Tatura's Booming March 2023

SHEPPARTON NEWS PUBLICATION

TATURA’S BOOMING

MARCH 2023

As seeds are sown, business has grown

A primary school student by day and business owner of Seb’s Seeds by night, 10-year-old Seb Tartaglia has the world (and the seeds) at his fingertips. PAGE

A RETURN TO COUNTRY ROOTS PAGE

HOW EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE IN A MOMENT

PAGE 12

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

SES appeals for more members

Dealing with two natural disasters in the space of a few months is something no emergency service ever wants to face.

It’s a challenge Tatura State Emergency Service faced head-on at the end of 2022, when the town was hit with not only the devastating Goulburn Valley flood event in October, but a freak storm that shocked the community in the lead-up to Christmas.

Tatura SES unit controller Bec Gould said the timing of the storm in December meant her small team was put to the test only months after the floods, and was still in the process of evaluating the extent of the damage.

“Quite a few businesses around Tat and a few houses were impacted (during the storm),” Bec said.

“Because it happened so close to Christmas, trying to get everyone in to help out was a challenge.

“The great thing about the volunteers we have here is they’re here for the community.”

Bec said although the SES unit was a small one, its commitment

and willingness to improve itself for future events meant the community was well-served.

“We’re always kept busy and we’re doing training every Monday from 7 pm onwards,” she said.

“It’s about keeping our skills and maintenance up to make sure we’re prepared for anything the town might face in the future.”

The team was always on the lookout for new members, Bec said, with working arrangements and training hours flexible for those interested in joining up.

“If there are more people out there that are happy to volunteer for organisations like CFA and SES, when it does come to major events, there’s more people out there that can provide more assistance,” she said.

“Not that we can’t provide that at the moment, but as they say many hands make light work.”

New boss loves his country escape

Taking over Tatura’s Australia Post store in July last year, Gursewak Singh and wife Iqbal Kaur took on the venture after a number of years of searching.

“We were looking for the business and we found a good opportunity here,” Gursewak said.

“Our background is from agriculture and we used to live in country towns and that’s why we like it in Tatura.”

Living in metropolitan areas over their past 18 years in Australia, 47-year-old Gursewak explained he was splitting his time between Tatura and Melbourne, with his wife remaining in the city to teach.

Having previously owned a café along with driving taxis, buses and courier trucks, Gursewak said Tatura fitted the bill for where he wanted to be.

“I was looking and when we checked this business we felt like it was a growing town,” he said.

Enjoying his new lifestyle, Gursewak said the Tatura community was lovely to be a part of.

“They are fantastic people, when they found out I was from Melbourne they welcomed me without any doubt,” he said.

“Most of the people know me now because they come here for their postal needs and other stuff at the post office.”

Tatura SES unit controller Bec Gould and Shepparton Search and Rescue president Nacole Standfield prepare sandbags during the October floods.

Gursewak Singh had been looking for a post office to run for some time and is happy to have found it in Tatura.

A return to country roots and an ideal business opportunity proved motivation for the Tatura Post Office’s new owners to move here.

Turning 40 is a piece of cake

Tatura Community House is known for bringing community members together. But on its 40th anniversary, it was time for the house’s nearest and dearest to gather in celebration.

Bustling through the community house on Thursday, November 17 were more than 70 excited guests consisting of former and current staff, committee members, representatives from Tatura organisations and Tatura residents.

Among the food, drinks and chitchat, guests were greeted with beautiful displays of history creative posters of activities and user groups, lists of current and previous staff and committee members, and a 40-year timeline.

Many regional organisations have come and gone in that time, making one question why places like Tatura Community House not only survive, but thrive.

Tatura Community House co-manager Nadine Pichler said the answer lay in their accessibility and necessity to people.

“It always comes back to cultural and social inclusion, and being open to everyone and every new idea,” Nadine said.

“We really listen to what people tell us and we don’t send anyone away without at least addressing their issues.

“We many not be able to help everyone, but we work with a range of activities and services that we can connect people with.”

The Cubby House is one of the many growing assistance programs the community house has offered since its inception.

TATURA PHARMACY

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In 2023, the childcare centre progressed from operating a few hours per week to four days.

Nadine said the future of Tatura Community House would continue on this road of expansion.

“Looking into the future, we’ve got the FoodREDI program launching soon, a monster garage sale in May and we’re continuing our new women’s health clinic,” she said.

