The Adviser 1282

INSIDE:

Wishing you a happy Christmas and a safe & prosperous New Year

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From all of us at Shepparton’s own Online Business Directory

w.

.com.au No 1:1282

2015 A YEAR IN REVIEW pages 18+19

As an era ends, a new one begins THE ConnectGV Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of the organisation’s new CEO, Carolynne Young, who will be taking the place of long-standing CEO, Bruce Giovanetti following his decision to retire after 21 years.

Ca roly n ne has held the position of M a n ager Fut u re D i re c t ion s at ConnectGV for the past two years and has established partnerships with many local businesses, sporting clubs and other agencies, resulting in greater options for people with a disability within their own community.

Continued on page 16

MONDAY DECEMBER 21, 2015

Free Trade Agreement in Force | page 8 Shepparton misses out on rail | page 14 FREE 7 Day TV Guide | page 23 Sport Adviser | page 22 Classifieds Adviser | pages 20,21+22 ADVERTISING HOTLINE: 5832 8900

2015 Christmas

lights guide

NEW $60,000 GANBINA SUPPORT page 8

pages 4+5

LOCAL PLACES THIRD IN PAGEANT page 22 Sport Adviser

Be road wise this festive season

BE ROAD SAFE… Shepparton Police Highway Patrol, Acting Sergeant Glenn Fitzgerald is urging locals to take extra precautions on the roads this holiday season, and issuing a reminder that police are out on the roads for Operation Road Wise.

Photo: Alicia Niglia.

By David Lee DRIVERS in the region are being urged to take extra precautions, heed road safety messages and stay safe on the roads during this festive season, with local police having already kicked off Operation Road Wise to help curb the rising number of road deaths recorded in the region this year.

Having already seen 10 fatalities in the Shepparton district since the beginning of the year, eight more than in 2014, the operation will be targeting speed, fatigue, alcohol and drugs and other driver impairments in an attempt to make the roads a safer place during the busy Christmas and New Year period.

Continued on page 14 GMCU supports roadwise campaign.

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NEWS HISTORY IN PICTURES… Author and Founder of Lost Shepparton, Geoff Allemand with the second volume to his book, My Shepparton Volume II, a pictorial history of Shepparton and surrounds. Photo: Emma Hillier.

Another walk down memory lane

By David Lee IT was the overwhelming response to the first volume of My Shepparton that has lead Author and Founder of Lost Shepparton, Geoff Allemand to put together a second volume that was recently released, and having already sold 500 copies, a third may possibly be in the works.

The new volume, which shows more than 200 photos from Shepparton and surrounds spans the region’s history from 1880 to the year 2000.

Geoff said, “We sold out of our first volume and had to reprint more and the new volume is just walking out the door.

“The new volume has a district town

Independent breathes a sigh of relief after strategy tabled

By David Lee LOCAL Independent supermarket, Fairleys Supa IGA (owned by Michael’s Supa IGA) is breathing a sigh of relief after Greater Shepparton City Council councillors put on hold the decision to adopt a Commercial Activities Centre Strategy during last week’s council meeting, 6 - 1.

The strategy, if adopted, would allow for another supermarket giant to take up residents at a site fronting the Goulburn Valley Highway between Ford Road and Hawkins Street.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Dinny Adem said, “Council has decided to lay the matter on the table whilst we receive further information to make a considered, and appropriate judgement on that issue.”

Michael’s Supa IGA General/Operations Manager, Len Morabito said, “This is a sensible decision and we welcome this.

section at the back and includes towns such as Mooroopna, Tatura, Dookie, Congupna, Undera and Tallygaroopna.

“One of the photos in this book that really delighted me was getting an image of the Tarax Bar that was on the corner of Wyndham and Fryers Streets, across from The Vic. It was just great to get another icon from the past.

“We really appreciate people submitting their photos to us and we’re glad that these books have helped to bring joy to people and to bring back memories that perhaps they had forgotten.”

To pick up a copy of My Shepparton Volume II, drop into the Lost Shepparton store 204 Corio Street, Shepparton.

