Seasons Greetings 2019

Messages from many of Shepparton’s leading businesses plus their trading hours

Meet 194 of our region’s

kindergarten students

season’s greetings Special 16 page liftout

Messages from many

dignitaries

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019 – Page 17

season’s greetings

It has been a very busy year for the Goulburn Valley, headlined by the announcement of $208M in federal funding for the long-awaited Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass. Other highlights included a $30M package for Goulburn Valley Health, a $15M injection into the local fruit industry via FruitCo, and $2M for ConnectGV. Throughout this year we have also enjoyed seeing work continue at full speed on both the $300M Echuca-Moama Bridge and the $50M Shepparton Art Museum.

With the drought, this year has been a very tough time for those working in the agriculture sector. Whilst water is an incredibly complicated issue to deal with, you can rest assured that I am working as hard as I can to deliver better outcomes for our farmers and our farming communities.

Best wishes, Damian Drum Federal Member for Nicholls

With our first calendar year as the Nicholls Electorate drawing to a close, I hope everyone in our region has the opportunity to enjoy a break and to spend time with those closest to them this festive season. Please take care when driving on the roads at this busy time of year, and here’s to a happy, safe and successful 2020 in Nicholls.

ALEXANDRA STREET KINDERGARTEN

ALEXANDRA STREET KINDERGARTEN… From left (back), Indi, 5, Oliver, 4, Charlotte, 5, Logan, 4, Anesha, 4, Kaide, 5, Tylan, 5 and Demi, 4. (Front), Mason, 5, Caleb, 5, Josie, 5, Zian, 4, Nixon, 5, Macy-Lou, 5, Theo, 5 and Levi, 5. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

Page 18 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019

season’s greetings

While it has been a wonderful year for many in our vibrant and diverse district, I would like to take this opportunity to send a message of support to our farmers and their families.

We all depend on them. Horticulture, mixed farming and dairy are the lifeblood of our region, powering our economy and our culture in multiple ways.

Drought and water issues have dominated my advocacy this year because they are so important to all of us. We cannot allow our farmers to face these critical challenges alone.

Our dedicated CFA and emergency services workers are also deserving of our thanks. I fear it will be particularly bad fire season based on the early experience of the other states.

To all these people, and all of you, I would like to extend my best wishes for a happy and most of all safe holiday season.

Best wishes, Suzanna Sheed Independent

Member for Shepparton District

ARTHUR DICKMANN CHILDREN’S CENTRE

ARTHUR DICKMANN CHILDREN’S CENTRE… From left (back), Rory, 5, Meredith, 5, Nate, 5, Belle, 5, Zoe, 5, Hudson, 5, Mason, 5 and Jay, 5. (Middle), William G, 5, Clara, 5, Lucy, 5, Allegra, 5, William K, 5, Macie, 6, Cinar, 5, Arin, 4 and Hary, 5. (Front), Aryan, 5, Honnie, 5, Candice, 4, Mikael, 4, Dane, 5 and Liam, 4.

Photo: Katelyn Morse.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019 – Page 19

season’s greetings 2019

AQUAMOVES OCCASIONAL CHILDCARE The festive season is that special time of year when family, friends and community come together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. It is a period of goodwill and religious significance and is celebrated in a diverse range of ways.

It is a time when many of us pause to reflect on the year that just passed and set goals for the year ahead.

It’s a time of reunion when family members often travel long distances to return home for their family’s traditional Christmas celebrations.

It is also a time when we should consider those in our community who are disadvantaged, ill or experiencing hardship, and how we can provide assistance and support during this time.

On behalf of the Council and staff of Greater Shepparton City Council I extend to all of our community best wishes for the festive season and if you are travelling, please stay safe on the roads.

Best wishes, Cr Seema Abdullah Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor

AQUAMOVES OCCASIONAL CHILDCARE… From left, Kaitlyn, 2, Zac, 7 and Emer, 3.

Photo: Katelyn Morse.

