomed Mr O’Nians in her chair’s address, noting his deep connections to regional Victoria and extensive experience in financial services.

“Richard brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services sector, including leadership roles in business banking, retail banking, risk management, and financial reporting,” Ms Stragalinos said.

“He has built and led high-performing teams, fostered strong customer and community relationships, and driven strong business results across his career.

“As we move into 2025, we will face into

“I’m passionate about seeing regional and rural communities thrive, and I’m looking forward to being part of an organisation that can directly contribute to positive outcomes for the communities they operate in,” Mr O’Nians said.

“I look forward to spending some time across our branch network and in the community to get an understanding of the unique issues impacting them,” he said.

Mr O’Nians commenced his role on Monday, December 2, 2024.

CREDIT UNION... Richard O’Nians (pictured) has commenced his new role as chief executive officer of the Goulburn Murray Credit Union on Monday. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

CASH FOR UNWANTED GOLD & JEWELLERY!

Turn your unwanted jewellery and gold and precious items into CASH

Your Questions Answered

HOW DO I DO THIS?

Show your items to our expert buyers. After we have calculated the price based on its resale value, you can then decide to sell them to us or just walk away with a free assessment of your jewellery!

WHY SELL?

Is it worth keeping old jewellery that you will never wear again? The extra cash may help now or in the future rather than unwanted jewellery sitting in your drawer!

We buy all gold Jewellery, Antiques & Contemporary Jewellery Diamonds, Silver Jewellery, Gold Sovereign Coins and other coins, Precious Stones, Including Broken Jewellery and Watches and unusual Items.

Bloody good tour

year I had some big challenges in my life, and the fact or the act of donating every two weeks actually pulled me out of a bit of a negative mental health space. Some of the main pillars of my life got knocked over. But by donating and helping someone else that needed it so much, you know, for their life depended on it, that got me out of my negative space by giving me self-value

“I think that's so powerful. For me as a blood donor, I mean, I do it for the people that need my blood, but also do it for me, because doing good feels good, and so I love it. And so you know, around that time, when I was rebuilding my life and deciding who I wanted to be, how I wanted to show up, I also learned that one in three Aussies will need blood in their life, only three per cent donate, and Australia imports a lot of blood from overseas because we don't have

“I found that shocking, shocking, because not only do we import blood, we're exporting that feeling that you get from helping someone. Giving back to your community doesn't have to be complicated, right? A blood donation, a whole blood donation takes half an hour from walking in to walking out and going in five minutes with a needle in your arm. It's free. In fact, I say it has a negative cost because they give you a free lunch afterwards, and you feel

TIME TO DONATE... “I love donating fortnightly,” said Simmo Braun when donating at Shepparton’s Lifeblood Centre on Monday. “But if you’re a person that can only do it once a year when you have your trip to a town that has a donor centre, awesome. If you do your whole blood four times a year, awesome. Whatever people fit into their routine, that’s great.”

bloody great about it.”

To donate plasma takes roughly 90 minutes and you can do that every two weeks.

Simmo began his trek on the first of August from his home base in NSW and went up and back to Cairns, donating at 24 donor centres along the way. With his three kids and a few helpers in a caravan, it has been a bloody good trip so far, as he wraps up the second leg of his tour of regional NSW and dipping into Shepparton before

returning home. Next year they will tackle the rest of the country.

“I love donating fortnightly. I do it every 12 days, at the beginning it was two weeks, but you're allowed to do it two days early, which helps with aligning for me on the travel. But if you're a person that can only do it once a year when you have your trip to a town that has a donor centre, awesome. If you do your whole blood four times a year, awesome. Whatever people fit into their routine, that's great,” said Simmo.

Photo: Emma Harrop

Rise and shine winners!

SPONSORS and winners of the Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards recently came together for a breakfast networking and celebratory event at the end of November. Hosted by Optus at Noble Monks, the morning was a fantastic opportunity for the business community to connect, break bread and share a coffee together.

Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN) extended a massive thanks to all its sponsors that helped make the 2024 awards night possible. The organisation looks forward to bringing its networking events and the awards back in 2025. Photos from the breakfast have been captured by Adviser photographer Emma Harrop.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’ve upgraded the Shepparton Line with modern VLocity trains now running. We’re also working to enable more frequent and reliable train services, creating better connections across our state.

Train disruptions: Coaches replace trains in both directions Seymour and Shepparton lines 4 to 8 DecemberSouthern Cross to Seymour and Shepparton

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Pictured from left from SPC are Pam Arnold, Lisa Linehan and Jenica Mendoza, Young Professional of the Year for 2024.

Robin Knaggs from Watters Electrical Pty Ltd and Ingrid Thomas from Shepparton

The breakfast for winners and sponsors of the 2024 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards was held at Noble Monks.

Goulburn Valley Health’s Sonia Stratchan, who was awarded the Excellence in Customer Service (Professional Services) award for her tremendous work as a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse at GV Health.

Caleb Francis from MOVE, which won the 2024 Visitor Experience of the Year award, and Julie Hutchins, branch manager at GMCU.

Shepparton Albanian society celebrated at Parliament House

By Aaron Cordy

GREATER Shepparton’s vibrant Albanian community was on display in the capital last Monday, November 25, as part of the Parliamentary Friends of Albania event.

Co-hosted by Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell MP and Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas MP, the event was attended by more than a dozen Federal Members and Senators from both sides of the party line including the Honourable Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese MP and several locals who showcased their wonderful Albanian heritage.

“People of Albanian descent are making huge contributions to our nation, and the evening was to

celebrate them and our growing friendship with this burgeoning European country,” Mr Birrell said.

The Albanian Ambassador, Adrian Mara, Greater Shepparton Mayor, Shane Sali, and president of the Shepparton Albanian Society (SAS) Reg Qemel, also attended the event which was brought to life with Albanian food and traditional Albanian dance performed by SAS.

“It was exciting, I’m glad I was there because it was something I’d never been to before. The cooperation between the community and the government was a great thing with the Prime Minister and all the dignitaries there. Personally, it was a great experience, I got a buzz out of it,” said Riddy Ahmet, former president of the SAS.

“It was good to be recognised by the government that the Albanian community does exist and has been here for a long time.

“We had our dancers there who did an amazing job. The whole evening was fantastic. I'd like to congratulate the organisers of the event, Sam Birrell who was one of them, and our committee. Qazibe [Karen Qazibe Resul] from Stanley’s, was cooking Albanian food there and everybody was rushing to it. The whole thing was well put together, and I was very glad to be invited as a past president.”

The event coincided with Albanian Independence Day, when Albania broke from the Otterman Empire on November 28, 1912.

55 years of Greater Shepparton basketball

GREATER Shepparton Basketball Association (GSBA) celebrated its 50 + 5 dinner on Saturday, November 23, with roughly 90 past players, coaches, referees, and volunteers from the old 1969 Drill Hall days to the present, gathering for the special night.

The night was filled with nostalgia, with 10 large posters depicting 55 years of basketball

history as GSBA unveiled the Passed Persons Honour Board and the Life Members’ Honour Board. The Passed Honour Board was a moving moment for those players present on the night who saw their deceased parents recognised.

A beautiful commentary cake made by Sandra Dodd (the mother of Gator Nick

Dodd) was cut by Shepparton’s own Rodger Smith and local Gator Tom Frame. Rodger played College Basketball in America from 1989 to 1992 and NBL with the Brisbane Bullets then Gold Coast Cougars for 12 seasons with NBL until 2001.

The highlight of the night was a Zoom call with the legendary Julie Gross (now

Staudenmier) Julie was the regions first ever Australian Women’s basketballer to play American College basketball and represented Australia.

“A fabulous night was had by all. Special thanks to GSBA personnel Peter Sutherland, Mary-Ann Barton, Tony Long, volunteers, local community newspapers and radio stations who contributed to this Back To celebration. It was an awesome event,” said volunteer Angie Frame.

Tom Cummins Stand Launch Party

Join us for an exciting day to celebrate the launch of the Tom Cummins Stand, a project inspired by Tom’s vision for an accessible, inclusive community space. This event is for everyone, and it’s packed with activities for all ages!

Friday 13 December, 10.30am – 2.30pm (ribbon cutting at 12pm) Queens Gardens, Shepparton

Live DJ set by DJ Cooper | Creating Drama performance

Inflatable games | Glitter tattoos | Sensory activities zone Coffee van | Sausage sizzle | Snow cones and fairy floss

To RSVP, simply scan the QR code or go to areable.org.au/TCstand

Free Event

ALBANIAN HERITAGE... Members of the Shepparton Albanian Society visited Parliament House last week, showcasing their wonderful heritage through food and dance. Co-hosted by Sam Birrell MP (pictured at the event with SAS members) and attended by Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese MP and the Albanian Ambassador, Adrian Mara. Photo: Supplied

Wanganui Oval set for $432,000 upgrade

SHEPPARTON’S Wanganui Oval is set for a $432,000 transformation, bringing muchneeded football facilities to the community.

Announced as part of the AFL’s ‘Breaking New Ground’ program, the redevelopment will include upgraded irrigation and 100 lux lighting to cater to growing demand in local football.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali emphasised the benefits of the project.

“The new lighting and irrigation system will bring significant benefits to our region and its passionate sporting community,” Sali said. “It’s not only growth but it’s taking a bit of pressure off existing facilities. As it was noted, Deakin Reserve is heavily utilised obviously during winter and it gets a lot of pressure on it.”

The AFL has pledged $200,000 towards the works, with the remaining $232,000 funded by the Greater Shepparton City Council. The oval, once part of the former Wanganui Park Secondary College site, will alleviate pressure

on Deakin Reserve and serve as a training and match venue for the Shepparton United and Shepparton Bears football clubs.

The redevelopment comes in response to increasing participation, particularly in junior and girls' football, and aligns with the AFL’s ‘Australian Football Infrastructure Plan: Towards 2030’, which aims to develop one new or upgraded oval every week across the country.

AFL Victoria’s venue and government partnerships manager Jessie Doull celebrated the project’s impact on the local community.

“Community football is the foundation of the game and the heartbeat of so many towns and communities across Victoria, so it’s important that participants have access to welcoming, inclusive and modern facilities,” Doull said.

While there is no exact timeline, works are expected to get underway early in 2025 to be completed in time for the 2025 football season.