“It will give all the stakeholders an opportunity to present their cases to council and we are now planning on doing that in the coming weeks.

“We had over 3,000 signatures signed on the petition, of which, just under 3,000 were presented to council and they obviously took that into consideration when making the decision to table the strategy.

“This is a major decision for the future of the town and we are certainly pleased that council have decided to take more time to make an accurate, measured decision.

“We have already had a number of interested parties contact us and express their interest in taking up residence in the shop frontages that would be on offer if the centre is redeveloped. There have been both a couple of local franchise owners and a couple out of town, which is a good start.”

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1282 Monday, December 21, 2015 – Page 3

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2015 Christmas THE region has been lit up with the sights and sounds of Christmas and there are some stunning homes where quite a lot of effort has been put into really offering the Christmas spirit to the community.

Check out our list of Christmas lights across the region below, courtesy of ‘Shepparton, Mooroopna and Surrounds Xmas lights 2015’ on Facebook.

Shepparton lights map

lights guide Shepparton

- Alexander Parade - 22 Appletree Crescent - 30 Appletree Crescent - 12 Asim Drive - Arbour Court - 20 Balaclava Road - 22 Balaclava Road - 29 Brooks Avenue - 39 Brooks Avenue - 41 Brooks Avenue - 67 Brooks Avenue - 69 Brooks Avenue - 71 Brooks Avenue - Cadillac Court - 4 Essex Court - 183 Ford Road - 9 Friesian Crescent - 11 Friesian Crescent - 72 Graham Street - 32 Granthorn Street - 3 Hafey Court - 6 Hafey Court - 9 Hamilton Street - 56 Hawkins Street - 19 Hicken Crescent - 21 Hicken Crescent - 7 Holstien Court - 3 Huggard Street - 5 Huggard Street - 24 Huggard Street - 31 Kennedy Road - 41 Kennedy Road - 21 Lachlan Crescent - 13 Longstaff Street - 32 Macintosh Street - Malcolm Crescent

- 5 McEwen Street - 39 Morrish Road - 39 Orchard Circuit - 72 Orchard Circuit - 78 Orchard Circuit - 89 Orchard Circuit - 9 Oxbow Avenue - 45 Oxbow Avenue - 52 Oxbow Avenue - 56 Packham Street - 60 Packham Street - 4 Pearce Street - 9 Pearce Street - 2 Pontiac Avenue - 52 Rudd Road - 139 St Georges Road - 30 Stanley Street - 3 Sun Valley Drive - 5 Sun Valley Drive - 3 Tumut Court - 6 Vicki Court - 7 Vicki Court - 11 Vicki Court - Wilson Court

Kialla

- Guseli Court - 39 Riverview Drive - 29 Settlers Drive - 37 Taig Avenue - 23 Vickers Street

Mooroopna - 1 Aberdeen Street - 3 Aberdeen Street - 5 Aberdeen Street - 6 Aberdeen Street

Mooroopna lights map

- 10 Anderson Street - 3 Angus Court - 5 Angus Court - 6 Angus Court - 3 Brook Court - 68 Elsie Jones Drive - 15 Emma Street - 23 Emma Street - 15 Fairway Drive - 9 O’Brien Street - 17 Pell Crescent - 18 Pell Crescent - 20 Pell Crescent - 22 Pell Crescent - 23 Pell Crescent - 24 Pell Crescent - 25 Pell Crescent - 27 Pell Crescent - 32 Pell Crescent - 34 Pell Crescent - 36 Pell Crescent - 39 Pell Crescent - 41 Pell Crescent - 58 Pell Crescent - 64 Pell Crescent - 14 Reid Street

Numurkah - 69 Knox Street

Dookie - 26 Mary Street

Katandra - 575 Lane Road

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1282 Monday, December 21, 2015 – Page 5

NEWS

Blood needed to curb holiday season shortage A BLOOD donation blitz is currently trying to draw locals to donating blood this holiday season, with more than 60 blood donations needed between Christmas and New Year in order to prevent a shortage of blood products vital to the treatment of cancer patients.