Page 20 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019

season’s greetings 2019

CHRISTMAS is a special time of the year – a time when we gather with family and friends to give thanks and enjoy each other’s company. It is a time to reflect on the milestones and achievements of the past 12 months, and to look forward to the coming year.

I hope you can celebrate this Christmas in a way that means the most to you, and that you enjoy the season of goodwill and happiness in the company of your family and friends.

Together with my staff, Jason, Ashe, Tamara and Liv, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous 2020.

FRANK R PULLAR CHILDREN’S CENTRE

Best wishes, Wendy Lovell Member for Northern Victoria

FRANK R PULLAR CHILDREN’S CENTRE… From left, Spencer, 6, David, 4, Saige, 5, Evelyn, 4, Ivy, 5 and Nalah, 4. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019 – Page 21

season’s greetings 2019

Each year, businesses of all kinds face challenges and no more so than small business.

The Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry has a small but active committee which works to achieve the best practice and best outcomes for business in Shepparton.

The Chamber strives to work in partnership with the Greater Shepparton City Council, Shepparton Show Me, the Victorian Chamber of Industry, Shepparton Tourism Association and the Committee for Greater Shepparton.

Over the last twelve months your local Chamber has been involved in successful activation in the CBD such as summer and winter market days, the Christmas promotion and more recently has worked with the Council to create a trial of complimentary timed parking.

Moving forward, the Chamber will be working with the Council to refine the design of the new look Maude Street Mall, a long-awaited project.

There are challenges ahead for business, but the Chamber is ready to advocate and work with small business towards a successful 2020.

On behalf of the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry board, I would like to wish everyone a peaceful and happy festive time and a safe and productive new year

Best wishes, John Anderson Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry President.

GOODSTART SHEPPARTON ARCHER STREET KINDERGARTEN

GOODSTART SHEPPARTON ARCHER STREET… From left (back), Benjamin, 5, Harley, 5, Sapphire, 5, Izabellah, 5, Chase, 5 and Alex, 5. (Front), Ruby, 5, Ilyas, 5, Lily, 5, Scarlett, 5, Isaac, 4 and Raphael, 5.

Photo: Katelyn Morse.

Page 22 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019

season’s greetings 2019

I wish to extend a Xmas message of hope and aspiration in an atmosphere of generosity and determination for a better world.

To all our friends across all our relationships the Rumbalara Football Netball Club and the Kaiela Institute wishes you an uplifting spiritual experience at a time where the generosity of giving is at its highest. The aspect of giving without the expectation of return is the purest form of love that will in itself be rewarded. The Rumbalara Football Netball Club and the Kaiela Institute, extend our love and condolences to the people impacted by the recent volcano eruption in New Zealand and the fires in NSW. The board, staff and volunteers of Rumbalara Football Netball Club and Kaiela Institute also take this time to remember our ancestors as well as many family members who passed away during the past year. Stay safe across the festive season and see you in 2020.

Wishing you and your family a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas, and a happy and wonderful new year.

As your state representative in parliament, please feel free to get in touch with me for assistance with any State Government matter.

Best wishes, Paul Briggs Rumbalara Football Netball Club and the Kaiela Institute President and Chairman

Best wishes,

Mark Gepp MLC Member for Northern Victoria Region

GOWRIE PARK CHILDREN’S CENTRE

GOWRIE PARK CHILDREN’S CENTRE… From left (back), Tom, 5, Travis, 5, Layla, 5, Amber, 5, Sam, 5, Noah, 5, Ashlee, 5 and Flynn, 5. (Front), Jaxon, 5, Oliver, 4, Olivia, 5, Jess, 3, Liam, 5, Benji, 3, Delilah, 5 and Elliott, 5. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019 – Page 23

season’s greetings 2019

I would like to wish every member of our wonderful community a very safe and enjoyable festive and holiday period.

Traditionally we experience an increase in road use across regional roads with visits to friends and family coupled with an increase in celebrations.

If you are intending to travel, please plan your trip, take breaks, share the driving and drive to the conditions taking the necessary care to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.