SPORTING UPGRADE... Wanganui Oval is set for a $432,000 upgrade, announced on Monday. Pictured from left: Regional Manager (AFL Vic) Shaun Connell, Leigh Findlay from Shepparton United FNC, McEwan Ward’s Cr Steven Threlfall, AFL Victoria venue and government partnerships manager Jessie Doull, City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Cr Shane Sali, AFL Goulburn Murray club development lead Sam Monaghan, Verney Road School (now known as Banmira Specialist School) principal Anne Buxton, and Brendan Bicknell from Shepparton Bears FNC. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

The Japanese connection

Impressions of Greater Shepparton from our sister city

By Natasha Fujimoto

PROMOTING cultural connection, commercial opportunities as well as the lasting bonds of friendship, international sister cities have long been a tradition utilised across the globe in an effort to draw the frenetic world closer together.

Breathtakingly beautiful and hometown to arguably the greatest baseballer the world has ever seen in Shohei Ohtani, Oshu City, has proudly been Greater Shepparton’s sister city in Japan since 1979. Nestled in the far northeastern prefecture of Iwate, on Japan’s main island of Honshu, Oshu City is steeped in long histories and traditions that can be witnessed today in the prefecture’s numerous stunning temples and shrines as well as in their famed Nambu ironware and lacquerware.

A strategic planning coordinator in Oshu City Council, Akira Kamei has been visiting Shepparton for over two decades, forging mutually beneficial relationships between the two cities, particularly in agriculture and economic development.

Recently concluding his most recent visit earlier this month, Kamei san was pleased to share with The Adviser, a few of his most

PROMOTING CULTURAL CONNECTION... as well as fostering commercial opportunities along with the bonds of friendship, strategic planning coordinator from Oshu City Council, Akira Kamei (pictured) has been visiting Greater Shepparton for over 20 years. With more similarities as one might think shared between the two sister cities, a great love of sport is certainly one of them as evidenced by Kamei san’s enthusiasm for homegrown baseball star, Shohei Ohtani, who this year hit 54 home runs (more than any other MBL player) for the LA Dodgers. Photo: Supplied Greater

Akira Kamei

enduring impressions of Greater Shepparton as enjoyed and experienced through a foreign lens.

Detailing fascinating parallels and differences between the sister cities, Kamei san said:

I have been involved in nurturing the relationship between the sister cities for about 20 years and I feel a strong sense of responsibility in connecting the two, and I hope to continue building a mutually beneficial relationship, particularly in agriculture and

economic development.

Greater Shepparton is a city that continues to grow, where people are bright and full of energy. By comparison, Oshu City, which has a population of approximately 110,000, is experiencing a population decline. But what we share is an abundance of nature and a character of vibrancy in the people.

The beautiful Goulburn River and Victoria Park Lake- where people gather, is the most striking environmental difference to me.

But [just like Greater Shepparton] is renowned for its agriculture and innovative industry, Oshu City is known as a’ rice-

producing region’, where high quality branded rice is being cultivated. The city also has a thriving machinery and metal processing industry, as well as a growing semiconductor industry.

Looking forward to continuing his role in fostering an ever-stronger connection between Greater Shepparton and Oshu City, Kamei san said he hopes to continue visiting the region for many years to come, not only to strengthen the ties of mutually beneficial economic development but to ensure a lasting bond of friendship and cultural exchange.

TAYLA

Where carers canfindsupport

Home Care, Only Better.

Senior Helpers

Shepparton

Our

PAGE 12

Marbles, boardgames and the golden years

PAGE 3

New Aged Care Act

PAGE 4

Calvary team helping Isobel and others remain independent and at home

PAGE 5

Stay connected this Christmas

PAGE 6

In Conversation with Jacinta Kennedy

PAGE 8

Preparing yourself or a loved one to enter residential aged care

PAGE 9

Empowering home care in the Goulburn Valley

PAGE 10

Personalised support for every need

PAGE 11

Village living a winner when it

PAGE 13

Interlinking NDIS care

PAGE 14

Help shape the star rating system

PAGE 14

Discovering hidden talents in retirement

PAGE 15

A master approach to community safety

PAGE 16

Aloha from Wakiki!

PAGE 17

ABS sheds data on Aussie longevity

PAGE 18

We are all the same age inside

PAGE 19

Measures to ensure fairness for retirement village residents

PAGE 20

Christmas in the Goulburn Valley Crossword 8 16 6 15

New Aged Care Act the blueprint for a more compassionate, equitable and sustainable aged care system

Key beneﬁts of the new Aged Care Bill for elderly Australians:

Rights-based approach: Older Australians are guaranteed their right to quality care, safety, and the ability to voice concerns without fear of penalty, ensuring dignity, respect, and fairness in the care process.

Statement of Rights: The introduction of a Statement of Rights ensures that older people are treated with respect and have clear avenues to seek assistance or report grievances.

Assistive technology and home modiﬁcations: The bill provides funding for assistive technology and home modiﬁcations, making it easier for seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Stronger regulatory oversight: A tougher regulatory framework will enforce higher standards of care, providing more transparency and accountability for aged care providers.

Support at Home program: The expansion of the Support at Home program, with a $4.3 billion investment, will help older Australians remain in their homes longer, promoting independence and reducing the need for institutional care.

More home care places: The creation of 300,000 new home care places over the next decade will address long wait times and increase access to essential services for older Australians.

THE passing of the long-awaited and much necessitated Aged Care Bill in the Australian Senate on November 25 marks a signiﬁcant moment in the country’s aged care sector. Promising to transform the quality and accessibility of care for older Australians, the new Bill addresses decades of underinvestment and criticism in the sector as well as responds to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Following a robust and extensive consultation process with consumers, providers, unions, workers, accountants, economists and members of parliament, the new Aged Care Act will take e ect from July 1, 2025. Placing the future and wellbeing of older Australians at the heart of the reforms, the new Aged Care Act takes a rights-based approach which places the dignity, respect and fairness owed to aged care recipients front and centre.

Flexible home care services: There will be no caps on essential services such as cleaning and gardening under the Support at Home program, providing greater ﬂexibility for elderly people to maintain their homes and lifestyles.

Improved quality of care: The new Aged Care Quality Standards focus on more person-centered care, tailored to the individual needs and preferences of care recipients.

address long wait times for services, this program will provide funding for home care services, assistive technology, and modiﬁcations to homes, while also creating 300,000 additional home care places over the next decade.

Enhanced consumer choice: The shift towards a consumerfocused system ensures that elderly people have more control over their care, allowing them to make informed decisions about their services and providers.

Improved safety: The bill strengthens protections for elderly Australians, ensuring their safety in care settings, with better safeguards against neglect, abuse, and exploitation.

to stay in their homes and communities as they age, maintaining their lifestyles and dignity.

Through the introduction of a Statement of Rights, the new Act will ensure the right of older people to receive quality care, guaranteeing their safety and enabling them to voice any concern or complaint free from retribution. Crucially, this rights-based approach marks a transformative shift away from a system focused on providers to one that puts the needs and entitlements of consumers ﬁrst. In addition, the Act will operate under a tougher regulatory framework, ensuring a higher standard of care whilst operating with greater transparency and accountability.

Investing $4.3B in the expansion of the Support at Home program, the new Act will also support more older Australians to live at home for longer. Designed to reduce the pressure on the existing system and

The program will also remove caps on essential services like cleaning and gardening, o ering more ﬂexibility for older Australians to maintain their independence and quality of life at home. This is particularly important as many seniors wish

With a largely welcome response from aged care providers, the New Aged Care Act will nonetheless require a lengthy and complex transition period. Nevertheless, the new reforms are a long-overdue step in the right direction paving the way for an aged care sector that is more equitable, compassionate and sustainable.

Calvary team helping Isobel and others remain independent and at home

ISOBEL Harrison is preparing to celebrate her 93rd birthday and feels lucky to be living independently and close to her daughters.

“My daughter said to me the other day that I’m so lucky and I agree. The Calvary Home Care team has made life so much easier,” Ms Harrison said.

In 2017, Isobel thought she’d lose her independence after major surgery. Calvary Home Care stepped in to provide the support she needed.

“Initially, Calvary Home Care helped me with the cleaning but, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started receiving more support,” Ms Harrison said.

“After a few falls, the support workers now help me with my daily showers and getting dressed in the morning. Once a week, they come and do my grocery shopping. The team do such a brilliant job.”

Calvary Home Care Shepparton Service Manager, Scott Bohun said Ms Harrison was one of about 1,300 clients across Greater Shepparton, from Echuca to Yarrawonga, Nathalia to Seymour, and over to Benalla.

“It is important to us our clients feel supported, especially when their needs increase. We know how important it is for them to stay in their own home as long as they can,” Mr Bohun said.

98 Maude St Shepparton | 5821 2811

LUCKY TO BE LIVING INDEPENDENTLY... with the support of Calvary Home Care to assist with daily tasks and grocery shopping, 92 year old Isobel Harrison is e usive about the ‘brilliant job’ that her care provider a ords, particularly from support worker, Hollie Magill who is also pictured. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

Ageing Well

Stay connected this Christmas

AS temperatures soar and festive decorations are placed around the region ahead of Christmas, many people can feel apprehensive about the holidays and the impending New Year. What is seen as a time to be spent with friends and family can also be a challenging and lonely period—but it doesn’t have to be.

For seniors, there are many ways to stay connected and ﬁnd joy during the festive season. Community centres often host Christmas lunches or special events, providing an opportunity to socialise and meet new people. Many neighbourhood groups and churches also organise festive gatherings, which are a great way to build connections and share in the holiday spirit.

Christmas for Those Alone is held each year on Christmas Day so that people in the community that do not have family or friends nearby can enjoy a meal in

the company of others. This free service is returning to the McIntosh Centre, Shepparton, 11am to 2pm on December 25, 2024. Enquiries or booking can be made by phoning 0456 125 237, or email cftavolunteer@gmail.com

This free service is run entirely by a volunteer committee who recruit a team of volunteers to assist them to provide lunch in a safe and friendly environment. Everyone is welcome.

Staying connected doesn’t have to mean big events, either. A simple phone call or video chat with a friend or family

member can make all the di erence. Consider joining local clubs, attending craft workshops, or volunteering—these activities can bring a sense of purpose and community. Some organisations even o er virtual gatherings, allowing those who can’t leave home to participate in group activities. Remember, Christmas is a time for kindness and compassion. If you know someone who might be feeling isolated, reaching out with a card, a call, or an invitation to join in holiday festivities can brighten their day—and yours as well.

