Our Goulburn Valley 2020

120 PAGES OF SUCCESS IN THE GOULBURN VALLEY

OUR GOULBURN VALLEY BUSINESS DIRECTORY INSIDE

STAYING

G STROOUN GH THR COVID-19

A SPECIAL MAGAZINE PUBLICATION | Oct/Nov 2020

Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion

in our community Proudly brought to you by the

120 Pages of success in the Goulburn Valley Local Visionary Our Goulburn Valley

Welcome to

Brought to you by

Our Goulburn Valley

Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community

A special magazine highlighting many success stories in our great Goulburn Valley region.

Contents 4 4

28

Extraordinary innovation and resilience in the Goulburn Valley Major projects in the Goulburn Valley hit top gear…

Pental: Not just an Australian manufacturer, a global brands distribution specialist

62

29

On the road towards global expansion

64

SAM build nears completion

Dookie Wine Show with a difference

65

Redevelopment at GV Health on track

66

The GV: Growing food for a nation

5

Never has the Goulburn Valley had to be more resilient

30

5

Message from the Prime Minister

8

Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our Community

31 – 36 Engineering & Manufacturing

8

Michelle Luscombe

8

Land boom in the Goulburn Valley…

9

The new Shepparton Art Museum: A beacon of hope and possibility

9 10

Weathering the travails of 2020, and thriving Louise Tremper

32

Off-road caravanning a cruise

33

Resilience and growth during unprecedented times

63

Property boom during unprecedented times

67 – 78 Transport 68

Keatings: A Trucking Dynasty

70

Almost a Century in Support of Transport

Good things are coming

34

Shepparton key to servicing national demand

72

36

Business Awards to celebrate silver jubilee in 2021

Rental solutions for when you need the right vehicle

74

Rural success flows onto truck sales

76

Engine room to industries

10

Olivia Barlow

11

David McKenzie

11

Matt Sharp

77

Keeping the wheels turning

14

Hon. Daniel Andrews MP

78

14

Suzanna Sheed MP

More than 50 years and still going strong

14

Hon. Wendy Lovell MP

14

Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP

14

Steph Ryan MP

15

Geared for growth

18

Peter Harriott

18

Declan Moore

18

Dom Testoni

18

Mark Henderson

19 – 30 Primary Industries & Consumer Goods

79 – 84 Education & the Art

40

Rebrand reflects new direction

42

Build it, and they will come

46

A reputation set in stone

48

Heavy lifting done right

50

Scaling up to meet demand

52 53 54

Property boom turbo charged

by Coronavirus crisis

56

Population growth to intensify in heart of the Goulburn Valley Proud history of putting roofs over heads in the region

85 – 118 Services

publishing team.

90

Invested in a secure future

92

Helping shape the future of the GV with tailor-made employment solutions

96

Keeping things together in the construction trades

98

The world is at your feet if you know where to look

Super school becoming a reality

34

37 – 66 Infrastructure, Construction & Development

100 A waste recycling company reducing its own waste 100 Award-winning finance broker nine years running 104 Giving back to a community that has helped them grow 106 Helping locals carve a life long career 106 Health services the single largest employer in Greater Shepparton 108 Sounds Around: Keeping people connected in a socially isolated year 108 Providing a complete water treatment service 110 A purchase from a social enterprise makes a difference 112 Water of life: Crystal clean, no plastic bottles 113 Innovative security company keeping businesses and homes safe

80

Community Comeback supporting COVID-19 recovery

114 Bringing young people into the work they want to do

82

Unique Shepparton school aces relocation

114 Solar panels set to power GVW into the future

Their work benefits our communities

84

Resilience in the face of adversity

Putting dreams onto paper

84

Sport, culture and education hub will be a tremendous asset to our region

115 Expertise ensures protection over your investments 115 Combining an extraordinary 130 years of experience 116 Weathering the storm 116 Industry experience and reliability matters in forklifts

20

Med-Con steps up

56

22

Move online an agricultural first and a win for all

57

Integrity is everything

86

The region’s own name in caravanning

117 Our Goulburn Valley Business Directory

24

Still proudly independent and growing

58

88

Telecommunications solutions tailored to your business needs

24

A fine drop, too

Property market doing a lot better than expected

117 Recognised leader in controlling the spread of fruit fly

Life can never get busy enough for Emily

58

New professional FRV/CFA station to Crow about

88

26

Iconic new 4 Series comes to Shepparton BMW

On the cover We at The Adviser are energized and thrilled by the fantastic response we have received compiling the 2020-2021 special edition of Our Goulburn Valley magazine.

This year’s theme is one of Inspiration, Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community and as you’ll read this sixth edition, you will be uplifted by so many success stories in the Goulburn Valley.

With COVID affecting each and everyone of us in some way, this special publication shows just how inspirational, innovative, resilient and passionate the people of Shepparton and the wider Goulburn Valley are which we should all be immensely proud of!

I take this opportunity to also acknowledge the

dedication, hard work and excellent teamwork of The Adviser publishing team: Advertising…Melanie Spencer, Bron Timothee, Will Adams, Geoff Adams.

Editorial…Struan Jones, Steve Hutcheson, Stephanie Holliday, Sarah Knight, Nicole Peters.

Production…Mathieu Ryan, Cameron Bathman, Sandra Saenz, Ryan Bathman.

Distribution…Melissa Burgess.

General Manager…Will Adams.

Managing Editor…Geoff Adams.

The front cover features a number of important cogs in the successful operations of business and commerce in the Goulburn Valley.

Firstly, the cover shows the beginning of plant life representing the growth of fruit

3

and produce which leads onto industry and manufacturing in the region…from small things big things grow!

Some of these important cogs are: The very successful Great Things Happen Here campaign with Charles Wooley, we also have Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, the heads of our home grown Med-Con success story, Ray Stockwell & Steve Csiszar, Dr Rebecca Coates of Shepparton Art Museum, David McKenzie of Opteon Property Group, Carmine Conte of Shepparton’s Pental Limited, Elizabeth Capp of La Trobe University, Fleur Thomson, Paula Ryan & Deb Wheelock of the Apprenticeship Factory & Monarch Personnel, family trucking business, Keating Freight Lines’ Matthew Keating, Ross

Publishing and advertising enquiries are welcome by contacting The Adviser on 03 5832 8900

Keating, Ken Keating & Ash Keating.

We also salute the fine work of our health workers at GV Health.

We think there is something for everyone in this bumper edition of Our Goulburn Valley magazine and that even in these Covid-affected times, we should all be very proud of what we collectively achieve in…Our Goulburn Valley!

Our Goulburn Valley magazine takes this opportunity to commend the businesses in the Goulburn Valley for their extraordinary efforts and achievements having to pivot and adapt in these challenging times.

Happy reading.

Geoff Adams, Managing Editor

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

4

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

Extraordinary innovation and resilience in the Goulburn Valley THE resilience of business in the Goulburn Valley never ceases to amaze us here at The Adviser, publisher of Our Goulburn Valley magazine.

W

hether it’s the building sector, which is a large driver of employment in the region, food processors, manufacturing, the highperforming rural sector - which is shaping up to be a massive driver of the nation’s economic recovery post-COVID - local engineering firms busy taking orders since Melbourne’s lockdown, or infrastructure projects and the publicly and government funded Shepparton Art Museum, the GV Health stage one redevelopment, and Greater Shepparton Secondary College.

These and more set Shepparton and

the Goulburn Valley apart from other regions and stand us in good stead for a vibrant future.

We predict there will be a strong recovery from COVID-19, as what is normally spent across the country and overseas, is and will be spent locally.

On the flip-side, The Adviser and Our Goulburn Valley magazine also recognise the hardships many businesses in the hospitality, retail, and entertainment fields are going through.

We feel for you.

One of many milestones celebrated by businesses in the region is The Adviser’s production of this our sixth edition of Our Goulburn Valley magazine…with our theme this year being…Inspiring Innovation, Resilience & Passion in our community.

It’s all about celebrating the Goulburn Valley’s successes and uncovering wonderful stories of business innovation and resilience.

This year’s edition of Our Goulburn Valley magazine features a number of

SHOWCASING THE GV...

Geoff Adams with the previous five editions of Our Goulburn Valley magazine.

Photo: Struan Jones.

topical sections: Primary Industries & Consumer Goods, Transport, Engineering & Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Construction & Development, Professional Services, and Education & Training.

A number of local and regional dignitaries are also featured throughout the magazine.

The written word is here to stay and

today is no exception with this edition of Our Goulburn Valley magazine, recording the chronicle of life and enterprise as we see it today in the Goulburn Valley.

Geoff Adams Managing editor The Adviser and Our Goulburn Valley magazine

Major projects in the Goulburn Valley hit top gear…

A NUMBER of major projects in the Goulburn Valley are under construction, helping business drive the local economy to greater heights.

T

he recently completed stage one of GV Health is a shining light of several multi-million-dollar projects underway or completed. As a result, Shepparton has become a major health precinct for Northern Victoria and Southern NSW. GV Health is the region’s largest employer with around 2,500 staff. There are countless health related businesses based in Shepparton, a big driver of commerce and business.

Other major projects underway including the highly anticipated and very contemporary $47.4M Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) which is due to open in 2021.

The exciting project, which has been supported by hundreds of local residence and businesses financially in addition to Greater Shepparton City Council, and Federal and State governments will be the epicentre of the arts in the Goulburn Valley and Northern Victoria. The new SAM, located on the banks of Victoria Park Lake, will be home to a superb collection of Indigenous art, one of Australia’s most important ceramic collections, and artworks bequeathed to the Shepparton Art Gallery and collected over several generations.

The new SAM will provide many more opportunities for artists, students, and visitors to get involved in activities such as artist conversations and podcasts, practical workshops, highlights from the collection, virtual tours, and Q & A’s with members of the SAM team, and comic drawing classes.

The long-awaited second stage of the Shepparton rail-line upgrade, announced recently, is expected to start shortly. Stage two will include 59 rail crossing upgrades between Donnybrook and Shepparton along with platform extensions at Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie stations. The $313M project, which will be a game changer for Shepparton and the wider Goulburn Valley, will allow the faster VLocity trains onto the network.

The project is expected to be completed late 2022.

A major relocation of the CFA from Maude Street to a whole new purpose-built complex in Archer Street will take place in 2021. The station is set on a 6,800m2 site behind the Shepparton Shopping Plaza.

Education is one of the key elements of any successful regional city. The largest secondary school in regional Victoria and one of the largest in the State is advancing at a rapid rate. Greater Shepparton Secondary College, set on the 90Ha Shepparton High School site in Hawdon Street, is currently the scene of major construction.

For those enthusiastic about development and progress, cranes adorn all corners of the site.

Greater Shepparton Secondary College is due to take in its first pupils at the start of the school year in 2022.

Complementing the highly successful Shepparton Motor Museum at Emerald Bank at Kialla is the recently started Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) project. MOVE, a non-profit museum showcasing vintage cars, bikes and trucks, plus driving memorabilia will be a major driver of tourism in the Goulburn Valley. MOVE will showcase the Goulburn Valley’s rich history and heritage centred on trucking, transport and agriculture.

At the recent sod turning, Federal Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum said, “We have more trucks registered here in Shepparton than anywhere else in Australia, with the exception of Melbourne and Sydney.”

The $6.25M museum will expand on the current Shepparton Motor Museum footprint with an extra 10,000m2 of exhibition space and is due for completion in 2021.

A major project on the drawing board that will get lift-off in 2021 is the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence.

The exciting $54M project to be constructed near the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club will be

a game changer for the wider Goulburn Valley.

“Munarra will play a very important role in upskilling the community,” Kaiela Institute empowered communities co-ordinator, Travis Morgan, told the Our Goulburn Valley magazine.

A report by Deloitte Access Economics estimated from Munarra, gross domestic product in the region would be boosted to $150M, taking into consideration less welfare, more Indigenous employment, social inclusion, less crime and a happier community.

The Education Department is building an Integrated Early Learning Centre (IELC) for the local community in O’Brien Street, Mooroopna. This project is part of the $20.5M Shepparton Education Plan. The centre will offer kindergarten for threeand four-year-olds, long day-care services, and maternal and child health care for local families.

Work to install 1.9 megawatts of solar energy systems on land and infrastructure right throughout the Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) service area has been ongoing throughout the year with more than 4,800 high-efficiency solar PV panels scheduled to be installed over a six-month period.

The $5.4M initiative has been rolled out across ten of GVW’s towns at facilities assessed as the largest power consumer sites.

The State Government has committed $7M to build a new native fish hatchery in Northern Victoria at Arcadia. The new hatchery will expand Victoria’s breeding and stocking of warm water native fish including Murray cod, golden perch, silver perch and freshwater catfish and is due to be operational in 2021.

During the earlier part of the year, GenesisCare opened their new $11M radiation therapy cancer treatment centre that will save members of the local community the time and effort in travelling to Melbourne for treatment.

Our Goulburn Valley magazine commends the huge effort and dedication from various organisations, Members of Parliament, Local Government and the wider community who have been involved in these projects.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

Never has the Goulburn Valley had to be more resilient

PRIME MINISTER

EMERGING from severe drought, we emerged to face a global pandemic that has forced businesses, borders and schools to shut, significantly limited social interaction, and generally impacted our lives like never before.

T

5

hroughout the turmoil caused by COVID-19, the Federal Government has been by your side.

As your Federal representative, I have heard first-hand how vital our economic support packages have been, whether that be JobKeeper, HomeBuilder, or the $10M given to local councils across the Nicholls electorate to fast-track job-creating infrastructure projects.

The Federal Government is also supporting Goulburn Valley businesses to embrace innovation.

We continually run grant programs such as Building Better Regions, the Regional Growth Fund, and Regional Jobs and Investment.

These programs are aimed at encouraging businesses to invest further in their operations, employ more people, and continually strive for even greater success.

My passion to help the people and businesses of Nicholls continues to drive me every day as I work hard to deliver projects and outcomes for this great region.

I thank everyone for the sacrifices they have made so we emerge from COVID-19 as soon as possible and I look forward to continuing to advocate for you in our Federal Parliament.

Hon. Damian Drum MP Member for Nicholls

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME

MINISTER

OUR GOULBURN VALLEY MAGA ZIN

E 2020 This year’s Goulburn Valley Magazin e rightly celebrates the resilience, inno vation and passion of your local community.

Despite a once in a century pandemi c, your

region has stood up and played its part

.

More Australians should know the stor y of Joe Carmody – the engineer, entr epreneur and creator – who sums up the spirit of endeavou r that burns in the towns and villages of the region.

Joe, in his workshop in Shepparton, invented Australia’s only medical mas k-making machine. It was ground-breaking 40 years ago. Whe n COVID-19 hit, it was a game-change r.

Joe’s model, virtually unchanged, is the foundation of our ramped up domestic mask-making capability. Its re-creation by a team of Australian Defence Force engineers in partnership with two Goulburn Valley manufacturers – Med-Con and Foodmach – means we now have a vastly increased output capacity. Joe’s visio n has achieved something quite extr aordinary for his community and this nation.

Joe is one in a long line of Australi an innovators, following their pass ion. It’s the kind of determination that is forged in the regions of Australia – where adversity is the inspiration for ingenuity and achievement.

Our regions, like the Goulburn Vall ey, have felt a heavy burden througho ut this pandemic. But your positive outlook, your dedicatio n to playing the long game, give me enormous confidence.

Our shared goal is to save lives and livelihoods. We will get through this and emerge on the other side, stronger and more united than ever .

The story of Joe – one man and a mac hine – and the marvellous stories of the Goulburn Valley told in this magazine, are part of our jour ney to recovery. As a nation, we draw our strength from those stories. They are the reason why we will prevail.

The Hon Scott Morrison MP Prime Minister of Australia October 2020

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

8

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

Michelle Luscombe Inspiring Innovation, executive officer, Resilience and Passion Chief Goulburn Murray Community Leadership in our Community Who could have dreamt up 2020? The year that has looked us in the eye, given us a prod in the side, and quietly asked if we can do better.

WELL, 2020 has certainly been a year of challenges and adapting to the new normal.

T

hings we thought were normal have suddenly become out of reach, such as a stadium full of people for a visiting artist, or even a simple birthday party with friends from around the country or world.

We are wired for change and we have all adapted and innovated, and many of our Shepparton businesses have completely changed their operations and plans. We congratulate them for the great strides they have made to keep us safe and we thank our local community for staying together and purchasing local.

At the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) we are working with other chambers and striving to help you - our business community - through this with updates almost daily on social media, grants, initiatives to help, mentor programs, advocating for buy local and much more.

At the SCCI we are planning a new event in 2021: Our Inaugural Leadership Luncheon, where local thought leaders and visiting leaders will discuss 2020, how we adapted, changed and got through, celebrate our wins and discuss what we could

A

have done better.

Inspiring is what Med-Con have done to adapt and change, Pental have increased production to keep everyone safe, SPC has made acquisitions and our regional area is receiving an uptick of residents due to movement from larger cities.

We have much to be proud of, and I thank the local community for standing tall.

We will come out of this. History will look back at Shepparton as one of the regions that led our recovery, so be resilient and be strong and we will get through this.

John Anderson President, Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry

s CEO of Goulburn Murray Community Leadership, an organisation that has invested in the development of 25 or so emerging Goulburn Murray-based community leaders each year since 1997, I am quietly optimistic about the future of our region. We have made a long-term investment in developing leaders who and that tells you a lot We have are able to quickly about their attitude, made a longadapt to challenging passion for their term investment circumstances and community and also importantly, their resilience. in developing leaders can recognise They’ve learnt who are able to quickly and act on the importance adapt to challenging opportunities as of good they arise. connection, good circumstances,” We have 27 communication - Michelle participants in and deeply Luscombe the 2020 Fairley understanding the Leadership Program, many elements of the who quickly adapted to an region they live in. online learning environment, in Who knows what these what has traditionally been a face-tocommunity leaders will go on to do in face learning experience. Every single our region? If 2020 is anything to go person that started the program is by, I’d say we are in good hands. expected to graduate in December,

Land boom in the Goulburn Valley…

Hundreds of businesses and tradies enjoy major spin-offs THE combination of strong investment in infrastructure and commercial enterprises along with land development all bodes well for a strong future in the Goulburn Valley.

R

ecord land sales were recorded earlier this year when more than 200 residential blocks alone were sold within days, following the Federal and State Governments’ grants support in the early stages of COVID-19.

The land sale rush has taken developers and governments across the board by surprise.

Suddenly, the real challenge for local councils is the fast-tracking and opening of new land for development. The demand is there and it appears that it will run for some time, which augurs well for the future of the Goulburn Valley.

Local real estate agent principal, Rocky Gagliardi of Gagliardi Scott Real Estate said, “Land sales are out of control at the moment. Land sales were ticking along like I’ve never seen it before, and that was before COVID-19. We’re having a land boom.”

Land sold in March and April is already changing hands for a substantial profit. Some major house builders have taken advantage of the land boom and bought large numbers of blocks for future potential clients.

Major local land developments under construction or advanced include:

• Connolly Park • Rosemont Park • Freedom Place • Sanctuary Park • Grammar Park • Seven Creeks Estate Gardens Estate • The Grange • Kialla Lakes Estate • The Grove • Marlboro Park • The Vines • Meadow Wood • Westwood Run • Northside Mooroopna • Park Views Estate • Windsor Park Mooroopna • Woodlands Estate • Providence Field • Elloura Estate • Riverwood Park Nagambie • Riviera Park Swift action from the Federal and State Governments when COVID-19 first broke-out has given the building industry a huge boost, thus avoiding an instant crisis of confidence and major depression.

All governments are relying on a building-led recovery from what could be the toughest economic downturn in a lifetime.

From floor covering, kitchen, carpentry, hardware, air conditioning, civil engineering, land surveyor, project management, earthmoving, to garden supplier, window covering, electrician, plumber, and real estate agent, businesses are in full swing in the Goulburn Valley.

As a general comment by Our Goulburn Valley magazine, hundreds of local and regional businesses along with a large number of tradies are benefiting from the land and building boom.

LAND TO GROW... Greater Shepparton has seen huge demand for land this year, with master-planned estates undergoing construction around the town.

Pictured from the air is The Vines, a new estate North of the Shepparton CBD. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

If the building industry is booming, the rest of the economy receives invaluable spin-offs.

Shepparton home builders are receiving record enquiry and sign-ups for home builds.

Land and home builder packages are relatively cheap in the Goulburn Valley which is attracting many families to settle in the region.

Our Goulburn Valley magazine salutes the coordinated efforts of Federal, State and Local Governments. However, it doesn’t stop here!

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

9

The new Shepparton Art Museum:

A beacon of hope and possibility GREATER Shepparton is home to a strong, passionate, creative community and Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is delighted to play a pivotal role in bringing our community together.