“There are some beautiful activities and new things we’re trying out.”

Both Nadine and co-manager Tom Boocock thanked the 40th anniversary committee, Tatura Community House members, Jacob Dedman, Cr Greg James and all the people who attended the celebration.

To learn more about Tatura Community House, phone 5824 1315 or visit: www.tatcom.vic.edu.au/

It’s fantastic to see the bustling town of Tatura going from strength to strength with more people becoming a Tat local and new businesses opening.

With a range of quality goods and services on offer, I encourage you to drive this growth and shop locally whenever you can.

I’m looking forward to meeting with the many new faces of Tatura this year as well as catching up with those I know well.

In the meantime, if you require assistance with any Federal Government matters, please don’t hesitate to contact my of ce.

Staff at the Tatura Community House’s 40th Anniversary.

Photo: Digital Journey Photography/Jacob Dedman.

NEW MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY COMING SOON TO TATURA

From little things, big business grows

The man behind the Seb’s Seeds enterprise in Tatura is no corporate powerhouse in a suit — in fact, he’s not even a man yet.

It’s 10-year-old Seb Tartaglia, primary school student by day and business owner by night.

Seb’s mission to be more environmentally-conscious steered his family’s efforts outside of the household and into the horticulture industry.

“I learnt about sustainability from Mum and Dad,” he said.

“The idea to start selling seeds came from thinking about how it’s more sustainable for more people to grow their own fruits and vegetables.

“We were also saving money for Chilli.”

No, he’s not getting into the chilligrowing business.

Chilli is the latest addition to the family, a 12-week-old cavoodle that looks more teddy bear than hound a very fluffy result of Seb’s hard work.

Seb’s Seeds differs from competitors by providing a high-grade commercial seed, freshly harvested that year.

Seb’s father David Tartaglia said the seeds were currently stocked at Mes

Amours in Tatura, but the most success had come from online orders via the Seb’s Seeds Facebook page.

“We’re just about to release the winter range now … they should be sown in the next four to eight weeks,” David said.

“Customers can look forward to growing their own silverbeet, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, kale, parsley, celery and more.”

When a seasonal range drops, the business can expect a weekly average of

Soccer club set for a big year

Taking out the Men’s Central Victorian League One SuperCup and the Women’s Central Victorian League Two SuperCup, the Ibises are hungry for more success in 2023.

Senior men’s coach Tristan Zito who scored a crucial goal in extra time of the SuperCup final said it was good to take out two senior premierships.

“It all just came together and we (the men) did it over our rivals in the grand final, Shepparton South, so that made it even sweeter,” Tristan said.

“Obviously it was quite crazy and we won on penalties, but everyone’s keen and more hungry than ever to try and go back-to-back, which would be the first time we’ve ever done it in the senior men.”

Shaping up for another big season this year, Tristan said the squad had already started preparations for the new campaign.

“We’ve already started preseason and the squad’s looking good,” he said.

“We’ve kept everyone from last year and probably added a few more, which will be handy, and the girls have started back as well so things are looking good at Ibis land.

“I’d say everyone’s probably more motivated and hungry than I expected.

“Sometimes you expect a bit of a premiership hangover or whatever, but everyone was keen to start pre-season and they got going before Christmas.”

150 orders of bulk packs, containing 20 to 30 varieties of seeds.

It’s obvious a lot of Seb’s knowledge has come from his father, sharing a green thumb and an appreciation of a job well done.

When asking David why he encouraged his 10-year-old to start a business, his response exhibited the nurturing Seb has received to flourish.

“It’s good for Seb to learn about the value of money, to appreciate hard work and the reward from it,” he said.

Seb Tartaglia with a packet of Seb’s Seeds. Photos: Megan Fisher

Tatura Soccer Club’s senior side took out the Men’s

Tatura Soccer Club will once again be the place to be this year, after an incredible 2022 season.

Grant to repair historic hall

As part of the Strengthening Rural Communities program, $10,000 has been awarded to the Tatura Civic Halls Committee to rejuvenate the historic Mechanics Institute Hall.

Four years have passed since the Mechanics Institute was infested with white ants and the committee was desperate to replace and recarpet the floor.

The Mechanics Institute is an essential facility of connection for the community with many films, functions and even a taekwondo class held at the site.

Civic Halls Committee president Tom Perry said the committee applied for a number of grants.