Do you still struggle to hear on the

Are you withdrawing from social events because you can’t hear conversations?

Are you often asking people to repeat themselves?

If you’ve answered yes to any

Downsizing?

Ageing Well

In Conversation with Jacinta Kennedy Aged Care Coordinator at Wyndham House Clinic

IN our ﬁnal article of the year, I think it’s a good time to reﬂect on the reality of the current experience of aged care and the exciting future of nurse management of aged care in General Practice.

As far back as the late 2000s, it was suggested that demographics of society would create a Tsunami of the Elderly, with the baby boomers being aged over 65 from 2011. Time and time again, it was suggested we prepare for this explosion of people requiring aged care services. However, we have fallen well short. As I describe it now, the tsunami has well and truly hit the beach, is up into the trees and heading for the hills.

The impact of this is that today, we are faced with dramatic shortages in the availability of beds in aged care, particularly respite, which is often very urgently needed by our carers, limited resources for home care provision and long waiting times for assessment for all these services.

When I started in this position 18 months ago, there was a waiting time of approximately 2-6 weeks for Aged Care Assessment; it has now blown out to 16 weeks. The ﬂow-on e ect of this are incredibly burdened carers and an overwhelmed acute health system as they struggle with providing support and care to those unable to have their needs met by aged care services, and broadly speaking,

the response to put the onus back on this already incredibly stressed cohort to manage their own care.

However, there is a good news story amid this dilemma; some help is on its way.

Fortunately, it has been recognised that the program that I have been involved with at Wyndham House has been e ective in assisting our patients, their families/ carers experiencing ageing here in Shepparton. Our service has lightened the load for stakeholders – patients, GPs, aged care facilities, and other associated services – providing a continuum of care on the journey, as well as resources and support.

With the assistance of funding through the Murray Primary Healthcare Network and the Department of Health and Aged Care, we are not only able to continue our work but also grow and develop our program even further.

Having worked with external consultants, we will formalise and standardise our practices. Employing a further experienced aged care nurse and administration support will allow me to devote time to developing stronger structured relationships with aged

care facilities and other services, sharing information and resources to strengthen our already developed associations while continuing to do our day-to-day work in the clinic. Once we have our own program established and functioning e ectively, I then hope to engage other GP practices in the same activities.

I’m proud to be part of a team that has recognised that something needs to be done and can be done and is now positively contributing to change in this area.

Although it is by no way an entire solution to the problems faced in aged care, I’m proud to be part of a team that has recognised that something needs to be done and can be done and is now positively contributing to change in this area.

Jacinta Kennedy Aged Care Coordinator at Wyndham

I thank the Department of Health and Aged Care, Murray PHN, Medical First, Wyndham House Clinic, all the Goulburn Valley Residential Aged Care Facilities, Goulburn Valley Health, local Pharmacies and Allied Health Services for their dedication to improved Aged Care and

giving me the opportunity to pursue my goals in this area.

I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy 2025.

SUPPORT EXPANDING... Aged care coordinator at Wyndham House Clinic, Jacinta Kennedy, reﬂects on the positive changes happening at the clinic in aged care and the work that still needs to be done to support older residents considering aged care. Photo: Emma Harrop

House Clinic

Preparing yourself or a loved one to enter residential aged care

AGED care is changing next year. To understand the changes and subsequent impacts, we asked accredited aged care professional Myles Martin from OzPlan Financial Services at MB+M what families considering aged care should give thought to.

What planning is required to move into residential aged care?

Early planning and good advice can minimise the stress for everyone. Getting older is one of life’s harshest realities, and you will be faced with many personal and ﬁnancial decisions. Aged care professionals exist to help make the journey as smooth as possible through tough and emotional decisions.

Can our family afford to enter residential aged care?

The aged care sector and the fees

associated are extremely complex. Are you eligible for government subsidies? If mum and dad both need to enter residential care, is it best to enter at the same time? What should you do with the family home? There are so many variables that you can easily lose money and create more stress if you tackle it alone. Having an accredited aged care professional on your side takes the guesswork out. What are the new aged care reforms? Does it affect me? The reforms come into place

Aged care professionals exist to help make the journey as smooth as possible through tough and emotional decisions.

Myles Martin

on July 1, 2025, for new residents entering aged care. Most likely, you will be required to pay more for care. Therefore, it’s crucial you seek professional advice to understand the impact of these changes, such as the room price cap, and 10 per cent retention being applied to RADs (if over ﬁve years).

If you require further information, please visit MB+M at 120 Nixon Street, call 5821 9177 or email us: mbmozplan@ mbmgroup.com.au

This column contains general advice only and does not take into account the needs, objectives and situation of any individual. You should consult with a

and

obtaining personal ﬁnancial advice prior to making any decisions about aged care.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE... With changes being introduced to aged care, we spoke to accredited aged care professional Myles Martin from OzPlan Financial Services at MB+M to understand the impact and how people can prepare themselves or someone they love if considering aged care. Photo: Supplied

Empowering home care in the Goulburn Valley

SIMPLY Helping Goulburn Valley provides personalised, ﬂexible home care for NDIS participants, Home Care Package consumers, and TAC and Workcover Attendant Care and Private clients. Covering Shepparton, Nagambie, Broadford, Echuca, Bundalong, Eildon, and surrounding areas, their focus is on o ering choice, empathy, privacy, respect, well-being, and full participation in care decisions.

Certiﬁed support workers and domestic assistants undergo mandatory and are encouraged to do additional training via an E-learning platform. They take pride in their work, with positive feedback reﬂecting the quality and respect they bring to each client.

Simply Helping GV is a family-owned business. Jo, along with her daughters Leah and Jenna, ensure high standards of care. Jo brings 26 years of healthcare experience, while Leah has an executive administration background, and Jenna is a registered nurse with home and acute care expertise.

The team recently moved to a larger, welcoming o ce, and enjoy meeting with the community. Receptionists Marg and Margo o er a warm welcome, and case managers Lee and Julie are available to assist with queries.

Service users feel safe knowing they provide a high standard of care in line with the NDIS and Aged Care Standards. They were audited by Aged Care in October 2023 and NDIS in April 2024, achieving full compliance in all areas with no recommendations for improvement.

“We are very proud of this outcome given the stringent auditing process which involves our service users and employees.

The auditors were extremely impressed with the responses they received from all concerned,” Jo shared.

For inquiries, contact them at gvenquiry@ simplyhelping.com.au or 03 5795 1635. If you're looking to work in aged or disability care, and have a relevant certiﬁcate, send your resume to gvhumanresources@simplyhelping.com.au.

You can also visit their website at: simplyhelping.com.au/goulburn-valley-victoria/

A HELPING HAND... Simply Helping Goulburn Valley prioritises safety and choice when it comes to providing personalised, ﬂexible home care for NDIS participants, Home Care Package consumers, and other people requiring a helping hand. Pictured are Lois (a client) and support worker Robyn. Photo: Supplied

Personalised support for every need

WHEN it comes to in-home care, ﬁnding a provider that is both personal and empowering can make all the di erence.

GV Complete Care is here to do just that. As a registered NDIS provider, they o er a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. Whether you need personal care, assistance around the home, or support for social and community participation, GV Complete Care is equipped to help.

With over 30 years of experience in the disability and community sectors, this locally owned and managed business understands the importance of high-quality, personalised care. Their services cover everything from individual care and household duties to transport assistance, short-term accommodation and Supported Independent Living (SIL), ensuring clients feel supported and empowered.

GV Complete Care is committed to cultural inclusivity, ensuring all clients, regardless of background, receive care that is respectful and mindful of their needs. Every sta member is fully trained and meets NDIS standards, ensuring that safety and the highest levels of care are at the forefront of their service.

To learn more about GV Complete Care’s services, get in touch on weekdays between 8am and 5pm by calling 0458 000 721 or 4831 8688. You can also reach them via email at admin@ gvcompletecare.com.au, or visit their website at www.gvcompletecare.com.au

Empowering In-Home Supports

As a registered provider of the NDIS we ensure that our person-centred approach and diverse supports assist with increasing your independence and maintain your well-being, and helps to pursue your goals.

• Personal individual care • Supported community access

• In home supports • Skill building • Short term accommodation

ASSISTANCE TO THRIVE… As you grow older, like many older people, you may prefer to remain living independently at home. Some extra help and support can make this possible. GV Complete Care provides a very wide range of ﬂexible inhome care and other services to help you thrive. Pictured from the GV Complete Care team are Fletcher Everard, Will Clonesy, general manager Jodie Clohesy, Hadeel Kilab, Hanan Kilab, Claire Edwards and Grant Searle. Photo: Deanne Je ers

Village living a winner when it comes to wellness

A NEW study has found retirement living residents have a better quality of life than other older Australians, while renters fared the worst. The Catalyst Research Report summarises feedback from over 12,000 Australians aged over 60, comparing groups by age, sex and where they live.

Those in a Retirement Community score signiﬁcantly higher on the Catalyst Wellness Index (77.5) compared with the average for all older Australians (71.3).

Catalyst Research managing director Kevin McCreton presented these results at the recent Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) National Conference.

“It’s clear that retirement communities o er a range of beneﬁts for older Australians,” Mr McCreton said.

“Retirement community residents have superior wellness than those who don’t move from home as well as those who downsize to a smaller property.”

Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) CEO Tom Symondson said retirement villages

o er a place to thrive and connect within a supporting community.

“Retirement villages empower older Australians to live conﬁdently, pursue their passions and embrace new opportunities. They create a sense of belonging and purpose, o ering not just a home but a vibrant environment where people can truly ﬂourish,” Mr Symondson said.

Tom Symondson ACCPA CEO

Retirement village residents rate their wellness far more favourably in

terms of safety, companionship and access to support.

Those living in lifestyle-oriented communities are happier again in terms of independence, activities, mental wellbeing and thoughts about the future.

Those living in a rental have the lowest wellness index of any group.

McCreton said, “It’s clear that renters su er housing insecurity. They also rate

their ﬁnancial wellbeing far lower than other Australians.”

Those over 80 report much higher satisfaction with their ﬁnancial well-being than those under 66 years of age. This reﬂects property appreciation, lower expenses and lower spending amongst many Australians over 75.

Women have a slightly lower Wellness score (70.8) than men (71.8). Financial wellbeing is the main predictor of this di erence, suggesting women have not beneﬁtted from wealth accumulation or superannuation beneﬁts as much as men.