If you are planning on celebrating, please make arrangements to travel to and from the event, don’t drink or take drugs and drive and ensure that your celebrations are not to the detriment of you, your family or friends.

Police will be active in your community over this period to ensure all activities are undertaken in a safe manner.

I want to thank each member of the community for the ongoing support of your local Police who work tirelessly to serve you day in day out.

I hope that everyone has an opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends and recharge over the coming weeks.

INSPIRA KIDS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE Best wishes, Troy Hardagan Inspector Greater Shepparton Police Service Area Local Area Commander

INSPIRA KIDS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE… From left (back), Nathaniel, 5, Eden, 4, Gabe, 5, Adelyn, 5 and Georgia, 5. (Front), Alex, 5, Emilia, 5, Havana, 4, Alec, 5 and Varro, 4. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

Page 24 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019

MERRY CHRISTMAS From Graham Hill Eyecare

WE WISH ALL OF OUR CLIENTS A HAPPY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS. WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST IN SIGHT FOR 2020.

After Christmas, we are open 30th and 31st December and will return on the 2nd January.

98 Maude St Shepparton

58212811

www.hilleyecare.com.au

season’s greetings 2019

What an amazing year of achievement and progress we have experienced here in Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley.

I look at all our progress here at Shepparton Villages as we celebrate a year since we moved in to Maculata Place, the 120 bed building at Tarcoola, and are now well on our way with the $20M build of Mooroopna Place at Rodney Park Village. It’s true that time stands still for no-one and as we watch other developments in town also take shape, it reminds us of the importance of time well spent, whatever that may mean for us all.

Quality time for our residents is a priority for us and no more so than at Christmas. I want to thank our staff, our volunteers, residents, families and the community for the time they give to help our residents enjoy each and every moment of their day. I also wish you all a very happy and memorable time over the Christmas holiday period with the people most important to you, and thank all those who give their time to work over Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Best wishes, Kerri Rivett Shepparton Retirement Villages CEO

ISABEL PEARCE KINDERGARTEN

ISABEL PEARCE KINDERGARTEN… From left (back), Archer, 5, Aleysha, 5, Edith, 5, Imogen, 5, Bailey, 6, Lexi, 5, Riley, 5 and Meredith, 5. (Front), Harmony, 5, Emma, 5, Evie, 5, Kieran, 5, Oliver, 5, Chevy, 5, Luke, 5, Noah, 5 and Parker, 5. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019 – Page 25

season’s greetings 2019

On behalf of the entire GOTAFE community, I would like to extend our best wishes for the holiday season.

2019 has been an exciting one for GOTAFE, as we continue to expand and align our training and education with the needs of local industry and community. During 2019 we delivered training to over 12,000 students across more than 150 courses and we were pleased that over 1,500 local students took advantage of the Victorian Government’s free TAFE initiative to train locally.

I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our employment, industry, education and community stakeholders who support and enrich our training programs. The support of our stakeholders is critical to the success of our students and we are fortunate to have many strong partnerships. We look forward to continuing to strengthen these and developing more in the new year.

I would also like to recognise the commitment and contribution of our passionate and talented staff who work tirelessly to support our students to achieve their goals.

And most importantly congratulations to our students on their achievements this year. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and we are proud to be able to play a role in each of their individual learning journeys. We hope the skills and experience they have gained while studying at GOTAFE this year provides a strong foundation for the future.

On behalf of GOTAFE, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season and look forward to welcoming new and returning students to GOTAFE in 2020.

