Phyllis Mactier has created a brochure for visitors to Tatura. PAGE
Tom Dumaresq, 82, has been described by his fellow Goulburn Valley Tree Group volunteers as a true gentleman, fair and humorous, a gem, a legend, and a caring individual deeply invested in his community, always prioritising listening to others before making decisions.
By KELLY CARMODYAs he wrapped up his 35th year serving as the group’s president last year, it was apparent that his absence and leadership will be deeply felt.
However, it was with great pride that Tom stepped down from the role as he relived some of the most rewarding times of his life.
“As a group, we have been collectively responsible for planting around two million trees,” Tom said.
“You can see the results as you look around the Goulburn Valley and surrounds how amazing is that? It’s been so rewarding.”
Tom started with the Goulburn Valley Tree Group in 1989 and was elected president the same year. However, he remembers attending earlier meetings before he officially joined.
Some of the projects Tom has been involved in over his lengthy leadership have included seed collection days, planting the southern end of Cussen Park in Tatura, and purchasing land from the Rodney Shire.
“The nursery had sufficient funds to purchase land, and the shire was asking $90,000 for the block here in Tatura,” Tom said.
“With some wheeling and dealing, I secured it for $52,000 in 1994, and we haven’t looked back.
“Everything we have done has been because of all the volunteers we’ve had help over the years without them, none of this would have been possible.”
Tom was also responsible for the revegetation along the Midland Hwy
between Mooroopna and Tatura and planting 2100 trees on Dhurringile Rd.
He has received many environmental and Landcare awards over the years for his significant contributions, and to this day, he is still passionate about planting trees.
“You can never plant too many trees,” Tom said.
“I probably did plant a few too many on my farm many years ago, but when I sold it, I did, with a chuckle, tell the man who brought it that he may have to weed a few of them off.
“It’s great to see the group boosted by new volunteers and collaborating with the community.
“Without a doubt, I’m so proud of what we have achieved, and I’m sure the group will continue to strive towards big things.”
Tom also instigated and worked on many projects around the nursery; his dedication and inspiration are visible within its fences, buildings and people he has inspired.
His departing message was heartfelt and humorous as he stepped down from president and handed over the reins to now-current president Rob Miller.
“I’ve reached the point of no return now, and there’s no escaping,” he said with a smile.
“I will stay on as a volunteer for as long as possible.
“Things like this don’t work without good volunteers. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of it, and I hope it keeps evolving.”
Jody Vincitorio has officially opened the newly refurbished Ross St Cafe and Diner.
By GEORGIA TACEYAfter running JV’s Paint & Panel for 15 years, Jody decided to close up shop last year and chase a new dream.
He purchased the Ross St Cafe, and over the past few months he has transformed the place into a ‘60s fever dream.
With bright red booths lining the walls, black and white chequered flooring and Happy Days playing on repeat, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
After being in the car repair business for 40 years, his latest venture is a big change of pace from what he’s used to, but he’s ready to face the challenge head-on.
“It’s a big eye-opener for me,” Jody said.
“I’m still learning every day on the job.”
His three staff members, Mia, Jamie and Mal, who worked at the original Ross St Cafe, are cooking up a storm and serving with a smile.
Now, though, they are dolled up in pink and white striped uniforms, complete with a white cap to match the ‘60s look.
Many familiar faces have popped through the cafe’s doors for Jody, with many in the town customers of his previous business.
“I reckon 90 per cent of the customers that have come in here, I’ve repaired their car,” he said.
While he loves seeing all the familiar faces, many new ones have been stopping by to try their delicious menu.
“We’re getting a lot of people,” he said.
“People are ringing up to book a table now.”
On the menu, classic diner food options like burgers, chicken schnitzel rolls, and steak sandwiches await, as well as some staff picks.
“We threw a bit more in the bainmarie, like lasagne, hotdogs, chicken and lamb souvlakis, pork and all that kind of stuff,” he said.
“We’ve still got Mia’s Thai Thursdays and Friday’s Sweet ‘n’ Sour.”