Red Cross Blood Donation Spokesperson, Shae Smith said the organisation last week launched its national Christmas and New Year ‘Blood Blitz’ to help fill appointments at Shepparton still needed between December 24 and January 4.

“Thousands of Australians will need blood this Christmas and New Year just to have the hope of spending those moments with friends and family.

“Cancer patients are the biggest users of donated blood and rely on

platelets to make it through chemotherapy.

“The problem is platelets cannot be stock-piled, so we need a constant, fresh supply as anything collected by Christmas Day will have expired or run-out early next week.

With one in three Australians needing blood or blood products in their lifetime, Mrs Smith said thousands more could also need blood during this critical period without yet realising it.

“If a friend or family member needed blood this festive season you’d expect blood to just ‘be there.’

“It will only be there if others have made the generous decision to donate at these critical times. We need locals to respond to the Blood Blitz by rolling up their sleeves and making an appointment to give blood at Shepparton Donor Centre.”

Giving is its own sweet reward at The Cheesecake Shop SWEET COMMUNITY SUPPORT… … The Cheesecake Shop Co-proprietor, Kelly Hines and the team at The Cheesecake Shop provide sponsorship and support to the community in a variety of ways. Photo: Emma Hillier.

“I like giving. It’s important to give. And when you do, it goes a long way,” The Cheesecake Shop Co-proprietor, Kelly Hines said.

You may know The Cheesecake Shop for its delicious cakes and sweets, but what you may not know is that they also provide sponsorship and support to the community in a variety of ways.

“We have done lots of fundraising with primary schools, providing vouchers for their competition hampers. We’ve helped raise money for things such as IT equipment, sports uniforms and general renovations, across several schools.”

The Cheesecake Shop was also the major sponsor from Shepparton for the Cancer for Kids wheelbarrow push, and often provides prizes for competitions at the local show.

“I really like this town and love to provide opportunities where they might otherwise be missing. We like to contribute to making events bigger and better if we can, which is great for Shepparton. You need to look after your town,” Kelly said.

To meet Kelly and the team, pop in to The Cheesecake Shop, 43 Vaughan Street, Shepparton, or phone 5831 7707.

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NEWS

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WORKING TOGETHER… From left (back), SPC HR Manager, Tim Morton, SPC Managing Director, Reg Weine, Ganbina CEO, Anthony Cavanagh and SPC Production Supervisor, Darryl Brett. (Front), Ganbina participants, Jaymen Innocent, Marley Bryant, Clarissa Marsden, Jordan Masters, Shanaya Roberts, Shantelle Collyer and Troy Firebrace. Photo: Emma Hillier.

Natural partnership to assist local youths A NEW $60,000, three year partnership between SPC and Ganbina is set to help some of the region’s youth take advantage of education support, as well as employment opportunities with SPC. The opportunities, which include seasonal work, mentoring to help youths into university, will complement the two local organisation’s current partnership, which has included involvement in the career expo and employing 13 Ganbina participants in our 2015/16 seasonal workforce, six of which have returned to SPC for a second year over the last 12 months.

SPC Managing Director, Reg Weine said, “Ganbina is one of Australia’s most well respected and successful Indigenous organisations. Based in Shepparton, the impact they have on young people’s lives is

incredible. This is really an investment in the future of Goulburn Valley’s youth.”

Ganbina CEO, Anthony Cavanagh said, “SPC and Ganbina are natural partners – both GV-based, both seeking new ways to ensure their futures are sustainable and successful.”

Ganbina and SPC were brought together in 2014 by Federal Member for Murray, Dr Sharman Stone who saw the obvious connection between the two organisations.

“This is another great partnership for the Goulburn Valley. With the processed fruit and food demand booming across the globe we are entering a time of great opportunities. It is therefore very important to link major businesses and employers with the youth who are our community’s future,” Dr Stone said.

Free trade agreement now in force THE historical Chinese Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) came into force from the start of this week, which will now allow local exporters to China to take advantage of a reduction in tariffs.