Coffee van hits the road

The shiny van and its barista are parked on the corner of Hogan St and Dhurringile Rd, from 6am to 9am.

Tatura Bakery and Lunches owner Nicole Kelly said they couldn’t not invest after many of their customers inquired about the idea of a van.

“We’ve had lots of customer feedback already, everybody thinks it’s a great idea,” Nicole said.

“Because of where it’s parked too, on the roundabout on the corner of Tatura Country Motel, there’s lots of passing traffic coming in from workers travelling to Shepparton.”

“We’ve had to dig into our reserves quite substantially, but we’re fortunate for the grant to be able to finish the job,” Tom said.

He said preserving the heritage doesn’t stop at the floorboards, though.

“It’s a piece at a time … Recently, we’ve had a water problem from the hail blocking the spouting in the room next door, which is used as a therapy room.

“That part is closed and we’re in the process of raising money to finalise the restoration.”

The Victoria Hall building remains open, with parts blocked off due to either repairs or water damage.

HiI’m LEAH,

The popularity of coffee vans has risen in the past decade and Nicole said the possibilities were endless — markets, sporting events and private functions are all on the cards.

“We’re open to anything, people just have to ask,” she said.

“We’re already booked for four Saturdays during football season.”

The Tatura Bakery and Lunches coffee van is also available for private bookings such as social engagements, corporate events and sports functions.

For all inquiries regarding the coffee van, contact Tatura Bakery and Lunches on 5824 1444.

Coffee lovers rejoice! Tatura Bakery and Lunches has made morning coffee runs faster and easier with a new coffee van parked at Tatura Country Motel.

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal has distributed $1,448,968 in grants to 121 projects and Tatura has received a share.

Civic Halls Committee president Tom Perry at the front of Victory Hall, Tatura.

Peta Crilly and Tatura Bakery and Lunches owner Nicole Kelly making coffee.

Tatura is a vibrant, thriving town, with so many offerings. It is so exciting to see the town growing as a go-to destination with wonderful businesses, hospitality, housing and tourism opportunities. Tatura is attracting people from wide and far.

New IGA welcomed by locals

Tatura’s new IGA store has been a welcome addition to the town.

Following its grand opening on November 30, Tatura’s IGA had been a booming success with a “constant steady flow”, store manager Sheree Wootton said.

Being the first of its kind in country Victoria, expectations and anticipation for Ritchie’s Food and Wine store was at an all time high, and due to its large range and community support, the store has been a “great success”.

Ritchie’s store development manager Richard Hobbs said at the opening the store would be “fantastic for the town” and the months following have proved this true.

Still in its first stage, the store has its own bakery, sushi, vegan and gourmet sections, as well as an on-site butcher, and further expansions are in the works.

Sheree said it had been a great addition to the town, as it allowed people to “stay within the community” and have access to everything they needed, from baked goods to gourmet food.

Local support has made the months following the store’s opening easy and enjoyable.

“I just want to thank the community for their ongoing support,” Sheree said.

The second stage is expected to arrive in May and will include additional grocery aisles, a freezer section, a liquor store and liquor drive-through.

Tatura IGA staff celebrating the new store.

TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN INTO THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

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At Tatura Kitchens, we believe that your kitchen is the heart of your home, and we’re passionate about creating stunning kitchens that are both functional and stylish. We offer a wide range of bespoke kitchen designs, all crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail.

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And with our wide selection of materials, finishes, and features, we can create a kitchen that is truly unique. We use only the highest quality materials in our kitchens, ensuring that they are built to last. Our team of skilled craftsmen will ensure that every detail is perfect, from the seamless joinery to the precise installation of your appliances.

So if you’re looking for a kitchen that will be the envy of your friends and family, choose Tatura Kitchens. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start designing your dream kitchen!

Loves and lives lost and found

BY MURRAY SILBY

Sometimes as a journalist you are asked to write a story that is so full, you are unsure of where to start to tell it. This is one of those that continually wants to overflow no matter how carefully you try to pour it out.

The story of Tatura resident Anna Ciavarella could be that of a little migrant girl, abused as a child in Italy, brought to Shepparton, Australia, as a sevenyear-old, unable to speak the language, thrust into school and work immediately, betrothed at 15 and married at 17.

That is a story worth telling all by itself.