Also coming up soon, they’ll be adding milkshakes, thickshakes, sundaes, spiders and banana splits to the menu.
Jody also wants to thank everyone who helped to make his diner dreams possible.
“Special thanks to my wife Sonia for her major help and support, my dad Vince for everything that he’s done and all the help from my good friends,” he said.
Full of ‘60s nostalgia and charm, the cafe is on its way to becoming one of the hotspots in Tatura.
Ross St Cafe and Diner is located at 98–100 Ross St, Tatura, and is open every weekday between 6 am and 2 pm.
Phyllis Mactier has a wealth of knowledge of her hometown of Tatura.By GEORGIA TACEY
Living in the town since 1954, the 92-year-old knows everything there is to know about the past and present of Tatura.
So when the opportunity to design a visitors’ guide came up in one of the Tatura Museum’s Committee meetings, Phyllis decided to take on the task.
Over the course of 12 months, Phyllis dedicated her time to compiling information, designing maps and drawing the artwork for the brochure.
The project took up the majority of her 2023, before being released to the public in December.
The brochure features two maps, one of the town of Tatura and one that includes all the towns you can visit in a 70km radius of Tatura, with the Tatura Country Motel in the centre.
The brochure turned into a passion project for Phyllis.
“You do it because you enjoy it,” she said.
“It was a challenge, but I like Tat; it’s been good to me.”
She said she was inspired by a map she saw when visiting Braidwood in NSW and designed the map in a similar style.
“I was always impressed with their brochure,” Phyllis said.
“It was set out with the map of Braidwood in the middle, and all the drawings were in black and white.”
Phyllis set out the Tatura Art Trail map in a similar style, with a detailed map of the town surrounded by the many drawings she created of important sites in the town.
“There are actually nearly 50 drawings that I’ve done,” she said.
“All of these historical places [on the map] I’ve drawn them in black and white.
“I’ve always got to have a project, but because I paint a lot and draw a lot, this wasn’t a problem.”
While a lengthy process, the brochure became a labour of love for Phyllis.
Alongside the maps and her drawings, the brochure is filled with information on sites of the town, as well as plenty of local history, all supplied by Phyllis’ knowledge.
“It’s all from my history,” she said.
Preserving and keeping the town’s history alive is very important to Phyllis, and the brochure has become a way for her to continue passing it around. You can pick up your copy of the Tatura Art Trail Visitors Guide from the Tatura Museum at 49 Hogan St.
RateMyAgent – Australia’s leading review marketing platform for real estate agents and mortgage brokers – has announced Puppa and Gaehl Real Estate as the winner of the 2024 Agent/Agency of the Year Award.
The RateMyAgent Awards recognises Australia’s top real estate agents, agencies, property managers and mortgage brokers and celebrates their dedication to the highest standards of customer service.
“The Agent of the Year Awards acknowledge real estate agents who go above and beyond for their vendors and landlords,” said RateMyAgent CEO Michael Davey.
For many Preps, transitioning from kindergarten to primary school can be fun but a little scary.
At Tatura Primary School, the Prep students are assigned a Year 6 buddy, who will help them ease into the school and be a helping hand during their first year.
The Year 6s also design buddy bears to give to the Preps as part of their Year 5 art project, but this year’s bears are extra special.
Principal Susanne Gill said because it’s such a big step from kindergarten to primary school, the school wanted to support their youngest students as much as possible.
“Each of our Foundation students is paired up with a grade six child, and we just see some fantastic relationships being built,” she said.
“As part of the art project in grade five, the students make little buddy bears [but this year] they were knitted by the Country Woman’s Association and donated to us, which was lovely.
“They [the students] decorate them and give them to their buddies during the transition program.”
We spoke to five pairs of buddies to see how the Year 6s are enjoying the buddy program and how the Preps are finding their new school.
Lucia Marquina
What do you love about the buddy program?
“Caring for my buddy.”
Olenna Marshall
What do you love about being at your new school?