S

port plays an important role in bringing communities together, sharing common interests, and getting active along the way.

The arts bring similar opportunities for those who express themselves in different ways.

Swap a football or pair of swimming goggles for a canvas, craft project or piece of clay, visit an exhibition or share in a class, and these are some of the many great things to be involved in in Greater Shepparton.

Along with our hospitality colleagues, the arts sector has been hit hard during this pandemic. And yet, it will be one of the driving forces for renewal and recovery as we work towards a new normal for our region.

It reflects who we are, and what we hold dear.

We reached out to our community to find out how we could help in these last months, what made a difference, and how we could celebrate what people were doing to be creative – at home and online.

Since April, SAM has engaged many artists to create workshops and activities that can be enjoyed virtually by all ages near and far. Listed on our #SAMHub, these innovative online activities have not only provided entertainment and a creative outlet for physically isolated families, students and communities, but ensured we are fostering connections and inspiring makers even when we cannot meet face to face.

We have had people joining in from overseas, as well as the many from our local community. Comic drawing classes, artist conversations and podcasts, practical workshops, highlights from the collection, virtual tours, and Q & A’s with members of the SAM team – a veritable feast. We’ve even started virtual visits to SAM for school groups while students and teachers are unable to visit. Who says we’re not creative?

A BUILDING TO BE PROUD OF... The new Shepparton Art Museum will redefine the Shepparton skyline and become a destination for visitors and locals. Photo: Supplied.

And people seem to feel connected. We’ve had letters from parents, delighted to have some things to do with the kids; from older members of our community who miss their visit to SAM with a friend to see favourite works from the Collection; and drawings from the kids themselves. We have so much more planned for the remainder of the year!

The new SAM building going up has been a beacon of hope and possibility throughout all of this. We look forward to sharing the journey to our new SAM with our community, with many exciting milestones coming up in the next few months.

Our new SAM will provide many more opportunities for artists, students, and visitors to get involved, and we look forward to sharing these stories with you all. I invite you to connect with us via our Facebook or Instagram pages. Tell us what you love!

Stay safe and resilient, Dr Rebecca Coates Director, Shepparton Art Museum

CONNECTING PEOPLE THROUGH CREATIVITY...

Shepparton Art Museum director, Dr Rebecca Coates, has steered the organisation through the Coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Supplied.

Weathering the travails of 2020, and thriving 2020 has been a difficult year. We began with bushfires that, while not immediately affecting the Greater Shepparton area, had an impact on the psyche of regional Victoria. In February we became aware of the spread of a viral pandemic.

T

hough early comparisons were made with the Spanish flu of 1918, we didn’t fully appreciate then how much our lives and norms would be turned upside down by COVID-19. Kids not attending school, cafes and restaurants not allowed to open, sports seasons cancelled, state borders closed, all unimaginable back in summer.

Greater Shepparton has fared better than some. Our economy relies heavily on agriculture, food processing, manufacturing and healthcare.

These industries have generally managed to continue through the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, and in some cases, demand for goods and services has increased.

The retail and hospitality sectors have borne the brunt of the economic damage in our region.

However, showing the innovation and resilience typical of business owners in the

region, many have found ways to push through and trade within the restrictions imposed.

In addition, there has been a concerted effort to cross-deploy workers from sectors suffering a downturn to those who have had to ramp up. Networked regional cities such as Greater Shepparton do this very well.

As we come out of the most severe restrictions, there are two imperatives. The first is not allowing an outbreak of COVID-19 in the region, an effort led heroically by GV Health. The second is coming together to get our businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector that has struggled so much, back up and running again.

Sam Birrell Chief executive officer, Committee for Greater Shepparton

INNOVATION AND RESILIENCE...” Committee for Greater Shepparton chief executive officer, Sam Birrell, believes Shepparton will emerge from the national downturn strongly and credited GV Health for maintaining the health of the region during the global pandemic. Photo: Supplied.

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

10

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

A creative community set to unify in 2021 SHEPPARTON Festival is an inclusive and multi-disciplinary regional arts program covering everything from fine art, sculpture, dance, film, writing, music, multi-cultural events and celebrations.

Now in its 25th year, the festival unites the diverse Greater Shepparton community to celebrate culture, history, art and the region’s strengths.

The Goulburn Valley has a thriving creative community with Shepparton as the arts epicentre and showcasing regional highlights Toolamba to Dookie, Tatura to Murchison and many in between. The theme for the 2021 Shepparton Festival is UNIFY.

Louise Tremper General manager, Shepparton Festival Art and creativity help communities cope with disasters and uncertainty. That is because art brings people together, creates space for reflection, and allows us to create something new, to realise our vision.

O

ur need to stay physically apart has come at a huge social and economic cost. We have been less able to get together, eat together, drink together, laugh together, and create together. Sure, Zoom and Facetime have allowed this to happen, but not for everyone.

This pandemic has certainly highlighted inequities in our society that we must address. Although the Arts have always been the way pointer in this regard, artists have been so severely hit that they have struggled to perform the thought leadership role we’ve become so accustomed to. Part of the gig-economy, their income was decimated immediately, and this showed a massive dissonance.

We know that artists give so much and yet, the way we fund the arts shows that as a society, we do not value and protect our artists adequately. Shepparton Festival has taken the COVID-19 shock as an opportunity to address this imbalance. Our new strategic plan will put arts, creativity, and community at the very centre of our efforts. We will not expect artists to lead us on the smell of an oily rag. We will value and support our artists, and we call on our community to do the same.

Olivia Barlow President, GV Young Professionals THE GV Young Professionals is a social network for young people working in the Goulburn Valley in a wide range of careers.

T

he words ‘young’ and ‘professionals’ are both interpreted quite broadly and the group has members who are lawyers, teachers, health care professionals, farmers, engineers, accountants, social workers, creatives and various other professions.

We believe the Goulburn Valley is a great place for young people to live and work.

We aim to make it easier for people to meet, discover personal and professional development opportunities and enjoy the best our region has to offer.

Ordinarily, the GV Young Professionals would run social events such as lawn bowls, trivia, formal balls, winery walkabout bus tour and snow trips throughout the year together with professional and personal development events.

However, like many other social plans, COVID-19 has put the GV Young Professional’s plans on hold for 2020.

The GV Young Professionals are hoping to be back in full force as soon as they can and anybody who is interested in connecting with the group should following the GV Young Professionals’ Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/gvypn , visit the website at https://www.gvyoungprofessionals.com/ or email info@ gvyoungprofessionals.com to be added to our mailing list.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

David McKenzie

Matt Sharp

Chair, Goulburn Regional Partnership

Chief executive officer, GV Health

THE Greater Shepparton region has been tested like never before through this period of COVID-19 disruption. The full extent of the pandemic’s impact will not be clear for a long time, but it is likely there will be structural changes in our economy and community. But, compared to many other regions, we have proven relatively resilient to this shock, so far.

A

lthough hospitality, accommodation, and tourism have been hit hard, it is clear the diverse economic base of Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley has helped insulate us against the worst of COVID’s outcomes.

Our agricultural sector is enjoying strong conditions with favourable seasons and commodity prices delivering sound returns and positive outlooks.

Croppers, fruit growers, and livestock producers are mostly in a very good place.

The dairy sector, long challenged by high input costs and marginal milk prices, has now stabilised, with confidence rising.

Our manufacturing base has come into its own. Shepparton has a great reputation as a region that generates high value products – attributes that set us apart from many other parts of regional Australia. The recent successes of Pental Products, Med-Con, SPC, and a host of other businesses again demonstrate the benefit of a progressive city with economic diversity, innovation and entrepreneurship in its DNA. Looking forward past these tough times, the State Government has just let contracts for construction of stage two of our much-needed rail upgrade, and the further Federal commitment of $320M for stage three will deliver great local stimulus through construction, and long-term benefits through better access to Melbourne via nine modern and fast return services a day.

It has also been recently confirmed that the irrigators’ share of the efficiency savings from the GMW Connections modernisation project – totalling 75 gigalitres, will be returned to irrigators by the end of 2021. To be returned directly to GMID irrigators as a mix of high and low entitlements, the current value of that water is more than $250M – a significant injection of resources and funds. Many new opportunities and investments will flow as a result, right through the deep supply chains that irrigation helps sustain in our region.

Finally, we have developed a great understanding of the benefits that a focus on sustainable energy generation, and broader ‘circular economy’ opportunities (where nothing is wasted) can bring to our community. We have unique regional advantages in this emerging area of economic diversification and job creation, and we are well poised to be ‘first movers’ in seizing early chances to provide for a cleaner, more sustainable, and healthier future.

Yes, there are always plenty of challenges, but opportunities are all around us. I am confident that through these tough times, Shepparton is laying the base for its next wave of prosperity, inclusion and equality.

11

AT GV Health, we are so much more than a regional health service. As one of the largest employers in the region, we work with purpose and pride and are committed to respecting and embracing diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all people and the broader community. Our talented team includes approximately 2,500 people from all walks of life working at four main sites across the Goulburn Valley region.

W

hile COVID-19 has been a significant focus for us all in 2020, GV Health is continuing progress on the $229.3 million redevelopment of its Graham Street, Shepparton campus while providing high-quality care for all in the Goulburn Valley region.

GV Health’s new Emergency Department is now open, giving both the community and staff access to a modern environment to provide services and care for patients. We look forward to the former Emergency Department undergoing necessary refurbishment works over the next 12 months, which will result in the doubling of its current capacity from We are looking 18 treatment bays to 36. This expansion forward to moving will mean that more people than ever will into the next phase of be able to get the high-quality and safe emergency care they need, faster and the redevelopment,” closer to home.

- Matt Sharp Another major milestone in the redevelopment was the completion of the Inpatient Unit, a five-storey building, in July 2020. The unit includes a new mortuary with garden, new kitchen, two 32 bed inpatient wards, four new theatre spaces, a new Critical Care Unit and new plant areas on Levels 4 and 5, which supply essential utility and ICT services across the entire site.

We are looking forward to moving into the next phase of the redevelopment, which together with the refurbishment of the former Emergency Department, is the refurbishment of the Special Care Nursery, Maternity Unit and the Theatre complex.

I would like to sincerely thank the Goulburn Valley community for their support of GV Health and all our staff as they work tirelessly through COVID19. Our staff has been truly outstanding in their response and preparation for the pandemic as they all work hard to provide and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for all.

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

14

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

Hon. Daniel Andrews MP

Suzanna Sheed MP

Hon. Wendy Lovell MP

MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER

Member for Shepparton District

Member for Northern Victoria

I KNOW at a very personal level, how hardworking, passionate and dedicated families and communities are in rural and regional Victoria.

T

hat’s particularly true of the Goulburn Valley.

Your part of Victoria is the source of so many of the things our state is celebrated for – fresh produce, food and wine, innovative agriculture, arts and creativity and spectacular landscapes.

It’s clear that our state and our nation have faced a challenging 2020. But as we look to recover and rebuild, the Goulburn Valley will continue to be critical to our success.

I’d like to thank your readers, your communities and everyone at The Adviser for everything they do in keeping the Goulburn Valley strong, supported – and most importantly, connected.

THIS year has seen everyone in our community thrown challenges they would not have expected in their lifetimes. Not only did the year start with some of the worst bushfires known to us along the East coast but within a very short time COVID-19 was a reality in our daily lives and continues to be.

H

owever, with adversity comes strength and innovation. The capacity to support and care for our community has been reflected at every level from Federal, State, Local Governments and down into our community with organisations such as FoodShare and many others making sure that those who may have missed out are receiving some support.

While we have been isolated and alone, we have also had the opportunity to reflect and think about what the future holds.

The Shepparton District will remain a primarily agricultural community. Food production is who we are and our towns rely on our farmers and their capacity to run their own businesses and employ people. But every business in our community is important and now we can get back to work and move into a recovery phase.

Many of our major projects are underway and some nearing completion. Across our region we have many more opportunities to find better ways to save water, to grow food and to ensure that our towns and cities are liveable for our communities. We should move forward with optimism and support everyone seeking better outcomes in our communities.

AS the Member for Northern Victoria, I am proud to represent you in the Victorian Parliament.

D

uring 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact throughout the world and our region.

It is during the darkest of times that our resilience shines brightest. It is our obligation to help those of us in need and I am proud of the wonderful generosity and care displayed by the Goulburn Valley community to help those doing it tough.

While many I am proud to businesses have been call the Goulburn shattered by the forced lockdowns, Valley my home,” many others - Wendy Lovell have been able to innovate and adapt their business to keep operating.

I am particularly proud of two local businesses that have been thrust onto the national stage for their work producing surgical masks to keep our health workers and our communities safe.

Prior to the pandemic, Med-Con in Lemnos was the only manufacturer of surgical masks in Australia, operating just two machines. Because of the obvious demand during the pandemic, Echuca manufacturer Foodmach built seven new machines that will allow Med-Con to produce 90 million masks by Christmas.

I am proud to call the Goulburn Valley my home and look forward to our region leading the way in the post pandemic world.

Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP

Steph Ryan MP

Minister for Agriculture, Regional Development & Resources

Member for Euroa

THIS has been an astonishing and testing year for regional Victorians but, as they do with every challenge, country communities have risen to the occasion and shown their resilience.

• $2M to continue reinvigorating Benalla’s Foreshore and Splash Park by extending the boardwalk and providing new car parking. The project will build on recent investments along the foreshore and will also feature an expanded visitor information centre and cinema We’ve also invested in other major projects in the Greater Shepparton region, including: • $119M to finish construction of Greater Shepparton Secondary College, building on the $21.5M invested in the Shepparton Education Plan • $43.5M (of which $33M was for capital works) e know it’s going to be a long, tough towards better passenger rail transport – the works road ahead however this region is wellcomprise stage one of three stages required to placed to drive our state-wide realise the Shepparton Line upgrade economic recovery.

• $171M plus an additional $58M to Earlier this year, we announced the progress redevelopment of GV Health $2.7B Building Works package, which • $10M to help Shepparton showcase includes several priority projects for its strengths as a cultural This region the Goulburn Valley, including: hotspot by investing in the new is well-placed to • $2.1M to design and construct the Shepparton Art Museum drive our state-wide Seymour Trade Hub with GOTAFE We know it can’t stop there.

Seymour that will meet industry Country communities know what economic recovery. ,” skill demand and increase the they need from here on in and - Jaclyn Symes skilled labour pool required for are best placed to tell government Victoria’s infrastructure projects – not the other way around. It • $1.7M towards the Cohuna CBD and makes sense that they drive regional Waterfront Development project, which Victoria’s economic and social recovery. will revitalise the CBD and forge stronger ties from the city centre to the waterfront along Gunbower Creek

W

SMALL communities across the Goulburn Valley have faced big challenges in recent years.

B

ut in the face of those challenges, one thing always remains: the innovation, resilience and passion of the people who proudly call these places home.

Girgarre is a perfect example. In 2012 when Heinz decided to close its factory in town, the community swung into action.

Jan Smith, one of the community’s mainstays said, “We saw what change was doing to the community and we decided that no one was coming to save us.

That was the start of some amazing programs and initiatives that have happened in our little town.”

This month the town launched Stage 1 of its vision for Gargarro Botanic Garden, an extraordinary garden which will become a major attraction in our region when complete.

Communities like Girgarre show us we can meet difficult change head-on because our greatest asset is the innovation and creativity of our people.

Everywhere I go, I see that same innovation and resilience in communities, and it makes me extraordinarily proud to represent the extraordinary people who call our region home.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

15

Geared for growth SINCE the launch of the ‘Greater Shepparton Great Things Happen Here’ initiative in late 2016, Greater Shepparton City Council has reported almost 250 new businesses have opened or expanded within the region, equating to a massive $1.37B worth of commercial and industrial projects either completed or underway.

C

ouncil’s economic development manager, Anthony Nicolaci, said, “While we have seen significant investment in the region since the campaign’s inception, it is critical we acknowledge some of our industries have done it tough during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

“However, our economy has continued to perform with robust vigour, so much so that a recent study by the University of South Australia noted Shepparton as being Australia’s 16th most economically resilient city throughout the pandemic,” said Mr Nicolaci.

The industry sectors noted for their resilience were: Agriculture, building and construction, manufacturing, healthcare and transport.

“The Coronavirus pandemic has led to businesses looking to relocate out of metropolitan areas, now is the perfect time to be putting Greater Shepparton on their radar,” Mr Nicolaci added.

With this, Council’s economic development team has been focusing on providing an extensive range of additional tools to support not only new businesses, but also existing local businesses, with a view to encourage expansion, diversification, trialling new ideas, and developing new products.

“Recently, support has been offered via the provision of a range of financial grants to directly support businesses to adapt to the impacts and requirements of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Nicolaci said.

“We’ve seen some exciting, innovative, and intriguing projects our tourism operators are exploring via the Greater Shepparton Visitor Economy recovery and activation grants – something for not just our visitors but our locals to look forward to when the time is right, further enhancing the visitor experience in our region.”

Charles Wooley, a well-renowned international media identity who has played a crucial role in the program,

POSITIVE SIGNS... Total Tools Shepparton business owner, Ray Cox, in conversation with media personality and Great Things Happen Here ambassador, Charles Wooley.

Since late 2016, Greater Shepparton City Council has reported almost 250 new businesses have opened or expanded within the region, equating to $1.37B worth of commercial and industrial projects either completed or underway. Photo: Supplied.

highlighted how Greater Shepparton has developed the business infrastructure, jobs and economy to produce what should be the model for the rest of regional Australia.

“The Great Things Happen Here initiative has itemised the many and varied business successes and I’ve never visited a place where everyone takes such pride in what’s been achieved and knows so much about it,” Mr Wooley said.

“I have spent a lot of time talking to farmers, engineers, pipe makers, food technologists and dairy farmers and have enjoyed their company enormously. How it all comes together in the Greater Shepparton economic

miracle, I still don’t fully understand.

But if I did, I’d bottle it.”

Mr Wooley further added, “I have never seen a community anywhere in Australia where Local Government and business do such a good job of getting on together. And the proof of that is in the achievement of a great living environment as well as business prosperity for the people of the region.”

Great things are happening right here in Greater Shepparton and with the region seeing so much positive momentum, it’s an exciting place to grow business as the campaign expands into its stage two roll out.

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

16

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

17

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

18

Our Goulburn Valley An Introduction

Peter Harriott

Declan Moore

Chief executive officer, Greater Shepparton City Council This year in Greater Shepparton has been like no other.

O

ur visible rise as an exciting and innovative regional city was halted somewhat due to COVID19 and the inability to host the worldclass events we have become known for.

We were able to fit in the 2020 UCI BMX World Cup in February, which has since been acknowledged as a finalist in the Australian Event Awards.

Since then, we have had to lean on all our resilience and passion for our community to push through what have been testing times, while still doing plenty of work behind the scenes.

With the new SAM build continuing, and support being shown for our region from State and Federal Governments for projects like Maude St Mall and Tatura Library, our region is ready to bounce back from this virus with a bang, and make the most of the growth opportunities we have here in Greater Shepparton.

Our community has shown just how resilient they are in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, and it fills me with confidence that we will get to the other side and continue our push as a bold regional city.

Thank you

Dom Testoni

Chief executive officer, Campaspe Shire Council THIS year’s Coronavirus pandemic has hit our community hard, particularly the tourism and retail sectors with businesses either closing down or significantly changing their service delivery model to survive.

W

hile community events and celebrations usually dominate our annual calendar, the region was quiet and unfortunately many successful annual events were cancelled.

Our resilience was severely tested and, for too many, the testing times will continue for some time to come.

But congratulations and well done to all of you who have responded so well, banding and bonding together during the difficult times and for continuing to support each other.

With restrictions slowly easing, particularly in regional Victoria, businesses are again reopening, albeit under some level of restriction.

Campaspe Shire Council wishes you all the very best of luck in your endeavours.

While the year has been a difficult one, we are confident that our sought-after lifestyle, good amenity and strong levels of service will continue to see our region as an attractive place to live, work, visit and play.

With a rich and diverse agriculture and food processing sector, and a strong community, there are still opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Mark Henderson

Chief executive officer, Benalla Rural City Council THE events of 2020 have challenged us in a way that many of us have not experienced before.

I

t has forced us to look at how we do business and has activated our thinking to look at what can be achieved when adversity hits.

During times of adversity, innovation, resilience and passion for one’s community often rises to the top.

I often speak about change and it being inevitable and that we are constantly being presented with challenges and how we need to become responsive and innovative in the way we do business.

Local Government must become even more nimble. I truly believe the sector has the power to do this.

Benalla is in the midst of an economic boom with our traditional economic base diversifying.

It is presenting new opportunities and motivated individuals are looking at what can be achieved in a regional area.

2020 has reinforced the absolute importance and value of living in regional Australia.

Our youth have a bright future. We just need to put it before them and stop burying it in endless reports and plans that never see the light of day.