MEASURING WELLNESS... Older Australians living in retirement villages have scored signiﬁcantly higher on the Catalyst Wellness Indicator. This is due to various factors, including safety, companionship and access to support. Photo: Supplied

Ageing Well

Marbles, boardgames and the golden years

ALTHOUGH it would be delightful to quip as wittily as Oscar Wilde or write with the perceptiveness of Jane Austen, there is one truth we can all embrace, we have the power to preserve the “marbles” we’ve been gifted and carry them into our golden years, simply by incorporating brain workouts into our routine, through games, challenges, and play.

You don’t need to be a chess grandmaster or a rocket scientist to keep your mind sharp, but there are countless enjoyable and e ective ways to maintain cognitive health as you age. With an abundance of research supporting the beneﬁts of a brain-healthy lifestyle, it’s worth considering a few proven strategies to stay mentally agile well into your later years.

Treat your body like a temple

It doesn’t take a genius to know that a healthy body supports a healthy mind. A brain-healthy lifestyle encompasses taking care of your body through proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest.

One diet that stands out for its brain-boosting beneﬁts is the Mediterranean diet. Rich in whole foods, healthy fats (like olive oil), ﬁsh, fruits, and vegetables, this diet has been linked to improved longevity, reduced risk of chronic disease, and even a slower rate of cognitive decline.

Regular exercise is also vital for both physical and mental health. Keeping your heart healthy through cardiovascular activity helps improve blood ﬂow to the brain, which is essential for mental clarity and focus. Plus, physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Don’t overlook the importance of sleep, either. Getting enough restorative rest helps with memory consolidation, cognitive function, and mood regulation. A good night’s sleep contributes to sharper focus and better decisionmaking during the day.

Build brain power through games and play

From chess and Monopoly to crosswords, cards, sudoku, and even video games, these activities do more than entertain. They’re powerful tools to keep your brain engaged, ﬁring on all cylinders. Engaging with

BUILDING BRAIN POWER... as we march into the golden years is as simple as maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good new nutrition, restorative sleep, exercise and socialisation. But to keep our neurons ﬁring on all cylinders, it’s a good idea to have fun by regularly engaging in games, whether it be board games, cards, sudoku or even video games. Pictured is Shepparton Chess Club member, Joe Commesso and then, four-year-old, Isaac Pearce.

games helps improve concentration, memory, problemsolving, and creative thinking. Even better, regular mental stimulation helps stimulate the growth of new neurons, which can slow cognitive decline over time.

In addition to boosting brain function, games o er a social outlet, whether you're playing with family, friends, or online opponents. Socialising regularly has been shown to support cognitive health by reducing feelings of isolation and stress. So, next time you’re feeling bored, pick up a board game or challenge a friend to a round of cards!

Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

Interlinking NDIS care

THE independence to get out in the garden, go for a walk or do the simplest task of washing the dishes is so often taken for granted. Such things are usually considered chores. But for many people with disability, it is the ability to do these simple tasks that can o er more joy, self-worth and ease on mental health.

Community Interlink has more than 30 years' experience providing disability and in-home aged care supports. Today, it is a registered NDIS Support Coordination Provider, assisting locals to navigate the complex NDIS world.

Community Interlink’s dedicated NDIS Support Coordinators work to help people with disability understand their NDIS funding, the services available to

them and how to access them.

Community Interlink is also a registered Home Care Package Provider, assisting Seniors to access services and equipment to help them remain living independently at home.

For friendly advice about NDIS Support Coordination and Home Care Packages, call Community Interlink on 1300 203 203, or email info@interlink.org.au.

world. Photo: Supplied

OLDER people, carers and families, as well as aged care workers, providers, experts and peak organisations are invited to have their say on how Star Ratings for residential aged care across Australia are calculated.

Star Ratings can help older people and their families compare the quality of aged care homes and make more informed decisions.

Following the commencement of the new Aged Care Act, the Government is changing the way some of the ratings are calculated.

Feedback is sought on how Compliance ratings are calculated, how the Sta ng rating is calculated, and additional changes based on early feedback, through an online survey.

To get involved, learn more or to respond to the survey, go to the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care website or type this link into your browser: https://bit. ly/4g8MJzy

On the website, you can read the consultation paper, complete the 15-minute survey, lodge a written submission, and register to participate in a consultation session until December 6. The survey will close on at 5pm on December 13.

Your insights and feedback are critical in shaping the policy and future design of Star Ratings.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME... Downsize and stay active, engaged and entertained at Lifestyle Villages Shepparton. Here you can create, knit, build, discover new talents and hobbies, and be as active and sociable as you like, while enjoying free holiday Villas for short getaways and much, much more. Pictured is woodworker and artist Keith Craine at Lifestyle Shepparton’s recent Christmas Craft Market. Photo: Supplied

Discovering hidden talents in retirement

WHILE you don’t need to be retired to downsize to a home at Lifestyle Shepparton, many Lifestylers have discovered the freedom to explore new hobbies whether they are still working or not. The Over 50s homeowners see their community as a permanent holiday resort which o ers abundant facilities and activities.

An Art Studio was added last year, complementing the existing woodworking space, and between the two there’s a proliﬁc output of new creations. Creative crafters, knitters, line dancers and a music group have all found hidden talent when trying something new.

The croquet court has fostered a talented team of players who made the Grand Final of Lifestyle’s intercommunity Spring Carnival, conceding the prize to Lifestyle Ocean Grove after a dream run to the ﬁnals.

Add to this two pools (indoor and outdoor), spa, cinema, garden group, a gym and an exercise pavilion

with a variety classes, a singing group, cards and billiards players, bowls, pickleball, tennis and a group that explores local areas with their weekly walking group, many wonder how they ever had time to work.

When you add in the free holiday Villas available for short stays on the Bellarine peninsula, retirement has become an active, life-long holiday for Lifestyle Shepparton Homeowners.

For a tour of the Lifestyle Shepparton community and to view available homes for sale, call 1300 50 55 60 to book in a time.

Ageing

A master approach to community safety

By Deanne Je ers

SAFETY in the community is a team e ort, which is perhaps best known and supported by volunteers at Neighbourhood Watch Greater Shepparton. The group's president, Cathie McMaster, recently received Neighbourhood Watch's Awards of Honour 2024, highlighting her decades of tireless service to crime prevention in Greater Shepparton.

Cathie joined Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) in 2001 when she retired from teaching. At the time, there were around 12 NHW groups in the region, which amalgamated into NHW Greater Shepparton. The service organisation is perhaps best known locally for its safe plate days, where volunteers install anti-theft screens into car registration plates to deter thieves.

NHW Greater Shepparton also assists local police o cers in crime prevention e orts and community engagement, mainly distributing information about local crime and initiatives that make our communities safer, such as the CoolHeads young driver program and keeping school grounds free from crime during school holidays by engaging neighbours.

about personal safety ﬁrst and foremost because if you can't keep yourself safe, how can you keep anyone else safe? Then it is about raising your awareness of what is happening around you, how you can protect your vehicle, your home, and your community."

Neighbourhood Watch is about safety and crime prevention in the community

Cathie McMaster

"Neighbourhood Watch is about safety and crime prevention in the community," Cathie said. "It is

Little common-sense practices like telling your neighbours if you're going to be away, locking your house when you're not home and not keeping valuables in the car go a long way to avoiding being a victim of crime and reducing crime in the area.

Next year, NHW Greater Shepparton will celebrate its 40th anniversary. The group meet on a bi-monthly basis at the North Shepparton Community Centre to share insights and reinforce community safety. New members are always welcome, and various skills, experiences and

availability can be accommodated. Aligning with NHW can boost your capacity to notice and deter criminal activity while contributing positively to the community overall.

A dinner was held on Tuesday night at the Mooroopna Golf Club for Cathie's recognition, where she was presented with the State Award of Honour by NWH. If you’d like to get involved with NHW, contact Cathie McMaster on 0434 343 327 or catmcmaster@bigpond.com

“Moyola is a community where age is not a barrier. You have a voice to be heard and understood.”

•43 bed facility

•Friendly and supportive environment providing 24 hour care

•12 bed memory support unit

•Respite care services available

•Central location only a short walk/scooter ride to the main street

•Access to medical and allied health services on-site

•Physiotherapist on-site for pain management, mobility, individual programs and exercise groups

•Gardening projects including vegetable, herb and flower gardens

•Pet therapy

•Sustainable partnership with Dementia Australia which sees the introduction of new projects to enhance the lives of residents with dementia

•Scooter friendly

HONOURED... Cathie McMaster, president of Neighbourhood Watch Greater Shepparton, has received Neighbourhood Watch’s 2024 State Award of Honour for her decades of service to crime prevention in Greater Shepparton. Photo: Deanne Je ers

Aloha from Waikiki!

ANNE Moloney from Shepparton has generously shared her stunning travel photos from here recent trip to Waikiki, Honolulu, in Hawaii. She travelled with her mother, Jennifer Moloney, from May 9 to May 20, 2024, and they stayed at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.

"It was a fantastic holiday, even though it rained a bit, the tempuratures were around 27°C,” said Anne. Her favourite part of the trip was spending time in the water.

At 59 and 80 years old, respectively, Anne and Jennifer also enjoyed shopping together and highly recommend the Cheesecake Factory for lunch.

The mother-daughter duo frequently travel together, and Anne plans to return to Waikiki next March. So far, she has visited Hawaii around six times and highly recommends it as a holiday destination.

We love hearing about our readers'

adventures! If you have travelled recently exploring parts of the region, country or globe, we would love for you to share your experiences and travel photos with us.

Please send your photos and information on social media to The Shepparton Adviser or email editorial@ sheppartonadviser.com.au with the subject 'Travel Photo Submission'.

Make sure to include the destinations you visited, dates, names of those pictured, and any other details you're comfortable having published, along with your contact information.

stay living at home, independently, for longer

How

services, support and equipment that relate to your health care needs.

Is there a cost?

MHA care does not charge start up or exit fees. Instead, a flat fee is charged to cover our costs. By keeping our fees as low as possible, we ensure you are able to maximise the funding available to purchase the services you need or want.

What do you need to do?

The first step to access government-funded aged care services is to check your eligibility for a face-to-face assessment. You can call the friendly and knowledgeable My Aged Care contact centre staff to talk about your needs on 1800 200 422. Or you can apply online at www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/apply-online. Further information can be found at www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment. You can also call MHA Care directly on (03) 5742 1111 and ask for assistance from one of our Home Care Package - Care Managers.