Federal Member for Murray, Dr Sharman Stone said, “The start of the ChAFTA will be good for agribusiness in the Murray electorate.

High tariffs on key growth commodities such as beef, sheep meat, hides, skins and dairy will be eliminated over 7 to 11 years. This will give many of our farmers the ability to open new export markets and make a better return for our great products.

“China is already Australia’s second largest market for dairy exports, worth $331M in 2014–15, and the removal of tariffs of 10 to 20

percent under ChAFTA will expand industry opportunities and open many new doors for a number of our large businesses.

“Just one example of the new agreement is the 12 to 15 percent tariff on Australia’s cheese export to China, which has now been reduced to 10.8 percent, and will then be cut down to 9.6 percent on January 1, 2016. Australia’s cheese exports to China were worth $72.3M in 2014-15.

“The 15 to 25 percent tariff on canned tomatoes, peaches, pears and apricots will all be eliminated within four years and so will the 10 to 30 percent tariff on most fresh fruit, providing opportunity for our fruit growers to export to new markets.”

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1282 Monday, December 21, 2015 – Page 9

NEWS

An experienced team to

give your car a facelift BET W EEN three outlets, Shepparton, Geelong and Ballarat, the team at Darby’s Paints has over 30 years of combined experience and has country Victoria covered.

With qualified tradespeople on staff, the experienced team has an extensive knowledge of the products needed to do small repairs or full resprays on your car.

“We do colour matching, as well as providing custom paints like DNA. We also have an excellent restoration product range such as POR15, so we have everything to give your car the attention it needs!!” Darby’s

Paints Store Manager, Megan Brown said.

“We can give you step-by-step information on your repairs and can also recommend repairers if so required.

“Our team prides itself on friendly, quality service and we ensure our staff has the knowledge and experience to assist our customers in choosing the right products for their vehicles,” Megan said.

For expert advice you can trust, visit Megan and the team at Darby’s Paints showroom on the corner of Campbell and Vaughan Streets, Shepparton or phone 5821 0111.

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EXPERT ADVICE… Darby’s Paints Sales Technicians, Noel Perkins and Jarrod Hasan with Store Manager, Megan Brown. Photo: Emma Hillier.

Christmas, a Family Affair at Europa Europa Deli & Café Owner, Dom Rigano and son, Salvatore Rigano, 4, prepare for the Christmas rush with gourmet Christmas hampers. Photo: Emma Hillier.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1282 Monday, December 21, 2015 – Page 11

NEWS

New service station ready to serve you 24/7 CALTEX Star Mart has a brand new, renovated venue, which they’re just bursting to share with their customers, day and night.

This modern, state-of-the-art design, also boasts a double twin canopy, with a separate diesel section for trucks.

“We now serve hot, takeaway food made in our kitchen and fresh sandwiches,” Caltex Star Mart’s Franchisee, Shirish Thoutam said.

“We have a complete line of groceries, with a separate kids’ section, self-serve frozen coke and a fresh coffee machine, as well as an ATM on the premises and bright, clean amenities.”

Caltex Star Mart offers great meal deals on certain products, such as a sandwich, drink and confectionery. “That’s a totally satisfying combination, especially for people on the road,” Shirish said.

To take a peek at this sparkling, new 24/7 venue and grab your petrol and takeaway food at the same time, visit Caltex Star Mart, 145 Numurkah Road, Shepparton.

NEW STAR ON THE BLOCK… Caltex StarMart Franchisee, Shirish Thoutam has opened his new store at 145 Numurkah Road, Shepparton. Photo: Emma Hillier.

Go nuts with Cadbury stocking fillers IF you love Cadbury chocolates, now is your chance to stock up at the Discount Lollie Shop’s huge pre-Christmas chocolate sale.

Whether it’s the jars of chocolate-coated fruit and nut, almonds or sultanas, gift packs of Freddo & Friends (at less than half price) or the traditional Cadbury Chocolate Boxes, you’ll find great savings across the board.