We plan to see what can be achieved if we had access to a truly high-speed rail network, watch this space.

Chief executive officer, Moira Shire Council MOIRA Shire is located on the iconic Murray River and boasts an enviable lifestyle and fantastic Mediterranean climate.

I

ts main centres are Cobram, Nathalia, Numurkah and Yarrawonga but there are 18 thriving smaller communities which all add variety and interest to its riverine landscape and national parks.

Significant agriculture, retail, tourism and food sectors contribute to the municipality’s economy and job opportunities.

Moira Shire’s population is fast approaching 30,000 people with a median age of 47 and is home to people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Our land area encompasses 404,627 hectares and comprises fertile floodplains, dryland cropping areas and vast red gum forests.

A new addition to our tourism team in the form of a specially designed van has enabled Council to have a Mobile Visitor Information Centre, bringing visitor information to where the visitors will be.

2020 has been a challenging year with our neighbours impacted by bushfire and COVID-19 but seasonal conditions for agriculture are the best we have seen for a long time.

As we slowly recover from the restrictions of COVID-19 we remain committed to helping all the communities in our shire who are facing unprecedented hardship, both financially and emotionally.

With a good season for agriculture and the gradual return of regional tourism our businesses can start to open up again and rejuvenate the lifestyle that comes with living along the Murray River.

LIFE BY THE RIVER... Pictured from the air is the Boulevard Estate in Shepparton, which was established along the banks of the Goulburn River. The awardwinning, master planned residential estate is located approximately four kilometres from the Shepparton CBD. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Based on our experience the consumer goods sector is travelling very well. Positive sales and immense public interest have really boosted our business. “For all intents and purposes, the future looks extremely bright, with our secured on-going Commonwealth business and possible Statebased Health Services support we should be travelling forward in a very positive light.�

STEVE CSISZAR Owner Med-Con

14,220

Km2 Total land size of Goulburn Valley shires Campaspe Shire: 4,519 km2 Moira Shire: 4,046 Km2 Strathbogie Shire: 3,303 Km2 Greater Shepparton City: 2,422 Km2 Benalla Rural City: 2,352 Km2

Primary Industries and Consumer Goods

20

Our Goulburn Valley Primary Industries & Consumer Goods

Med-Con steps up MED-CON is an Australian owned and operated company with manufacturing facilities in Shepparton.

T

he company manufactures surgical face masks, surgical caps, surgical overshoes, sterilisation wraps, procedure mats, under pads and bio spill kits.

Med-Con, which commenced operations as the brainchild of local engineer, Joe Carmody, in 1989 and was joined in 1992 by current owners Steven Csiszar and Ray Stockwell, also imports a range of complimentary personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns, linen substitutes, various protective apparel as well as sterilisation consumables, storage and logistic solutions.

Owner Steven Csiszar described the last 12 months as dynamic. Not long ago, Med-Con was suffering due to increasing market pressures from new competitors and falling prices from low-cost imports.

“Med-Con was battling to stay competitive, staffing levels had reduced to 15 and the future looked somewhat grim,” Mr Csiszar said.

“Ray and I had never given up on the business, we loved it. We did all the due diligence in developing new products, reducing costs, and developing new markets.

“But it was tough. Bigger and better-equipped multinationals were forcing us out.”

Come the pandemic in early 2020, the Federal Government identified the dramatic need for PPE. As surgical face masks were of paramount importance in

ON THE UP... From left, Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum, Med-Con owners, Steve Csiszar and Ray Stockwell with members of the Australian Defence Force Lt Colonel Nathan Crowley and Sgt Major Freddie Freestone. Photo: Supplied.

combating the disease, Med-Con’s expertise was enlisted in ramping up a project to develop and commission new machines to create a locally-made stockpile.

With the assistance of the Australian Defence Force, Med-Con ramped up production from its three existing machines and commissioned seven new technicallyadvanced machines.

They are now on target to complete the Commonwealth’s PPE stockpile by December 2020.

Staffing has increased to over 120 local people.

The next 12 months for the company will be a new challenge as the firm adjusts production to meet the ongoing demands, which will lessen as the pandemic eases.

“We are extremely confident that our product is valued as a world-class item and ongoing business will depend on continued support from Australian health care services,” Mr Csiszar said.

“We as a community have seen what happens when the country is reliant on overseas imports and hopefully will not fall back into a sense of complacency and just rely on cheap alternatives.

“For Med-Con, we will consolidate our manufacturing to meet demands, continue to develop our products and hopefully recommence our growth phase, as it was in 1989.”

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Proudly manufacturing & distributing global brands from our home in the Goulburn Valley for over 60 years

Trusted by families for generations These Pental brands are manufactured and packed by our team at our Shepparton facility

Pental Limited | www.pental.com.au

Quality ISO 9001

22

Our Goulburn Valley Primary Industries & Consumer Goods

Move online an agricultural first and a win for all IT’S said that necessity is the mother of invention, and that’s exactly what led the team at Shepparton’s Nutrien Harcourts Real Estate to break with decades of tradition in the way they run their farm clearing sales.

A

HELPING FARMERS... Shepparton’s Nutrien Harcourts team, from left, Michael Downie, Lauren McCabe, Rob Bruns, Caterina Cavallaro, and Cameron West. The team has grown from three to five in 2020 on the back of the success of their new online Machinery Auctions complementing their real estate and water brokerage services. Photo: Struan Jones.

s specialists in farm real It’s an industry estate, water brokering, and first people in the area to go online that’s come to the machinery clearing sales, to run a clearing sale.” forefront through Nutrien Harcourts has a The sale, which was conducted COVID,” long history of helping farmers in the using the online platform region.

AuctionsPlus, was a raging success, Michael Downie However, when COVID-19 with bids for 334 lots coming in restrictions were imposed earlier this about 60 percent higher than was year, agents, Michael Downie and Rob initially expected.

Bruns, were forced to come up with a new Michael and Rob described the change method of conducting an upcoming clearing sale. as a ‘lightbulb moment’. The pair have now “We stalled the sale, thinking restrictions would lift set up online-ag.com.au and now hold monthly multisoon,” Michael said. vendor auctions where farmers can reach thousands of “In the end, we found an alternative and became the prospective buyers.

With access to a more buyers, there is more competition from bidders, which encourages competitive bidding.

“It’s an industry that’s come to the forefront through COVID. So much so, that we’ve put on two extra staff.

We’ve grown from three to five recently and foresee the business continuing to grow into the future if things continue to trend this way,” Michael said.

“It’s the way of the future, and COVID’s brought this about. In my opinion, more and more people are looking to do things online. We’re trying to keep up the pace and be at the forefront of online agricultural auctions.”

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

24

Our Goulburn Valley Primary Industries & Consumer Goods

Still proudly independent and growing FOUNDED in Victoria by the Irwin family more than 30 years ago, Irwin Stockfeeds is proudly still 100 percent Australian owned and run.

R

ecently identified as the nation’s largest independent stockfeed manufacturer, the business has invested significantly in the state’s livestock industry, manufacturing a range of ruminant stockfeed over the past three decades.

Our service Now with three processing delivery is and mills across the state (including always has been in Kyabram), a sizable fleet of something we really company-owned trucks and a distribution chain that encompasses FEEDING LIVESTOCK... From left, dairy farmer, Leigh Kempinski, is getting expert and useful advice pride ourselves on,” for the total balance of the cows’ diet on his farm in Kyabram by Irwin Stockfeed dairy specialist, regional Victoria, Southern New Peter Lowry Stuart Beverly and Irwin Stockfeed nutritionist, Sarah Walker. Photo: Melanie Spencer.

South Wales, South-Eastern South Australia and Tasmania - the Irwin of production and manufacturing, “We recently employed a new regional sales Stockfeeds brand is deeply imbedded as well as transport and logistics, rep, former dairy farmer Stuart Beverly, who has in the country’s farming community. and provides the business with a studied herd nutrition extensively,” Peter said.

Irwin Stockfeeds’ commitment to meeting significant advantage in the industry, “His unique skill set and passion for results the demand of primary producers has seen their explained sales manager, Peter Lowry. has been well received by our customers.” production grow to exceed 330,000 tonnes of “Our service delivery is and always has been Stuart joins Sarah Walker who has been with the stockfeed, with raw materials grown, sourced and something we really pride ourselves on,” he said. business, in the role of regional sales rep for the processed within the Goulburn Valley including wheat, “With access to our own fleet and the ability to past three years. Sarah also carries a strong farming barley and maize along with various legumes. manage distribution in-house, we are able to offer background and a degree in ruminant nutrition.

Irwin Stockfeeds’ unique business model is our customers efficient and timely feed delivery.” deliberately structured to incorporate all aspects Irwin Stockfeeds is also growing their team.

A fine drop, too

F

AMOUS for its fruit production, the Goulburn Valley also has a strong viticulture industry which dates back to its first vineyard planting in 1860. The abundance of water, warm climate and sandy soils has enabled the region to consistently produce wine since the 19th Century.

The wine history of the Goulburn Valley is closely linked to the historic Tahbilk Winery, set on the banks of the Goulburn River, which still produces a few hundred cases of wine each year from vines planted in the 1860s.

Across the Goulburn River, Mitchelton in Nagambie is another notable winery of the region characterised by its landmark tower and striking contemporary architecture.

Although much younger than Tahbilk, Mitchelton has established a formidable reputation for specialising in Rhone varieties and Riesling since its establishment in 1969.

Both wineries are located in the Nagambie Lakes sub-region.

MAJESTIC SETTING... Wine grapes are always grown in beautiful landscapes, and the Goulburn Valley is no exception. Mitchelton Estate (pictured) in Nagambie is one example. Photo: Supplied.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

26

Our Goulburn Valley Primary Industries & Consumer Goods

Life can never get busy enough for Emily

By Rob White

Emily and Kiara have been encouraged to be involved from a young age and both have had their turns at feeding and looking after the calves.

“It’s been a good start because we both know the cows when they come in to milk so they are pretty chilled and we really don’t have any problems with them,” Emily said.

Emily’s maturity is well beyond her years. Not only does she have farming skills, but she is also ut there’s something a bit different at the about to complete the first year of a four-year Robins’ farm. Emily is 18 and her sister is 15. double degree in Commerce and Agricultural It’s early Spring and Emily is running Science at LaTrobe University in Melbourne. the family farm while her dad She was the recipient of a $10,000 Russell is away for two months on Tatura Milk Rural Scholarship to help his hay contracting business. He her complete her studies.

There are has stretched himself across the “Going to university was always very Riverina of New South Wales and important to me but the problem was so many changes the North West of Victoria. the cost of the courses,” Emily said. happening in the This is the way it has been for the “Mum and Dad have worked industry and there will past three seasons. Circumstances so hard over recent years be heaps of opportunities have driven the need but you won’t in tough conditions and I hear any complaints from Emily. couldn’t have expected them for people to provide “The farm and the cows are to pay for me to study. advice and support. ,” so important to me,” she said.

“I am so grateful to Tatura Emily Robins And now her ‘apprentice’, Milk because without the Kiara, is being introduced to scholarship, I wouldn’t have life as a genuine dairy farmer. been able to go the university.”

Russell and his wife Ruth milk more than Emily was also awarded a scholarship 150 cows on the family farm at Cohuna. The from the Gardiner Foundation which will property covers 120 hectares and the cows are milked help her through the later stage of her studies. in a 50-unit rotary shed. The farm is home to 250 head Emily has taken on the additional pressure of a double of cattle, including milkers and young and dry stock. degree because she sees the need for skills in a wide range

THE early morning sun is rising and Emily Robins and her sister, Kiara, are in the dairy shed. The machines are humming and the milk is pulsating into the vat. It’s the normal busy routine.

B

DAIRYING FAMILY... Farmers Kiara (left) and Emily Robins on the family farm at Cohuna, North West Victoria. Photo: Supplied.

of areas to cope with the demands of dairying in the future.

She said the business degree, with emphasis on finance and marketing, would give her a better understanding of both on-farm management and the dairy industry in general.

The Ag Science component will provide valuable additional skills, especially in agronomy and nutrition.

Emily intends to use her knowledge to expand into a possible consultancy business where she can help other farmers in her region.

“There are so many changes happening in the industry and there will be heaps of opportunities for people to provide advice and support.

“With farms now having more land and more cows, they will need more help,” she said.

In the meantime, there are cows to be fed and milked and textbooks to be read.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

28

Our Goulburn Valley Primary Industries & Consumer Goods

Pental: Not just an Australian manufacturer, a global brands distribution specialist THERE is something comforting Shepparton site with the plant able to produce in learning many Australian 30,000 litres every shift. The sanitizer has been developed to cater for all market categories from household brand-name products are 60ml to 20 litre formats available across White King, manufactured and distributed from a Country Life and Aim brands. global brands distribution specialist Pental’s Shepparton plant is the only site in Australia that manufactures, from right here in the Goulburn scratch, hand sanitiser, bar soap and Valley. antibacterial hand wash, all from A new state-ofthe one site. The need for these rom its manufacturing plant products has strengthened and distribution centre in the-art hand sanitizer during the course of the Shepparton, products plant is the most recent pandemic, giving Pental an such as White King, Jiffy, capital works project opportunity to support the Huggie, Softly, Lux Flakes, Aim, for the Shepparton site nation with much-needed new Sunlight dishwashing liquid and products across the household Velvet, to name a few of their with the plant able to cleaning and personal wash portfolio of iconic brand names, produce 30,000 litres markets. are shipped all over Australia and every shift,” The sentiment from the Pental abroad. Pental also distribute the

F

famous Duracell battery brand all over the nation right here from Shepparton.

During the COVID period the Pental team have been busy supplying the nation with much needed hygiene and sanitation products from soap, antibacterial handwash, disinfectants, bleach and now, hand sanitizer.

A new state-of-the-art hand sanitizer plant is the most recent capital works project for the

team is that any products produced in Shepparton can be relied upon by all consumers to meet their household and personal hygiene and sanitation needs through their robust innovation research and development pipeline and ISO accredited practices.

Carmine Conte, Pental site manager, added, “No one wants to see a pandemic in any form, all we hope for here at Pental is that the nation’s hygiene

NEW PRODUCTS IN THE RANGE TO MEET THE DEMAND...

Pental site manager, Carmine Conte, holds two of the company’s new sanitiser products. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

and sanitation behaviors and habits continue and the nation sees the value in supporting Australian made quality products like Pental’s

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Primary Industries & Consumer Goods

29

On the road towards global expansion PERHAPS the one business that is central to the collective psyche of the Goulburn Valley is the iconic fresh food processor, SPC.

I

we

t has been a little over twelve have made months since the ownership of major inroads in the company changed hands and little may have changed restructuring the on face value, however an company and developing enormous effort has been going a strategy that will enable on in the background to reset us to expand into new the company and take it towards becoming a billion-dollar business areas and new in the foreseeable future. a number of new commercial markets,” SPC chief executive officer, Robert acquisitions that increase the range - Robert Giles Giles, paints an exciting picture of the of prepared foods to service the aged business. care sector, among others, plus bringing “COVID has set us back a little like it has with outlier production facilities to the main factory everyone. However, we have made major inroads in Shepparton, taking a bigger step into developing in restructuring the company and developing a the beverage market, building up a sizable Australian strategy that will enable us to expand into new areas client base all while expanding its overseas markets and new markets,” Mr Giles said. in South East Asia and the Middle East.

That expansion will see the company take on “We are developing new strategic partnerships

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD... CEO of SPC, Robert Giles sees great potential for the company. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

with the CSIRO and scholarships with GOTAFE along with a new enterprise agreement that will enable continued upskilling and stability for our workforce and production methods,” Mr Giles said.

“Time is our only limit at the moment and once the restrictions ease, a lot of the changes can start to take place during this next phase.”

While SPC highlights the fortunes of the Goulburn Valley, its future plans point towards an even brighter one.

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

30

Our Goulburn Valley Primary Industries & Consumer Goods

Dookie Wine Show with a difference THE Dookie Wine Show was forced to take a different turn this year, but it doesn’t mean wineries of the region won’t be celebrated in 2020 despite the Coronavirus pandemic meaning the traditional dinner was abandoned.

E

stablished with the aim of promoting local wines, the annual wine exhibition is held in conjunction with the Dookie A&P Society, Phillips Cellars and Regional Wine Centre, the Shepparton Adviser, the Greater Shepparton City Council, Goulburn River Valley Tourism and is delivered by GOTAFE hospitality and events students.

Now in its 17th year, the Dookie Wine Show is open to wineries across Northern Victoria, with entries closing on November 18 with judging taking place on Saturday, November 21.

Enquiries are welcome by phoning local wine merchant and chairman of the Dookie Wine Show, Paul Phillips, of Phillips Cellars and Regional Wine Centre on 5821 2051.

2019 WINNERS OF THEIR CLASS... Dale Thompson accepting on behalf of John Gehrig Wines, Bronwyn Dunwoodie and Sam Plunkett from Wine By Sam, Sandra and Guido Vazzoler from Longleat Wines, Matt Innes-Irons accepting on behalf of John Gehrig Wines and Michael Cope-Williams from Gapsted Wines. Photo: Will Adams. INSET: TOP QUALITY WINES... Dookie Wine Show chairman, Paul Phillips, from Phillips Cellars and Regional Wine Centre has been proud to promote the region’s wine. Photo: Steve Hutcheson.

PREVIOUS WINE OF THE SHOW WINNERS: 2019 - Longleat Wines 2019 Garganega 2018 – Antcliffs Chase 2017 Riesling 2017 –RPL 2015 Barrel Selection Shiraz 2016 - Wines by Sam Victorian Shiraz 2015 – Tallis 2014 Viognier

2014 – Mitchelton 2013 Blackwood Park Riesling 2013 – Murchison Longleat 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - Cape Horn 2010 Shiraz 2011 – Tallis Wines 2010 Viognier 2010 – Tallis Wines 2007 Silent Showman Shiraz

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

“The engineering and manufacturing sector is vitally important in this area.

“As the food bowl of Australia, we have so many different industries feeding off agriculture: Irrigation, food manufacturing, as well as a really strong construction sector at the moment.

“It’s great to see so many new projects going on in the area.”

MICHAEL MASON General Manager Trevaskis Engineering

City of Greater Shepparton: 3,341 people employed in manufacturing, worth

$292.61M

in international exports in 2018-19

Engineering and Manufacturing

32

Our Goulburn Valley Engineering & Manufacturing

Off-road caravanning a cruise CRZR INDUSTRIES is a new caravan manufacturing business building premium, custom-built and off-road capable caravans and haulers for remote travel.

W

HEN Shepparton’s Rhys Conti wanted a caravan that could handle the rigours of offroad and remote travel, I design my he shopped around but couldn’t find own suspension what he was looking for, so in the end system, my own he built his own. chassis, whole body “I wanted something pretty ADVENTURE-PROOF... Head of CRZR Industries, Rhys Conti, with the first caravan he narrow and off-road capable, and I construction method built himself, purpose built for off-road adventures. Photo: Struan Jones. ended up making my own caravan in from scratch. We do the shed,” he said. everything here,” That was in early 2018, and after an scratch. We do everything here,” Beyond caravans, CRZR also builds ‘toy haulers’ Rhys Conti encounter with a Wangaratta caravan he said.

- anything that can pull motorbikes or ATVs, with dealer who was so impressed by what he The company now employs three features like built-in kitchens fully customisable. saw, encouraged him to build more. staff and aims to produce six to eight “It just happened, I never thought I’d be building Rhys began building fully-customised premium caravans a year, with each one taking up to four caravans,” Rhys said. caravans for clients and CRZR Industries was born. months to complete.

“The remote travel and getting out into the outback His vans tow with ease behind both full size Rhys said his focus was on producing the best and seeing Australia is a real passion of mine, with 4WDs as well as newer dual cabs, and need to be quality caravans, rather than producing more of them. camping and four-wheel driving. experienced first-hand to be appreciated.

“We don’t want to get much bigger than that “If I can mix that with work that’s a plus. I enjoy “I design my own suspension system, my own because then we lose that one-on-one contact,” he what I do.” chassis, whole body construction method from said.

Our Goulburn Valley Engineering & Manufacturing

33

Resilience and growth during unprecedented times WITH the Goulburn Valley being the epicentre of Northern Victoria’s food manufacturing and agriculture industry, panic-buying during the first wave of COVID-19 has had the knock-on effect of causing unprecedented opportunity The ability in some industries. for Trevaskis

T

revaskis Engineering has Engineering to adapt experienced exponential and even grow during growth in recent months, this time is a testament proving the engineering to our strengths and sector to be particularly resilient during this time. flexibility,” Trevaskis Engineering general Michael Mason manager, Michael Mason, has reported STRENGTH TO STRENGTH IN THE FACE OF COVID-19... From left, Trevaskis Engineering general manager Michael a growth in staff numbers, the research Mason, with Rob Watts, Dean Songberg, Kane Chapman, and Jody Whittaker. Photo: Stephanie Holliday. and development of innovative concepts and machinery, and a generally positive outlook on the future.

