Residential buildings... the way of the
Small Second Dwellings
• Ability to add a second dwelling up to 60m² on many properties
• Fast, streamlined approval process:
• No planning permit required (where applicable)
• Ideal for: Extra living space, Family accommodation, Rental income opportunities
Commercial Building Solutions
• Broad commercial building capability
• Modular solutions tailored to project requirements
Experience across:
• Rural worker accommodation
• Farm manager housing
• Air BnB Accommodation – Holiday Housing
• Schools (including 2-storey)
• Office buildings
• Student housing
• Social housing
• Amenities buildings
• Clubhouses
• Hospitals & Dental Clinics Commercial
Streamlined construction methods:
• Efficient delivery
• Minimal disruption
• Maximum value outcomes
Timeless service, modern solutions
PRESERVING heritage while continuously evolving, Knights Furniture Kyabram is one of the region’s most enduring multi-generational family businesses, serving the Goulburn Valley community for almost a century.
With roots reaching back to the early 1910s, the story began with Knights Big Store, which by 1928 had grown into a thriving general retail and delivery operation in the developing township. Using a custom 1928 Chevrolet four-cylinder canvas-top truck, goods were collected from the local railway
station and delivered to homes and farms across the region. This commitment to service and to the town soon established the business as a trusted name within the community. Across the decades, Knights Furniture has adapted to meet the changing needs of local families, expanding its presence and refining its offerings. Today, the business operates as a dedicated furniture hub at 67–69 Union Street, showcasing an extensive range of furniture, bedding and manchester to suit every home.
Beyond furnishings, Knights Furniture is also a specialist in floor coverings and window furnishings, including outdoor
Embrace the season at home
FROST in the air, warmth indoors. Winter is a season to slow down, cook hearty meals and come together at home, embracing the comfort of hearth and family.
A year on, we reconnect with Kay and Steve from Whroo, whose journey towards a self-sustainable lifestyle on their Rushworth property captured readers in last winter’s edition. In this issue, we follow their progress and speak with leading local real estate agents about opportunities across the region’s exciting subdivisions. From renovation inspiration, renowned and trusted local home builders, and energy-saving solutions, to furniture, flooring and window furnishings, this edition brings together trusted local advice to help you create a home that’s warm, efficient and ready for the season ahead. So, put on the kettle and make a cuppa as you settle back and enjoy this year’s winter edition of The Adviser’s House & Land magazine — a publication that celebrates the importance of home and the local businesses dedicated to helping you realise the dream of your own.
awnings, providing customers with a complete home solution under one roof.
More than just a retail success, Knights Furniture reflects a deep and ongoing connection to the community it serves. Remaining in family ownership through generations, the business combines long-standing knowledge with a commitment to quality, ensuring customers receive both expert advice and personalised service.
Come in and meet the team, Maurice, Yvonne, Heather and Charlie at Knights Furniture Kyabram, at 67 – 69 Union Street, Kyabram or call (03) 5852 23 88.
A CENTURY OF SERVICE... Knights Furniture Kyabram began as Knights Big Store in 1928, growing into a thriving business that once used a 1928 Chevrolet fourcylinder canvas-top truck (pictured) to deliver goods to homes and farms across the region. Today, it offers a complete home solution under one roof, from furnishings and floor coverings to window treatments, while remaining deeply connected to the community it serves. Photo: Supplied
Shepparton’s trusted steel solutions
WHEN it comes to high-quality roofing, fencing and cladding built for Australian conditions, Steeline Shepparton stands out as a trusted local specialist. A family-owned manufacturer, distributor and installer, the business has been serving the region since 1988.
Specialising in custom-designed sheds, garages and carports, Steeline uses genuine Australian-made BlueScope products, including COLORBOND® and ZINCALUME® steel.
This commitment to quality makes them a leading choice for homeowners looking to upgrade with materials suited to the unique Goulburn Valley climate.
Whether you are replacing an old, tiled roof, installing a sleek new fence, or adding modern interlocking wall cladding to a home extension, choosing Steeline means investing in durability, fire resistance and strong street appeal.
Steeline’s commitment to local manufacturing also sets it apart. By producing materials on-site in Shepparton, the team reduces wait times while tailoring products to specific project needs. Roofing, custom flashings, gutters and downpipes are
all roll-formed and cut to exact lengths, ensuring a seamless fit for both renovations and new builds.