And if that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, Discount Lollie Shop Manager, Sue Kendall says that their Santa stockings, boiled lollie bottles, and Star Wars, Avengers or Frozen giant lollipops make excellent stocking fillers.

“We also have a new range of lollie bars, which means you can theme your birthday party or corporate Christmas party by colour,” Sue said.

“One of the advantages of our shop is that we have bulk supply, so you can always cater for bigger functions.”

The Discount Lollie shop also has a range of products from the USA and New Zealand, including Dr Pepper, Cherry Coke, Big Fizz and pineapple lumps to name a few.

For a sweet, fun Christmas this year, drop in to The Discount Lollie Shop, Shop 5, 440-452 Wyndham Street, Shepparton (near Dan Murphy’s), or phone 5831 5520.

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DELICIOUS DISCOUNTS… Discount Lollie Shop Manager, Sue Kendall has a huge range of Cadbury chocolate all on sale for Christmas. Photo: Emma Hillier.

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1282 Monday, December 21, 2015 – Page 13

NEWS

Be road wise this festive season STAY SAFE… GMCU General Manager, René Deen, Southern Cross Austereo General Sales Manager, Robyn Schischka, and GMCU Member Services Officer and SES Deputy Controller, Justin Maskell are asking residents to stay safe this summer.

Photo: Emma Hillier.

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continued from front page SHEPPARTON Police Highway Patrol, Acting Sergeant Glenn Fitzgerald said, “Across our division, which has a reach including Shepparton, Benalla, Seymour, Mansfield and Wallan, we have seen 35 fatalities, 22 more than last year and 35 too many.

“This operation is about making our roads safer for all road users during the festive season.

“We urge people to stay safe on the roads by being careful, obeying the road rules, doing the right thing and by remembering the police will be out there, so if you do the wrong thing and put lives in danger, you will be caught.”

By implementing simple strategies, drivers can reduce their own risks on the road; avoid fatigue, practise stop revive survive strategies, refrain from using a mobile phone whilst driving, slow down and take notice of

advisory signs, beware on unfamiliar roads, be patient while driving in traffic and stay up to date with current road law changes in states and territories.

GMCU together with Southern Cross Austereo and The Adviser are proud supporters of safety in the community and are getting right behind the road safety message this Christmas.

GMCU General Manager, René Deen said, “The outcome of road trauma in our community has a wide reaching negative effect on families, friends and colleagues, which can not be undone. If heeding simple road safety messages prevents just one tragedy this Christmas then it is worth it.”

This Christmas, slow down, avoid the temptation to speed, follow simple safety messages and arrive alive.

“The most tragic part of road trauma is that in the vast majority of cases it is completely preventable,” René said.

Shepparton misses out again on public transport A RECENT announcement by Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan has seen Shepparton once again miss out on improved rail services and better public transport in the region, while Bendigo received two major announcements.

The announcement, which included two additional peak hour services between Bendigo and Melbourne daily as well as 11 additional services from Bendigo station to Epsom and Eaglehawk, and every Melbourne service stopping at Kangaroo Flat – follows the December 2 announcement of a ‘bigger better bus service for Bendigo.’

Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has condem ned the A ndrews Government for its ongoing disregard for Shepparton’s public transport needs, including passenger rail services, bus services, infrastructure and communications investment.

“In the past few weeks alone, the Andrews Labor Government has issued media releases trumpeting announcements it has made for Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Traralgon, Sunbury and Diggers Rest - but once again, the Shepparton District has received nothing.

“The Andrews Labor Government has praised itself for providing a ‘bigger better bus network for Bendigo’ when Greater Shepparton does not even have a single

LOCAL TRANSPORT SNUBBED… Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has condemned the Andrews Government for its ongoing disregard for Shepparton’s public transport needs. Photo: Supplied

Sunday bus service.

“The Andrews Labor Government has patted its own back for giving 80 extra train services to Sunbury and Diggers Rest - when the Shepparton Service consists of only four trains daily from Shepparton to Melbourne, three return from Melbourne to Shepparton, and two return services on Saturdays and Sundays.