“The ability for Trevaskis Engineering to adapt technology to continuously provide the most “We in the Goulburn Valley are in a unique position and even grow during this time is a testament to our suitable engineering solutions for all their customers. where opportunity is able to flourish even in the strengths and flexibility in all facets of engineering.”

They look forward to strengthening existing toughest of circumstances, thanks particularly to our Trevaskis Engineering is passionate about business relationships and cultivating new ones in food production roots,” he said. investing in state-of-the-art equipment and new the near future.

34

Our Goulburn Valley Engineering & Manufacturing

Shepparton key to servicing national demand ANYONE could be forgiven for thinking that manufacturing businesses would likely be affected by the impacts of the Coronavirus, particularly regional manufacturers!

“Not so,” says Sam Furphy, who has overseen the continued and steady growth of the Furphy Foundry, now part of the Furphy Infrastructure Group.

“W

e were cautious coming into the new financial year. However, we are seeing the benefits of expanding to a truly national organisation,” Sam said.

“Our investment in developing a national sales infrastructure and installation service has reduced our exposure to Victoria only.

MODULAR PRODUCTION PART OF GROWTH... Furphy Foundry managing director, Sam Furphy, in the production area of modular restrooms. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

“We now have a more reliable, larger and more even customer base which is much more sustainable, and we are pleased to be up in sales against the same period last year, despite the disruption of COVID-19.

“A part of Furphy Foundry’s national expansion was to develop our Shepparton based operation I am particularly into the central production hub proud and thankful for all Australian sales. to our staff who have “We have moved roles from interstate, expanded our risen to the challenge” internal capabilities, built new Sam Furphy infrastructure and broadened our local supply chain in order to respond to the needs of a growing population and need for improved and

greater community infrastructure.

“I am particularly proud and thankful to our staff who have risen to the challenge as well as our supply chain, all local companies who are an invaluable extension of our operations.”

On the products side there is no slowing down with the launch of a new modular product series, which Sam believes will be a core part of their business in the short to medium term.

These are fully ‘in-factory’ built public restrooms and other facilities, transported to site, lowered into place and operational within hours. This means better quality control while being built and significantly less community disruption.

In the coming 12 months there will be further investment required to accommodate these new products into the Furphy Foundry range.

Good things are coming LIKE the words cast into the large stone monument, words taken from the works of the noted author, Joseph Furphy, the brother of John Furphy who started the company, the Furphy brand has become symbolic of Shepparton, woven into the fabric of its lengthy history.

J

. Furphy & Sons has played a significant part in shaping the town’s history. Throughout the decades, thousands of the town’s inhabitants have been engaged by or been impacted by its continuum.

As it has with many businesses in the region, the pandemic has caused modification to the way they currently work.

While the businesses of its clients have been affected in different ways, the impact of those changes flow through to the engineering world that provide support to them. For We will come out companies like J. Furphy & Sons, of this stronger” it has required changes in the way Adam Furphy they also manage and perform their production, changes to the relationships between workers, INNOVATIVE INSULATED TANK PRODUCTION... Standing by the company’s new laser welding in fact, all facets of the support station, J Furphy & Sons managing director, Adam Furphy, holds a sample of the finished material that can be seen in process behind him. Photo: Steve Hutcheson networks are impacted.

Optimistically, the managing director of J. Furphy & Sons, Adam Furphy, sees good nature of our products means we supply to looking at the source of success and ensuring it things ahead. a national clientele but they in turn deal with the rest thrives.

“We will come out of this stronger. There will be a of the world.”

Joseph Furphy would be pleased to see that his lot of opportunities ahead as we pass through this Shepparton has been good for the firm and legacy has underwritten the largest short story phase although with revised protocols,” he said. as such, they have invested back into the town literary prize in the country, which at the same time, “The agricultural boom plays to our strengths.

– museums, arts and educational institutes are points to the ongoing success Furphy Engineering We need to leverage it to encourage growth. The indebted. Adam is engaged with the community, enjoys.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

36

Our Goulburn Valley Engineering & Manufacturing

PROUD WINNERS... A superb line-up of the 2019 White King – Pental 95.3FM Triple M Business Awards winners and sponsors at the Gala Dinner held at Shepparton’s Eastbank last October. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

Business Awards to celebrate silver jubilee in 2021 EVERY year, the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrates the most successful businesses that make the region special.

O

ver the past 24 years, hundreds of Greater Shepparton businesses have been involved in the awards, which are intended to showcase and celebrate the diversity within the Greater Shepparton business community, to recognise and honour outstanding contributions and to encourage

future business success.

Any business operating within Greater Shepparton is eligible for nomination.

In 2020, the Chamber’s White King - Pental 95.3FM Triple M Business Awards were postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, however, they will celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2021.

Entries will be open across 13 categories in May 2021, with a gala dinner scheduled for October 2021 to announce the winners of each category.

THE 2019 WINNERS: • Business of the Year (Retail) - Jason and Michelle Bathman of Barbeques Galore • Business of the Year (Professional) - Dr Brett Davis and Dr Frances Jenner of GV Vets • Business of the Year (Trade) - Rob Priestly of Gouge Linen & Garmet Services • Best New Business of the Year – Kirsty Richardson of Mes Amours • Young Professional of the Year – Harriet Bawden of Murray Dairy • Entrepreneur of the Year – Jamie Lea of JL Productions • Customer Service of the Year (Retail) – Sheryl Penny, Peter McCabe and Lois Sellick of Cartridge World Shepparton • Customer Service of the Year

•

•

•

• •

•

•

(Professional) - Sharyn Sleeth of Massage Therapy for Women Customer Service of the Year (Trade) - Clinton Hamlyn of Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign of the Year – Megan Whittaker and Kate Harcourt of Mooroopna Family Dental Care GV Health Workplace of the Year – Jamie Cox and Darren Green of Choice Group Apprentice/Trainee of the Year – Taylor Parker of GV Vets Visitor Experience of the Year (Hospitality) - Ingrid Thomas and Ed Thomas of Fryers Street Foodstore Visitor Experience of the Year (Attractions and Festivals) Louise Tremper and Jamie Lea of Shepparton Arts Festival Visitor Experience of the Year (Accommodation) - Carrie Donaldson and Luis Casanova of Place Accommodation

HONOURED TEAM... Graham Hill Eyecare was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame at last year’s event. Pictured, from left, are Graham and Dawn Hill, Trevor Mackenzie, Leeanne Jones and Rhonda Allan. Photo: Alicia Niglia.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

By and large there has been a general increase in demand for services in the infrastructure industry with construction companies rapidly adapting to ‘COVID-normal’.

“Demand for our services is increasing as a regional based lifestyle and the ability to work from home is becoming more attractive.

“With Shepparton’s large existing base of manufacturing, agricultural and clean secure water supply, Shepparton has the ingredients for growth.”

RICHARD JARVIS Director Jarvis Delahey Contractors

$578.4M Building approvals

2019-20 for the Goulburn Valley shires Greater Shepparton City: $334.524M Moira Shire: $99.820M Campaspe Shire: $78.640M Benalla Rural City: $33.485M Strathbogie Shire: $31.935M

Infrastructure, Construction and Development

40

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

Rebrand reflects new direction BUNBARTHA-based Quarrell Civil Construction (formerly Marc Quarrell Excavations), is celebrating a decade since establishment and with this milestone comes a brandnew look for the business.

“O

ver the past 10 years The our business has evolved decision to rebrand significantly, was one that gave so the decision to rebrand was us the opportunity to one that gave us the opportunity bring our branding to bring our branding back in line with our business,” PARTNERSHIP... Marc and Briony Quarrell, the pair behind Quarrell Civil Construction. Photo: Supplied back in line with Quarrell Civil Construction our business...” owner, Marc Quarrell said. a request to use his services. for more than two and a half years.

Marc Quarrell “We wanted our new branding “We decided to take on the Still passionate about his trade, Marc said it’s to honour our name, but also Tarcoola project and ended up projects like this, along with the recently completed reflect our change in direction and providing all the civil construction for Echuca riverfront redevelopment and the Deniliquin the scope of work we now do.” the job. It was a great opportunity to work CBD streetscape redesign, that have him reflecting Initially focused on residential construction, on such a great community project,” Marc said. with pride on the business’ accomplishments.

Marc and wife Briony, along with their team of 20 It wasn’t long before the pair recognised “The reward for us is in starting with a blank canvas employees, have built a solid reputation in civil the business’ capacity and the shift to and creating something like we did in Echuca - a construction. A transition, Marc explained, that began providing commercial services was made. space for families to enjoy, or with the hospital or when he was approached by the project manager The business then won the contract with Deniliquin’s streetscape, creating places of benefit in charge of the Tarcoola Village construction with GV Health, a job that has kept the team busy to the public - that’s what’s really fulfilling,” he said.

42

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development BUILDING HOMES...

Builder, Kev Gillin of Southernvale Homes, at work on a new home construction at Sevens Creeks Estate in Kialla.

Photo: Struan Jones.

Build it, and they will come GREATER Shepparton is in the midst of a construction boom.

F

or the 2019/2020 financial year, the value of building approvals in Greater Shepparton equalled an incredible $334.524M. For context, that’s more than the four neighbouring shires of Moira, Campaspe, Benalla and Strathbogie combined.

Landmark projects such as the new Shepparton Art Museum and the

new Greater Shepparton Secondary College campus have combined with a property and housing boom.

Add to that the recent redevelopment at GV Health, the new Archer Street fire station and two new service stations south of the Shepparton CBD, and builders of the region – plus their supporting industries – have been flush with work.

LANDMARK CONSTRUCTION...

The new $52M Shepparton Art Museum, built by Kane Constructions, will redefine the city’s skyline.

Photo: Supplied.

SUPER SCHOOL...

The $119M campus of the Greater Shepparton Secondary School, built by Hansen Yuncken, is expected to be ready to have students and teachers on site by 2022. Photo: Supplied.

46

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

A reputation set in stone TUCKED away in Shepparton’s Provincial Crescent, lies a humble little family business that’s been doing some really big things…

I

nstigated by co-founder/director and stonemason, Steve Sagoleo, GV Stoneworks is a partnership formed with his brother and co-director, Domenic Sagoleo.

Initially based out of a small shed on Doyles Road, it wasn’t long before the business began to outgrow the space and the decision was made to relocate to Provincial Crescent.

Now at home in their purpose-built factory, fully fitted showroom and office, the GV Stoneworks team specialises in custom manufacturing and installation of both engineered and natural stone benchtops and splashbacks.

“Traditionally, the majority of orders would be for custom benchtops for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry’s and outdoor entertaining areas,” Domenic said.

“However, we’ve recently purchased a brand new Techni waterjet, which not only cuts through engineered and natural stone, it cuts through hard and soft materials such as stainless steel, plastics, and glass, so we’re now able to offer the additional service of precision cutting for one-off or unique client projects as well.”

GV Stoneworks offers a great range of benchtop options for those in the market, including a variety of

ROCK SOLID... The GV Stoneworks team, from left: Domenic Sagoleo, Mitchell Dean, Steve Sagoleo, Sam Cooper, Richard Dean and Sebastian Stevens. Photo: Struan Jones.

reputable brands, like the popular Caesarstone and Quantum Quartz products.

“We work with a variety of stone products, from natural granite and marble to reconstituted stone,” Domenic said.

“There’s a good range on show inside and our showroom consultant, Frances, can help to guide those who need a bit more advice. For customers that are struggling to envision the look they’re

chasing, we can take them for a walk through the factory, where we store the large lengths of raw stone slabs.”

While predominantly working directly with associate businesses and trades, GV Stoneworks is also open to the public and would like to extend an invitation to anyone curious to call in and have a look around.

48

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

Heavy lifting done right QUICKLIFT Crane Hire provides lifting solutions across all industries and can lift anything from swimming pools, sheds, containers and air conditioners through to boilers, trains and transformers. They have a wide range of equipment all with The new different capabilities. depot has really tarted in 1998 when given our staff a couple Jarrod and Karli boost with better Sutherland bought the facilities and greater first Franna pick and carry communication,” crane in the area, the business has expanded over the last 22 years to Jarrod Sutherland

S

include more than 20 mobile cranes with capacities up to 220-tonne.

The business has become a family affair, too. Jarrod and Karli run the business with his father Rod and son Ty both involved.

Today, Jarrod Sutherland said the business prides itself on providing modern lifting equipment with highly-trained professionals.

“We work in a high-risk industry and our continual focus on safety has helped our growth,” he said.

DOING THE HEAVY LIFTING... Some of the Quicklift Crane Hire team, from left, Gary Gerada, Jai Morrison, Rod Sutherland, Jarrod Sutherland, Ty Sutherland and Marie Walker. Photo: Struan Jones.

“Today, everyone realises how devastating a workplace accident can be and people want someone that makes sure their job is done safely.”

The last 12 months have been particularly productive for the company, moving to a new premises at 5 Future Court, Shepparton, along with adding a new 60-tonne Liebherr and two new 25-tonne Franna cranes to the fleet.

“The new depot has really given our staff

a boost with better facilities and greater communication within the business,” Jarrod said.

Access hire is another element they have added to the business, with plans to grow the fleet.

“We have begun investing in access equipment so we can help our customers work safely at heights,” Jarrod said.

“The boom lifts and scissor lifts are all brand new. Over the next 12 months we plan on expanding the access hire fleet further.”

50

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

Scaling up to meet demand WITH just six short years since establishment, the familyowned agency at Cardamone Real Estate (CRE) certainly seems to have nailed the winning combination.

I

nitiated by husband and wife team, Peter and Lindi Cardamone, the agency has been largely built on the values of Honesty, Communication and a Can-Do Attitude.

“The primary focus has always been to deliver an exceptional standard of service,” said Mr Cardamone.

“Most of our growth has happened organically, by word of mouth and referrals.”

To accommodate the rapid Valley, Cardamone Real growth and expansion Estate provides sales and of their team, the property management business recently expertise across all made the move to a aspects including The primary focus significantly larger residential, has always been to office. commercial, rural deliver an exceptional “The new lifestyle, and standard of service, location is still on farming.

McLennan Street “The support Peter Cardamone (in Mooroopna), we’ve experienced just a few doors up from the broader from the old one but community has been has a lot more space to great and I want to say, I accommodate our growing am very grateful for that and team. The double window frontage we feel very blessed,” Mr Cardamone also gives us more opportunity to said. showcase our current properties,” Mr “Our success is a credit to the whole Cardamone said. team here at CRE. They work so well “We’ve now installed six state-oftogether, making sure all departments the-art electronic screens, which we are running smoothly and with believe are the next step forward in transparency and they truly go above real estate marketing.” and beyond for our clients.”

Servicing the wider Goulburn

FAMILY PARTNERSHIP... Lindi and Peter Cardamone in front of their new office on McLennan Street, Mooroopna. Photo: Nicole Peters.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

52

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

Their work benefits our communities WHILE many of us were staying off the roads in recent months and avoiding unnecessary trips out of our homes, essential roadworks continued in the Goulburn Valley.

T

he team at GAME Traffic & Contracting has been hard at work keeping the public safe while roadworks were underway. Their recognisable ‘Big Green Diamond’ logo is often seen on local roads when they are undertaking all aspects of traffic control.

Staff safety is one of GAME Traffic & Contracting priorities, and to ensure they are able to complete jobs efficiently and safely, GAME Traffic GAME Traffic & & Contracting have the right Contracting have the equipment and qualified staff SOCIAL ENTERPRISE... From left, GAME Traffic & Contracting general manager, Max Allen right equipment and required for all worksites. and hire business development manager, Shane O’Sullivan. Photo: Supplied qualified staff required What many don’t know is that GAME Traffic & Contracting Operating since 2011, Supporting job growth after a year of economic for all worksites,” is a social enterprise, governed Geared4Careers is running in 14 strain is imperative to the region’s recovery from by a volunteer board of eight secondary schools and supports the effects of government Coronavirus pandemic businesspeople and professionals, with 1,075 students, including 400 in the restrictions. GAME Traffic & Contracting will their head office located in Shepparton.

Goulburn Valley. The program’s success continue to support our local youth and be a part Their commercial activities fund is a result of strong partnerships with of the economic recovery after what has been a the innovative youth employment program, schools and its adaptability to change the landscape tumultuous year.

Geared4Careers. of existing employment opportunities.

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

53

Putting dreams onto paper BEGINNING as they did in 1984, it is not surprising that the firm of Bruce Mactier has grown to be one of the largest residential and commercial building design firms in the Goulburn Valley.

T

he offices in Welsford St are normally buzzing with The thrill activity but like many businesses in the region, of getting house COVID-19 has required them to plans put to paper think how they manage their suitable for builders workflow. The nature of design to work from cannot lends itself to remote working GROWTH A SIGN OF THE REGION’S PROSPERITY... Design firm principal, Bruce conditions which the company has be overstated,” Mactier works on another project. Photo: Steve Hutcheson thoroughly adopted with a large Bruce Mactier part of the team working from home much of their work being centred of the designers at Bruce Mactier are certified The thrill of getting house plans put around new homes and additions energy rating designers who can specify what to paper suitable for builders to work from to older ones. Their expertise has been is required to meet those standards. cannot be overstated. The detail consideration used across a broad section of Victoria As they have grown and regulations have to finishes and construction materials has to be both in conducting the design component and intensified, the team at Bruce Mactier have adapted factored in alongside available budgets and with then following up by project managing, letting to the need. Even now, with the pandemic creating a library of options, that task is simplified. contracts and serving a cross section of functions new demands on hospitality and agricultural Bruce and his team have worked on small in getting the building works complete. sector businesses to be COVIDSafe, they are outbuildings to large, multimillion-dollar aged With current building regulations now requiring meeting that need with affordable solutions. care centres and everything in between with new homes to meet strict energy ratings, four

54

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

Property boom turbo charged by Coronavirus crisis BUILDING your own home gives you the chance to establish a foundation that is truly unique, a house that reflects your style and is tailored to your lifestyle.

W

hile walking into a pre-established home can be easier, something made just for you and your family’s needs is well worth the effort of finding the perfect block to begin the process upon.

Gagliardi Scott Real Estate have had no shortage of people wanting to do just that, with the government’s $25,000 HomeBuilder grant being the catalyst across all regional areas, sparking the biggest building boom Gagliardi Scott Real Estate’s director, Rocky Gagliardi, has ever seen in our region.

For the four weeks post the introduction of the grant, Rocky and sales agent, Sean Reidy, worked 15 hours a day, seven days a week to meet demand.

“150 blocks were sold in three weeks and since

THE GREATER SHEPPARTON REGION CONTINUES TO FLOURISH... Gagliardi Scott Real Estate director, Rocky Gagliardi, and sales agent, Sean Reidy. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

then, more than 200 have been sold since the grant came into effect,” Rocky said.

“COVID-19 initially did cause some uncertainties but the introduction of JobKeeper reassured many buyers that buying sooner rather than later was necessary to beat inevitable price rises,” Rocky said.

Shepparton is a resilient town. Our large manufacturing stronghold, further development of

our hospital and our general lifestyle are drawcards to those wanting to establish a future in a regional city as opposed to metropolitan areas.”

“The ability for the housing market here to remain strong and the fact there will be over 400 homes built over the next 12 months is an indication of how resilient we have been through the last few months.”

56

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

Proud history of putting roofs over heads in the region For more than 30 years, All Sheds has been constructing and installing garages, sheds, barns, carports, pergolas and machinery sheds around regional Victoria and New South Wales.

R

oss Pederick, the man behind the familyowned and run business, started out as a landscape gardener and as customers requested sheds and garages, he started looking for suppliers and the business grew from there.

Since then, Ross and his team have installed thousands of sheds across Victoria and New South Wales, offering a complete planning, design, permit, supply and installation service for anyone requiring new shed or garage structure.

Over the last 12 months, they’ve even expanded to take on the Stratco distributorship for an upmarket range of patios, carports and verandahs, and Ross

PROVIDING PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS... The All Sheds team from left: Sales manager, Gary Darcy, sales administrator, Amy Lehmann, and director, Ross Pederick. Photo: Struan Jones.

said they’ve had the busiest year ever.

“This year we’ve taken on several custom projects that are far from straight forward,” he said.

“Large sheds with large retracting doors for an airport hangar in Benalla and a cattle stud project where the shed was erected after the cattle stud was installed, meaning large cranes were involved for the correct lifting, are two examples.”

Over the next 12 months, Ross said he expected to

remain busy as Shepparton forges its way through a construction boom. There are lots of new home owners in the region and it’s been a good year in the agricultural sector.