The business continues to invest in expanding its product range, with recent additions including a post and rail machine for fencing, two Euro panel machines to support emerging cladding styles, and a new purlin mill.
Steeline Shepparton helps homeowners make the most of their outdoor spaces. From custom-designed garages and garden sheds to complete wall and ceiling cladding options for your outdoor space, the experienced team works closely with customers to bring their vision to life.
SERVING THE REGION SINCE 1988... Steeline Shepparton is a trusted local specialist in high-quality roofing, fencing and cladding—built to withstand local conditions. Pictured is onsite manufacturer Ross Gibson alongside one of Steeline Shepparton’s state-of-the-art Euro panel machines. Photo: The Adviser
Housing relief or investment deterrent?
CGT battle heats up
WHILE it passed the House of Representatives earlier this month, Labor’s hotly contested Capital Gains Tax (CGT) reforms are now under Senate inquiry, fuelling intense debate, sharply dividing opinion, and provoking strong public reaction.
Supporters frame the changes as a targeted measure to improve housing affordability and tax fairness, most notably by reducing or replacing the 50 per cent CGT discount for assets held longer than 12 months. Critics, however, argue they represent a significant tax burden that could
their views with equal conviction and volume.
Whether the reforms are seen as a tool to bolster social equity, potentially easing competition for first home buyers and stabilising prices, or as a policy that could drive capital offshore by making Australia less competitive, largely depends on perspective.
innovation, often warning that higher taxes on capital may push investment elsewhere and slow development.
cracking
Neither framework is universally correct. Australia’s system is best understood as a mixed economy, combining market-driven activity with government regulation and
A DEBATE THAT CUTS TO THE CORE OF IDEOLOGY… as the nation weighs the pros and cons of Labor’s Capital Gains Tax reform, opinion is not only divided, but increasingly heated. Photo: Supplied
underlying beliefs about how the economy should function. Whether seen as a measure that could generate significant revenue to fund essential services, or as a policy that risks dampening investment and worsening housing pressures, the answer, as with much in economics, depends on which perspective resonates most.
Supporting home buyers in our community
BUYING a home is more than a financial milestone - it’s belonging, stability, and connection to your community.
The journey to buying a home can feel overwhelming, unsure of where to start or what you can realistically afford. That’s why having accessible, community minded support matters more than ever.
Our range of online calculators are designed with our community in mind. Whether you’re saving for your first deposit, exploring different loan options, or simply wanting to understand how much you might be able to borrow, these tools offer a simple, approachable way to take those important first steps. With clear guidance
and easy–to–use features, they help you estimate your borrowing power and anticipated repayments - giving you the confidence to make informed decisions.
While tools can guide your early planning, personalised support will help you to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing home buyers in our region. GMCU's team of experienced local lending specialists are here to help you with a Home Loan that meets your budget, goals and future plans. Bank local with the team at Shepparton. Call Kane on 0409 507 967.
Is your Home Loan working for you?
Make decisions with confidence using GMCU calculators. www.gmcu.com.au/help/tools/calculator
MORE THAN A FINANCIAL MILESTONE... Buying a home is a goal for many, offering security and a sense of freedom—but it also requires the right support from the start. GMCU’s online tools make those first steps easier, helping you estimate your borrowing power, anticipated repayments and more. Paired with personalised support from the GMCU team, you can move forward with confidence and secure a home loan that suits your budget, goals and future plans.
Photo: Supplied
Generation rent: The growing divide in Australia’s housing market
IN 2026, most Australians still own their homes, but about one in three households rent. Ownership patterns are shifting. Older Australians dominate homeownership, while younger people are far more likely to rent as buying becomes increasingly out of reach.
While many still aspire to own, renting
is no longer just a short-term step. More people, including higher earners, are renting longer or by choice.
The divide is clear: homeownership is increasingly concentrated among older Australians, while renting is more common among younger generations.
Source: ABS (Housing Occupancy and Costs 2019–20; Census 2021); AIHW (Home ownership and housing tenure, 2025); CBRE & REA Group (Australian Renter Survey 2026); Eden Emerald Mortgages (Home Ownership Statistics Australia 2026); ABS (Overseas Migration 2024–25).