Best wishes, Travis Heeney GOTAFE CEO

LESLIE GRIBBLE CHILDREN’S CENTRE

LESLIE GRIBBLE CHILDREN’S CENTRE… From left (back), Farhad, 5, Isiah, 5, Sajad, 5, Elmas, 5, Maasoma, 5, Bailey, 5, Deeanna, 5, Zarah, 5 and Nargas, 5. (Front), Ushindi, 5, Jawad, 4, Mehdi, 4, Hamid, 5, Sidra, 4, Matlida, 5, Julian, 4, Hayrunnisa, 5 and Farwa, 5. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

Page 26 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019

season’s greetings 2019

As the end of the year approaches, La Trobe Shepparton has much to celebrate, not least some exciting plans for our campus building extension following confirmation of Federal Government funding to enable this much needed work. We look forward to expanding and improving our teaching and research spaces as well as informal spaces for students to study, meet together and plan their futures. And in May we celebrated the achievements of 102 graduating students, including our first two Shepparton PhD graduates – a very proud day for our students, their families and our staff.

Best wishes from everyone at La Trobe Shepparton for Christmas and the New Year. We hope your celebrations are happy and safe, whatever form they take, and we thank our community for your support of all that we do.

Best wishes, Elizabeth Capp La Trobe University, Shepparton Head of Campus

LULLA’S CHILDREN AND FAMILY CENTRE

LULLA’S CHILDREN AND FAMILY CENTRE… From left, James, 4, Tahrina, 4, Moira, 5, Kyrie, 5, Rylee, 5 and Nevaeh, 5. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019 – Page 27

season’s greetings 2019

Christmas can feel like a crazy time of year as everyone rushes around grabbing last minute presents and groceries, attending school break ups and finishing off work before going on leave.

You can sense the tension as drivers become testy on the roads and it’s not unusual to see parents becoming impatient with kids when out and about.

My message this Christmas is relax and take the pressure off yourself and everyone else. Christmas doesn’t have to be overly expensive and a logistical nightmare. Focus on what really matters – family, community, kindness. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

Our whole focus at Lighthouse is about connection – to family, friends, mentors and role models. Our work shows us that what kids really want is to be acknowledged, heard, understood and supported.

They need experiences more than stuff. They need time caring and sharing with extended family and friends. They need your time and focus more than anything.

Worry less about everything being perfect and more about the feelings of those around you including other road users, shop staff, colleagues and kids.

Forget all the trimmings and trappings. Be patient, have fun and spend time getting to know each other a little better.

That’s the joy of Christmas.

Best wishes, Lisa McKenzie Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project Executive Officer

NIDO EARLY SCHOOL SHEPPARTON

NIDO EARLY SCHOOL SHEPPARTON… From left (back), Joshua, 3, Skylar, 4, Nathaniel, 4, Carter, 5 and Angus, 4. (Front), Lucas, 3, Sebastian, 3, Alyssa, 3 and Logan, 3. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

Page 28 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019

season’s greetings 2019

Happy Christmas to all in our Greater Shepparton community. One of the best things about this time of year is the family members who grew up here, but are now living in other parts of the world, coming home.

They will notice some big changes on the horizon as they see the burgeoning Shepparton Art Museum development and the Goulburn Valley Health building nearing completion. These along with the Courthouse show a progressive developing city that I’m sure many expats coming back for Christmas will be proud of.

It is a great time to regroup, to tell stories of adventures and life journeys that we share as families.

We hope you can all cherish this time together.

Best wishes, Sam Birrell Committee for Greater Shepparton CEO

TALLYGAROOPNA CHILDREN’S CENTRE

TALLYGAROOPNA CHILDREN’S CENTRE… From left (back), Olivia, 6, Ben, 5, Oscar, 5, Eddie, 5, Chelsea, 4, Genevieve, 5, Archie S, 5 and Dusty, 5. (Front), Justice, 4, Archie H, 5, Lachlan, 5, Logan, 6, Caius, 4, Verity, 5, Jordan, 4 and Eleazar, 4. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019 – Page 29

season’s greetings 2019

On behalf of the Goulburn Valley Health board, staff and volunteers, I would like to wish everyone in the region a happy and safe festive season with family, friends and loved ones.

It has been a very busy and exciting 12 months at GV Health with the opening of our new dialysis unit and ongoing redevelopment works.

We recently held the official opening of our new redeveloped healthcare facility in Rushworth, Waranga Health, giving the Rushworth and surrounding communities an integrated facility offering a range of acute health, aged care and community health services.