“It is insulting to the Shepparton community that the Andrews Labor Government continues to overlook Shepparton.”

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1282 Monday, December 21, 2015 – Page 15

NEWS

Help stamp out arson this bushfire season HEAT IS ON… Crime Stoppers Victoria Community Manager, Peter Brown is urging the community to be vigilant and help to stamp out deliberately and recklessly lit fires in Shepparton and surrounds.

Photo: Supplied.

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CRIME Stoppers Victoria is asking local residents to keep their eyes and ears open this Summer to help stamp out deliberately and recklessly lit fires in Shepparton and surrounds, launching their annual Bushfire Arson and Reckless Fire Campaign last week.

Reckless fire and arson are attributed as being the cause of more than 50 percent of all bushfires across the country and throughout the 2014-15 bushfire season, there were 556 suspicious fires in Victoria, of which 39 offenders were charged with intentionally causing a bushfire and seven offenders charged with recklessly causing a bushfire.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Community Manager, Peter Brown said, “The Summer outlook is for significantly increased fire activity in Victoria, with the state having already experienced some serious bushfires.

Highlighted within the past weeks with

hundreds of fires across the state, many being suspicious or recklessly lit.

“A large number of bushfires in Victoria could be prevented if people did not engage in arson or reckless conduct, such as lighting a fire on a total fire ban day, using machinery in a reckless manner or not properly extinguishing a campfire.

“Preventing bushfires is ever yone’s responsibility and reckless fires cost lives. We are asking local residents to remain vigilant over the coming months to help reduce the threats in their community.”

If you think you have information about someone in your community who is deliberately lighting fires or engaging in reckless fire behavior, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 for a confidential conversation, report securely online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or in an emergency call 000.

continued from front page

As an era ends, a new one begins NEW CEO… ConnectGV incoming CEO, Carolynne Young and retiring CEO, Bruce Giovanetti.

Photo: Emma Hillier.

DURING his time with ConnectGV, Bruce has seen two name changes and the agency has grown and evolved over the years to offer a ‘whole of life’ approach through day options, supported employment options, residential options, outreach and respite services.

Carolynne Young, who will head up the agency from January 1 next year, said, “I am thrilled to be heading up such a long established and respected agency and building upon it’s achievements to date.”

“With more inclusive communities the future is bright for people with a disability, activities that would not have been available in the past are now available through community partnerships and ConnectGV is excited to be able to support people with a disability to

enable them to participate in life within their own community.”

Bruce Giovanetti said, “Although I am sad to be leaving the agency, I’m pleased with the strong position it is in and the diverse range of individualised options it offers.”

Board President, Barry Kruse said, “Carolynne was selected for the role due to her experience, empathy for people with a disability and their families and her passion and enthusiasm for the industry.

“The board is very thankful for Bruce’s service over the years, he has achieved so much and grown the agency to be one of the largest and most respected within the region, leaving a very strong foundation for future growth.”

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1282 Monday, December 21, 2015 – Page 17

2015 A Year January HAVING been elected as the Independent Member for Shepparton District at the end of 2014, Suzanna Sheed settled into her first week in parliament.

COMING to a cost of $5.5M Stage One of the new Numurkah Hospital was completed and opened to the public, after floods devastated the original hospital in the 2012 floods.

AFTER holding the role of SPC Managing Director for two years, Peter Kelly announced he would be stepping down from the role.

WITH the story circulating through newsrooms across the country of the disappearance of Diamond Creek man, Dane Kowalski local police issued plea for information on three missing locals, whose cases were still ongoing.

July LOCAL members of parliament expressed their disappointment with the new country-of-origin labelling, which didn’t specify which country certain portions of product came from.

FORMER Greater Shepparton City Council councillor, Chris Hazelman was sworn in as the seventh councillor, following Michael Polan’s resignation from the position.

A CALL out was made to local residents to put their hand up to be extras in Tim Ferguson’s romantic comedy movie, Spin Out, which was planned to begin being filmed in Shepparton in August.