I could also have concentrated on the collaboration of Anna with her granddaughter Lauren Minicozzi on writing a book, Anna’s memoir, the struggles of doing so during COVID-19 lockdowns and the blossoming of their relationship as each grew to know and

understand the other so much more during the process.

But there are many more elements to her story, too.

The story of a woman who lost both her husband and her son to suicide and the life she’s built while living with those crushing trials.

Everything Can Change In a Moment Anna’s Memoir is a reminder to us all that you never know what a person you pass in the street might have to deal with that day, or every other day, hour and minute of their life.

This is both in the sense of the overwhelming weight Anna Ciavarella’s husband and son bore, and the unspeakable grief a wife and mother was forced to wade through each day since in order to just live her own life as an ongoing protector, provider and carer for those still around her.

“There were lots of ups and downs.

What’s in the book is only half of it,” Nonna Ciavarella says.

“By the end of the book I was worn out, exhausted, but I was so happy, not happy within myself, but I thought if it’s going to help one family not to go through it, that’s a bonus.”

It is a book that people should read with caution as it may contain triggers for some.

But it’s not just a tale of woe and strife this is a story of resilience, strength and determination, penned with the love of a dear relative, in this case a granddaughter, who, as she wrote it, was often finding out new revelations for the first time herself.

“I had a job to do and I had to look at it like a job,” Lauren said.

“From there I was able to distance myself. Probably after it, then you let that absorb in and then it’s like, ‘Oh, wow, how could someone go through everything

they’ve done and come out the other end still so positive, so appreciate, so just grateful of life?’ It’s honestly a testament to her (Nonna).

“It’s honestly an honour to be able to share her story with others because I know, just within my own circle, so many people have said what a remarkable book it is and it’s given them another perspective on life.”

For Nonna, the pain remains, but so to do the many other reasons to go on.

“I’ll never get over it. I just put on a good front and try to be happy,” she said.

“A lot of people don’t realise what I’m going through and they all get a shock.

“God has got me through in so many ways.

“Not only that, my beautiful children, grandchildren, sisters. I lost my brother.

“We do get upset and emotional with what happens in life, but each day I just think I’ve gone through and I’ve been blessed and I’d rather feel that I’ve been blessed to get through because I’m not the only one. I’m not the only one who’s been through this.”

Everything Can Change In a Moment Anna’s Memoir can be purchased at www.laurenminicozzi.com

Mental health support services can be found at the following:

Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org. au or 1300 22 4636

Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14

Sane Australia www.sane.org or 1800 187 263

Kids helpline kidshelpline.com.au or 1800 551 800

More services and information can also be found at Health Direct www.healthdirect.gov.au/mentalhealth-helplines

Tatura resident Anna Ciavarella has shared her journey through the difficulties of mental health and suicide in her memoir, with the help of her granddaughter Lauren Minicozzi.

Lauren Minicozzi (right) with her nonna Anna Ciavarella.

Tatura CFA seeks volunteers

For 128 years, Tatura Fire Brigade has been there for its community.

Through bushfires, storms and floods, the loyal volunteers have put their lives on the line to protect their beloved town.

And now they need your help.

Tatura Fire Brigade is currently on the lookout for new volunteers, and has put the call out to all in the community to come down and lend a helping hand.

“The more people we can train and get into our squads the better, so we are really trying to get the word out to the community and bring in as many new volunteers as we can,” brigade captain Trevor Franklin said.

What can a volunteer hope to get out of their experience with the CFA?

Trevor said there was a wide range of benefits that came from volunteering with the fire brigade.

“The biggest thing is that a lot of what people can learn within the brigade can be utilised in their own work it’s not just going out on the trucks and squirting a bit of water at fire,” he said.

“There is a huge amount of training on offer that will massively benefit people in their own lives, especially in the personal development space.

“It is also being part of the great community that we have here at the brigade and playing a part in helping the town.”

Through volunteering with Tatura Fire Brigade, you would be

adding to an organisation that has a rich history.

“Our prime responsibility is life and property, and protecting that is always our number one objective,” Trevor said.

“But moving on from there we also assist in a number of other areas. We might help the ambos

our community.”

As for what type of person the brigade was looking for Trevor said there was a wide range of roles that could suit anyone from the ages of 16 to 75.

“We’re not just looking for firefighters, we’re looking for people who can assist us in the station, people to go out and do community work and assisting us with the ongoing maintenance at the station,” he said.