WHILE the gleam of a new kitchen, the beauty of a renovated bathroom or a long-awaited extension can spark immediate excitement, the true value of a quality renovation reveals itself over time, not just in how a home looks, but in how it functions, endures and has been planned from the outset.
Beyond surface appeal, successful renovations rely on a careful balance of scope and quality. While the finished result may appear effortless, it is the informed decisions made early, and the expertise behind them, that ultimately determine whether a project delivers lasting value or costly regret.
Great renovations start before the build begins
KEEPING HOME PROJECTS MOVING WITH CERTAINTY... Smith & Sons Shepparton specialises in renovations, extensions and custom homes, with a strong emphasis on planning and project management. By managing plans, permits and construction as one seamless process, they deliver outcomes that perform just as well as they present. Pictured is business owner and experienced, registered builder, Travis Vanderway. Photo: Supplied
Smith & Sons Shepparton specialises in renovations, extensions and custom homes, with a strong focus on planning and project management. By managing plans, permits and construction as one process, the team helps homeowners reduce uncertainty, avoid costly surprises and keep projects moving from concept through to completion.
In and around Shepparton and the broader Goulburn Valley, many homes were not originally designed for the demands of modern living. As a result, extensions are rarely simple additions; they require the careful integration of old and new. Achieving that cohesion relies on meticulous planning, considered sequencing and practical, onthe-ground experience.
Business owner and experienced, registered builder, Travis Vanderwey said
this early groundwork is where projects are ultimately won or lost.
“This is where projects succeed or fall apart, not in the build itself, but in how well it is prepared before construction starts,” he said.
“When plans, permits and construction are managed together, the process stays controlled. When they are treated separately, problems multiply.”
At Smith & Sons Shepparton, renovations and extensions are approached as a complete process, from initial planning through to final handover. The focus is on resolving complexities early, maintaining control throughout the build and delivering outcomes that perform as well as they present.
Build with certainty:
Why more Shepparton buyers are choosing to build in 2026
IN a property market where confidence matters, the question is not just build or buy, it is about knowing exactly what you are getting.
Across the Goulburn Valley and Greater Shepparton, that certainty is increasingly leading buyers toward building new with an established name.
For many, experience is a critical factor. Simonds Homes has been building for more than 75 years, adapting through changing markets and lifestyles while refining its approach to quality and design. That depth of knowledge continues to shape every home delivered today.
“Buyers today want more than a nice looking home,” said Simonds New Home Specialist Jason Timperley. “They want confidence in the
builder behind it, now and into the future.”
Cost certainty is also a major driver. Fixed price contracts ensure buyers know their total investment upfront, removing the risk of unexpected increases during construction. In contrast, established homes can present hidden expenses, from ageing plumbing to inefficient insulation, often uncovered only after purchase.
Long-term reassurance is another key advantage. Simonds offers a Lifetime Structural Guarantee,^ covering the core structure of the home for as long as the owner lives in it. This provides a level of protection not typically available in the established market.
Modern performance is also front of mind. Homes are built to meet or exceed a 7-star energy rating, supporting year-round comfort in Shepparton’s climate while helping to reduce
running costs. Many designs include solar as standard, putting greater control over energy use in the hands of homeowners.
From initial consultation through to handover, the process is designed to be clear and transparent, with defined timelines and streamlined approvals.
“We want buyers to feel confident at every stage. Building should be exciting, not stressful,” said Jason.
For Shepparton buyers, that sense of certainty is proving hard to ignore.
To find out more, visit https://www.simonds. com.au or speak with the team about house and land opportunities near you.
^T&Cs apply.
Visit Simonds Homes’ two display homes at Seven Creeks Estate, Kialla.
IDYLLIC OPPORTUNITIES ON THE RISE…With Stage 1 of Westwood Rise Estate in Mooroopna now complete and titles expected in
Westwood Rise and Tatura Waters lead the way in spacious living
IDYLLICALLY set alongside a native gum reserve, Westwood Rise Estate in Mooroopna offers a rare chance to live, grow and thrive on generously sized lots.
more than 15 blocks sold.
For those drawn to semi-rural living, Tatura Waters offers another standout opportunity at the doorstep of Tatura. Featuring expansive 2000m2 lots, the development blends space and privacy with modern convenience, with prices starting from $298,500.