We look forward to opening our newly extended emergency department in February, as work continues on our five storey inpatient unit, which is due for completion in the middle of next year. Once our new emergency department is open, we will be refurbishing the current emergency department which, when open, will allow us to double our capacity of 18 treatment bays to 36. This will take approximately 12 months to complete.

GV Health is committed to continually improving community wellbeing through high-quality health services, outstanding care and learning and ensuring that we place people and their families who GV Health provide services for, are at the centre of everything we do.

Best wishes, Matt Sharp GV Health Chief Executive

TATURA CHILDREN’S CENTRE

TATURA CHILDREN’S CENTRE… From left (back), Lincoln D, 5, Sophia, 5, Noa, 5, Aylah, 5, Koby, 5, Logan, 5, Hunter, 5, Emerson, 5 and Bonnie, 5. (Middle), Vivian, 5, Cerys, 5, Lincoln, 5, Liam, 5, Nate, 5, Garth, 5, Astin, 5 and Bentley, 5. (Front), Fletcher, 5, James, 5, Emily, 5, Jed, 5, Sammy, 5, Emily, 5, Sonny, 5, Chloe, 5, Ruby, 5 and Jaxon, 5. Photo: Katelyn Morse.

Page 30 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019

season’s greetings 2019

While Greater Shepparton Foundation works hard to support its community all year, it is at Christmas when our efforts have a major visible impact. For many of us this is a happy time with family and friends with all the trimmings of the festive season, but for others what they don’t have at Christmas causes stress, loneliness and trauma.

This is the motivation behind our annual Gift Giving Trees, Baskets of Joy food drive and community meals programs which sees hundreds of children, families and those on their own, enjoy a gift, a meal, or a treat that they wouldn’t otherwise experience at Christmas. This year we have broken all records.

The gifts and the food are the visible part of the giving, but the most gratifying part for me is the hearty dollop of our community’s genuine compassion and caring that helps those who are struggling to feel supported and loved.

Thank you to everyone who has given generously to make a big difference to the lives of many others.

I wish you all a safe and happy festive season.

Best wishes, Cheryl Hammer Greater Shepparton Foundation CEO

TOOLAMBA PRESCHOOL

TOOLAMBA PRESCHOOL… From left (back), Archer, 5, Jaxon, 5, Jordan, 4, Maddi, 5, Jacob, 5, Mitchell, 5, Finn, 5 and Tom, 5. (Front), Jude, 5, Rose, 5, Savannah, 5, Olivia, 5, Jake, 5, Mack, 5 and Kurt, 5.

Photo: Katelyn Morse.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019 – Page 31

A special Rushworth

Christmas

BEST OF FRIENDS… From left: Dorothy Haswell and Lorna Britton get into the Christmas spirit in front of one of the beautifully decorated trees at Waranga Health/Aged Care. The Hostel has festive decorations everywhere for the residents to enjoy. Photos: Melanie Spencer.

GETTING CREATIVE WITH DECORATIONS… Another of the fantastic Christmas displays in a courtyard at Waranga Health.

Page 32 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1487 Wednesday, December 18, 2019

A LOOK INTO RUSHWORTH’S HISTORY… Local author Alan McLean has published some very interesting books on Rushworth and its history. They make great gifts and are a great read for anyone.

“The Walls Have Spoken – the first 150 years of the Shire Hall at Rushworth”. This new book marks the big birthday of the heritage building, written by former resident, Alan McLean. The book recalls hall events involving people from Rushworth, Stanhope, Colbinabbin, Murchison, Whroo and farming districts in between, as well as visitors with lofty titles from places far and wide, prime ministers included.

Almost every district family, other than some arrivals in the past decade or so, are mentioned. One Rushworth family has had an extraordinary seven generations involved in events at the hall! The individuals are shown by name in the book. Several other families have five or six generations who were entertained, or provided entertainment in the building.

They can be purchased at Rushworth Variety Store or by calling 0412 143 660.