February

March

GREATER Shepparton City Council released its $42M draft business case for the new Shepparton Art Museum, which suggested the foreshore of Victoria Park Lake be the new, state-of-the-art museum’s home.

LOCAL Entrepreneur, Brad Corken of Corton Audio was announced as the local to feature on the front cover of the White and Yellow Pages.

A MULTI-MILLION dollar upgrade to the Shepparton Showgrounds began, to accommodate for the ground’s growing needs.

HAVING finished 11th during his inaugural V8 Supercars Dunlop Series in 2014, local driver, Garry Jacobson took to the track with Eggleston Motorsport for the 2015 season.

IT WAS revealed that more than $500M had been invested in the region through the building of new residential premises, property and land upgrades and proposals put forward for new constructions in a 20 month time span.

WITH cattle grazing being banned in alpine and river redgum forest, including the Barmah Forest, local residents expressed their concerns over fire danger.

August

September

WITH a $7.5M roundabout project on the corner of Doyles Road and the Midland Highway planned, Shepparton East landowners expressed their concern that they were not to be included in the upgrades to the area’s drainage.

TONY Abbott was replaced by Malcolm Turnbull as Prime Minister, after a leadership spill saw the Liberal party votes swing Turnbull’s way.

AN Australian, privately owned food industry company purchased the old United Dairy Power factory on Vaughan Street in Shepparton for approximately $1.5M, with a promise to create a number of local jobs once the plant opens.

THE Spin Out movie kicked off with filming at Emerald Bank in Kialla, where 20 locals had joined the star studded cast on set as extras in the film.

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THE state-of-the-art design for Shepparton’s new $73M court precinct was released, with preliminary demolition works planned to begin in October.

TALLIS Wines’ 2014 Viognier was awarded Wine of the Show at the 2015 Dookie Wine Show.

LOCAL Artist, Nicky Kriss had four of her pieces purchased by The Block contestants, Luke and Ebony, which they used to brighten their apartment in the popular television show.

In reVIeW June aprIl LOCAL resident, Keelee Smith was named the country’s second and third best bowhunter, after taking out both second and third place at the 2015 Australian Bowhunting Association National Safari Championships.

THE spirit of the ANZACs flowed through the region, with commemorations ringing out for the centenary of the ANZAC’s involvement in WWI.

SHEPPARTON’S issues with drugs and unemployment levels were put in the spotlight after an episode of SBS’s Insight program aired on national television, but the television show painted an inaccurate picture of the township.

May

THE announcement of bridge upgrades across Victoria was hailed by local producers and those in the transport industry as a long awaited step toward making the region more globally competitive.

PRELIMINARY works began at the site of the new $53M Bunnings Warehouse, which once completed will see an extra 60 jobs created.

LOCAL BMX Champion, 21 year old Brandon May took the title of #1Australia at the Subaru BMX National Championships.

AFTER being in the role for three and a half years, Gavin Cator announced his resignation as Greater Shepparton City Council CEO.

A $50M investment in GrainCorp Oils’ Numurkah facility was announced, that would help to boost the plant’s efficiency and its oilseed crushing capacity increased by 40 percent.

LOCAL 12 year old, Will Haines walked away from the Victorian State Gymnastics Championships with three individual event medals and scored third overall in the skill level category of 7 Under.

nOVeMber OctOber POPULARITY of Shepparton Parkrun boomed, with the group almost doubling in size since it began in 2014.

THE Victoria Regional Statement saw the Goulburn Murray region’s local government areas divided into the Goulburn and the Ovens Murray regions and reducing the Goulburn region’s number of local government areas to five.

A SHARE in $1M awarded to GOTAFE in Shepparton and Wangaratta saw the announcement of a Jobs and Skills Centre to be constructed within the campus’ Corio Street frontage.

DeceMber GREATER Shepparton City Council councillors elected Cr Dinny Adem as the city’s new mayor, with Cr Fern Summer once again being elected as deputy mayor.

AN unseasonably early start to the fire danger period prompted the CFA to urge local residents to be vigilant this Summer.