What can you use your Package for?

Depending on the level of your Home Care Package you can use your Package to get assistance with services such as:

Services to keep you well and independent:

✓ Personal care (Showering, Grooming)

✓ Nursing and Allied Health (Assistance with medicines, physiotherapy, podiatry)

✓ Meals preparation and diet (help with feeding and meal preparation)

Services that keep you safe:

✓ Household jobs (assistance with cleaning, Laundry and other basic Domestic chores)

✓ Home maintenance (Help with keeping your home and garden safe)

✓ Home modifications (minor modifications to your home to improve safety and access (ramps and rails)

✓ Assistive equipment and technology (walking frame, shower chair)

Services that allow you to interact with your community:

✓ Transport (Community transport, transport to your GP)

✓ Social support (Social activities in a community-based group setting or accompanied activities)

Anne Moloney with the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku statue. A bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku welcomes visitors to Waikīkī with open arms. Duke was a true Hawaiian hero and one of the world’s greatest watermen. Photos: Supplied

Looking from Waikiki towards Diamond head.

ABS sheds data on Aussie longevity

THE holy grail for all humanity must surely be the secret to a long and healthy life. Tireless in their pursuit of longevity’s elixir, researchers generally agree that a combination of good genes, a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, restorative sleep, social connections, and a dose of daily laughter can signiﬁcantly increase the chances of living into your eighties—or beyond.

While Australians champion the research, marking the nation as one of the highestranking OECD countries for high life expectancy from birth, recently released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates a slight fall in the country’s life expectancy for second year running, as well as dropping in its global ranking.

According to the ABS, the life expectancy for an Australian girl born today is 85.1 years, while for a boy its 81.1 years. These statistics reﬂect a slight dip, down by 0.1 years for males and 0.2 years for females for the period 2021- 2023 and is largely due to the continued impact of COVID. While the pandemic certainly took a toll, particularly in 2022 when nearly 20,000 additional deaths occurred,

the overall trend over the past decade, nevertheless remains positive.

In fact, life expectancy has increased steadily since 1993, with males living 6.1 years longer and females 4.2 years longer. This reﬂects decades of medical and public health progress, and while the pandemic caused a temporary setback, the long-term trajectory remains upward.

Globally, Australia has the fourth highest life expectancy at birth amongst OECD countries and is equal with Spain at 83.2 years. Australia previously sat above Spain in third place.

Unsurprisingly, Japan remains the country with highest life expectancy rates globally at 84.1 years, followed by Switzerland at 83.7 years and South Korea at 83.6.

Servicing Euroa, Seymour, Shepparton, Echuca, Kyabram and surrounding areas

Ageing Well

By Natasha Fujimoto

SPOTLIGHTING and celebrating the continued vibrancy, curiosity and remarkable contributions of the region’s senior citizens, the 2024 Seniors Festival in Greater Shepparton was, yet again, an enormous success. Setting the bar high, curating over 110 events locally for our oldest and wisest residents to enjoy, the festival’s theme of Explore. Engage. Evolve was fully embraced by event attendees, as they participated in a rich and diverse program of activities, talks and entertainment.

From online cardio to Tai Chi in the library, the local Seniors Festival was replete with barbeques, movie sessions, singalongs, endless activities in the park as well as opportunities to try out croquet, meet new friends, have a laugh and so much more. From elder advocacy talks to craft and co ee, this year’s Greater Shepparton Seniors Festival not only encapsulated the spirit of older Victorians but was an exceptional display of community and camaraderie.

Undoubtedly one of the standout events,

the Early Melbourne Cup at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre (MEAC) saw around 30 enthusiastic senior citizens don fascinators and jockey hats, ready to race on their hobby-horses in what was a lighthearted and joyful take on the iconic Melbourne Cup.

The event featured four preliminary races, with participants competing for the coveted MEAC Cup trophy. Laughter echoed through the hall as trivia questions and horse racing games provided extra fun between races. The occasion not

only showcased the playful side of the region’s seniors but also emphasised the importance of having a laugh and staying active, regardless of age. Afternoon tea, complete with punch and sandwiches, gave everyone a chance to relax and mingle while prizes were awarded for "Fashions on the Field,” a ﬁtting tribute to the event's Melbourne Cup theme.

In another corner of Shepparton, the Centennial High Tea was held at the Woolshed, a beloved venue that o ered the perfect setting for this special occasion. This event was dedicated to honouring the region’s oldest residents with an afternoon of music, conversation and delectable treats. A highlight of the afternoon was the performance by Frank Powell, whose

nostalgic jingles and guitar-playing invited attendees to sing along, sparking fond memories and smiles. The afternoon reached its pinnacle when Joyce Oxenbury, at nearly 102 years old, was invited to cut the Centennial Cake.

Looking ahead to 2025, there is much to be excited about. The Victorian Seniors Festival will return in a bigger, bolder format, spanning an entire month of activities that celebrate older Victorians across the state. For Shepparton, this means even more opportunities to create lasting memories with a packed calendar of events, set to further challenge perceptions of aging as well as promote healthy, active lifestyles for seniors.

AN AFTERNOON OF SHEER DELIGHT… Enjoying delectable treats, tea and fabulous company, Melanie Spencer shared a very special afternoon with her father, 95 year-old Bill Andrews at the Centennial High Tea on Tuesday, October 29. Hosted by Greater Shepparton City Council, the event was a joyful culmination of a month long series of curated events to celebrate Seniors Festival, which took place throughout October. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

RESTORING FAIRNESS AND TRANSPARENCY... The new Retirement Villages Amendment Bill will initiate stronger protections for older Victorians living in retirement villages. Ensuring the standardisation of contracts, the new bill will assist residents to make more informed decisions through simplifying terms and making them clearer, while also supporting individuals to resolve disputes. Photo: Supplied

Measures to ensure fairness for retirement village residents

FOLLOWING a comprehensive review of the Retirement Village Sector, the Victorian Government initiated stronger protections for older Victorians living in retirement villages on November 24, introducing the Retirement Villages Amendment Bill. With reports of some operators gouging residents with exorbitant exit fees and punitive contracts containing unfair and unreasonable clauses such as mandatory medical examinations, no pets without permission and compulsory renovations, the new reforms will restore transparency to contracts, enabling residents to make more informed choices about where and how they live.

Ensuring the standardisation of contracts, by simplifying terms and making them clearer, the Bill will also introduce stricter regulations around exit fees, and mandate annual contract reviews so residents are always clear on their obligations. With some operators reportedly charging 60 per cent of the retirement home’s purchase price in exit fees when residents choose to sell, these measures are long overdue.

In addition, the new legislation will require retirement villages to establish emergency management plans and conduct regular evacuation exercises, addressing safety concerns in case of an emergency. The introduction of an alternative dispute

resolution service will also help resolve less complex issues between residents and operators, providing a faster and more accessible avenue for resolving conﬂicts.

Highlighting years of work and planning, the Minister for Consumer A airs Gabrielle Williams said, following the introduction of the Bill, “Older Victorians in retirement villages should be conﬁdent that their contracts are fair and transparent –so they can focus on enjoying their retirement.

“These reforms will empower residents to make informed decisions, support them to resolve disputes and promote best practice in retirement village management.”

Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker. With 7 functions, you have a BBQ Grill, a Foolproof BBQ Smoker, Air Fryer and you can also Bake, Roast, Dehydrate and Reheat - all in one appliance. With Woodfire Technology, easily create rich, fully developed woodfire flavour

Ninja Woodfire Electric Grill & Smoker

Woodfire Outdoor Oven

Christmas in the Goulburn Valley

Across

3. Decorative greenery hung over doorways during the festive season (6)

4. Local town famous for fruit packing and orchards, perfect for Christmas hampers and desserts (7)

5. Flowering tree around Shepparton and surrounds with purple flowers (9)

9. This special festive event celebrated 50 years in Shepparton in 2024 (5,7)

12. Popular destination in Shepparton CBD for Christmas shopping

Down

1. Popular Christmas dessert with custard or cream (8)

2. Brings gifts on Christmas Eve, rides a sleigh (5)

6. Fruit associated with Tatura’s orchards, ripening around December (6)

7. Place in Kialla where Santa might make an early visit (5)

8. A colourful decoration on a tree (8)

10. A joyful seasonal greeting (5)

11. Popular recreational sporting activity, particularly in the summer months

Summer fashions

15 per cent off storewide!

MAKE the most of summer savings at Pampens Boutique, Mooroopna, where a fantastic 15 per cent off storewide sale is happening now! Hurry in before Saturday, December 14, to snap up your favourite styles at discounted prices.

This sale is already halfway through, with discounts on popular brands including Sacha Drake, Goondiwindi Cotton, Foil, Ping Pong, See Saw, Marco Polo, Yarra Trail, and many more.

Discover the latest summer dresses, evening wear, eye-catching prints, and stylish accessories perfect for any occasion. With a wide range of options catering to all women, Pampens Boutique ensures there's something for everyone.

This is the perfect opportunity to shine at festive gatherings or end-of-year events with a standout outfit at a reduced price. But don't wait—Angela Tripoli, owner of Pampens Boutique, advised, "Popular styles and sizes are selling quickly, so get in early to avoid missing out!"

Popular styles and sizes are selling quickly, so get in early to avoid missing out!

Angela Tripoli, owner of Pampens Boutique

in The Shepparton Adviser's Christmas Hamper competition. Shop in-store for your chance to win a $1,000 voucher to create the ultimate festive hamper!

McLennan Street, Mooroopna, where Angela and her friendly team are ready to help you find the perfect summer look this Christmas season.

Pampens Boutique is also participating

Visit Pampens Boutique at 112

Opening hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12 noon on Saturdays.

Christmas cellarbrations for

IT IS beginning to look a lot like Christmas, it is time to celebrate with friends and family with a selection of choice beverages to suit every budget and taste.

The team at Kialla Cellarbrations Superstore has curated an extensive range of products to suit every taste this Christmas. They offer a diverse selection of local products, everyday super specials, and an array of choices to cater to every preference.

Their friendly team will make sure to provide topnotch customer service, so you can stock up for every end-of-year work break, Christmas party and family gathering this festive season.

Kialla Cellarbrations has specials right across their range, so hurry in and enjoy a few tasty beverages with your loved ones.