Averaging 904m2 with wide frontages exceeding 22m, these spacious allotments provide room to breathe and the freedom to create a lifestyle, whether that means expansive home designs, outdoor entertaining, or space for sheds and gardens.
Stage 1 is now fully constructed with titles expected in July, while the highly anticipated Stage 2 is set to begin soon. Plans include a park and playground flowing directly into the reserve, creating a relaxed, family-friendly environment for picnics, play and everyday living.
Westwood Rise delivers a balanced lifestyle within easy walking distance of St Mary’s Primary School and the Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.
Priced from $250,000, Youngs & Co Real Estate agent Glenn Young said the estate had already attracted strong buyer interest, with
Designed with integrated waterways and wetlands, Tatura Waters has expansive picturesque reserves and generous open spaces.
Situated in the north of Shepparton and close to the GV Grammar School, Lauriston Estate offers large 2,000m2 blocks that are fully serviced and ready to build on now!
The fully developed park and reserve features playground equipment, basketball/ netball ring & a relaxing area complete with BBQ. Priced from $395,000 these blocks are an investment in your future.
Youngs & Co Real Estate, a family-owned agency, is the selling agent for several premium developments in Kialla, Shepparton North, Tatura and Westwood Rise Mooroopna. To learn more or secure a block, contact Glenn Young on 0438 579 993.
Local Family Builders Serving the Community
As local builders, our reputation has been built and achieved through building quality family homes since 1985 and working hard to maintain an impeccable reputation in the building industry and with our clients. We keep our pricing competitive while maintaining high standards of craftmanship.
Visit our new display home at 42 Lorikeet Street, Kialla or our new homes selection centre for a no obligation discussion.
Customise your plans or bring your own. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, you can trust us to create a home that you’ll love for years to come.
From left: Clayton, David & Tim Sessions
Limited opportunities as demand grows for premium blocks
WITH blue skies, open space and room to grow, Apple Blossom Estate is redefining regional living near the heart of Shepparton.
Positioned in the tranquil surrounds of Shepparton East, the boutique 18-lot development offers generous allotments ranging from 2,005m² to 2,293m², and is framed by picturesque orchard views and farmland, delivering the charm of country living while remaining close to schools and essential amenities.
Whether it’s a spacious family home or the freedom to shape a lifestyle that suits you, these expansive blocks offer the perfect canvas. From a shed or workshop to a pool, or an outdoor entertaining area, there is room to evolve under the open skies complemented by thriving trees and greenery.
Gagliardi Scott Real Estate is now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI), presenting a rare chance to secure a slice of
premium lifestyle living. Thoughtfully designed, the estate will feature landscaped streetscapes and a central open reserve, complete with winding walking paths to encourage connection with the natural surroundings.
Meanwhile, Stage 2 at Providence Place in North Shepparton is also offering large allotments, starting from 2,000m² and extending beyond 6,000m². Located near St
Luke’s Primary School and Goulburn Valley
School, the estate combines space and convenience, with wide frontages enhancing privacy and design covenants protecting long-term value.
Opportunities are also becoming limited at Emerald Bank Estate and Providence Place Stage 1 with only a handful of blocks remaining.
Shepparton market heats up as prices climb and supply tightens
GREATER Shepparton’s property market, as of June 2026, continues to reflect a competitive, low-supply environment.
Median house prices have lifted from around $500,000 in recent years to now sit between $520,000 and $540,000, with annual growth reaching up to around 11 per cent.
Investor demand remains strong, while the rental market is tight, with vacancy rates generally sitting around 1 to 2 per cent and solid yields recorded across both houses and units.
Grammar
SECURE YOUR SLICE OF PREMIUM LIFESTYLE LIVING... From the open space and room to grow at Apple Blossom Estate and Stage 2 of Providence Place, to the limited opportunities remaining at Emerald Bank Estate and Providence Place Stage 1, Gagliardi Scott Real Estate invites home buyers and investors to explore a range of exceptional land development opportunities across
By Deanne Jeffers
IN the midst of moving house last year, we found a raw cast iron skillet that was looking a bit worse for wear. It had developed rust, the seasoning had worn off, and almost looked like it would be better being discarded. If you have a cast iron pan that looks this way, don’t think about dispelling it from your kitchen just yet! With a bit of care and elbow grease, you can bring it back to life.