“The business prides itself on caring for customers from start to finish, from design to providing permits and erecting sheds including concrete floors,” Ross said.

Population growth to intensify in heart of the Goulburn Valley

T

he population in the heart of the Goulburn Valley is set to grow over the next 16 years to a forecasted 77,000, presenting a wonderful opportunity for Greater Shepparton to evolve into one of the state’s premier regional residential and business destinations.

Greater Shepparton has a population of more than 66,000.

Between 2014-2019, Greater Shepparton saw a 0.79 percent per annum increase in population (516 per year).

The forecast population growth between 2016 and 2036 is expected to rise to 0.89 percent per annum, to at least 77,000 by 2036.

As the major regional centre for the Goulburn Valley, Shepparton is relatively self-contained in employment terms and many people travel to parts of the City from neighbouring shires for work, education and services.

The population of Greater Shepparton grew substantially during the post-war period from a population of just over 20,000 in 1947 to 66,000 today, with growth tending to be based on families

from overseas as well as young adults from neighbouring shires.

Between 2001 and 2016 there has also been an increase in retirees as well as the elderly moving to the City as a number of new ‘lifestyle villages’ were constructed.

It is assumed that most of these patterns will continue into the future, most notably flows of families into the City from overseas and from surrounding rural areas and losses of young people to larger centres, albeit in lower numbers.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

57

Integrity is everything WELL-maintained equipment operated by highly-skilled, reliable and well-presented staff, has always and continues to be paramount to PJ’s Concrete Pumping.

C

ombined with the commitment to continuous improvement and the founding core value of integrity to deliver a high standard service: That’s the PJ’s promise.

It’s a promise that has seen the PJ’s Concrete Pumping business record year-on-year growth since their establishment 20 years ago, and one that’s earnt the team their superior reputation as one of the best in the business.

Family-owned and operated, the business services regional Victoria and Southern NSW with a combined staff of 14 and fleet of eight concrete pumps.

Peter and Rhonda are extremely proud to have the involvement of their son Keelan as manager and daughters Ashlin and Maddison in administration.

For 61-year-old business owner Peter Don, the importance of maintaining their high standard of service delivery is more about customer satisfaction than building an empire.

“I’ve always been far more interested in pleasing people, and it’s rewarding to know you have when you can see it on their faces,” he said.

This is a business cultivated by a man, self-made in his success, that even in the shortest of conversations you gain a sense of why now 20 years on, the

THE DON FAMILY... From left: Son, Keelan, wife, Rhonda, Peter Don, and daughters Ashlin and Maddison. Photo: Nicole Peters.

business is still growing and reaching new levels of success.

Humble, loyal and compassionate, Peter Don is the kind of man you’d want to get out of bed to go to work for. His genuine commitment to his team is truly moving, and one he takes very seriously.

“I’m a big believer that employing people full time is a two-way investment, they have the stability they need to build their personal lives and we have people that are invested in and committed to our business,” he said.

“Our team is proud to work for PJ’s and they’re all long-term employees, including administration bookkeeper, Julie, who has been with us on a regular basis for over ten years.

“I’ve never been one to put staff off, even in challenging times. Rhonda and I would rather do without in order to keep staff on - we treat our team as our mates and they are.”

Quick to share his knowledge and guidance, both personally and professionally, if he can help someone out, Peter is happy to do so.

PJ’s Concrete Pumping is a testament to the outcomes made possible when you combine authenticity with passion and determination, acknowledged Peter, before stating that even though he hasn’t come from a highly educated background, there’s not an obstacle he hasn’t been able to overcome.

58

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

Property market doing a lot better than expected THE prosperity of the Goulburn Valley possibly has no better performance gauge than the state of the local property market.

A

ccording to Glenn Young, the director at Youngs and Co Real Estate, the property market in Greater Shepparton is booming.

They are faced with a shortage of supply.

“People thought the pandemic would cause prices to fall but the exact opposite is happening.

We are getting better prices now than expected with many happy vendors,” said Glenn.

“We tend to do a lot more online these days.

This has given us the opportunity to acquire new cameras that enable us to create 3-D virtual tours as well as creating a video walk-through of a house giving buyers a better visual of what the property entails prior to an onsite inspection.”

With the introduction of the Home Builders Grant, Glenn said they have seen a huge increase

YOUNGS & CO REAL ESTATE... A family owned business since 1997, from left, directors, Glenn Young and Connie Young, with consultant, Les Young. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

in residential land sales over the various land subdivisions they are involved with. The Shepparton region is set for a building boom with large numbers taking advantage of the Federal Government’s $25,000 Grant and for those First Home Buyers the $20,000 State Government Grant making a total of $45,000 up for grabs (+Stamp Duty Concessions).

“With low interest rates, it may never be a better time to build your new home,” said Glenn.

Glenn, along with his father, Les Young and wife, Connie, started Youngs and Co in 1997 and have built up a strong team in sales and property management over the years.

“While the pandemic had an initial market effect, that is no longer the case,” said Glenn.

“It has also required us to implement a number of protocols in the office to meet with the regulations set out by the government.”

As the restriction are eased, Glenn sees a lot more activity taking place in the property markets as the general prosperity of the region improves and people are beginning to look to move out to regional Victoria.

“All we need is more stock to satisfy the market,” said Glenn.

A good sign in tough times.

New professional FRV/CFA station to Crow about

S

HEPPARTON’S new Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and CFA station on Archer Street will be a state-of-the-art facility which will provide an essential service to the Greater Shepparton community.

The project involves multi-storey living and administration areas, training areas, maintenance workshop and a five-truck motor room.

Shepparton’s Crow Constructions has been responsible for the construction on the green field site,

which has included major services infrastructure and civil works.

With changes to the way the CFA operates in Shepparton, transitioning from a largely volunteer organisation to one with a larger professional contingent, the new station will house about 14 professional Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters and be home base for more than 30 volunteers.

PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITIES... The new FRV/CFA station on Archer Street, Shepparton, is due to be completed by the end of 2021. Photo: Struan Jones.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

59

60

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

61

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

62

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

Property boom during unprecedented times ACROSS the Goulburn Valley there has been a resounding consensus the pandemic has caused a property boom rather than a predicted downward spiral.

W

ell-priced land, government incentives and proximity to amenities has ensured the real estate market has remained resilient and attractive to first home buyers, investors and growing families alike.

Kevin Hicks Real Estate has reported that in the last few months demand has outstripped supply as new land continues to sell before it hits the market in many cases.

Kevin Hicks began his career at the age of 17 when he commenced working as a livestock agent, where he gained extensive auctioneering experience.

In 2001 Kevin and his wife Fiona established their own business, Kevin Hicks Real Estate.

“Obviously COVID19 has been difficult.

We have applied the policies to keep the area safe and functioning,” Kevin Hicks Real Estate director, Kevin Hicks, said.

“The resilience factor has always been here with the irrigation and farming sector which continues to invest in and produce a high-

OUTLOOK IS BRIGHT IN THE GOULBURN VALLEY... Kevin Hicks Real Estate director, Kevin Hicks. Photo: Supplied

quality product after tough drought conditions.

Finally reward for effort has been achieved with the best season in the region for many years which has seen favourable outcomes.”

In terms of future outlook, “The quality of

the Council candidates for this year’s Greater Shepparton City Council election is an obvious reflection on how the region is progressing. Local government is motivated and willing to improve the opportunities for our region, ” Kevin said.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

63

Super school becoming a reality The future of secondary education in Shepparton is under construction THE construction of the new campus for the Greater Shepparton Secondary College is well underway and remains on track to open in 2022 with places for 2,700 to 3,000 students.

A

s part of the Shepparton Education Plan, the new college was created in 2020 by merging Shepparton’s four existing public secondary schools. The new campus on the former Shepparton High School site on Hawdon Street will offer state-of-the-art facilities, broader subject choices, new opportunities and better support to students.

Facilities will include wellbeing areas, specialist areas for science, food technology and arts, and an Enterprise and Innovation Centre.

The Greater Shepparton Secondary College has been operating across three campuses (using the former secondary schools) while the new site is under construction by builders Hansen Yuncken.

Also, as part of the Shepparton Education Plan, there will be a new integrated early learning centre in Mooroopna. This new centre will be connected to Mooroopna Primary School through the Our Place model – making it easier for families and the wider community to access education, and health and wellbeing services.

BOLD NEW BEGINNINGS... Pictured from the air in October 2020 is the new Greater Shepparton Secondary College site on Hawdon Street. Visible to the right is the existing brick building of the former Shepparton High School. Photo: Supplied.

ARTIST’S IMPRESSIONS...

What’s to come: The new Greater Shepparton Secondary College will be home to between 2,700 and 3,000 students from 2022.

Image: Supplied.

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

64

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development JANUARY

SAM build nears completion SHEPPARTON’S latest iconic building, the Shepparton Art Museum, has developed throughout 2020 into the spectacular skyline feature it will become.

W

ith the build nearing completion towards the end of 2020, SAM will be a a soft opening is five-storey building scheduled for the first half of 2021. housing the Museum, The new SAM building will be an outstanding example Visitor Centre, and the of exciting, best-practice Kaiela Art Gallery contemporary museum and Studio. architecture designed by one of Australia’s leading architects on a remarkable site in regional Victoria.

Designed by internationally renowned architectural firm Denton Corker Marshall, the new SAM will be a fivestorey building housing the Museum, Visitor Centre, and the Kaiela Art Gallery and Studio.

The 5,300m2 building will also house a café and event space, with a rooftop viewing deck.

A 33m x 33m cube-like form, the new Museum is located on the South-Eastern corner of Victoria Park Lake to maximise SAM’s greatest asset - the park setting.

JULY

FEBRUARY

JUNE

AUGUST

OCTOBER

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

65

Redevelopment at GV Health on track

THE redevelopment of Shepparton’s GV Health is on track to be completed in 2021, with the new inpatient tower construction having been completed eight weeks ahead of schedule.

T

he $229.3M redevelopment will deliver new and expanded facilities and improve capacity for the Goulburn Valley and surrounding communities.

Once completed, the redevelopment will double the capacity of the emergency department, creating 36 treatment spaces. The project will also deliver 64 inpatient beds, 10 intensive care beds, four new operating theatres and a new kitchen.

This is in addition to the new emergency department completed in February 2020 to provide more intensive care services.

REDEVELOPMENT WORKS AT GV HEALTH... Building works ahead of schedule and due to be completed in 2021. Photo: Supplied

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

66

Our Goulburn Valley Infrastructure, Construction & Development

The GV: Growing food for a nation THE Goulburn Valley is a food production Mecca with a long history of food processing, predominantly in the fruit, vegetable and dairy industries with companies such as SPC, Campbell’s Soups, Unilever, Freedom Foods and Tatura Milk Industries calling the region home.

T

he GV is known most famously for producing fruit, especially apples, pears and summer stone fruit.

Abundant natural resources throughout the Valley, including fertile alluvial soils and reliable water from the Murray and Goulburn Rivers, has led to the development of significant agricultural industries which bring millions of dollars to the region.

The region is also home to other irrigationbased industries including dairy, horticulture and viticulture, as well as dry land farming operations.

GOULBURN VALLEY FARMS PRODUCE: • 48.5 percent of Victoria’s fruit (excluding wine grapes) • 12.6 percent of Victoria’s dairy • 10.6 percent of Victoria’s beef • 6.8 percent of Victoria’s sheep meat FRUIT • The gross value of fruit produced in the region is more than $337M • The GV is significant for pome fruit (apples and pears) and stone fruit • The suitability for pome and stone fruit production is expected to increase substantially over time VEGETABLES • The gross value of vegetable production in the region is more than $62.6M • More than 50 percent of Victoria’s table

tomatoes are grown in the GV • The region has seen the growth of hydroponic farming with companies such as Tatura Fresh and Katunga Fresh producing premium truss tomatoes for domestic and export markets DAIRY • Dairy is one of the region’s most valuable export commodities, with growth driven from both domestic and international markets such as Asia • The industry’s gross value of production in the GV was $332.4M • The region is home to some of Australia’s largest dairy processors such as Bega Cheese, Tatura Milk, Freedom Foods, Unilever and Saputo Dairy Australia BEEF • Beef cattle’s gross value of production was $237M • Food processing • The value of food processing in the GV is $2.5B, which accounts for 18 percent of the value of regional Victoria’s food processing • The main types of food processing in the region are dairy, fruit and vegetables, and beverages • The main food processing locations are Shepparton, Cobram and Broadford

FRUIT FOR A NATION... Brent Reeve, orchard manager at one of the region’s largest apple producers, Geoffrey Thompson Orchards. Producers in the GV grow nearly 50 percent of all fruit grown in Victoria. Photo: Supplied.

HYBRID FRUIT... The Papple is a New Zealand-developed hybrid fruit grown in the Goulburn Valley. Similar to an apple, the fruit has Nashi-like flesh. Photo: Supplied

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

The local transport industry has fared well under the state’s current circumstances.

Transport

“The transport industry plays a large role in the Goulburn Valley’s local economy and it is great to see the continued growth of local businesses we support.

“The crops surrounding the Goulburn Valley region are looking healthy and with more rainfall forecasted, a successful harvest should see economic benefit flow through the region.”

SIMON CALOGERO Branch and sales manager Hartwigs’ Shepparton

$159.34M total economic output worth in the City of Greater Shepparton, with 957 people employed in the road and rail transport sector

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

68

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

Keatings: A trucking dynasty KEN Keating is a legend in the Goulburn Valley trucking industry.

A

s the head of Keating Freight Lines, a major sponsor and patron for Shepparton junior football and an inductee to the Transport Hall of Fame alongside his late father and two brothers, he’s one operator that really has ‘seen it all.’

Now at 84, he’s had an incredible 70 years’ experience in the trucking Our service is industry in Bendigo and Shepparton.

The Keating Freight Lines name all what we live on. has been in business for 39 years.

And our good name Ken bought out Geoffrey Thompson is our reliability,” Transport intrastate side of the Ken Keating business in 1982 after running that company from 1969 and formed his FAMILY AFFAIR... Part of the Keating Freight Lines team, from left, compliance own company to operate between manager Matthew Keating, mechanic Ross Keating, and driver Ash Keating, all grandsons of company stalwart Ken Keating (front). Steve Hutcheson.

Melbourne and Shepparton daily.

Ken was one of the first to try out the new Swedish Scania trucks when they first arrived in company in Bendigo still today, with his three sons. when one gate shuts Australia in 1970, and has been using them ever since, Today, Ken has three sons and three grandsons another one opens recently purchasing his 108th Scania. involved in the business, alongside 30 employees. because of our Ken comes from a family of truck drivers. Both his late He said in his industry, reliability and reputation reputation.” father William, and older brother Ray (deceased), had means everything.

Keating’s support trucking companies, and it was with Ray that Ken first “Our service is all that we live on, and our good name local business with the entered the industry as a driver at the age of 16. is our reliability,” he said. support of all employees.

His younger brother Brian operates his own transport “We’ve seen a lot of changes. We’ve been fortunate,

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

30

Local employees

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

69

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

70

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

Almost a century in support of transport HARTWIGS is a company with a long history, and has been servicing the Goulburn Valley with new and used truck sales, spare parts supply, repairs and maintenance from its Shepparton dealership since 2004.

F

ounded in 1923 on the main street of Wagga Wagga, Hartwigs has become a comprehensive one stop shop, in support of the SELLING STRONG... Hartwigs truck salesperson, Russell Eden, with branch sales manager, Simon Calogero, evolving transport industry. in front of a new Freightliner Cascadia at their Shepparton dealership. Photo: Struan Jones.

The Shepparton dealership employs 22 locals, selling both which was extended to December. hitting the transport Industry, is Freightliner’s new Penske and Daimler trucks and “That prompted a lot of Cascadia range, which the team at Hartwigs sells. buses. This includes Western Star, businesses who were in the According to Simon, the new Cascadia ticks all the MAN, and Dennis Eagle, along market to go forth and buy new. boxes. years in the with Mercedes-Benz, Fuso and That definitely helped business for “For fuel efficiency, safety and comfort, it’s got it Goulburn Valley Freightliner. us towards the end of the financial all,” he said.

Hartwigs’ Shepparton branch and year and hopefully will keep us going “It’s probably the safest conventional, bonneted sales manager, Simon Calogero, said towards Christmas,” he said. truck on the highway at the moment. There’s entrysales remained consistent towards the end Simon said the company’s motto of level through to the kind you could stay away in for of the 2019/20 financial year on the back of the ‘Customers for life’ still holds true. weeks with a 60-inch sleeper. A driver could easily live Federal Government’s $150,000 instant asset write off, The new ‘kid on the block’ with regards to product in these trucks.”

16

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

71

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

72

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

Rental solutions for when you need the right vehicle GOODFELLOWS Rental and Storage Solutions is a Goulburn Valley success story.

T

We have such a great support network from our companies that have kept us going,” Mandy Hodges

he family-run business manages a fleet of more than 100 vehicles, with a range of small to large cars, single- and dual-cab utes, refrigerated vans, trucks, people-movers and buses. If it’s got wheels, Goodfellows probably has it available to rent. They also manage pick-up and drop-off to depots in Euroa, Seymour, and Echuca Along with their rental fleet, their Goulburn Valley Highway site in Kialla has 175 storage sheds, all alarmed and under video surveillance.

IF IT’S GOT WHEELS... Graham ‘Butch’ Goodfellow, owner of Goodfellows Rental and Storage Solutions, with one of his two Dodge Challenger Hellcats. Photo: Struan Jones.

Owner of the business, Graham Goodfellow, started out in the mid1990s as Rent-a-Wreck with 10 vehicles after a 23-year career in the state’s Road and Transport Authority.

After suffering as the victim of a serious assault in early 2018, Graham was forced to retire from the business, and today the company is run by Graham’s daughter, Mandy Hodges, and her partner, Andrew.

The company provides transport solutions to a range of large organisations such as GV Water, construction companies and even shire councils.

Mandy Hodges said 2020 had presented some new

challenges. Gone was the demand for people-movers and buses, as the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions scuttled recreational travel and social gatherings.

“Luckily we have our big fleet of utes, trucks and vans, which has kept us going,” Mandy said.

“It’s absolutely been a different year, but we can’t complain. We have such a great support network from our companies that have kept us going.”

Graham Goodfellow is still a figure in the business.

The American muscle car enthusiast keeps a couple of beauties including a 1970 454 SS Chevelle and a couple of recent model Dodge Challenger Hellcats. His love for cars hasn’t abated one bit.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

73

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

74

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

Rural success flows onto truck sales Truck firm relocates TRUCKING is an integral part of the success taking place in the Goulburn Valley. Even with the pandemic creating disruptions, products still needed to There is a lot of be shipped and trucks traffic on the road and needed to be replaced. it will only get better now that we have a omplete Trucks, located high-profile position,” on Grahamvale Road, Sebastian Spadaro Shepparton saw the

C

future warranted taking on a new home. Having acquired a new site a matter of a few hundred metres along the road from where they started business in 2009, that came with improved workshops and a cleaner site better suited to their operations Complete Trucks managing director, Sebastian Spadaro, said, “There is a lot of traffic on the road and

THE NEW SITE IS IN A PRIME LOCATION... Complete Trucks managing director, Sebastian Spadaro, in the foreground of their new display yard and workshops in Grahamvale Rd, Shepparton. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

it will only get better now that we have a high-profile position. Even though the borders shut down, it did affect drive by trade but a lot of our sales are now taking place online and as such, we will deliver vehicles Australia wide.”

A feature of Complete Trucks is they custom build the bodies that suit whatever industry the client needs whether it be for transporting steel, carting hay, refrigeration or a tipper.

“A client might want a particular cab fitted with a special-purpose body, so the new workshop will be better set up to do that more efficiently and of course,

provide better value for their clients,” Sebastian said.

“We also sell tractors and excavators along with a range of other equipment.”

Complete Trucks works with a range of vehicles and brands that have proven themselves over time.

“We invest in the truck to start, refit and refurbish it to a standard I would want for myself before putting it out for resale,” Sebastian added.

“We can cater to any configuration for any type of job.”

Sebastian has been around trucks for many years.

His personal fleet includes his fully restored favourite T908 Kenworth.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

75

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

76

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

Engine room to industries Forklift business booms

INDUSTRY and orchards in the Goulburn Valley require hundreds of forklifts. Wherever there’s stock to be moved, there’s need for a forklift or three.

L

Industry in the

& P Mackin Forklifts general area has been pretty manager, Jarrod Mackin, is the strong for a while now,” head of one of the region’s most established forklift Jarrod Mackin service, repair, spare parts and sales companies.