“Playing on the playground.”
Robbie Knowles
What do you love about the buddy program?
“The responsibility and being able to play with Darcy.”
Darcy Kay, Prep
What do you love about being at your new school?
“Playing soccer and basketball with my buddy.”
Zoe Marshall
What do you love about the buddy program?
“I like how it gives a chance for the older kids to help them adjust to a bigger school.”
Aurora Page
What do you love about being at your new school?
“Playing on the playground and making new friends.”
Joel Rigby
What do you love about the buddy program?
“Helping out Archie.”
Archie Easton
What do you love about being at your new school?
“Playing with Spencer.”
Harry Jones
What do you love about the buddy program?
“The responsibility and playing with my buddy.”
Eli Smith
What do you love about being at your new school?
“Playing on the playground and my teacher, Ms Wettern.”
Mel has been a registered nurse for over 20 years in Australia and England and has worked in large metropolitan hospitals and rural community facilities throughout her career.
Mel brings experience from many different areas of health and education, most recently managing the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Programs and the implementation of an organisational wide database for record management of vaccination status of all employees.
Mel said working at Tatura has been an exciting time as several projects are in progress to improve the experience of the residents/patients at the facility.
We are seeking staff to join us! Tatura Hospital and Parkvilla Aged Care Facility is located near the retail precinct of Tatura, with easy access to shopping, banking, cafes, services and hairdressers. Set among beautiful gardens and manicured lawns, Parkvilla has the feel of a home away from home. To apply, visit careers.gvhealth.org.au/ or contact Mel by emailing Melissa.Jackson@gvhealth.org.au or calling (03) 5824 8400.
Check out our love wall! Rather than celebrating a traditional Valentine’s Day, it was decided to celebrate love in general.
A love wall was made, with each resident and some staff contributing by recording the things they love.
We encouraged our residents to tell us what they love in life.
Volunteers are an integral part of our Resident’s Lifestyle Program.
We are seeking a volunteer who has a dog and would like to come and visit our residents. Some of our residents love when dogs come into visit, and it brings great joy to the facility.
If you are interested, or know someone who would be the right fit, please contact Rose at Tatura Hospital on (03) 5824 8400.
In an effort to improve patient care and experience, we have continued to upgrade our facility.
Our gardens have had a much-needed spruce up with some new chip bark, plants and sprinkler system. This means the facility grounds are looking new, fresh, and welcoming.
Our new BBQ that was purchased with funds kindly donated from Tatura Bowls Club has been put to good use over the summer period, with residents enjoying the delicious flavours of a home cooked BBQ. They have been thoroughly enjoyed and there are many planned.
The replacement of air conditioning is almost complete. Individual in-room controls have been installed to aid in improving infection control, humidity, and air quality. In addition to this, we are currently in the process of having solar panels installed.
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.
If you require an interpreter when visiting the hospital,
of all Goulburn Valley Health Services, visit www.gvhealth.org.au
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.
By KELLY CARMODY
Named the ‘Walkway Gallery’ late last year, the space allows artists to display their talents while fostering connections with the community and beyond.
The first three featured artists have received incredible feedback, commissioned work and sold pieces.
However, the time has come to shine a light on new artists, and Tatura Community House manager Tom Boocock is calling for people to apply.
“Professionals, non-professionals, it doesn’t matter. This is an amazing opportunity for artists to get noticed or kick-start a career,” Tom said.
“We have the space and the ability to adapt to all different types of artists, so whether an artist applies individually or maybe as a group, we are open to ideas and collaborations.
“We also have an outdoor secured area that could allow artists to showcase their sculptures, feature
a curated series of exhibitions, workshops or events that cater to a diverse range of artistic tastes and interests.”
For a small donation of just $50 and an agreed contribution of 20 per cent commission back to the Tatura Community House on all artworks sold, artworks are displayed for six weeks in the gallery.
Tom said the application process was as simple as filling out a form on its website or calling them.
“It’s a simple process,” he said.