Steps I took
1. Start by soaking the pan in a solution of warm water and white vinegar for 30 minutes to an hour. When it’s ready, use an abrasive scour or steel wool to scrub the pan and remove as much rust as you can. If you need a bit more help, add it back to the vinegar and warm water solution and add some bicarb soda for extra measure. After another soak, give it a good scrub. Don’t fret if it doesn’t look perfect yet.
2. Dry the pan with paper towels until it is completely dry and then heat it on the stove for a few minutes to dispel any excess moisture. You do not want it to get too hot or else it will be difficult to handle in the next step: seasoning!
3. Once dry and warm, add a small amount of oil and rub it into the pan with paper towel. I used canola oil, but most oils will do the trick. Don’t use too much though. You want to work the oil into the entire pan so it is
completely covered but looks dry, not oily or shiny. Preheat your oven to 250C with foil lining the bottom tray while you do this.
4. Add the pan upside down to the middle rack and bake it for an hour. Afterwards, turn off the oven and let it cool completely inside. For the best results, repeat these steps 2-3 more times by re-oiling lightly once cool, wiping it back until it looks almost dry, and baking for another hour before cooling.
What to expect
• Be aware that grill ridges will darken slower than flat areas.
It won’t be perfect immediately, but cast iron improves with use. The colour will go from grey, to bronze, to dark brown and then black over time. For the first 5-10 uses, cook fatty foods like bacon, sausages, eggs with butter, or potatoes in oil. Avoid foods that might strip the seasoning, like long simmering liquids, lemon, vinegar, or tomato sauces.
Ongoing care
• Clean with hot water and a brush
Do not soak Dry on heat
• If it looks dry, lightly oil and wipe. Cast iron has stuck around for centuries for a good reason: it is durable and can last for generations; it doesn’t warp and improves use. Cast iron is my go-to for cooking, particularly for achieving a great sear on steaks, chicken or vegetables. So, if your cast-iron pan has seen better days, try these steps before you throw it out.
Don’t miss out on Australia’s biggest home battery opportunity
AUSTRALIAN homeowners are being encouraged to act now, with significant savings still available through the Federal Battery Rebate before incentive levels reduce in future years.
As energy prices continue to rise, more families are looking for ways to take control of their electricity costs. Home battery systems are becoming one of the most effective ways to maximise the value of solar power, allowing households to store excess energy generated during the day and use it when they need it most.
The Federal Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program is helping make battery storage more affordable than ever, with eligible households able to access substantial discounts on approved battery systems. However, these rebate levels are scheduled to gradually reduce over time, meaning homeowners who act sooner may secure greater savings.
Future NRG is helping local families understand their options and take advantage of available rebates before the next reduction occurs. Whether you already have solar installed or are considering a complete solar and battery package, there has never been a better time to explore how battery storage can lower your energy bills and increase your energy independence.
Beyond battery rebates, homeowners may also be eligible for additional incentives on solar power systems, energyefficient hot water upgrades, and heating and cooling solutions, creating even greater opportunities to reduce household energy costs.
At Future NRG, the team takes the guesswork out of the process by helping customers identify available rebates, design the right solution for their home, and maximise their long-term savings.
The rebate is still here - but the biggest savings won't last forever.
TAKE
OF YOUR
a home battery system, made more affordable with the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Battery Program. Future NRG is helping local families understand and take advantage of available rebates before the next reduction occurs. Photo: Supplied
To petify & beautify
WHETHER it’s a friendly wet nose nudging for attention or a sleek, whiskered body curling into your lap, our pets bring not only daily joy but genuine companionship and a deep sense of wellbeing.
Australians are unmistakably devoted to their animals. With one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, around 73 per cent of households own a pet. That equates to an extraordinary 31.6 million animals, far outnumbering the human population.
With this in mind, it is little surprise that pet owners are increasingly investing in outdoor spaces designed with their animals in mind. Beyond simple shelter, these areas are becoming thoughtful, dedicated environments.
Pet patios, or ‘petios’, are on the rise, alongside backyards transformed into true pet paradises.
From pet-safe plants and designated ‘dig zones’ to secure fencing and screening, below are a few examples of what devoted owners are doing across their backyards.