Make this Christmas extraordinary by visiting Kialla Cellarbrations Superstore at Riverside Plaza, Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla, or give them a call on 03 8657 0694 to find your perfect festive additions.

an extensive range of products to suit every taste this

They offer a diverse selection of local products, everyday super specials, and an array of choices to cater to every

ON TREND... Pampens Boutique has a carefully curated selection of garments perfect for summer days, balmy evenings and those glittering end-of-year events. Head in-store to see Angelia Tripoli and the team and take advantage of their storewide sale, on now. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

CHRISTMAS DRINKS... Raeley and the team at Kialla Cellarbrations Superstore has curated

Christmas.

preference.

Photo: Emma Harrop

Go beyond the game with Vanessa Low

Tayla Harris, Paralympian Col Pearse and disaster expert David Younger will also be part of this fantastic event. Photo: Supplied

Free sports-based panel discussion event in Shepparton by the Resilience in Recovery team

PARALYMPIAN gold medallist Vanessa Low OAM has overcome many challenges in her life after she was struck by a train at 15 in East Germany where she was born. The accident led to Vanessa having both legs amputated above the knee.

The resilience built in Vanessa to overcome the hardship and become a three-time gold medallist at the Paralympics makes her such an insightful guest at Beyond the Game, a free panel discussion about sport, inclusion and disaster recovery.

“One of the really challenging things was to really find out who that new person was and accepting that there is no such thing as overcoming adversity. A lot of us think there is such a thing as coming out the other side and returning back to normal lives after adversity hits. But it took me a long time to realise that is actually not possible. Not only do we change, in my case with the physical change, but we are no longer the same person and that’s a really good thing. I think it took me a long time to accept that and really enter the new life and the new opportunities rather than wasting so much time chasing back to have the same body and life that I had before and actually leaning into the new life,” said Vanessa.

“Col [Pearson – fellow panellist] and I, for example, are both individual athletes. We’re the ones competing by

ourselves on the day, but there is a massive asset of our friends, our family, our coaches and all the supporters who get us there. And I don’t think a lot of people really understand that. I think with anything that we do we really need to lean more into the support network we have available to ourselves not only to celebrate our successes and to have someone there for us when it doesn’t go well. But someone to hold us accountable, someone that makes us want to reach for those goals. You know, by wanting to make mum proud, wanting to make the community proud, it heightens our motivation and the drive to get all the extra hours of training in.

“I think it’s really exciting to get the connection between athletes and community, and I’m excited to be part of the event because it not only gives us the opportunity to celebrate our successes, but it gives us the opportunity to say thank you. All of our careers to some extent have been affected by the communities around us.”

You can hear more about Vanessa’s journey at Beyond the Game on Sunday, December 15, from 11am to 2pm, at the Main Pavilion Function Room of Sports City on Numurkah Road. To book scan the QR Code, email recovery@ shepparton.vic.gov.au or call 0478 257 397.

Integrated care across Northern Victoria

PATIENT care in the Goulburn Valley promises to become easier to manage when GV Health and Hume Rural Health Alliance (HRHA) announced they have a fully consolidated Patient Administration System (PAS) across HRHA’s fourteen-member health services in the Hume Region in Northern Victoria.

In what has been one of the most complex implementations of the i.PM PAS ever undertaken, the single, integrated PAS across fourteen health services is a giant leap forward in digital health to achieve better-connected patient care.

“This marks a major shift in the way information follows our patients as they access various health services across the region. This will result in improved patient outcomes and safety,” said Matt Sharp, Chief Executive of Goulburn Valley Health and Chair of the

HRHA Executive Committee.

“Our digital health experts, dedicated health staff from health services across the Hume Region and leaders have now embedded this major change within the health services in the Hume Region. They have kept the vision of improved patient care at the heart of our digital health transformation program and all the work we do.”

HRHA trained approximately 2,500 staff to prepare for the introduction of the PAS. The following health services have been involved: Albury Wodonga Health, Alexandra District Health, Alpine Health, Beechworth Health Service, Benalla Health, Corryong Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Mansfield District Hospital, NCN Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta, Seymour Health, Tallangatta Health Service, Yarrawonga Health and Yea

and District Memorial Hospital

HRHA’s Hume PAS Connect initiative brings together multiple digital health projects to enable health services in the Hume Region to connect to state and national eHealth initiatives, to support patient safety and the flow of clinical information in the region and more widely.

“HRHA is pleased that we could deliver a connected Patient Administration System for the first time in the Hume Region’s history,” said HRHA chief information officer, Neelu Kaur.

“This is a great achievement which has been realised through collaboration. We thank all the health services’ teams for their support for this major transition, and the activity in the years leading up to this. As always, we are looking towards the future investments in digital health to bridge the healthcare gaps in our regional communities.”

RECOVERING COMMUNITY SPORT... Paralympian, Vanessa

Low will share her journey at Beyond the Game. A free panel discussion about sport, inclusion and disaster recovery hosted by Resilience in Recovery. AFLW player

BETTER PATIENT CARE... GV Health and Hume Rural Health Alliance announced they have a fully consolidated Patient Administration System across HRHA’s fourteen-member health services in the Hume Region in Northern Victoria. Chief Executive of Goulburn Valley Health and Chair of the HRHA Executive Committee, Matt Sharp, at a press conference earlier this year. Photo: Aaron Cordy

Shepparton hosts fundraising stop for Very Special Kids

A GIANT pink piggy bank rolled into Shepparton last Friday as part of a statewide road trip to raise $100,000 for Very Special Kids, a charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The event at the Commonwealth Bank Shepparton branch marked the return of the Piggy Bank Appeal tour after a hiatus since COVID-19.

Very Special Kids supports approximately 700 families across the state. As Victoria’s only children’s hospice, it provides 24-hour medically supported respite, end-of-life care and after death care to children and young people with lifelimiting conditions, and tailored support for their families.

Parents Alanna and Matthew, who live in Tatura, understand firsthand the impact of this holistic care. Their son Lachlan, aged five-years, has been supported by Very Special Kids since 2022. Lachlan has Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease (PMD), a rare degenerative condition that attacks the central

nervous system and impacts his mobility and speech development.

“It’s phenomenal, really, Very Special Kids has helped us when we really need it and taken the pressure off,” Alanna shared. “We know Lachie is safe and in good hands at the hospice, and it gives us the break we really need.”

The Shepparton branch was abuzz with activity last Friday, with a fundraising BBQ, piggythemed merchandise, and other activities aimed at generating awareness and support. The Commonwealth Bank has been a key partner of the Piggy Bank Appeal for 25 years and has contributed more than $3.3M towards its essential palliative care services.

Very Special Kids is a predominantly self-funded

organisation, relying on the generosity of the community to continue offering its service. For more information or to donate, visit www.piggybankappeal.org.au

Bleed 4 blue

By Aaron Cordy

BLOOD saves lives. It is estimated that 1 in 3 will need donated blood in their lifetime, which is why the officers at the Shepparton Police have joined fellow officers around the country to participate in Bleed4Blue Drive from December 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025.

Bleed4Blue is an annual, three-month law enforcement-focused blood drive in partnership with Red Cross Lifeblood, launched following the stabbing of an officer in Maroubra on Australia Day in 2018. So, until the end of February 2025, you will see our local boys in blue down at the Shepparton Lifeblood Donor Centre near the Coles carpark on Vaughan Street.

“I regularly do as often as I can, and then they advertise the Bleed4Blue. So absolutely, why not?” said Sergeant Darren Wagstaff when

asked why he was donating.

“I started 30 years ago. My pop used to donate blood. Yeah, he got me into it.”

Sergeant Wagstaff is also a plasma donor. Plasma donation is also vitally important for those who can donate, which Shae Burns, relationship manager of the Shepparton Lifeblood Centre, is keen to remind everyone.

“Because you can only go in broad once every three months as well. So, there's some people that won't be eligible to donate right now, but they might be eligible to donate in two months' time. So that's why we run it for three months and then encourage everyone to come on in that three-month period.” said Shae.

“We’re really thankful for the support of the ship police and yeah, all Victorian police are coming in and donating and helping encourage others to come on in and donate.”

Jeffers

CLOSE TO HEART... Very Special Kids holds a special place in the hearts of fundraising volunteers Helen and Paul, from Melbourne. Their family was supported when their granddaughter was born with a life-limiting illness and sadly passed away at only three years old. Very Special Kids continues to support them and their families, and in turn, they continue to support the organisation’s cause. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

BLUE BLOOD... Sergeant Darren Wagstaff of the Shepparton Police, along with fellow ofﬁcers around the country are donating vital blood and plasma as part of Bleed4Blue Drive from December 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. Photo: Emma Harrop

LIFELINE LOST... Harmony Retirement Village residents feel that their independence has been negatively impacted since the State Government closed the bus stop on Zurcas Lane, Shepparton, but have vowed to keep fighting.

Pictured with Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell MP are residents from left: Gabrielle Barrette, Norelle Earl, Hazel Lucas, Loris Emary, Connie Kyrakou, Di

Wendy Lovell, Mary Pell and Ellen Hall. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

Government stops short:

Zurcas Lane residents left stranded

continued from front page

SINCE the closure, residents are struggling to be able to travel independently to the hospital, to doctors' appointments, go shopping or socialise, and must walk up to a kilometre to the nearest bus stop at Shepparton Marketplace. This is not only concerning to the residents, but to their families as well.

Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell, raised the issue in parliament in October, urging the Minister for Public Transport, Gabrielle Williams, to re-open the stop. However, Ms Lovell said the State Government has refused to get on board.

Previously, Bus Route 7 travelled along Zurcas Lane, stopping at a shelter conveniently located outside Harmony Village. The service was a vital lifeline for many residents, serving as their main form of transportation. It also benefitted East Shepparton Bowls Club members, who could catch the bus directly to the club entrance.

“There are a few players that cannot drive anymore due to their health and rely on the bus service. Without the bus stop, they have to walk from Marketplace with their bowling bags, because we don’t have lockers at the clubhouse,” said a spokesperson at the bowls club.

Lawn bowls bags can weigh between 4-10kg or more, and unlike retirement village residents, club members cannot access Marketplace by the private path, meaning they must walk for a kilometre.

Ms Lovell said, “For many retirees, the

distance from Harmony Village to the Marketplace bus stop is just too far to walk due to age of infirmity, and the path has no shelter from the rain or sun.”

Despite these concerns, Minister Williams recently confirmed the closure is permanent. In her response to Ms Lovell, she said the bus stop was “permanently closed... due to ongoing safety concerns, as the bus was unable to safely turn around in the court without being in reverse.”