“Hopefully it stays a sustainable model for the Tatura Community House for many years to come.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for artists, and it’s equally incredible to see new faces coming in to look at the artwork.
“And it’s simultaneously exposing our wonderful Tatura community to the wider community.”
Are you ready to be the next artist at Tatura Community House?
To apply, phone 5824 1315 or fill out the Walkway Gallery exhibit form at www.tatcom.vic.edu.au/
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With a deep desire to help others, Dr Olusegun Kehinde (Dr Kenny) has been warmly embraced by the Tatura Doctors team and is accepting new patients.
By KELLY CARMODYAfter practising in Shepparton for the past 10 years, he now dedicates two days a week to the Tatura clinic.
Dr Kenny’s presence enhances the clinic’s services and provides valuable support to the other doctor.
With a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge, Dr Kenny is ready to benefit the team and the community.
“Having me here will allow new patients and current patients more availability to come and see a doctor when they need it,” Dr Kenny said.
“No-one wants to wait two weeks for an appointment to see a doctor looking after your health is essential.
“I will remain in the Nixon St Medical Centre Monday to Wednesday and be here in Tatura on Thursdays and Fridays.”
With about 30 years of experience, Dr Kenny offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, management of chronic conditions, minor procedures, family planning, mental health care and health education.
As a primary healthcare provider for patients of all ages and backgrounds, Dr Kenny also specialises in skin checks.
“We provide skin checks here at the clinic, which some people may not be aware of,” he said.
“Whether someone is concerned about a mole, fatty lump, or bump, we can address it, and it’s all covered by bulk billing too.
“It’s crucial to prioritise every aspect of your health. Just as we service our cars before they break down, we mustn’t allow our bodies to do the same thing.
“Ensure you take care of yourself because your health is of utmost
importance. If you lose your health, you lose everything.
“Whether you have money or not, you need to enjoy your life, and the only way that can be done is with good health, so pay attention to your health and get regular check-ups.”
To book an appointment with Dr Kenny, please call Tatura Doctors on 5824 2218 or visit: www.hotdoc.com
Tatura Rotary Club is helping to support the community through the Container Deposit Scheme.
Community members can donate their cans, bottles and drink containers to the Rotary Club, where money will be funnelled back into community projects.
Tatura Rotary Club past president Bill Purcell said this was not only a great way for the community to support the Rotary Club, but also for them to help support the community.
“With the introduction of the CDS in Victoria in November came the opportunity of raising money for our Rotary club; I did some research into the possible ways our club could be involved,” he said.
“We first started with just the club members, and it soon became apparent that there were many people in Tatura that wanted to do the right thing by reducing landfill and avoid the costly trips to Shepparton and were more than happy to donate their cans and bottles to Rotary, knowing that all the funds raised go back into our local community.”
The club’s collection point is at the Men’s/Rotary Shed in Tatura,
and it operates on the first Sunday of each month between 10 am and noon.
The response from the community so far has been overwhelming for the club, with more and more donations coming on the day.
“With our operation in Tatura, you get to do the right thing for the environment by reducing landfill as well as supporting a great service organisation in Rotary that does so much in our community,” Bill said.
The money raised will help fund the club’s programs, such as the exchange program, where they assist young locals to go overseas, as well as help young people attend various development programs like the Rotary Youth Leadership Program and offer school scholarships for disadvantaged families.
To get involved, save up your cans, bottles and drink containers and bring them down to the collection point on the first Sunday of each month from 10 am to noon.
In an impressive feat of determination and community spirit, Tatura business owner Jenny Lagozzino has completed a 100-day fundraising campaign to raise awareness for Myeloma Australia, a cause close to her heart.
By KELLY CARMODYJenny’s fundraising efforts have helped put Tatura on the map and have raised significant support for Myeloma Australia.
As a reward for surpassing her fundraising target, Jenny will now embark on a well-deserved holiday of a lifetime, courtesy of award winning travel TV show, Adventure All Stars.
Throughout her campaign, which included weekly raffles, reverse auctions, special events, and trivia nights, Jenny received unwavering support from her community.