KEEPING THE WHEELS TURNING.... The L & P Mackin team, from left: Matthew Mol, Established as a car service centre Jesse Collier, Joe Laface, Darren Presley, Jarrod Mackin, Jenny Booth, Travis Gillin, Robert Sullivan, Shane Tolliday, and Grant Peters. Photo: Struan Jones. by his parents, Leigh and Pauline, in the 1970s, the business moved into forklifts as industry and demand in the region grew. and repairs was always busy but demand peaked in sales to drop off since then but they have been With an extensive fleet of hire forklifts for short term the months of November through to May to take care steady,” Jarrod said. hire or fleet management, L & P Mackin can meet all of the fruit harvest.

“Industry in the area has been pretty strong for customer hire requirements.

Sales peaked in June 2020 in the lead-up to the end a while now. It’s been a good year, despite the The team at L & P Mackin are busy year-round with of the financial year. pandemic,” onsite and workshop servicing covering the Goulburn “We could never have foreseen what June was like.

Valley and surrounding areas. Jarrod said servicing It was the biggest we have ever had, and I expected

Shifting through the gears: MOVE expands

S

HEPPARTON has a long history of driving. It is a major Australian transport hub carrying the produce of the region throughout the country and has one of Australia’s highest levels of collector car ownership.

The Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) is a living collection and is constantly growing to help ensure the GV’s motoring history is preserved for future generations.

In late 2020, work will begin to renovate the existing museum, expanding the Emerald Bank site.

The $5.35M project will more than double the size of the existing building, providing space to increase the number of vehicles on display while giving room to project audio visual displays showing aspects from the GV’s motoring history.

Jenna Buzza, general manager at MOVE and project manager for the reconstruction said, “We have 20

legends from the community who all contributed to the cost of construction. The Government funding we received was on a one-for-one basis, so these donations have gone a large part of the way towards meeting that obligation.”

It is predicted the Museum will attract 17,500 visitors in its first year, accounting for about $5.71M back into the local community.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

77

Keeping the wheels turning THE Goulburn Valley’s transport industry is one of the pillars of the economy and Bicknell’s Freight is one such business that keeps the wheels of industry turning in the region.

E

stablished in 2001 and employing 16 staff, the company is based in Shepparton with depots in 2020 has Albury and Bendigo. been a busy The Bicknell’s Freight fleet of 10 vehicles services a wide area across year, in spite of the Northern Victoria including to Coronavirus pandemic Cobram, Echuca, Wangaratta and and subsequent Corowa. lockdowns,” For Melbourne freight, they use a contract company that helps them Ros Bicknell THE TRADITION CONTINUES... Part of the Bicknell’s Freight team, from left, Peter Gillespie, provide overnight services across all Taylor Bicknell, owner, Ros Bicknell and Chris Gerity. Photo: Struan Jones.

Melbourne suburbs.

Bicknell’s mainly services business“This year, well, we’ve been cleaner!” she particular, has been flat out.” to-business in some of the region’s other said.

“We have been fortunate to be in the industry we are key industries, such as manufacturing, farming, “But we’ve been busier, too. It’s just been crazy. in and feel for those who have been closed during this engineering, automotive and construction.

Anyone who is still working is busier than ever. period.

Owner, Ros Bicknell, who formed the company with “Earlier in the year when the virus came through, “We hope that our efforts have helped keep the region her husband, Lyndon, said 2020 has been a busy year, farmers were buying up a lot of seed, so we were flat going, so we all come out okay at the end of this.” in spite of the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent out seed carting.

Bicknell’s Freight continues to be run according to lockdowns.

“Since then the building industry, in Shepparton in their motto of ‘personal and reliable service.’

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

78

Our Goulburn Valley Transport

More than 50 years and still going strong JUST on 52 years ago, in an industry that ‘caters for all types’, Lorna and Brian Hicks began their family business. Brian is now flanked by daughter, Naomi, and son, Warren who have injected new energy into this mature and thriving trucking company.

H

icks Transport Group, with depots in Cobram, Shepparton, Yarrawonga, Laverton North, Sydney and Brisbane, is a privately-owned family business which includes a 55-strong fleet of vehicles of prime movers, refrigerated transport, drop deck and various other trailer types.

Hicks Transport Group provides daily services between Melbourne, Shepparton, Cobram and surrounding regions, interstate services between all major eastern seaboard cities and South Australia, and cool-room and dry storage services.

55-STRONG FLEET AT HICKS TRANSPORT GROUP… From left: Hicks Transport Group office manager/human resources, Naomi Beasley, managing director, Brian Hicks, business development manager, Warren Hicks. Photo: Sharelle Jarvis.

“We have around 65 staff and operate out of three main depots,” Hicks Transport managing director, Brian Hicks, said.

“Previously we grew by a combination of acquisition and organic growth, but recently we have grown mainly by organic growth.

“I believe that’s simply because we’ve made it our business to provide a consistently reliable service, which is thanks to the large number of professional and loyal staff we have.

“This is an industry that caters for all types, from white to blue collar, and I’m thrilled to be sharing this journey with Warren and Naomi, now and into the future.”

Brian added he was pleased to be handing on his years of experience to his family, and watching the business adapt new technical skills to old experience.

“So much has changed now. Moving freight is much the same, you put freight on and off and that’s really what it is – but how they can track and trace deliveries and monitor fleet, as two examples, is now so advanced.”

Warren said, “Our business has grown based on the needs and demands of regional business. In recent years, we have tailored our service to play to our strengths and provide a premium service to local businesses, this has been a major contributing factor to our growth story.”

Over 130 years of combined experience

When Pat and Tina joined the BP family over 45 years ago, customers filling up at BP Shepparton were immediately greeted by two of the biggest smiles in the business. Great customer service was a trademark well-known to locals around the district. The family partnership continues today as Tina, her son Joe and his wife Angela continue to bring great passion to the business. Such long-standing relationships are a testament to the family’s innovation and commitment to their customers in Shepparton. Still going strong and servicing the district with a Smile.

176 Numurkah Rd, Shepparton Phone: 5821 5869 October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Education and the Arts Tertiary education will have a critically important role in the region’s recovery, no matter how we emerge from the pandemic, and La Trobe’s commitment to our regional campuses and communities is stronger than ever.”

“We have been inspired by the extraordinary work of our staff in adapting to virtual delivery of teaching, research and student support in an offcampus environment...”

ELIZABETH CAPP Head of Campus, Shepparton La Trobe University

City of Greater Shepparton: 2735 people employed in the education and training sector, including 393 in tertiary education.

$50M

Value of the new Shepparton Art Museum project

$119M

Value of new Shepparton super school project

80

Our Goulburn Valley Education & the Arts

Community Comeback supporting COVID-19 recovery WITH 2020 presenting a renewed set of challenges due to COVID-19, GOTAFE has moved quickly as part of their ‘Community Comeback’ campaign to ensure the Goulburn Valley remains resilient and innovative.

I

n response to the pandemic, GOTAFE shifted its course offerings and structures, moving to blended learning with most classes now taught online with some socially distanced face-to-face practical classes where required.

Students have adapted as quickly as many of the teachers, with a positive response to the change showcasing the passion for learning and growth evident in our communities.

GOTAFE is the largest vocational education provider in regional Victoria, offering 130 courses across nine campuses. Servicing 11 government areas and more than 9,000 students annually, GOTAFE will play an important role in the post-COVID-19 rebuild in regional Victoria, preparing the next generation workforce for priority areas of industry growth.

As such, the Victorian Government is continuing to

UPSKILLING THE GV... Early Childhood Education and Care is a big focus of the State Government’s Free TAFE initiative. Pictured are GOTAFE trainers Pam Jenkins (left) and Beth Fletcher. Photo: Supplied.

prioritise TAFE courses, with the Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education, Gayle Tierney, recently announcing a $163M expansion of Free TAFE, delivering more than 18,000 training places for Victorians to develop the skills needed to rebuild the economy.

The expanded offering of Free TAFE in 2020 now includes courses in a range of on-demand areas, including: early childhood and education, health, mental health, aged care, construction and much more.

GOTAFE chief executive officer, Travis Heeney, welcomed the announcement from Minister Tierney, adding that it signifies commitment from the government to ensuring the TAFE sector is central to

help Victoria recover from COVID-19. Since its inception in 2019, GOTAFE has enrolled more than 2,000 students in its Free TAFE courses.

“We have adapted quickly to the pandemic and moved many courses to blended learning online,” Mr Heeney said.

“This flexible learning option further assists our communities by making several of our courses much easier to access, especially for those in remote areas.

“GOTAFE wants to remain central to the rebuild of Victoria’s economy and ensure everyone has access to affordable and flexible tertiary education, which produce real jobs in high-demand industries.”

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Education & the Arts

81

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

82

Our Goulburn Valley Education & the Arts

Unique Shepparton school aces relocation SHEPPARTON ACE Secondary College is a small school with a big heart, and will celebrate 2021 by moving into its new, purpose-built CBD premises.

T

he school, which offers mainstream education and pathways to further study in a safe, caring and inspiring environment, provides tuition to about 120 students.

It Established 15 years ago to NEW BEGINNING... Shepparton ACE Secondary College principal Bronwyn Rose, has seen the independent school was absolutely meet a community need to grow over the last 15 years, and will move into its new CBD campus in April 2021. Photo: Struan Jones. a dream we re-engage young people who had fallen out of their “It was absolutely a dream we had found the perfect, compact, and central spot.” had to provide an education and wanted to to provide an independent equalThe school is not looking to expand, preferring independent equalreturn to study years 11 and 12, opportunity education for everyone, instead to maintain its small community feel, where opportunity education Shepparton ACE Secondary regardless of their background or everyone is welcome. Strict anti-bullying policies College now has students from economic status, and I think that’s been have helped create the nurturing environment the for everyone,” years 7-12, as well as further accomplished,” she said. school council has envisaged.

Bronwyn Rose education.

The new campus, on the corner of “This is one of the safest schools ever imagined, Principal Bronwyn Rose, was Maude and Nixon Streets in Shepparton, there’s just a pleasant atmosphere,” she said. part of the small group of like-minded will give the school a new lease on life, Ms Rose “Our goal is to provide quality education for a very community members involved with the said. low fee, so all young people can get their education school’s founding.

“Our current story is about the move,” she said. in a safe place that has high aspirations.”

She said the original idea was to develop a small, “With help from the Greater Shepparton City Shepparton ACE Secondary College is on track to quality, independent school.

Council, who approached us two years ago, we’ve start in its new building from April next year.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Education & the Arts

83

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

84

Our Goulburn Valley Education & the Arts

Resilience in the face of adversity THE YEAR that was 2020 - there’s no doubt it will be remembered as one that forced significant change. Businesses have had to adapt, embrace new ideas and apply flexibility to their service delivery in order to survive.

W

ith a regional campus in Shepparton home to about 450 students, La Trobe University strived to continue delivering tertiaryeducated and work-ready graduates that support industry partners and regional employers.

While the government’s Coronavirus pandemic restrictions forced students away from the classroom, the Shepparton campus has always had a strong demand for the delivery of face-toface learning, La Trobe University Shepparton head of campus, Elizabeth Capp, said.

“Nursing, social work and teaching have always been in high demand here in Shepparton,” Ms Capp said.

“We provide graduates to many regional industries so we needed to adjust our teaching model to ensure we were able to continue to meet regional

BUSINESS MODEL RETHINK... La Trobe University Shepparton head of campus, Elizabeth Capp, said faceto-face education had always been in demand at the Shepparton campus. Photo: Supplied.

workforce needs in the current environment.”

La Trobe University was quick to take up the Federal Government’s offer of support and introduced eight new, heavily-subsidised short courses, four post-graduate and four undergraduate courses, made available to students via online delivery.

“At a time when many Victorians were faced with an uncertain future, the heavily-subsidised undergraduate courses in particular gave people a chance to pursue an avenue of education they may not have otherwise considered,” Ms Capp said.

“We wanted to show the community they still had options and give people a chance to position themselves to take back control

EDUCATION... La Trobe University Shepparton lecturer, humanities and social science, Dr Marg Hickey. Photo: Supplied.

of their future, where for some who had lost employment and been facing much uncertainty, the future may have appeared quite bleak.”

Sport, culture and education hub will be a tremendous asset to our region MUNARRA, the Yorta Yorta word for thunder, is a testament to the resilience and passion of the Goulburn Valley’s Aboriginal population through the COVID-19 crisis.

PLANS FOR MUNARRA CENTRE ON TRACK...

From left, Munarra Centre For Regional Excellence director, David Curby, Kaiela Institute deputy director, Jasmine Graham, Kaiela Institute board member and Rumbalara Football Netball Club president, Paul Briggs and Kaiela Institute coordinator for empowered communities and Rumbalara Football Netball Club board member, Travis Morgan. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

T

he Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, for which $23M has been awarded to the project thus far from the Victorian State Government and $5M from The University of Melbourne, is a partnership between the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Kaiela Institute, the University of Melbourne and Greater Shepparton City Council, will be a place to celebrate Aboriginal knowledge in the region combined with science, technology, arts and sustainability.

Despite COVID-19, the project is still on track to commence building in 2021 and is forecast to be completed in 2023.

It will be a major cultural hub that brings together the entire community through sport, culture and education. The centre will be a cornerstone to Aboriginal prosperity and economic participation within our community and with a focus on the investment in the future of Aboriginal people in our region, achieving life expectancy and quality of life outcomes.

Munarra builds on the success of Academy of Sport Health and Education (ASHE), a partnership between Rumbalara Football and Netball Club, The University of Melbourne and the Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE. The project will be a state-of-the-art centre designed as a hub of connection and transformation for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Munarra will embed Aboriginal culture across all curriculum and programs, positioning Aboriginal knowledge transfer and cultural exchange as a national asset.

Establishing best practice in health, sport, education and arts integrated with Aboriginal Australian cultural knowledge, teaching and learning practice.

“The Munarra centre will be integrated into the local curriculum, a development support centre for schools and education in the region, helping to facilitate professional work force development and will be a hub for programs run through the University of Melbourne and GOTAFE,” Kaiela Institute board member and Rumbalara Football Netball Club president, Paul Briggs, said.

“It will be based on world’s best practice in education to draw people to the Goulburn Valley, a centre for integrating community sport through the Rumbalara Football Netball club with immense educational and employment support for our Aboriginal population.”

Kaiela Institute deputy director, Jasmine Graham, said, “Here in the Goulburn Murray, on Yorta Yorta country, we have been relentless in our assurance that the Munarra centre will encompass our values, beliefs and provide support for people throughout the entire region.

“From the project’s inception, through to the architecture, aesthetics and down to the inclusion of curated native plants, all facets of the Munarra Centre are rich with Aboriginal culture and meaning, rendering the centre a global leader in hubs of this kind.”

Encompassing the Rumbalara Football Netball Club with the Munarra centre on one site will prove the venture to be an invaluable asset to the Goulburn Murray region, a symbol of prosperity, innovation and ingenuity as we look towards the future.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Greater Shepparton is lucky to have a great community and great businesses and great business people. I believe that the future of Greater Shepparton is positive with a number of businesses being leaders and award winners in their field. Our community will continue to grow and progress. “Industries that appear to be doing well: Agricultural, construction, earthmoving, medical and transport - many have actually noticed an increase in work.

STEVE TRICARICO General manager Vehicle & Equipment Finance

68,976 Total Jobs in the region Greater Shepparton City: 33,188 Campaspe Shire: 16,070 Moira Shire: 10,913 Benalla Rural City: 5,212 Strathbogie Shire: 3,593

Services

86

Our Goulburn Valley Services

The region’s own name in caravanning WHEN Peter Don sets his mind to something, he tends to do it his own way.

A

s a registered builder with deep roots in Shepparton, Peter oversees his PJ’s Concrete Pumping business and PJ’s 4x4, which designs and installs premium ute

canopies.

Last year, he branched out into selling caravans after finding a manufacturer willing to build his vision of an We’re upmarket caravan that he branded passionate about the ‘Donway’. what we sell because The idea for caravans came as we’ve designed it an extension of the 4x4 canopy CARAVANNING THE ‘DONWAY’... The Donway Caravan team, from left, Kevin business, which has seen year-onourselves,” Gribble, Peter Don and son, Keelan Don. Photo: Struan Jones year growth since starting seven Peter Don years ago, and now even exports to could build his own brand of a recently-established caravanning accessory buyers in Sweden. caravans, eventually settling on showroom.

Peter said, “So many people would Sydney-based manufacturer, Millard.

Caravanning is seeing a boom right now. With come in and chat to us about their new With 76 years of caravan-building overseas travel no longer an option, people canopy or ute lid, telling us how they’re setting up experience, Peter said Millard had a reputation are turning instead to find ways to explore the their car and getting a caravan to go touring. he could rely on, and by retailing Millard’s own inexhaustible bounds of this huge country.

“We started thinking, what if we have some MFlow series, it would provide a more affordable “We’re passionate about what we sell because caravans too and help our customers fulfil their counterpoint to the premium range of Donway we’ve designed it ourselves, and I think that shines entire travel plans. caravans. through with our team and the people who have “So, we set out to design our own.”

The Donway workshop now also features a sixbeen a part of this journey,” Peter said.

Peter spent almost two years researching who tonne hoist to take care of caravan servicing, and

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

88

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Telecommunications solutions tailored to your business’ needs A PERSONALISED approach to your business telecommunications needs, from experts who understand business, is a crucial component to ensure you have reliable and tailored systems in place.

O

ptus Business Centre Shepparton is locallyowned and operated with a team of expert account managers, possessing more than 40 years of combined experience, who are able to work with you as trusted advisors.

Business phone systems, mobiles and business IT products and services are just some of the many telecommunications solutions Optus Business Centre Shepparton are able to assist you with.

Optus Business Centre Shepparton is on hand to service all businesses throughout North East Victoria, Echuca, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Albury regions.

“Without a doubt the Optus Business Centre Shepparton team have excelled in their competency, professionalism, accommodating and friendly service. As a result, my business enjoys a very cost-effective communication service that has exceeded my expectations and allows my business to present very professionally to my customer base,” customer Janene Champion, said.

Like many local businesses, Janene Champion found that Optus Business Centre Shepparton

LOCALLY-OWNED AND OPERATED TEAM OF EXPERT ACCOUNT MANAGERS... From left, Optus Business Centre Shepparton senior business solutions executive Jodie Taylor, office manager, Connie Spadaro, managing director, Anthony Spadaro and business solutions executive, Don Atkinson. Photo: Stephanie Holliday.

understood the complexities and unique requirements regional businesses face with their varied telecommunications needs.

“Our ability to assign each customer with a personal account manager means all queries are able to be directed towards us with no need to

contact Optus directly,” Optus Business Centre Shepparton dealer principal Anthony Spadaro said.

“An account manager is able to modify your plans to suit your requirements and work with you to ensure you’re getting the best deal while utilising the latest technology on offer to your advantage.”

Iconic new 4 Series comes to Shepparton BMW THE new BMW 4 Series Coupé is ready for launch this December at Shepparton BMW.

T

he latest generation of the sporty two-door model for the premium midsize segment underscores its distinctive character profile with both a vehicle concept focused squarely on delivering dynamic driving pleasure and the clear differentiation of the coupé from the new BMW 3 Series.

This is the next chapter in a coupé tradition shaped by numerous legendary BMW models.

Provocative, independent, and edgy, with its unmistakeable exterior design, the BMW 4 Series Coupé manifests itself as a rebellious individualist.

The distinctive front with the unique BMW double kidney grille emphasises maximum independence and symbolises the expressive appearance of the new coupé.

The team at Shepparton BMW will have the new 4 Series Coupé at the dealership from December, and believe every aspect of their business should reflect the outstanding quality of the BMW cars they sell.

Their commitment to providing a level of customer service that is second to none is demonstrated by their comprehensive range of sales and after sales services.

“A new model launch from BMW is always exciting and this distinctive new vehicle is no exception,” Shepparton BMW general sales manager, Glenn Goodall said.

“The new 4 Series will compliment an already fresh model mix BMW has available and our team is excited to showcase this stunning coupé to our customers in December.”

ABOVE: SHEER DRIVING PLEASURE... Few automobile companies capture the essence of enjoying every moment behind the wheel quite like BMW. The new 4 Series Coupé is a one-of-a-kind machine that you’ll never regret owning.

LEFT: DESIGNED TO DRIVE... The BMW 4 Series Coupé interior is designed with the driver in mind with a new sports leather steering wheel and newly-developed sports seats as standard. Photos: Supplied.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

90

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Invested in a secure future THERE’S a secure presence rising up within our community; gaining strength through rapid growth, and filtering out well beyond the Goulburn Valley.

I

t’s a vision come to fruition, long held by Fastsec Security founder, Gary Sidhu, who established the business in Shepparton in 2015.