“It’s not just about getting out there and putting fires out, there is a job for everyone here at the brigade.”

Tatura Fire Brigade is always ready to assist the community, but it needs new volunteers to help with the job.

Tatura’s all charged up

Tatwash is the site for one of Greater Shepparton’s newest $28,000 electrical vehicle chargers.

Six months after its installation, Tatura’s only electric vehicle charger has helped many tourists and some residents by providing them with a place to charge their vehicles.

Owner Jamie Fawcett installed the charger after receiving a grant from the Victorian Government and the support of Greater Shepparton City Council.

Rotary club celebrates 60 years

For more than 60 years, Tatura Rotary Club has been a staple in the Tatura community.

While August 2022 marked the sixdecade triumph, the club had delayed its celebratory gala dinner until February 2023 to ensure a COVID-19 safe event for the community.

With an extra six months, member Tony Mason has had time to reflect on all the club has achieved in its long innings — and what is to come.

“A heck of a lot has changed over my 20 years in Rotary, not just over 60 years,” Tony said.

One of the rules from the club’s early years was that membership was restricted to one person from each vocation in order to prevent the club from being dominated by one particular group.

Another early ruling, that has since been overturned, banned women from becoming members.

The club has always played a pivotal role in the development of Tatura, providing funds for many facilities in the town.

These have included the Gatehouse Gardens, Stuart Mock Place in Francis St, toilet facilities in Cussen Park, Tatura Hospital, netball courts and many more.

The most recent project comprised the installation of an outdoor gym fitness station.

Funds from the club have also helped create other community groups, including the historical society which today is considered by many as one of the top historical centres in Victoria.

Other funds from Tatura Rotary have allowed residents to experience things they might have never been able to, perhaps the most notable of

these have been through the Rotary Exchange program.

Since its inception, the exchange program has allowed many young Tatura residents the opportunity of spending a year overseas to broaden their outlook on life, while also allowing international youths the chance to experience life in regional Victoria.

Looking past its belated 60th celebrations, Tony is hoping that new blood will reinvigorate the club and ensure its future growth in the years to come.

“We would love more members and especially young people who can pitch in, even for a half-an-hour — our groups are vital to the community,” he said.

This public EV charger is one of nine in the City of Greater Shepparton.

Jamie said his motivation was never to turn a profit, instead to continue supporting his town.

“I did it for the town really, to get some people to come up to Tatura, go shopping, and go to the pubs,” he said. The car and dog wash is located at 104 Hogan St, Tatura.

Full steam for engine project

The revival of the 121-year-old Tatura steam engine continues as history enthusiast Peter Le Sueur persists with pushing the project forward.

The steam engine was initially brought to Tatura by Tom Flanagan to serve as a tourist attraction.

It had been been rusting away on a collector’s property after being removed from the town by Greater Shepparton City Council for safety reasons more than 20 years ago, before Peter and a group of local history buffs began the process to return the piece of Tatura history to its former glory.

Peter said council had approved the steam engine’s placement next to the new IGA supermarket development in Wilma Wilson Gardens, a place that holds some significance for the steam engine.

“There used to be a garage there, and that’s where the steam engine was originally done up again. So it all kind of links together,” he said.

Peter said he had a quote from the council to get the steam engine installed in town, but was waiting on funding for the project.

Despite the current “stalemate”, Peter said the project certainly wasn’t dead in the water, or dead on the tracks as it were.

He said he had collected a couple of thousand signatures from Tatura residents, confirming the community’s continued support for the project.

“We don’t want the community to think we’ve forgotten and given up. We are very much still building steam.”

Peter had been hard at work on fundraising, and said he was hopeful he’d be able to get the project across the finish line with the help of a grant or some donations from businesses and members of the community.

Tatura Rotary Club secretary Rhonda Rose and president John John.

Tatwash has one of nine public electrical vehicle charger in the Greater Shepparton region.

Tatwash has one of nine public electrical vehicle charger in the Greater Shepparton region.

Elsie takes the sports honours

Tatura’s Elsie Boyer scooped the sporting pool at this year’s Greater Shepparton City Council Australia Day awards.

The 18-year-old was named the Greater Shepparton Sportsperson of the Year and the Tatura Sportsperson of the Year.

For Elsie, both awards were a complete surprise.

She was told she had netball training with her teammates at Tatura Football Netall Club in the morning, and then all the netballers were going to Tatura’s Australia Day awards as a group.