Grateful for their generosity, Jenny expressed her heartfelt thanks to all everyone who contributed to the cause.
“Thank you so much to all our patrons and the community for the ongoing support with our fundraising effort,” Jenny said.
Jenny Lagozzino has completed a 100-day fundraising campaign to raise awareness for Myeloma Australia.
“I am so proud of you all and very grateful and extremely thankful that together we can help others battling this terrible disease.”
Jenny extended special appreciation to her three significant sponsors, Cross Carpet Cleaning, Sleek & Luscious Hair Design, and Lagozzino Top Pub Tatura.
All which will receive a special mention when she hits our TV screens on channel 7 later this year. Their support, along with that of countless others, will help enable Myeloma Australia to continue providing vital education, information, support, and advocacy services to
patients across the country.
“There are so many ways people have helped throughout this journey — I am so grateful to you all,” Jenny said.
“Trevor, thanks so much for the inspiration and support – I’ve done this because of you.
“You’re my hero — I love you.”
The insurance industry is feeling the effects of inflation, just like the rest of the economy.
With insurance premiums going up to cover the rising costs of all claims, not just from natural disasters, underwriters continue to monitor the premiums being charged, balancing the ongoing viability of offering the covers and the affordability to the policy holder.
However, this rise in premiums sees people reduce coverage to balance their weekly budgets to the point where they are underinsured.
Elders Insurance Tatura’s sales support officer Oriana Natalizio said this unfortunately made things even more difficult if their property is badly damaged or destroyed to resume their standard of living, whether it’s rebuilding their home or replacing belongings to the same standard.
“Underinsurance is when you don’t have enough insurance to cover the replacement value of the items you’re insuring,” Oriana said.
“When people find themselves underinsured, it’s usually because they haven’t adequately calculated the current replacement value of their property and belongings and not accounted for upgrades to homes and belongings.
“With many investing in renovations, new furniture, and upgraded appliances, it’s common to forget to update your insurance following upgrades to home or contents.”
Ready to assist you every Wednesday in the Tatura office or via appointment, Oriana, a lifelong resident of Tatura, can help you with all your insurance queries.
“You probably own a lot more than you realise and not accounting for all your assets, including the contents of your garden shed like the lawnmower and your tools or your six pairs of sensible shoes, three pairs of stilettos, and the furniture accumulated over the years, you need to ask yourself constantly ‘would our insurance cover all of this if we had to replace it all’,” she said.
“Don’t risk being underinsured. Take charge of your coverage and ensure you’re adequately protected. The best way to prevent underinsurance is to track and calculate the cost of your assets accurately.
“We offer experienced guidance and can help protect your future every step of the way.”
Hussln Auto Detailing owner/operator Cam Scorey is bringing mental health services to the forefront of Tatura’s community this month with a car and bike charity show that coincides with his business’s birthday on Saturday, March 23.
By KELLY CARMODYNow in its third year, the event is all revved up for a bigger and better charity spectacular, aiming to raise $5000 for Beyond Blue.
Hot rods, muscle cars, low riders, skylines, old Fords, Holdens, and even motorbikes will be on show for the three-hour event, with raffles, auctions, over $4000 in prizes, food, drinks, kids’ colouring, and much more set to impress all who attend.
Cam hopes the event will unite people and raise much-needed awareness about seeking help for mental health struggles.
“I was just 15 years old when I had my first struggles with mental health, and I never used any of the services available,” Cam said.
“I should have, but now I just want to ensure people know they are available and how to access them.
“This event is a great way to bring people into Tatura and help spread an important message while enjoying what is going to be another incredible event with so much planned.”
Hussln Auto Detailing will also celebrate its 14th birthday on the same day, and Cam has kindly put around $5000 of his business funds into making this event possible.
“I am passionate about making it happen,” he said.
For the third year running Hussln Auto Detailing owner/operator Cam Scorey is bringing mental health services to the forefront of Tatura’s community.