Mr Sidhu and his team provide a range of services to a diverse client base - a business model We are deliberately designed to provide here to serve the cross-sector, industry appeal. community,” “Providing local business with affordable security solutions and Gary Sidhu highly skilled, reliable, local people SECURITY AND TRUST... Fastsec Security founder, Gary Sidhu, with partner Kam Sidhu. Photo: Nicole Peters. has always been my priority,” he said.

“We are here to serve the a significant employer in the region.

“It is an important part of our business and community, so we can do everything.”

Mr Sidhu attributes the growth to our investment in the social and economic future Fastsec Security’s services include their dedication to the community and the of our community. All members of our team are crowd control at major festivals and events, professionalism of the growing team of 25. respected local professionals with familiar faces. to security at regional hospitals, hotels, Fastsec Security now provides their services That’s an advantage, especially when we’re providing pubs, and corporate conferences, as well as throughout the state, encompassing Greater security at local events and hospitality venues.” agricultural and construction work sites.

Bendigo, the North Eastern communities of Benalla, A wise investment too, it would seem, as The demand for Fastsec’s services has driven Seymour and Wangaratta and onto the busy border Mr Sidhu further explained that having his expansion over the past five years. From a tiny towns of Wodonga, Yarrawonga and Echuca. clients rebook their annual events had been a team of five employees, the business has become Mr Sidhu is also a proud multicultural employer. significant part of the business’ growth.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

92

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Helping shape the future of the GV with tailor-made employment solutions DESPITE the economic downturn much of Australia faced this year, several sectors in the Goulburn Valley have gone from strength to strength and new employment opportunities have materialised under the unique set of circumstances.

R

ecruitment Select, a team of professionals with a broad understanding of the regional labour market, provide labour hire and tailor-made employment solutions to a range of businesses in the region.

With their head office located in Shepparton, Recruitment Select partners with its customers to focus on employment solutions ensuring specific

STAFFING THE GOULBURN VALLEY... Recruitment Select chief executive officer, Josh Hudson, business development manager, Adele Baensch, and administration assistant, Bryony Morgan. Photo: Supplied

staffing demands are met.

By choosing Recruitment Select, businesses are also reaping the benefits of their social procurement model through the financial support of their youth employment program, Geared4Careers.

The Geared4Careers program is implemented in local secondary schools, and focuses on helping students remain engaged in their education and transition into meaningful employment and further study.

Currently, 1,075 students are enrolled in the program, 400 of which are located in the Goulburn Valley, and they aim towards having 1,500 engaged by 2023.

Through Geared4Careers, Recruitment Select is helping to shape the region’s young people for future generations, ensuring they are able to explore the many career opportunities available in the Goulburn Valley.

“Business development manager, Adele and administration assistant, Bryony from Recruitment Select make finding good staff an easy and stress-free process,” Dowell Windows manager, Shane Rodda, said.

“It is an added bonus that we can be part of their social enterprise ethos, providing real and positive outcomes for the local community.”

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

96

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Keeping things together in the construction trades LOCAL businesses are the bedrock of any regional economy.

I

If you don’t

n the building trade in evolve, you stay Shepparton, Ultimate Fasteners stagnant and you is the ‘nuts and bolts’ of STICKING TOGETHER... Some of the Ultimate Fasteners team, from left, Simon won’t be here,” the construction industry, Decker, Grant Casey and Tait Collins. Photo: Struan Jones.

Dean Jones supplying industrial fasteners, fixings, abrasives and tools that There have been times we products over the past few years, and being are instantly available off the shelf. thought we might not still part of construction material wholesaler Founded in 2008, directors be still here,” Dean said. group, Construction Supply Specialists for Mark Shanahan and Dean Jones are “But Shepparton’s got a bit over 10 years, has helped them do that. proud of the business they’ve built over of bounce, which has been good.

“If you don’t evolve, you stay stagnant and 13 years. Today they employ 12 staff.

“At the end of the day you see what comes out of you won’t be here. Our mainstay has always Dean said 2020 had been an interesting year: the ground: The new Shepparton Art Museum, the been nuts and bolts. That’s what we started on, While the construction trade in Shepparton courthouse, the hospital, now the super school...and and that’s what we’ll always do. We’re a fastener has boomed, the COVID-19 pandemic did the housing industry, heck, that’s been booming.” company that dabbles in more than just nuts and at times cast doubt over their future.

Ultimate Fasteners has diversified into bolts. It’s our slogan and it’s true,” Dean said.

“It’s taken a toll and it’s affected the guys. grouts, sealants and Flextool concrete

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Services

97

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

98

Our Goulburn Valley Services

The world is at your feet if you know where to look WITH more than $3B on offer from the State Government to deal with the impact of COVID-19, trying to understand how your firm Businesses are can be supported by one struggling at the of the dozens of grants moment so the funds the becomes a bureaucratic government can provide, nightmare for many means the difference people. between their failure aking sense of it all and success,” is where Plus 1 Group Nick Kaiser

M

are making inroads towards millions of dollars in grants for Goulburn Valley businesses.

“Some of the grants now available are not so obvious to many of our clients,” Plus 1 Group grants manager, Nick Kaiser, said.

“Businesses are struggling at the moment so

DRIVING FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY… From left, Plus 1 Group directors, Ben Snow, Matt O’Bryan, Karen (Kamaljit) Parhaar and Devinder Singh. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

the funds the government can provide, means the difference between their failure and success.

“Our business has had to adapt and many of our clients are doing the same but for many with large numbers of workers such as those farmers with big packing sheds, the changes needed to meet the regulations, can have great impact.

“A lot of the grants have a dollar for dollar

requirement so we see some companies having to bring forward future plans for change. Often they may need to borrow so we try to set a clear path for them and bring to their attention the several ways they can access some of the grant funding.”

“Our business can also assist with local, state and federal engagement and Agribusiness consultancy.”

Getting the right grant can make a world of difference to a company. Getting the right advice can help facilitate that difference.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

100

Our Goulburn Valley Services

A waste recycling company reducing its own waste FUTURE Recycling is one of those Shepparton success stories.

Opening in Old Dookie Road in 2007, it was a matter of a year before they opened a second plant in Melbourne followed by the purchase of a transfer station in Pakenham in 2016.

W

hile the company deals with recycling waste materials and primarily metals, they have adopted a strong environmental policy in how they operate.

Going beyond a voluntary carbon neutral stance that many similar companies aspire to, Future Recycling went the extra step to become certified Carbon Neutral

by Climate Active, the only waste

company in the country to do so.

In the absence of suitable treatment plants in Australia, the majority of their waste materials are exported, largely to China which in 2018 introduced much stricter policies on what waste would be accepted.

That required introducing new machinery to deal with products such as copper cable that has a PVC coating. Their new granulator shreds the material and is able to separate the

THE FUTURE OF RECYCLING... From left, Future Recycling managing director, Tyrone Landsman and Shepparton branch manager, Justin Spokes at the Shepparton site on Old Dookie Road. Photo: Katelyn Morse

two components ready for export.

COVID-19 has had less impact in the Shepparton facility than in their other plants. The Shepparton site is managed and operated by residents of Greater Shepparton. During the pandemic, all operational staff continued in full time employment.

Future Recycling is looking forward to continuing servicing the local area and supporting local clubs and community organisations as Victoria embarks on its road to recovery.

A success story that is looking to the future.

Award-winning finance broker nine years running FROM humble beginnings in Shepparton back in 2002, Vehicle and Equipment Finance has become one of the largest rural-based finance brokerages in Australia.

L

ocated in Shepparton, Ballarat, Albury, Geelong, Warrnambool and Melbourne, they cover a list of clients all over Australia.

It’s easy to say the six partners in the firm have put a lot of hard work and dedication into developing the business.

Each of the partners and staff has an extensive background in the field of finance broking, and it is this experience and knowledge that has contributed to both the company’s impressive growth and its reputation for excellence.

Vehicle and Equipment Finance’s focus is to use their extensive network of industry relationships from agriculture, transport, earthmoving, manufacturing, food production, professional offices, government, health and many more to provide

their customers with a wide range of financial products, that delivers the optimal outcome and advice.

Being acknowledged as the leading ANZ Regional Lending Broking Firm in Victoria for the last nine years running confirms that staying true to their philosophy works.

General manager, Steven Tricarico, said 2020 had been an interesting year in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“It has created mixed experiences with some clients in need of assistance and support while other clients have been thriving and it has created opportunities for their business to grow,” he said.

“The majority of our clients are confident of their market position with many experiencing growth with emerging markets that we have been

AWARD WINNERS... From left, the partners of Vehicle and Equipment Finance: Finance consultants, Steve Tricarico, David Edwards, Philip Jones and Warren Helman. Photo: Struan Jones

involved with.

“For many in agriculture this is the best season they have seen in 10 years, contributing to growth and well-being for regional businesses.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

“COVID-19 has forced not only us to reassess how we operate but also how we conduct our business to meet these new demands.”

102

Our Goulburn Valley Services

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Services

103

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

104

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Giving back to a community that has helped them grow SPENDING more time at home this year, while very hard for us all, has also led to many Locals are able unexpected perks. to have their pets treated close to home ne of those is how much more time we have rather than being sent been able to spend with to Melbourne”

O

our beloved pets. Being home more with our animals means we have been able to go over them with a fine-tooth comb and perhaps we have noticed some things amiss, some things that have caused a niggling feeling that we should get our best friends looked over by a professional.

Family owned and run, GV Vets has had an influx of pet owners who have done just that and thankfully, things that may have been missed have been rectified by their friendly and dedicated team of veterinarians

COMMUNITY SPIRIT IMPORTANT AT GV VETS... GV Vets owners, from left, Dr Brett Davis, Fiona Davis, Dr Frances Jenner and Jeremy Lee. Photo: Nicole Peters

and veterinary nurses.

Despite the challenges COVID-19 has presented, they are still going ahead with plans to expand and renovate their site to allow for greater capacity of patients and consulting rooms.

“We would like to thank the Greater Shepparton community for allowing us to grow and become a trusted name in veterinary care. We are really passionate about what we do and are constantly looking for ways we can do even more for our clients,” GV Vets co-owner, Dr Frances Jenner said.

Ensuring they have the latest technology and

equipment in pet healthcare is important to GV Vets and their clients. It enables them to expand the range of services they are able to offer and provide an even higher level of care to the local community. This means locals are able to have their pets treated close to home rather than being sent to Melbourne or other regional cities.

An initiative around visiting schools, childcare facilities and kindergartens is in its early stages at GV Vets, where they believe interaction with animals and education surrounding care for pets has a positive impact on childhood development.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

106

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Helping locals carve a life long career CAREER progression is important to all of us. The ability to have your hard work recognised and to feel supported should you wish to pursue further study in relation to your role is an integral component of setting the foundations for a solid and long-term career with one organisation.

W

ith a career spanning over 14 years with GV Health, Charles Oguntade has progressed from his role as a ward nurse to his current role as a forensic clinical specialist with the guidance and support of GV Health. Mr Oguntade works closely with correction facilities and prisoners who are approaching parole to assess and formulate a pathway to approach their re-entry into society.

Mr Oguntade was a participant of the Fairley Leadership Program in 2014 and worked as a credentialed mental health nurse preceding his current role. His career pathway has been

FROM WARD NURSE TO SPECIALIST... Forensic clinical specialist, Charles Oguntade, has had a career with GV Health spanning 14 years. Photo: Stephanie Holliday

a combination of his dedication and the facilitation of his aspirations by GV Health.

Through COVID-19, Mr Oguntade has relied on his resilient nature to ensure he is still able to provide his services. The ability to co-ordinate virtual appointments has reduced his need to travel, thus allowing Mr Oguntade to maximise his time.

“Although COVID-19 brought many challenges for us all, the utilisation of technology to deliver care has changed the way we think about approaching

medical appointments in future at GV Health,” he said.

“I believe the shift towards being more efficient and open minded about different ways in which we can provide our services has positively impacted our practices going forward.”

Mr Oguntade’s passion for his work is a testament to his drive towards progressing with GV Health in the future and building upon his already 14-year strong career within the organisation with their continued support and encouragement.

Health services the single largest employer in Greater Shepparton SHEPPARTON is the health services hub of the Goulburn Valley.

At least one out of every 20 people employed in Greater Shepparton work in hospitals.

In fact, the entire healthcare and social assistance sector employs an estimated 5,500 people in Greater Shepparton, adding an estimated $468.7M of value to the local economy – the single most valuable sector in Greater Shepparton (ahead of manufacturing, which adds $373.3M to the local economy).

According to the latest ABS census data, hospitals

(not including psychiatric hospitals) are the single largest employer in the region, capturing 5.5 percent of all employed people.

This is followed by supermarket and grocery stores (2.7 percent), primary education (2.6 percent), aged care residential services (2.5 percent) and dairy cattle farming (2.3 percent).

MAJOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER... GV Health is a huge employer in Greater Shepparton and provides medical care to an estimated population of more than 150,000 people across Northern Victoria and Southern New South Wales. Photo: Supplied

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Building a prosperous region together - October/November 2020

108

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Sounds Around: Keeping people connected in a socially isolated year IF 2020 could be condensed into one phrase, it would probably be: ‘You’re on mute.’

W

orking from home, video conferencing, travel restrictions and the general avoidance of face-to-face contact has meant technological innovation has come to the fore to get work done this year.

According to audio-visual (AV) technology expert Nathan Tranter, the installation of technology that allows for seamless video conferencing has taken huge leaps forward since the onset of restrictions related to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Nathan and co-owner Nick Durston, who run Shepparton’s Sounds Around, have been busy all year gearing up companies and organisations in the region with audio-visual technology that makes doing business easier.

“We were already doing the video conferencing but we’ve noticed a greater demand for the products for professional video conferencing systems,” Nick said.

“We’re talking about rooms with a large screen on the wall and cameras, microphones and speakers with noise and echo cancellation, so a dozen people in one room can have a meeting with a dozen people in another room.

“You know, it’s hard to get 12 people around a laptop.”

Nick and Nathan are experts in commercial and domestic audio-visual set-ups. Think home cinemas, home automation, commercial speaker systems, interactive whiteboards and touchscreens, to name a few.

ENABLING COMMUNICATION... The Sounds Around team: Owners Nick Durston (left) and Nathan Tranter. Nick and Nathan are experts in audio-visual and communication technology, and have seen an uptick in demand for video conferencing systems this year in the face of Coronavirus restrictions. Photo: Struan Jones.

The pair took over a long-established AV business they had worked at for many years, then started Sounds Around 14 years ago and have seen huge leaps forward in the commercial side of the business.

Everything about this level of technology is exciting.

“Obviously, people are going to travel again but

they’re certainly not going to travel as much as they used to,” Nathan said.

“The technology available is brilliant. It’s seamless, and it means you can do in your office what you’d previously have had to travel for.”

Providing a complete water treatment service WATER in industry is used for all manner of things from heating, cooling and processing that is clean. Being able to recycle or reuse water can have a major impact on a company’s performance, profitability and environmental footprint.

T

hrough their initiative of ‘worry-free water,’ Hydro Flow brings an innovative approach to water treatment that delivers both service excellence and technical excellence to their customers’ plant water systems.

Established in 1996, with their head office now located in Shepparton and branches across Australia, Hydro Flow is a totally Australian-owned company staffed by a team of engineers, scientists, technicians and support staff dedicated to providing world-class water treatment programs and solutions to all market sectors across the country.

PROVIDING ON-SITE SERVICE ACROSS AUSTRALIA ... Field technicians David Murray and Alan Kulari service a process disinfecting system. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

Hydro Flow takes a holistic approach to serving industry, providing technical and project services as well as being a manufacturer and supplier of treatment chemicals. It also installs and maintains all types of dosing,

waste water, and filtration equipment.

Through research and development of their products and equipment, Hydro Flow is an industry leader in their field and has the capacity to provide the complete service needed to address any treatment problem.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Services

110

Our Goulburn Valley Services

A purchase from a social enterprise makes a difference Purchasing from a social enterprise provides you with quality products and services while providing employment for people with a disability.

C • • • • •

ONNECTGV is a registered NDIS provider providing individualised options, including employment in a social enterprise, for people with a disability to ensure their goals and dreams can be achieved.

About 40 of ConnectGV’s supported clients work across its various Social Enterprises, including: The Billabong Garden Complex garden centre Billabong Sweets & Treats confectionary bagging and sales Flower Power flower deliveries GV Ragz cleaning and polishing rags ConnectGV Contracting, which provides garden maintenance and a ready workforce for packaging and labour-intensive tasks.

All the ConnectGV social enterprises hold a labour hire licence and are social traders certified.

HANDS ON SUCCESS... Billabong Garden Complex supported employees, from left, Ben Grapetin, Tom Hoare and Ben Devening. Photo: Struan Jones.

That means while value-adding to Goulburn Valley businesses or government departments, engaging in these social enterprises also strengthens community partnerships.

“In addition to attaining the products or services you need, engaging a social enterprise has significant economic and social gains for our community,” ConnectGV chief executive officer, Carolynne Frost said.

“Being connected to your community is something many take for granted. For people with a disability this may not always be possible.

“Social enterprises provide supported and meaningful employment to allow people with a disability to benefit from social connections, learn new skills and to be a part of the economic development of the community”.

Whether it be plants, sweets, flowers, rags, garden maintenance, labour-intensive jobs and third-party logistics, ConnectGV is able to provide the products and services businesses and residents may require while supporting their community by providing opportunities for people with a disability.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Services

112

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Water of life: Crystal clean, no plastic bottles BOTTLED water is one of the travesties of the modern world. Whether it’s the small plastic bottles or a larger 15l bottle feeding the office water cooler, it’s all plastic that takes precious resources to produce and hundreds of years to degrade.

T

o produce one litre of bottled water, manufacturers actually use seven litres of...water! That’s why consumers pay more for a bottle of water than a carton of milk. People in the Goulburn Valley especially, will understand, there is no logic in that.

This is the logic Craig McIntyre and Bill Dowling used to create their company, Aquafil Fresh.

Aquafil Fresh installs state-of-the art water coolers which provide high-tech filtration and purification of tap water, meaning workplaces will never have to order, store, stack or lift a 15l bottle of water again.

Founded in 2015, Aquafil Fresh has built a client list of more than 900 satisfied businesses across the Goulburn Valley and North East Victoria.

Co-director Craig McIntyre fills in the story: “I delivered bottled water for 15 years. Five years

LOW COST WITH MINIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT... Aquafil Fresh co-director, Craig McIntyre, with longterm Shepparton client, Jason Watts of Dennis Family Homes. Aquafil Fresh pride themselves on providing costeffective, environmentally-friendly options for drinking water at work or home. Photo: Struan Jones.

ago, Bill installed what is now an Aquafil Fresh water cooler in my own home as a trial. Two weeks later I quit my day job and Aquafil Fresh was born.

I knew hands down it was the way to go.”

“Businesses now have a far greater awareness and focus on being environmentally friendly.

They understand bottled water has to be pumped out of the ground, transported to a factory, packaged and transported again.”

Modern businesses understand they are doing a good thing for the environment by not consuming countless plastic water bottles. But Craig said there is another big

bonus for businesses that they are delighted about.

“In 99 percent of cases, businesses actually save money on their bottled water bills. It is a real win-win,” he said.

“Aquafil Fresh water coolers are definitely the way of the future.”

The company’s motto is: ‘Never pay for bottled water again.’ It’s an optimistic one, both for consumers and the environment. We now know we have to dramatically reduce the amount of plastic we are producing and using, and Aquafil Fresh are helping make that possible.

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Services

113

Innovative security company keeping businesses and homes safe IN the face of COVID-19, many of us have had the time to reflect and think about what is most important to us.

Security and peace of mind are now crucial for many of us in regards to our homes and Innovation is businesses. at the forefront of eopening our businesses Standby Security as the pandemic winds down has left many of with Angelo”.

R

us feeling like we need extra support to ensure we safeguard ourselves and our customers.

With over 30 years’ experience, Angelo Kakouros and his team at Standby Security have created a Temperature Mobile Response Unit (TASS). This is a non-invasive access security management system to help facilities and businesses

STANDBY SECURITY, LEADERS IN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY...

Standby Security Owner, Angelo Kakouros and his team are on standby to talk you through cuttingedge security systems for your business and home. Photo: Stephanie Holliday.

obtain and manage required data and conduct temperature checks quickly and easily.

Innovation is at the forefront of Standby Security, with Angelo ensuring they are always able to offer their customers the latest cutting edge technology. Live notifications are sent to your devices to ensure the ability to monitor your property 24/7.

“Does your current alarm system have the ability to verify a genuine intruder and prompt a police response, or does it just make a whole lot of noise?” Mr Kakouros said.

Many home and business alarm systems generate a lot of noise yet fail to verify a genuine intruder which requires a response from authorities. Standby Security ensures their alarm systems integrate together to work seamlessly through the use of genuine, branded products and expert, licensed installation.