It wasn’t until she arrived at Victory Hall and opened the booklet of Australia Day proceedings that a familiar name jumped out at her. It was her own.

“It’s a real honour to win the (council-wide) award,” Elsie said.

“Sometimes coming from a small town you don’t get recognised as much.”

She thanked her family for supporting her, and paid special tribute to everyone at Tatura Football Netball Club many of whom were at the Australia Day ceremony.

“It’s a credit to the support group behind me and the club to be able to play my role at the club.”

Elsie’s main contribution to sport has been her involvement in netball in Tatura.

She started with Tatura Netball Association at the age of five, and currently plays with Tatura Football Netball Club in the Goulburn Valley League.

She has been a multiple squad representative in netball, including the Shepparton Netball Association, Netball Victoria Talent Academy, association and state champions, Goulburn Valley

interleague level and the Victorian Netball League. She also umpires and coaches netball, and manages Tatura Football Netball Club’s social media

account and its online platform for uniforms.

Elsie has also been a member of Tatura Lawn Tennis Club, and a representative with squad basketball and state athletics.

Role model for young people Teamwork makes the difference

Jack has tirelessly contributed to many different areas of the community over the years.

This includes the Moyola Aged Care Committee, which he has been involved with for more than 40 years. He was involved in the facility from the beginning, including six years as committee president.

Jack was also involved in Tatura Milk Industries, representing his fellow dairy farmers as a director for more than 17 years, including two terms as chairman.

He is a current supporter of Tatura Football Netball Club, where he takes a lead role with the club’s involvement

in International Dairy Week and is in charge of the breakfast catering which is a major fundraiser for the club.

Jack is also a life member of the Tatura Apex Club, where he gave 11 years service; an active member of Shepparton Probus Club; and has volunteered many hours to different fundraising activities in Tatura.

Jack said he was humbled to be the town’s Citizen of the Year.

“I get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction out of serving the community,” he said.

“Tatura is a great little town and has a lot going for it.”

The Byrneside resident is this year’s Tatura Senior Citizen of the Year.

The Byrneside Hall Committee has greatly benefited from her volunteer work over the years, with Thelma involved in three milestone celebrations — the 90th, 100th and 125th birthdays. She was also secretary of the hall committee from 2005 to 2013.

She is well-known for her organisation and coordination of musical items, and is perhaps best remembered for writing, directing and providing the musical accompaniment for the Cinderella play as part of the hall’s 90th birthday party.

Thelma was involved in negotiations for grants to upgrade and maintain the Byrneside Hall, and organised the agenda for the Byrneside annual Christmas celebration.

Byrneside’s tennis club, primary school and community cancer fundraising committee have also benefited from Thelma’s hard work. She has also been a member of Rodney CWA and Tatura Rotary Club,

and volunteers with the Anglican church.

In accepting her award, Thelma said the win was “totally unexpected”. “No-one ever achieves a positive outcome on their own. Everyone needs to work cooperatively to achieve their goals,” she said.

State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell presents the Tatura Citizen of the Year award to John ‘Jack’ Lowe.

Tatura Senior Citizen of the Year Thelma Wood (left) is congratulated by her sister Marie Martin.

John ‘Jack’ Lowe was described as a highly respected and valued member of the community who is a role model for future generations when he was named this year’s Tatura Citizen of the Year.

Thelma Wood is heavily involved in organisations and sporting clubs in Byrneside and Tatura, but says team efforts are needed to make everything work properly.

Elsie Boyer shows off her award after being named the Greater Shepparton Sportsperson of the Year and the Tatura Sportsperson of the Year.

COMMUNITY TOUR

Goulburn Valley Water’s Tatura Water Treatment Plant!

Thursday 23 March

Lunch tour - from 1pm

Evening tour - from 6pm (tower illuminated from dusk)

Tour spaces are limited - bookings close at 3pm 17 March. Scan the QR code to register now.

SERVICE DELIVERY UPGRADES

An $8 million upgrade was completed at the Tatura Water Treatment Plant in 2020, boosting its capacity to meet future demand. The plant can now treat and deliver up to 18 million litres of water per day, with upgrades also including a new water treatment plant, new disinfection facilities and additional storage.