“This was deemed a safety and operational issue that thankfully did not result in any accidents but needed to be resolved to prevent ongoing safety risks for residents.”

Ms Williams said low patronage and the safety concerns are the reasons the bus stop was removed from the route. She said the bus stop was temporarily closed for six months prior to the “permanent” closure to test the change with the community, however, residents don’t feel that consultation was sufficient and that their mobility and independence have been negatively impacted by the closure.

“As you get older, you become very vulnerable, and once upon a time you’d take on the world, nobody would stop you,” said Mary Pell, residents president at Harmony Village. “I’ve still got a bit of fight in me, but I’m getting tired. I look around at all these other people here (residents), and they didn’t come here to fight these battles.”

Ms Lovell, who met with residents on Monday, said she will continue to work with them to pressure the State Government to reverse the decision.

“The stop was closed without consultation,

and Village residents and bowls club members want their bus stop back,” said Ms Lovell.

“I will continue to work with residents to pressure the State Government to listen to the community’s concerns, reverse the decision, and recommission the Zurcas Lane bus stop,” said Ms Lovell.

A petition is being created by the residents, with support from Ms Lovell, to urge the State Government to reverse the decision and reinstate the Zurcas Lane bus stop.

Feldtmann,

An inclusive community is a thriving community

We want to hear your thoughts on Council’s 2025/2026Budget

What would you like to see prioritised next financial year?

This is your opportunity to provide input into the Budget. Council want your feedback and this is your chance to be heard.

Have your say now.

You can share your feedback via: Survey at shepp.city/budget

Sending your feedback to Council at 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton, or by email at council@shepparton.vic.gov.au

Consultation closes on Friday 20 December 2024.

For more information visit shaping.greatershepparton.com.au

INTERNATIONAL Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD) on Tuesday, December 3, celebrated and advocated for greater inclusivity for people with disabilities.

Local disability support organisations Shepparton Access, ConnectGV, and are-able took part in songwriting workshops, leading to a special concert last week. Participants heard their songs performed by Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine, an all-abilities band, at the Shepparton Sports Precinct main pavilion.

Unfortunately, heavy rain saw ConnectGV’s talent showcase to be held at the Maude Street

Maude cancelled on Tuesday, with plans to reschedule it to Wednesday. Also coinciding with IDPwD, Greater Shepparton City Council anticipates launching its ‘Promoting Greater Access in Greater Shepparton’ guide this week.

This guide, part of the Universal Access and Inclusion Plan 2022-2026, offers practical tips for groups to improve accessibility. It will be available on the council’s website after the official launch.

Correction: In last week’s Adviser, some captions were incorrectly paired with images. The correct images and captions have been included in this edition.

FREE LAUNDRY AND A CHAT

CREATING MUSIC… Local disability organisations teamed up with the Greater Shepparton City Council and Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine, and allabilities band doing great things, for songwriting workshops and a concert.

Orange Sky provides a free laundry service and a safe space for genuine, non-judgemental conversation and connection.

How can Orange Sky help me?

We provide access to free laundry services and genuine, friendly conversations through our dedicated volunteers.

How can I do my laundry?

connec (this takes about 30 mins), feel free to

You will be given a basket to place your clothes into, then you will load your items into the washing machine. While your clothes are being washed (this takes about 30 mins), feel free to have a chat with our volunteers. If you’d like your clothes dried, this will take about 40 minutes.

Do I need to make a booking?

No booking is required to use our services! Some of our shifts can get busy, so we recommend arriving when the shift starts to secure your spot in the queue (if there is one).

Do I need to bring or buy detergent?

No. Liquid detergent is cycle starts, so no need to bring space tion.

No. Liquid detergent is automatically dosed into the machines every time a washing cycle starts, so no need to bring your own.

Location Family Haven 15-17 Young St, Mooroopna

operations@orangesky.org.au

Pictured front row from Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine are band members Eric McCuskey, Jessica Paige, Jake Mason and Gerry Smith. Back row from areable are Maurice, Mitchell, Joe, Jamie, Tabitha and Jonathan Sonnenberg (Gerry’s Well Oiled machine

MUSICAL COLLABORATION… Shepparton Access participated in the songwriting workshops, facilitated by Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine and supported by Greater Shepparton City Council. Pictured from left back row: Jake Mason from Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine, Lana and Melita from Shepp Access, Eric McCusker (Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine), Amy, Teagan, Gerry (Gerry’s Well Oiled Machine), Aaron, Issy and Gemma. Front row from left: Chloe, Sarah, Nicole, Chevy, Lisa, Maria and Leon. Photo: Deanne Jeffers

The perfect storm:

Allergies and asthma in thunderstorms

THUNDERSTORM asthma can affect people of any age, but adults with seasonal hay fever and a sensitivity to grass pollen are at the highest risk. The risk is even higher for people with poorly controlled asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma is a risk in Victoria during the grass pollen season, which is typically from October 1 to December 31. Last week, most of the state was classed as Moderate Risk Level for an epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma event.

Deakin University PhD student and Deakin AirWatch researcher Kira Hughs said three things must occur for a Thunderstorm Asthma event to take place: a storm passing through; allergens, such as pollens, in the air; and a susceptible population with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or allergies.

Ms Hughs said that Victoria has had at

least seven Thunderstorm Asthma events, which is more than any other city or country in the world.

“Most Thunderstorm Asthma events are not catastrophic,” said Ms Hughes. “But in 2016, Melbourne experienced the most severe Thunderstorm Asthma event ever recorded. 10,000 people required medical care, and sadly, 10 people passed away. Some of those people had never experienced asthma before.”

The frustration for researchers is that the pollen data can be up to 24 hours old, with the recording machines not having been updated in over 70 years. As part of her PhD, Ms Hughes is helping to develop the world’s first real-time pollen counter – a sensor that will take less than one hour to collate pollen in the air.

“The current systems are outdated, and

Letters to the Editor

RECKLESS SPENDING

TEN years of Labor Government leaves Victorians with little to nothing to celebrate.

Victoria is now the highest-taxed state in the nation, with debt set to soar to a staggering $188 billion.

Victorians are set to be lumped with interest repayments of $25 million a day - over $1 million every

hour. Let that sink in. Through no fault of your own you, your friends and your familyall Victorians - each owe $28,000 as our share of the debt.

This is all because the Labor Government can’t manage money, leaving you to pay the price.

Regional Victorians are not immune from the rocketing debt.

these potential dated forecasts may result in inaccurate pollen counts or even worse, events being missed with potentially deadly results,” said Ms Hughs.

The Deakin AirWatch facility plays a crucial role in providing data for pollen forecasts and Thunderstorm Asthma warnings. The research team is hoping that in the future we can do this is a much more efficient manner that will ultimately help to save lives.’

How to protect yourself:

• Use your prevention medication – If you have been prescribed a preventer inhaler, use it as directed, especially during spring.

concern for thunderstorm asthma. Here are some tips and advice on staying safe during thunderstorms and preventing and managing asthma symptoms.

• Manage hay fever – Keep hay fever symptoms under control with advice from your General Practitioner (GP) or pharmacist, as this can help prevent asthma flare-ups, particularly during thunderstorm events.

• Monitor pollen levels – Check daily pollen forecasts through the VicEmergency website or app. Try to stay indoors on highpollen days.

• Be prepared – Stay safe by making sure you and your loved one’s asthma action plans are up-to-date and ensure you have enough medication on hand, including inhalers and antihistamines.

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.

Cost-of-living is harder as a result of Labor’s 56 new or increased taxes.

But it doesn’t get any easier as we struggle to find a rental or buy a home, navigate crumbling roads or worry about hospitals that can’t keep up with patient care.

Regional Victorians only receive 13 per cent of the Allan Government’s spend, despite 25 per

cent of the population living in the country.

We are not getting our fair share, and it is eye watering that $40 billion has been wasted on city projects – imagine how that money could transform regional roads, schools or hospitals.

Sadly, the financial recklessness will continue as the Premier has

signed multi-billion contracts for the Suburban Rail Loop - another mega-project for the city. Premier Allan can’t manage money, can’t manage projects and it is regional Victorians who pay the price.

Danny O’Brien MP Leader of The Nationals

STORM WARNING... Recent storms have caused

Photo: Supplied

CHANGE OF PREFERENCE 2024

UNLOCK YOUR OPTIONS... Year 12 students have a lot to consider. Whether they received a higher or lower ATAR than expected or if they just want to make sure they’re making the right choice, ATAR Calculator or Find Your Course by ATAR can help narrow down options. Photo: Supplied

Unlock your options at La Trobe

HE change of preference period is a stressful time for Year 12 students – there are a lot of highs and lows when locking in course preferences for next year. Year 12 students have a lot to consider. Whether they received a higher or lower ATAR than expected, or if they just want to make sure they’re making the right choice, the change of preference period is a short window to make any changes to their preferred university courses. Tools such as ‘ATAR Calculator’ or ‘Find Your Course by

ATAR’ can help narrow down options by filtering courses based on a real or estimated ATAR. If they’ve received an ATAR and it’s lower than expected, then there are other ways into a dream course. Using an online ‘Pathways Tool’ can help explore all alternative entry options – so they can still reach their study and career goals.

During the change of preference period, it’s important to remember that an ATAR won’t define their whole life – especially if the ATAR wasn’t what they’d hoped for. If

The countdown is on...

THE wait is almost over for Year 12 students. Victorian Certificate of

Education (VCE) results will be released Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 7am.

they’re anxious or unsure about courses or the process, then chatting to an expert to understand the many options will go a long way to putting them at ease. Future students, parents and carers can connect with a study advisor through live chat, calling 1300 135 045, booking a consultation or attending a campus event near you. Whatever the ATAR, there are so many options at La Trobe. Visit choose.latrobe.edu.au for more information, support, event dates and advice.

You can access results online on the VCE Results and ATAR Service website or app. Registering is free, and the service is available 24-hours a day until Monday, December 16. You will also

receive your results package in the mail on December 12. Printed statements of VCE results will arrive in the mail following the internet and app release.

There are so many ways to reach your dream course and career at La Trobe. No matter your ATAR, it’s time to get real.

CHANGE OF PREFERENCE 2024

Photo: Supplied

Grow in the direction you like

What

WITH exams finished and the next chapter of their lives ahead of them, VCE students have reached the pointy end where they now consider where to next?

It is important that young people know that if they did not achieve the ATAR they were hoping for, or if their dreams have changed, you have a world of options ahead of you and plenty of support available.