Begin by crafting a pet-friendly outdoor space with clearly defined areas. Use secure fencing to prevent great escapes, establish pathways to protect garden beds, and create designated toileting zones.
Remove any toxic plants such as tulips, bulbs and oleander, and instead choose petsafe options like ferns, marigolds, roses and blueberry bushes. Harsh chemical fertilisers should also be avoided. With a little research, you can create a garden that is both pet-safe and beautifully lush.
With a soft pad of the paw and an endless
sniff, dogs just love to patrol the perimeter, making fence lines an ideal place for pawfriendly paths. A smooth paved or crushed granite pathway along property lines helps deter them from trampling garden beds.
Whether for joy, instinct or simply to cool off, dogs love to dig. To prevent destruction among prized shrubbery, designate a specific sandbox or loose soil area with buried toys and treats to redirect their enthusiasm.
When inevitable ‘rough patches’ occur in your lawn, replace them with hardwearing ground covers such as artificial turf, self-repairing buffalo grass or clover.
Keep your pets high and dry with an off-theground kennel, doghouse or covered pergola, and add natural cooling shade with native trees like bottlebrush or lilly pilly.
Most important of all, always keep a heavy, non-tip water bowl of water in the shade and for hot days, set up a shallow paddling pool, it can really bring those beloved over-heated paws some very welcomed relief.
CONTROL
ELECTRICITY COSTS... with
PET-FRIENDLY… Australians are devoted to their pets, so it’s little surprise that more owners are investing in outdoor spaces designed with their animals in mind. Photo: Supplied
Off grid and on purpose Sustainable lifestyle taking shape in Whroo
WORKING TO LIVE SUSTAINABLY... Last year, Kay and Steve (pictured) shared their remarkable journey to reconnect with nature and embrace a more sustainable way of living post-COVID on their property in Whroo, just outside Rushworth. Driven by a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to return to the land, the couple detailed their progress in transforming their 50-acre property into a permanent off-grid residence, complete with a range of micro-enterprise ventures. One year on, after navigating a multitude of challenges, Kay and Steve are once again opening up about their journey — sharing their progress, setbacks and unwavering determination to turn their dream into reality.
By Natasha Fujimoto
TO build a life that is truly your own, grounded in authentic purpose and aligned with core values of reconnecting with nature and living sustainably, goes to the heart of what it means to be free for some. Taking the plunge to live off-grid in country Victoria is not just a practical undertaking, but one requiring vision, courage, tenacity and,
Their desire to live beneath big skies, in peace, off-grid and free from rising utility costs and modern-day constraints, resonates deeply. It reflects a return to their roots, a love of nature, and the enduring appeal of carving out a life on the land shaped by possibility.
Purchasing their property in 2021, complete with two 22,000-litre rainwater tanks, a small solar system with generator back-up, and a 24m by 20m besser brick shed, the couple rolled up their sleeves and continue to transform their
Melanie Spencer
sustainable micro-enterprises, including a market garden, honey production and the future development of a commercial kitchen to prepare produce for sale in nearby towns, not only to support their lifestyle but also to give back to the community.
Steve said, “We are looking at options to increase the number of solar panels and batteries, but are weighing up the expense compared to letting the diesel generator run more frequently over winter. The forecast for a wet winter will
ADD COMFORT AND VALUE TO YOUR HOME
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Backed by our 10 year guarantee on workmanship and with the confidence that comes with using only the best materials your GV Carports and Patios home addition will be a valuable addition to your home. OR Call us today on (03) 5831 2031 or email info@gvcarports.com.au for a free measure and quote. Visit our showroom at 70 Mitchell St, Shepparton.
Photo:
EMERGING UNSCATHED BY CALAMITY... Following the threat of the devastating Longwood bushfires, Kay and Steve have continued exploring options to establish a new home on their property. The process has meant navigating council approvals while managing the mounting cost pressures of the ongoing fuel crisis. Despite these challenges, along with a tough summer that has taken its toll on their fruit and vegetable gardens, the couple have also celebrated some hard-earned wins. Among them is the flowering of their ironbarks (pictured) — blooming for the first time in two years — bringing renewed life to the landscape, exciting the bees and supporting their honey production, one of several micro-enterprises on the property. Photo: Supplied
A year on, and following the threat of the devastating Longwood bushfires, the challenges have not eased. Thankfully, their property emerged unscathed, but the ongoing development of their ‘forever home’ continues to test their resolve.