A STORM ravaged the region and caused widespread damage thanks to 50+km/h winds.

A multiple vortex tornado was also sighted, that left a damage path close to 45km long.

MURCHISON Primary School began their fight to save one of their portable classrooms, which the Department of Education and Training decided would be better suited to a school in Melbourne’s growth corridor, despite the portable being needed by the students and teachers at the Murchison school.

Renato’s Florist was awarded the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hall of Fame honour at the conclusion of the 2015 White King – Pental 95 3SR FM Business Awards.

DEMOLITION works began to remove the Queens Gardens brick toilet blocks, but the removal caused a stink in the community, who want council to provide more, adequate public toilet options across the city.

SHEPPARTON Villages announced it would be building a $34M new aged care facility on their Chas Johnson Reserve site next year, with the facility to set the benchmark for aged care in the region.

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SPORT

Adviser

Local places third in pageant;

eyes now set on Vegas PINUP SUCCESS… Local resident, Nicole Dawson’s (Catalina) placed third in the Australian Tattoo Expo Pinup Pageant in Melbourne recently, which has put her in a good position to be chosen for the Miss Viva Las Vegas competition next year.

Photo: Supplied.

By David Lee TAKING part in a vintage pinup pageant has been part of local resident, Nicole Dawson’s (Catalina) life in 2015, but placing third at the Australian Tattoo Expo Pinup Pageant in Melbourne recently has put Nicole in good stead for the Miss Viva Las Vegas competition next year.

Nicole said, “12 lovely ladies made it through to the finals in Melbourne. The competition was extremely high, with many professional performers, singers and even a circus performer competing.

“I chose to present as a ‘classic’ vintage pinup. I wore an American true vintage gown that had been customised for me; a gorgeous yellow, lace, floor length gown. I also presented a traditionally cheeky swimwear performance and the crowd laughed along with me as I performed on stage with an inflatable lobster. My chosen talent as part of the competition was a routine to Elvis Presley’s song ‘Confidence,’ and a little magic trick at the end.

“I was very nervous leading into this as the

competition is the largest one I have competed in, and it was a full pageant consisting of evening wear, swimwear and a talent section.

“I was asked some questions, one being what it was about this custom culture lifestyle that I enjoyed so much. My answer enabled me to share a little of my journey so far.

“Within the competition I just gave it my best shot, and remembered to ‘hold my poses,’ as I had been taught by the famous Miss Pixie from Miss Pinup Australia.

“I was ecstatic to place third. It was an overwhelming rush of relief and happiness and I feel it places me in good stead for Viva.

I am waiting on the judges to choose their five ladies who make it through to compete in that competition, and if I don’t make that first round, it will be up to the public supporters to vote ladies through.

“The new year will be extremely nerve wracking for me. My profile is live on the Miss Viva Las Vegas website and I would appreciate all the support that I could gather.”

To throw your support behind Nicole, visit www.vivalasvegas.net/pin-up-contest

Women’s team takes to the pitch for first time

By David Lee FOR t he f i r st t i me i n t he C r icke t Shepparton league history, an all female U16 junior cricket team will take to the pitch and take on teams in the U14B competition for this cricket season.

Coach, Alana Baldi said, “The idea of establishing the team was to help decrease the number of young females dropping out of cricket and also to provide opportunities to experience cricket in an all female environment.

“Of ten females feel uncomfortable playing with boys and are not given a fair go in a male team.

“T he te a m is a lso a pat hway to representative teams such as Northern Rivers teams, of which a number of the

teams will head down to Melbourne in January as part of the Victorian U14 and U16 Female Championships.

“For the first time in January 2016, t he Nor t her n R ivers C ou nt r y week championships will feature an U16 female division, in which Cricket Shepparton will be represented.

“The female team also gives us a chance to link the girls to a home club and provide them with social activities.

“We are very grateful to have Annmarie at Wendy’s City Central come on board as a major sponsor to help support and promote female cricket. The sponsorship has allowed the team to receive weekly awards and end of year trophies.”

The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1282 Monday, December 21, 2015 – Page 23

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