“A lot goes into this, though, and it’s not just my business that makes it possible.
“Shepp Council, M1 Traffic, Foodworks Tatura, Shannons Insurance, local businesses, sponsors, and everyone who has contributed towards prizes — it’s a significant joint effort.
“Everyone together makes it all possible.”
The event will be held at Hussln Auto Detailing, with a section of the road closed off from the roundabout from 9 am to noon. Featured cars and motorcycles will be judged at the event with categories including best bike, best women’s car/bike, best interior, best paint, Shannon’s Insurance Choice, top five and car of the show.
“Every winner will receive a specially made unique deck trophy that they can proudly display somewhere in their home,” Cam said.
“Come and get among all the fun, and together, let’s raise some money and awareness for mental health.
“As long as the weather is good, it will be a great day.”
“We want to rally behind all our
and women’s football teams, as well as our netball teams and the Tatura Netball Association this year,” Michael said.
“We encouraged junior families, friends, and relatives to engage in the club’s social activities throughout the year and to support the senior team during home games, which kick off at 2pm in front of the club rooms.”
As the club embraces the new year, a renewed mission statement underscores its commitment to inclusivity and community building, aiming to create a warm and welcoming environment for all members.
Despite being undermanned, Tatura Football Netball Club celebrated its under-14 team’s remarkable victory in the 2023 division two premiership.
By KELLY CARMODYDefeating the Euroa Magpies by 14 points, junior football coordinator Michael Reid said the boys’ perseverance and resilience were commendable and credited coaches Dan Miller and Matt Nihill.
“It was a great effort by coaches and players,” Michael said.
“During the season, the team was very consistent and won 10 games and lost just one – it was very impressive.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming 2024 season, the club aims to focus
on enhancing coaching and player development and fostering a stronger sense of community through social connections within each team.
With about 200 junior players across various age groups, including Auskick, to those under 16, the club invites the entire community to come down and
“We empower each other to thrive both on and off the field and court, promoting integrity and support,” Michael said.
“With a growing team of coaches and volunteers, the club anticipates a highly successful year.
“2024 is going to be a huge year for the entire club, and we hope the community comes down and enjoys it as much as we do.”
As term one commenced at Sacred Heart School in Tatura in January, the school welcomed a new principal and greeted three sets of twins starting in Prep.
By KELLY CARMODYThe twin duos displayed a mix of nerves and excitement while looking cute in their new uniforms. Despite the array of emotions, they all shared a common bond the support of their twin sibling.
Jamie McDowall, the recently appointed principal, who returned to the region from Moree, NSW, said that after having twin boys himself, he was pretty good at picking up subtle differences.
“Raising twin boys gives you an insight into how they can be very different even when they share so many similarities,” Mr McDowall said.
“I have worked around twins before, and they are always very interesting. In total, the school now has eight sets.
“I look forward to getting to know all the students within this wonderful school as I settle into my new role here.”
The principal and father-of-three also commented on how lovely it was to return to a thriving region after 25 years living away from Shepparton.
“The expansion of Shepparton is incredible. And the education opportunities parents have for their
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children here in the area are fantastic,” he said.
“I also look forward to working with the high schools as our Year 6 students get closer to choosing which high school they will attend; it’s essential to make sure their transition is smooth.
“As a family for us, the move has been great. In Moree, it was a four-hour drive to see a dentist and over an hour to attend swimming lessons. There was a lot of time in the car.
“Moree is rich in culture in its own way, but we are all certainly ready to just be able to drive 10 minutes to Aquamoves and do things you can take for granted sometimes.”
Sacred Heart School’s vision encompasses various elements, including celebrating the Catholic faith, nurturing relationships with families and fostering relationships based on respect, trust and care.
Mr McDowall said he was thrilled to be leading such a beautiful school.
“The school is a bit smaller than what I am used to, but I am looking forward to focusing on strategic work and system and school improvements,” he said.
“It will also be great to collaborate with the school’s leadership team to elevate the school’s status from good to great.”