After contacting several local builders last year, the couple received quotes far beyond expectations, in some cases up to 50 per cent higher than anticipated. Undeterred, they explored alternative options, including transportable homes, either a readymade build through Neatline Homes or a kit home from Yarrawonga. However, uncertainty around council approvals, particularly concerning the placement of a transportable home on their block, has complicated matters, as it may not align with existing infrastructure where solar and water systems are already in place.
Faced with these constraints, Kay and Steve have chosen to pursue the ownerbuilder route in an effort to better manage costs.
While a tough summer has impacted their fruit and vegetable gardens, and ongoing fuel pressures have limited their trips back and forth from Melbourne, there have also been encouraging developments.
Kay and Steve's
with House & Land
or
— extending the benefits of their efforts beyond the
Favourable conditions have seen their banana crop expand from two trees to six, while the greenhouse, used to house plants through winter and improve conditions for an earlier harvest, has allowed Kay to increase vegetable seedlings this year. Kay hopes to yield a strong winter crop to help ease the impacts of ongoing economic pressures, while also sharing seedlings with neighbours.
Following permit approval for a septic system, septic beds and a pump well were installed last year. For the budding apiarists, March brought a welcome boost, with ironbarks flowering on their block for the first time in two years. Kay is optimistic they will harvest honey this spring.
Always anticipating challenges and never ones to shy away from them, Kay and Steve said, “We are looking forward to a wet winter. We have planted flowering Australian natives in recent weeks, hoping these will nourish our bees if we face drought conditions in the years to come. We will also increase our fruit trees this year by purchasing from Ardmona. We hope to commence our build by the end of this year and relocate to Whroo permanently by the end of 2027.”
BEHOLDEN TO THE WEATHER GODS... While a tough summer has taken a toll on Kay and Steve’s fruit and vegetable gardens, Kay has made full use of her greenhouse, protecting plants through winter and boosting the next round of growth. By increasing her vegetable seedlings, she is working towards a strong winter harvest to help offset ongoing economic pressures, while also sharing extra seedlings with neighbours
property.
Photo: Supplied
Sweet & savoury staple from Japan
WHEN it comes to satisfying avid winter appetites, a steaming hot bowl of Japanese chicken udon is really your best bet.
Think succulent, tender pieces of chicken amidst a sweet and savoury broth, with plenty of plump, chewy wheat noodles and a sprinkling of wholesome root vegetables. Delicious, hearty and healthy, this simple recipe may require a trip to the Asian supermarket, but once you’ve got everything, you’re in for a quick and easy treat with a touch of Far Eastern glamour.
Ingredients (for one serving)
One serving of Hanabi frozen udon noodles (approx. 200–250g), available from Coles
• 2 cups dashi (a staple Japanese soup stock)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon cooking sake
• 1 tablespoon sugar, optional or to taste
1 chicken thigh, cut into 2–3cm pieces Green onions, to finish
• Shichimi togarashi, if desired (a popular Japanese seven-spice blend)
Method
Let the udon noodles thaw out in a bowl while you prepare the soup.
1. While your udon is thawing, bring the dashi, soy, mirin and cooking sake and sugar up to boil over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken and simmer until it’s cooked through, should take about 2 – 3 minutes
3. Add the udon and simmer for one minute until it’s heated through.
4. Put everything in a deep noodle bowl and top with green onions and sprinkle with shichimi togarashi.
Itadakimasu! (bon appétit!)
Across our community, everyone plays a part - and we’re proud to be right in the thick of it.
Being local means cheering from the sidelines at the footy, helping out in the canteen, firing up the BBQ, and backing the clubs and organisations that bring people together and keep the region moving.
This isn’t just where we work - it’s where we live, raise our families, and feel connected.
From saying g’day at the supermarket, or at school drop off or grabbing a coffee at the local cafe, we understand you, because we’re locals too.
These are the moments that shape life across the Goulburn Valley, and they shape the way we do what we do.
Want to make sure you’re getting a great deal on your home loan?
GMCU, created by locals for locals. Live local. Bank Local. Call your local lender Kane Shephard on 0409 507 967.