ARTWORK SHOWCASING HISTORY

The historic Tatura Water Tower features murals painted by artist Cam Scale. One side features a portrait of renowned civil engineer General Sir John Monash, who designed the reinforced concrete tower. It was constructed in 1912 and is the earliest surviving example of this style of tower construction. Artwork on the other side features a waterfall of poppies in tribute to Tatura’s significant Anzac legacy.

The project was designed and brought to life by the Tatura RSL, with support from the Tatura Rotary Club, the Victorian Government and the local community. We’ve also installed new lighting on the tower and nearby information signage, so people can view the sights in the evening.

Full throttle for mental health

A charitable $2000 has already been raised by Hussln Auto Detailing’s 13th birthday and show ‘n’ shine,

Hussln Auto Detailing owner Cam Scorey has organised the event for Sunday, March 18 at the front of his business on Hogan St, Tatura, in support of Beyond Blue.

From 9 am to noon, 120 cars and bikes are expected, along with Fast Brew Coffee, Tatura Lions Club’s famous egg and bacon rolls, and a few miscellaneous trade stands.

Cam said sponsorships had already taken donations to the $2000 mark, but he hoped the raffle would bring that figure up to $5000.

“Last year, we raised $1800 to Beyond Blue, and this year there’ll be $3500 worth of prizes to be raffled on the day,” he said.

Donations have been made by businesses across the region, including major sponsors Foodworks Tatura and Cactus Country.

Cam said the chosen charity, Beyond Blue, resonated with him on a personal and community level.

“I’ve had my own battles with mental health and depression, where I’ve been the lowest of low,” he said.

“A number of suicides were happening in the area in 2021 and 2022, and I wanted to bring that to people’s attention to help change the stigma.”

In the past 13 years of trading, Cam said the best part of Hussln was the connections made with customers.

“I’ve got customers who are lifelong friends now,” he said.

“I’ve brought their cars back to life, along with the positive memories the car elicits.

“It’s a nice feeling.”

Ross St to Fraser St and 200 m of Hogan St will be closed off for the event.

and the engines haven’t even started yet.

Hussln Auto Detailing will host its 13th birthday celebrations out the front of its business.

Matters - Tatura

PATHOLOGY AND X-RAY SERVICES

We are fortunate to have Austin Pathology attend Tatura Hospital Parkvilla Aged Care Facility.

When: Tuesday and Thursday

Where: Hodson House, at the back of the hospital.

64-68 Park St, Tatura

Time: 8am -12pm

Cost: Free

Bookings are not required.

X-Ray services at Tatura Hospital are on hold until 28 May 2023.

FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CLINIC

Our Community Health Nurse and busy bee, Jenny John, has spent a lot of time organising events for local Tatura residents.

Recently, Tatura hosted a Specialist Women’s Health Clinic which was available for women to come and ask questions and receive education on women’s health.

This event was a great success and provided a safe and supportive environment for local women of all ages.

Luckily, it is back in April!

When: Tuesday 4 April 2023

Where: Tatura Community House.

12-16 Casey St, Tatura

Time: 10am- 2pm

Cost: Free (Medicare bulk billed)

To make an appointment, please call Tatura Community House on (03) 5824 1315

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are an integral part of our Residents Lifestyle Program. We are seeking a volunteer capable of driving a minibus to assist our lovely residents as they get out and about the town.

We welcome any volunteers that are enthusiastic and engaging with our residents. If you are interested, or know someone who would be the right fit, please contact Julie at Tatura Hospital on (03) 5824 8400

FACILITY NEWS

Group physio activities are continuing at Tatura Parkvilla.

Group physio ensures our residents are staying as active as possible.

This is something that our residents love to get involved in and really enjoy.

of all Goulburn Valley Health Services, visit www.gvhealth.org.au

We have been very busy here at Tatura Hospital and Parkvilla Aged Care Facility. Tatura Hospital makes a conscious effort to continue improving our wonderful campus. You may have noticed the new carpark has been resealed, new lines have been painted on the roads and the fence around the generator has been given a fresh coat of paint and a new lease on life!

Tatura Hospital and Parkvilla Aged Care Facility is fortunate to have a dedicated Palliative Care Suite.

The suite allows families to stay overnight so that they can stay close to their loved one. The Palliative Care Suite has a kitchenette and a beautiful outdoor area, and the lovely ambience of the suite ensures everyone is kept as comfortable as possible.

A furry friend: Volunteer Glenda with her lovely dog, Scruffy, enjoying a pet therapy visit with resident, Mary Lalor.