Put simply, the Change of Preference period is when students receive their results and when they confirm their choice of studies.

This window of time gives students the opportunity to carefully consider their

application and to reach out to representatives from universities and TAFEs that can answer specific questions regarding their choice of studies, campus, unit selections and more, before confirming their placement.

If you didn’t get the results you wanted, from December 12 you can add, delete or modify the order of your preferences. So long as you have paid your course application fee, you can change your preferences as much as you like within the Change of Preferences timeframe. More information is available from VTAC: www.vtac.edu.au/applying/courses/cop.html

Government acts to address VCE exam errors and ensure fairness

THE Victorian Government and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) are taking swift action after errors in 56 Year 12 exams, including mathematics, biology, and English, caused widespread concern. The breach, which saw exam materials accidentally published online in a “hidden” section of sample assessments, affected nearly half of this year’s VCE exams.

Education Minister Ben Carroll apologised, acknowledging the frustration for students and families. “I am extremely disappointed by what has occurred. I have instructed the VCAA to take all necessary action to ensure that all students are treated fairly, and no student is disadvantaged in the marking of this year’s exams,” he said.

To ensure fairness, the VCAA is implementing its anomalous grade check process. This process will:

• Review student marks in the affected exams and identify any anomalies in how students have responded to the affected questions.

• Analyse if any discrepancies are identified and if so, further analysis will be undertaken. This could include comparing how students performed compared to other students, and how students performed on other examinations.

• Adjust student marks if any questions are identified as providing anyone with an unfair advantage. This could mean invalidating questions and awarding all students who sat this exam a full mark if necessary.

An independent advisory panel, led by former VCAA CEO Professor John Firth and including education experts, will oversee this process. Additionally, a full review of VCAA practices is scheduled for January 2025 to prevent future issues. Students concerned about their results are advised to contact their schools, which are working closely with the VCAA. Results will be released on December 12.

Shitbox Rally raises money to fight cancer

A big thank you to all our supporters, donors and sponsors -we had a ball and could not have done it without you

IT was a gloomy, grey day in Bendigo on Saturday, October 19 when 233 Shitboxes left town headed for Townsville as part of the Spring Shitbox Rally.

Dave Baldwin and Ern Meharry (The NAGA’S) in their Ford Courier were in Buddy Group 16, a diverse group from all over Australia with one thing in mind – the fight against cancer.

Cheered on by well-wishers along the road, many participants were unaware of the heat, fuel shortages and other challenges awaiting them.

The first leg to Pooncarie was relatively uneventful and camp that night was on beautiful green grass opposite the Pooncarie Hotel. From there things heated up as did the challenges. Where the NAGA’s would truly learn the value of teamwork and support via our amazing Buddy Group.

They had four days in a row well into the 40’s, glad C&M Automotive fixed the Air Conditioning. On day three, due to the recent rains, unable to follow the planned route from Milparinka to Innaminka via the Strzelecki track, the road authority sent them on a 280km long (and incorrect) detour via Noccundra in Southwest Queensland.

Using far more fuel than they budgeted for and restricted to 25L per vehicle at Innaminka, where the fuel tanker got stuck due to the rain, meant most rally cars struggled for fuel. Indeed, the fuel queue

Ern Meharry

when they arrived at Beetoota on day four was a couple of kilometres long and again restricted, this time to 40L.

Support sent a vehicle to Birdsville (a twohour drive each way) with lots of empty jerry cans to ensure enough fuel for the next leg.

This section also saw the first casualty amongst our buddy group. Two girls from WA, in their ‘Tribal Bohemians’ Mitsubishi Magna, managed to put a hole in their sump and seize the engine. Their luggage was rearranged and each lady hopped into another car to continue the journey.

On day six, another group car broke down on the bitumen between Barcaldine and Jericho. They waited in the heat for a support trailer to load the sick Falcon then headed north from Jericho along a slippery road smack bang into a massive thunderstorm, what a hoot, this drive was clearly the favourite. Dave and Ern set up

Facts and Figures:

• Distance Bendigo to Townsville - 3720Km

• Fuel Cost - $950

• Highest fuel cost - $2.51/litre at Beetoota.

• 12 dead cars.

• Amount raised for Cancer Council $2,379,965.

• The NAGA’S raised $24,009 finishing 10th in the fundraising effort.

“A big thank you to all our supporters, donors and sponsors -we had a ball and could not have done it without you,” said Ern.

BROKEN DOWN... The NAGA’s leading the way for buddy group 16 as they pass another broken-down buddy group. There were breakdowns along the way, for some it was the end of the road for their shitbox. Photo: Supplied.

BOGAN LIFE... There were many weird and wonderful shitboxes on the road to Townsville.

MUD BASHING... On day six the boys had a ball in the mud on the Belyando Crossing. There were many challenges along the way, with 12 cars not making the trek from Bendigo to Townsville, despite this, all involved had a ball. Photo: Supplied

Enterfor

your

chancetowin GIANT Christmas hamper

$1,000 Full of festive cheer! worth of gift vouchers to create your own

GV INDEPENDANT PACKERS ARE LOOKING FOR A LOCAL HC TRUCK DRIVER TO WORK FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON

CURRENT LICENCE & PRINT OUTS FROM VIC ROADS REQUIRED

RATES TO BEDISCUSSED UPON INTERVIEW

PLEASE EMAIL RESUME TO TRANSPORT@GVIP.COM .AU OR CONTACT

ALEXANDER (0437 353 246)

EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES AS LEADER OF MUSIC

All Saints Anglican School is seeking a full time Leader of Music from the beginning of 2025. In 2025, we will have students at each year level from Prep to Year 8; by 2029, we plan to be a school of around 1000 students up to Year 12.

Ahead of Christmas, The Adviser have teamed up with local businesses to give you the chance to win $1,000 worth of vouchers to create your own Christmas hamper. Plus, more great prizes to be won.

Look out for entry forms in local participating businesses. The competition is open until December 18th. Winners will be drawn and notified on December 18th.

Simply make a purchase in-store and fill out an entry form with your name and phone number and place it in the box provided in store to be in the running to win prizes.

Entries available at: Fairleys IGA • Krueger’s Fine Meats & Smallgoods Pinch of Salt • Europa Deli • North End Bakehouse Mooroopna Focus Cards & Gifts • Pampens Boutique • Perfect Pieces Direct Chemist Outlet Shepparton

The Leader of Music will build our performing arts program to include classroom music, dance and drama; ensembles; regular performance opportunities in assemblies and weekly Chapel services; and to begin school productions. Whilst still a new school, there are signiﬁcant opportunities for the successful candidate to form a truly unique and exciting Performing Arts faculty

The successful candidate will be an exemplary classroom practitioner with an ability to build a new faculty Experience in church music will be an advantage.

Requirements:

•Dedicated to student learning and professional growth.

•Must be able to play the piano or guitar.

•Possess an innate sense of placing children at the centre of all that you do as a practitioner.

•Ability to plan and implement effective teaching and learning strategies.

•Excellent interpersonal skills for communication and collaboration.

•Up-to-date knowledge of contemporary teaching applications and theory.

•Passionate about creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

•Ability to contribute to the co-curricular life of All Saints.

•Use creative and innovative teaching practices to cater to different learning styles.

•A practical knowledge of the “Science of Learning” would be an advantage.

•Hold a current Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Registration.

How to Apply:

To apply for this role, please submit the below to recruitment@allsaints.vic.edu.au:

•A detailed resume highlighting relevant experience

•Cover letter addressing your suitability for the role

Applications close onFriday, 6 December 2024, at 5:00 pm.

1st Prize: $1,000 worth of vouchers to create your own hamper. Consists of: $500 Fairleys IGA, $200 Bottle O Shepparton, $150 Krueger’s Fine Meats & Smallgoods, $50 Pinch of Salt, $50 North End Bakehouse Mooroopna and $50 Europa Deli. There are 5 consolation prizes to be won. Focus Cards & Gifts $50 voucher, Pampens Boutique $50 voucher, Noble Monks $50 voucher, Perfect Pieces $50 voucher and Direct Chemist Outlet Shepparton $50 voucher.

Full terms and conditions are in this week’s Adviser classifieds.

Proudly brought to you by

“Your assistance made my job so

CLASSIFIED

DWAYNE RUSSELL’S 2025 AFL HEAD COACH PRESSURE METER

SEN

DWAYNE Russell has ranked the seven coaches he thinks are most under pressure heading into the 2025 season.

Russell’s pressure meter ranks the coaches from 1-7, with number one the coach most feeling the heat ahead of next season.

1. Matthew Nicks (Adelaide)

“I've got Matthew Nicks at number one,” Russell said.

“Let alone no flags, he’s made no finals in five years.

“He's about to enter year six. If you don't make finals after six years, then you’ve got to start looking at whether you got the right guy.

“So. I think Matthew Nicks is number one on the pressure meter heading into next year.”

2. Justin Longmuir (Fremantle)

“I have Justin Longmuir too because he hasn't won a flag either.

“He's been at the helm for a while and you know, Fremantle is one of those clubs … they’ve never won a flag and it’s really hard now in an 18team comp.

“You don't want to be one of those clubs that’s never won one.

“I think Justin Longmuir has the cattle at his disposal that he could win one in the next two years.

“So, I think there's a bit of pressure on Justin to get that job done or at least get them to another Grand Final.”

3. Luke Beveridge (Western Bulldogs)

“Luke Beveridge is the obvious number three, but he'll get another job in a heartbeat …he'll walk into another job 10 minutes after he leaves the Dogs.

“So, I don't think he's under as much pressure as Matthew Nicks and Justin Longmuir.”

4. Ken Hinkley (Port Adelaide)

“I've got the obvious at number four, Ken Hinkley.

“I think most people are of the belief that Ken Hinkley has more runs on the board than Nicks and Longmuir.

“He's cheated death three times in a row as a coach so I think he will also walk in another job.”

5. Michael Voss (Carlton)

“I've got Michael Voss at five.

“Carlton might claim to be the biggest club in the land … but I don't think you can be the biggest club in the land unless you win one in the recent decade at least.

“Carlton haven't done that, and that's why I think Voss is under a bit of pressure.

“The expectations are really, really high on Voss.”

6. Simon Goodwin (Melbourne)

“I've got Voss at five ahead of Goodwin at six because I think Simon Goodwin will walk into another job the moment if he is forced to leave the Dees.”