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

114

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Bringing young people into the work they want to do NOT-for-profit agency, The Apprenticeship Factory, was established in Shepparton in 1984.

P

rimarily a group training organisation, the business provides the once missinglink between young people wanting to obtain a trade qualification, and employers looking to hire an apprentice or trainee.

Initiated more than 10 years ago, The Apprenticeship Factory’s Traineeship Program provides participants with access to a range of different, nationally-recognised qualifications across a variety of industries, enabling secondary school graduates an opportunity to take up a gap year position, or early school leavers to access pathways to employment.

The Traineeship Program gives employers the convenience of gaining additional trainee staff, while outsourcing the trainee’s ongoing monitoring and management - an invaluable service for a busy, growing business.

“Some of our participants first started out with a traineeship but then went on to pursue further studies in their chosen industry and, once complete, decided to remain in the region and work in their chosen career - which really is the ideal outcome for all,” The Apprenticeship Factory chief executive officer, Paula Ryan, said.

Field officer, Melissa Davies,

HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE INTO WORK... The Apprenticeship Factory field officer, Melissa Davies, said witnessing participants complete their certificates was truly fulfilling. Photo: Nicole Peters.

recently joined The Apprenticeship Factory team and is responsible for managing the Traineeship Program.

Ms Davies said, “I love the options the program offers to young people in our region.

“Traineeships are a wonderful incentive for young school leavers who can often be unsure about their opportunities for the future.

“Some of our trainees know what trade or career they want to pursue but

many are uncertain. This program gives participants the chance to gain valuable insight and experience through their time spent in the workplace.

“It’s fabulous to witness participants grow and see their confidence and maturity build throughout the duration of their traineeship.

Witnessing them experience a sense of pride when they have completed their certificate is truly fulfilling.”

Solar panels set to power GVW into the future SOLAR panels installed on Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) sites have already generated more than 267,000 kilowatthours since they were connected from mid-August as part of a progressive roll out.

S

tage one of the $5.4M project is now complete, with 4800 panels at 16 locations in 10 towns in the Goulburn Valley Water region, helping to power high-energy consuming sites such as wastewater treatment plants and water treatment plants.

Since they were installed, the panels have generated energy which is the equivalent of powering 38 homes for an entire year and are expected to generate a total of about 3000 megawatt-hours each year.

GVW managing director, Dr Steve Capewell, said investing in renewable energy will help the business contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change now and in the future.

“Renewable energy is a key way we can invest in sustainable energy supplies and the Goulburn Valley

region is a prime location for solar panels with its favourable weather conditions,” Dr Capewell said.

“We’re continually looking for innovative ways to support our key goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and delivering better environmental outcomes, and solar energy will also help us keep bill costs lower for our customers.

“We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions to a target of 37,416 tonnes by 2025, in an effort to continue being an environmentally conscious business,” Dr Capewell said.

GVW general manager planning and assets, Daniel Hughes, said solar energy production capacity at each site was designed to cater for unique site needs.

“Eventually, each site will be optimised to run during daylight hours to neutralise energy consumption and

SOLAR POWER DRIVING WASTEWATER TREATMENT... 4800 panels across 16 locations help reduce carbon emissions at Goulburn Valley Water treatment sites. Photo: Supplied.

the panels are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 4,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year,” Mr Hughes said.

“Looking at future-focused energy options for our assets will help us meet our targets and obligations and we’re already seeing really great benefits from the panels we have installed now.

“We’re currently planning for the

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

project’s second stage which is expected to be completed during 2021 and includes a further 14 sites which will be sized between 5 kilowatts and 30 kilowatts.”

More details and site locations will be available closer to the next stage’s roll out.

Our Goulburn Valley Services

115

Expertise ensures protection over your investments DURING times of uncertainty and change, the value of insurance becomes increasingly clear and making choices that support you personally and professionally are imperative.

L

ocated on Wyndham Street in Shepparton’s CBD, the Gallagher Insurance office continues to offer expertise on a range of products designed to protect both your lifestyle and your business investments.

Gallagher Insurance senior account executive, Martin Corrigan, is passionate about the Gallagher business and providing regional business owners with access to some of the best products on the market.

“The Gallagher name is internationally

recognised as a reputable insurance brokerage,” he said.

“Our priority is to ensure our customers feel safe in the knowledge the cover they choose best protects their lifestyle and investments.

“Whether you’re considering coverage for your business assets, your customers, employees, or members of the public the business serves, it’s crucial to have the right insurance protection – it’s part of building resilience in your enterprise.

“With restrictions imposed

TRUST AND INTEGRITY... From left, Gallagher Insurance senior account executive, Martin Corrigan, with principal broker, Russell Boucher. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

throughout 2020, there have been unprecedented changes for most.

Many people have had to redesign their business model and as a result, their prior insurance coverage may also need a restructure.”

According to Mr Corrigan, for businesses assessing their cash flow and continuity issues, some considerations may include reducing policy limits, adjusting the scope of cover, or cancelling an existing policy.

“For example, with an increase in

the number of employees working from home, and the reliance on the employee’s home Wi-Fi network, businesses need to ensure any sensitive data is protected,” said Mr Corrigan.

In addition to cybersecurity policies, Gallagher Insurance can also assist with public liability, workplace health and safety, and property damage policies. The firm also offers a range of consulting and risk management services.

Combining an extraordinary 130 years of experience ONE of Shepparton’s most enduring businesses has clocked up an extraordinary 130 combined years’ of experience.

O

ld-fashioned customer service is something hard to come by in business today, but for those who still offer the service synonymous with what was offered in the past will see customers returning again and again.

Having been in operation since 1973, Pat & Tina’s Service Station has held on to the old-time driveway service prevalent in the 1970s, and the familyrun business doesn’t have any plans to stop what they do. Offering this top level of service is their main point of difference, with their competitors opting for the ‘self-service’ option only.

Pat & Tina’s Service Station owner, Joe Di Conza, said, “While we have stiff competition with the supermarket chains entering the fuel market,

and saw a drop off of customers by 50 percent when a recent major competitor opened up shop in Shepparton, we have overcome it through our continued quality of service, which has helped us regain 25 percent of the client base we lost.

“The Goulburn Valley is a great area.

It’s central and the region has been good to us. It’s home and is called the heart of Victoria for a reason.

“We will always keep doing what we do, as that’s our point of difference.

“As well as the service we offer we are a strong believer in giving back to the community and support the work of Goulburn Valley Hospice Care Services, sporting facilities and make donations to the Shepparton Motor Museum.

“We are a third-generational

SERVICING SHEPPARTON SINCE 1973… From left, Pat & Tina’s Service Station owners, Joe Di Conza, Angela Di Conza and Tina Di Conza. Photo: Alicia Niglia

business, and when people step on our site, they are almost taken back in time and we want to continue that feeling.”

Growth continues to be strong in the north end with KFC recently opening its third outlet next door to Pat & Tina’s

Service Station.

The Di Conza family are looking forward to returning to some normality post-COVID-19 and welcome everyone to try their good old-fashioned service.

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

116

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Weathering the storm THE most significant change that has occurred to industry in the Goulburn Valley over the past year has been the need to make adaptations about how to maintain a service while meeting a raft of new impositions.

F

or many companies, particularly in the service sector, that has meant operating remotely.

For PSC Griffiths Goodall, the pandemic has come on top of a transfer of the company ownership and The some restructuring of responsibilities pandemic has and additional leadership required internally. All of the previous owners required us to remain invested in the business innovate in how we as well as the entire staff. manage servicing Ben Goodall, an integral part our clients,” of the original family ownership that had been operating since 1987, Ben Goodall BUSINESS AS USUAL, JUST DONE REMOTELY... PSC Griffiths Goodall managing principal, Ben Goodall, continues on now as managing principal says little changes in providing service other than some new protocols. Photo: Steve Hutcheson . under the new business structure.

“If anything, the transfer has done online. It has also been a period of the restrictions and we are seeing the same growth given the company greater reach and that has settled any concerns of our staff. that we had projected without it being factored in.” access to other providers,” said Ben. Our clients are Australia wide and the transition PSC Griffiths Goodall is the largest insurance “The pandemic has required us to innovate in how has been completely without any disruption.” brokerage in the Goulburn Valley and aims to we manage servicing our clients, particularly with “Other than that, business is as strong as it ever was. continue leading the way forward into the future. the restrictions on meetings on site, now largely Very few of our 7,000+ clients have been a casualty

Industry experience and reliability matters in forklifts AS a food production mecca, the Goulburn Valley’s key industries will always have demand for forklifts, and Shepparton’s HSA Forklifts has been providing forklifts to the region for more than 30 years.

W

hile predominately a hire business, they also sell new and used forklifts, and provide workshop and on-site one of the servicing for all makes and models.

Goulburn Valley’s The backbone of the HSA Forklifts team, with decades of premier forklift combined experience between suppliers, providing them, is operations manager, Geoff forklifts to businesses Bramley and workshop foreman, Tom Cleave. right across the Geoff, who started at the Goulburn and company in his 20s as a truck driver, Murray Valleys,” has worked his way up over the years and knows the forklift business back to EXPERTS OF THE INDUSTRY... HSA Forklifts operations manager, Geoff Bramley (left) with workshop front. foreman, Tom Cleave. The pair has decades of forklift experience between them. Photo: Struan Jones.

Meanwhile, Tom has an incredible 40+ years’ experience in working with forklifts.

Valleys. said.

“If you want to know something about a forklift, He said the business has weathered the “Being situated in the Goulburn Valley and linked it’s unlikely that it doesn’t just pop out of Tom’s Coronavirus pandemic without significant negative to food production and associated industry, the head,” Neil said. impacts. impact on us was nothing like it’s been in other The combined knowledge of Geoff and Tom, Rather, with occasional rushes on purchasing sectors or areas like Melbourne.” supported by their fully trained service technicians, food and general items, the Goulburn Valley’s key “A lot of businesses service the food related is what keeps HSA Forklifts one of the Goulburn industries have seen spikes, with the flow-on effects industries, so if they’re going well, the support Valley’s premier forklift suppliers, providing forklifts seen in supporting industries, including forklifts. services generally will too.” to businesses right across the Goulburn and Murray “We’re one of the lucky ones in that regard,” Neil October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser

Our Goulburn Valley Services

117

Our Goulburn Valley Business Directory Inside Front Page La Trobe 5820 8600

Introduction Pages Damian Drum Mp 5821 5371 Goulburn Murray Credit Union Co-Operative 5821 9033 Greater Shepparton City Council 5832 9700 Wendy Lovell MP 5821 6668 Suzanna Sheed 5831 6944 Wendy Lovell MP 5821 6668

Engineering & Manufacturing Drives For Industry Pty Ltd 5822 2988 Furphy’s Foundry 5831 2777 Goulburn Valley Engineering Works 5821 2266 J Furphy & Sons Pty Ltd 5832 1400 Sibio Engineering 5829 0478 Trevaskis Engineering 5824 1466

Infrastructure, Construction & Development Admoor Plumbing 5825 1800

Primary Industries & Consumer Goods Australian Consolidated Milk 1300 669 212 Biomix 0488 993 066

All Storage Systems 5821 6726 All Sheds 5822 2133 Apex Rail Pty Ltd 5829 9966

Freshmax Australia

Bowens 5822 2364

Irwin Stockfeeds 5853 2440

Bruce Mactier Building Designers 1800 221 255

Kruegers Fine Meats & Smallgoods 5821 5414

CAF Consulting 5849 1400

James Stockfeeds & Fertilizers 5866 2771

Cardmone Real Estate 5825 4200

Med-Con 1800 001 435

Choices Flooring Shepparton 5822 2777

Nutrien Harcourts 5833 0221

Crow Constructions 5821 4722

Olea Nurseries 08 9772 1207

Gagliardi Scott Real Estate 5831 1800

Pental Products 5820 5217

GAME Traffic and Contracting 1800 438 426

Phillips Cellars 5821 2051

GV Stoneworks 5832 6175

Shepparton Partners Collective Operations 5833 3777

Hansen & Yuncken 8290 5100

SPC Factory Sales 5821 7033 Speciality Trees 9796 8308 Tatura Milk Industries 5824 6203

Jarvis Delahey Contractors 0447 418 148 John Brain Roofing Services 5831 2721 Kavant Nominees Kevin Hicks Real Estate 5821 8388 Shepparton 5862 2611 Numurkah

Infrastructure, Construction & Development continued

Education & The Arts

Services continued

GoTafe 1300 468 233

NL Drainage 0407 801 714

Link Building Systems 5821 4516

Greater Shepparton Secondary College

Opteon Property Group 5821 3565

Mawsons Concrete 1800 423 456

Kaiela Institute

Optus Business Centre Shepparton 1300 998 706

Mawsons Constructions 5831 1144 PJ’s Concrete Pumping 5821 1267 Scaffidi Contractors 5823 1404

La Trobe University Shepparton 5820 8600 Shepparton Ace College 5831 4029 The Apprenticeship Factory 1300 134 648

Steeline 5831 1935

Services

Surdex Steel 5831 2700

+1 Group 5833 3000

Total Tools 5821 6400

ABS Auto Services Station 5831 2155

Youngs Real Estate Shepparton 5820 8777

Aquafil Fresh 0466 157 023

Youngs Real Estate Mooroopna 5825 4833

Broker House 5831 6699

Quarrell Civil Construction 0418 579 049

Camerons Lawyers 5832 1000

Quicklift 1300 We Lift

Connect GV 5821 2466 Donway Caravans 5821 1267

Bicknell’s Freight 5831 7166 Central Tyre Service Pty Ltd 5821 9555 Complete Equipment Sales 5821 3214 D&S Truck Repairs 5831 2201 Goodfellows Car & Truck Rentals 1800 235 888 Hartwigs Trucks 5820 7800 Hicks Transport Group 5821 9311 Keating Freight Lines 5829 9388 L&P Mackin Forklifts 5821 5221 Pat And Tina’s Service Station 5821 5869 Shepparton Radiator & Windscreen 5823 1590

PSC Griffiths Goodall 5821 7777 Recruitment Select 5832 8222 Shepparton BMW 5823 2940

Spiire 5849 1000

Transport

PJ’s 4x4 1800 008 458

Elders Insurance Shepparton 5822 7577 Fastsec Security 0452 525 117 FJ Wrought Iron 5822 1550 Future Recycling 5821 7876 Goulburn Valley Water 5832 4800

Shepparton Chamber of Commerce 0407 503 886 Shepparton Renault 5823 2940 Shepparton Roadworthy Centre 5821 8121 Sounds Around 5821 0006 Standby Security 1800 809 579 Ultimate Fasteners 5822 4122 Vehicle & Equipment Finance 1300 786 626 Willprint Shepparton 5831 6565 Veolia Environmental Services 132 955

Directory Page Arthur J Gallagher Insurance Brokers 5832 8800

GV Finance Brokers 1300 881 579 GV Health 5832 2322 GV Hoists And Cranes 5858 6677

Inside Back Page Moira Shire Council

GV Hydraulink 5831 5244

Back Page

GV Vets 5878 1144

The Apprenticeship Factory 5822 4555

HSA Forklifts 5822 2422 Hydro Flow 1300 793 121 Linemasta 0438 354 524 National Australia Bank

The Shepparton Adviser - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - October/November 2020

118

Our Goulburn Valley Services

Recognised leader in controlling the spread of fruit fly The Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Project is a recognised leader in controlling the spread of fruit fly in Australia and overseas. It has established We have benchmarks in creating actively engaged awareness, education and and educated the engagement within the community and community, industry and encouraged landholders government to reduce and property owners to fruit fly populations and accept responsibility,” eliminate the threat the Ross Abberfield pest causes to domestic and export horticultural markets.

T

he project has been successful in curbing the spread of Queensland Fruit Fly (Qfly) through a range of innovative control and engagement measures.

Regional Fruit Fly co-ordinator, Ross Abberfield, said reducing the spread of fruit fly was vital to both the region’s horticultural sector and the national economy, with the Goulburn Murray Valley (GMV) recognised as the largest producer of pears in the southern hemisphere and the Murray Valley the nation’s largest producer of stone fruit.

“A reduction of nearly 60 percent in fruit fly trapped at comparative peak periods over the past two years highlights the success of the project in reducing the fruit fly population across the region,” Mr Abberfield said.

STOPPING THE SPREAD... Orchardists, commercial growers and home gardeners can help stop the spread of fruit fly through a range of control measures including the use of traps. Photo: Supplied

A whole of community approach has been taken to achieve ‘community ownership’ through increased community awareness, education and most importantly, engagement.

“We have actively engaged and educated the community and encouraged landholders and property owners to accept responsibility for managing their fruit trees and vegetables effectively, whether they have one fruit tree, 10 trees or 10,000,” Mr Abberfield said.

Education workshops and an extensive community engagement campaign has increased awareness and assisted home gardeners, commercial growers and orchardists to play an active role in combating the spread of fruit fly.

Community partnerships are integral to the project and have been extended to include a

THE GMV FRUIT FLY AREA WIDE MANAGEMENT PROJECT... The project is increasing community education and awareness about fruit fly. The project received the Victorian Regional Achiever of the Year Award and took out first place in the Prime Super Agricultural Innovation Awards at the Regional Achievement and Community Awards. Photo: Dannika Bonser

number of service clubs such as sterile Qfly each week during consecutive growing Lions International and Rotary seasons.

International.

SITPlus is part of a national long-term research and The project monitors approximately development partnership led by Macquarie University 450 traps as part of its regional trapping and Hort Innovation Australia. grids with data collated, analysed and It is recommended that orchardists, commercial interpreted by an independent researcher. Population growers and home gardeners review and activate trends and forecasts are disseminated to growers and their fruit fly management plan and consider the the community and this information is a key aspect in below control measures and hygiene tasks: the assessment of fruit fly populations and hotspots • Remove and use or destroy late blooming fruit left on across the region. the tree Increasing fruit fly populations are known as a • Pick-up and destroy all fallen fruit by placing it in hotspot and are identified through the multiple a black plastic bag exposed to the sun for about a project trapping grids across the GMV region. Action week, this will kill any fruit fly eggs and larvae in the to reduce these populations must be undertaken fruit immediately to stop the spread of fruit fly to • Keep an eye out for fruit on Crown land, creek neighbouring properties. banks, abandoned premises or roadsides and report “Trapping grids are used to identify emerging fruit unmanaged trees and plants to your local council fly ‘hotspots’ and once these areas of concern are • Remove fruiting plants and trees no longer needed identified, field officers are on hand and available • Use fruit fly traps to assess if and when Qfly is through the project to assist affected land owners present implement a series of integrated control measures • Protect your fruit by pruning to a manageable size necessary to control the hotspot,” Mr Abberfield said. and using fruit fly netting Established in 2017, the project encompasses an • Check fruit for signs of Qfly – sting marks on the fruit area stretching 16,354km2 and spans the five local surface, softening patches in the fruit flesh, eggs government areas of Greater Shepparton City Council, and/or larvae in fruit Campaspe, Moira, Berrigan and Strathbogie Shires.

• Ensure access to baits and approved pesticides for The eradication and removal of fruit fly habitat has Qfly control if trap numbers increase significantly been pivotal in reducing fruit fly numbers with more If you notice strange fruit flies captured in your than 90,000 unmanaged fruit trees and plants traps that do not look like Qfly report this activity removed since June 2017. to the Regional Fruit Fly Office, by emailing “The free tree removal program gmvfruitfly@moira.vic.gov.au has significantly reduced potential For more information on how you can breeding grounds, making it harder help reduce the spread of fruit fly in the for fruit fly to lay eggs, breed and GMV visit www.gmv-qldfruitfly.com.au increase their populations,” Mr The GMV Regional Fruit Fly project Abberfield said. takes a collaborative approach to The program allows for the management and control of fruit percent reduction in the removal of unwanted and fly and is funded by the Victorian fruit fly trapped unmanaged fruit trees in nonGovernment’s Managing Fruit Fly productive orchards, private Regional Grants Program. residences and public areas such as nature strips, roadsides, channel banks and reserves at no charge to the property owner.

The removal of just one unmanaged fruit tree means a permanent reduction of suitable habitat and a potential food source for new generations of fruit fly to thrive and flourish in.

Further to the 60 percent reduction in Qfly populations recorded across the GMV region, Cobram has experienced an 83 percent reduction in fruit fly numbers. This is due to a combination of Area Wide FRUIT FLIES A THREAT... The spread of Queensland Fruit Management and a three-year SITPlus trial program.

Fly has the potential to damage horticultural outputs and The trial research project began in March 2019 and has fresh produce grown in home gardens. Photo: Supplied resulted in the aerial release of more than two million

60

October/November 2020 - Our Goulburn Valley Inspiring Innovation, Resilience and Passion in our community - The Shepparton Adviser