FIVE local organisations will benefit from a share of $50,000 in funding to support their valuable projects, each addressing a specific need in the
At a ceremony held this month at the EcoCafe Shepparton, Greater Shepparton Foundation (GSF) announced the five successful recipients of the Foundation’s 2025 Margaret Attwood Grant Round. The annual grant round is
RICE is an important food staple that is both nutritious and culturally appropriate, however, it is difficult for agencies to source amidst growing demand for food relief. Shepparton Foodshare is trying to collect enough rice to provide 25,000 meals to locals in need through its ‘Great Rice Drive’, on now until May 31.
You can help by dropping donations of bags of rice to your most convenient location, with various registered rice donation points across Greater Shepparton, including:
Schools & centres: Grahamvale Primary
School, Mooroopna Park Primary School, Mooroopna Primary School, Our Place, Mooroopna Children and Families Centre, Shepparton East Primary School, Dookie Primary School.
Businesses/Organisations: Bunnings Shepparton, Cardamone Real Estate, GAME Traffic & Contracting, Greater Shepparton City Council, Powles Kitchen Co., Shepparton Foodshare, Shepparton Southern Cross Austereo, Shepparton SPC Factory Sales, Watters Electrical and Woolworths Shepparton.
By Aaron Cordy
SOME fights rally the Nation, with people from all walks of life seeing the worthy cause they need to be part of. That’s what happened when Neale Daniher declared war on the Beast when he was diagnosed with Motor neurone disease (MND) and founded FightMND.
Joining in the fight to Beat the Beast, the Picola & District Football Netball League (PDFNL) is selling the now-famous Big Freeze MND beanies and socks at all the league clubs. As well as helping a worthy cause where every dollar raised goes to funding MND research and care initiatives, anyone who buys a beanie or pair of socks at a PDFNL club will go in the running to win one of two double passes to the 2025 Big Freeze match at the MCG between Melbourne and Collingwood on, Monday, June 9.
“It’s a really good cause, and it’s something that
A one-kilogram bag of rice can provide around eight meals. For less than $2, the cost of a one-kilogram bag, you can make a difference. To find out more about Shepparton Foodshare’s Great Rice Drive you can visit the website: www.sheppartonfoodshare.org.au
resonated with all our clubs. We got given the opportunity and we spoke to our clubs and they were 100 per cent on board because we feel like this can make a difference. Our clubs are really community-driven, so it doesn’t surprise me that they would jump behind something like this,” said PDFNL Operations Manager Shane Railton.
Neale Daniher AO, Pat Cunningham, and the late Dr Ian Davis OAM founded FightMND in 2014. Since then, FightMND has invested more than $115.78M in research and care initiatives in pursuit of a world free of Motor neurone disease.
Big Freeze 11 Socks and Beanies can be purchased at all PDFNL Clubs now, with the ticket winners drawn on Sunday, June 1.
It is a great opportunity to spend an afternoon watching local football and netball and support grassroots community clubs while helping Neale Daniher Beat the Beast.
Beanies and socks can be purchased at all PDFNL clubs:
• Berrigan
• Blighty
• Katamatite
• Picola United
• Deniliquin Rovers
• Dookie United
• Jerilderie
• Rennie
• Katandra
• Katunga
• Mathoura
• Strathmerton
• Tocumwal
• Tungamah
• Waaia
Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio arrives at Shepparton Art Museum in June 2025, offering the only Victorian showing of this major national touring exhibition. Presented by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the show provides a rare glimpse into the creative world of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists. Including sculptures, ceramics, and photography, the show explores how Whiteley’s studio environments shaped his artistic output.
the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund, and with this sign being out of action.
Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested a man following a series of fires in bushland in the Greater Shepparton area. It will be alleged that 11 fires were lit in Shepparton and Mooroopna between May 1 and May 12. The fires impacted numerous plants, trees and grassland, but there were no threats to any properties.
writing, setting down a tale uniquely your own for the world to share.
The exhibition will feature in SAM’s Lin Onus Gallery from June 28 to October 5, 2025.
An opening celebration for Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio will be held at SAM on Friday, June 27 at 6pm. Registrations to this free event will open on May 27 with tickets able to be booked through the SAM website: sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/whats-on/ upcoming/brett-whiteleyinside-the-studio/ Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio is a free exhibition with timed ticketed entry. Tickets for the first month are now available via the SAM website.
It has been some time since the CFA Fire Danger Rating electronic advisory sign at the Shepparton-end of the Causeway was cleaned up in a collision. The ruins–a smashed solar panel and sign, split timber and a bent road barrier—have littered the roadway for several weeks. The Adviser notes that it is a good thing that the summer fire danger period has ended, with fire fighters under immense stress battling
Detectives arrested a 76-year-old Mooroopna man on Monday, May 12. He is expected to be charged on summons.
Police continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed these incidents, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au
There is perhaps nothing quite so powerful as a well told story, and few joys greater for writer than reaching its last punctuation mark.
Celebrating the creativity of young, burgeoning writers, the Furphy Literary Awards is currently open and accepting manuscripts for Junior Short Story and Junior Poetry writers aged 12 and under, and Youth Short Story and Youth Poetry writers aged 13 to 17. But young authors must hurry, because the Awards will close this Saturday, May 31 at 11.59 pm.
With winners in each category to receive cash prizes of $300 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third place, why not experience the joy of
Making a difference to the lives of many and enriching the community, the work of volunteers is not only inspiring but also invaluable. Recognising the contributions, work and spirit of volunteers locally, the Greater Shepparton Recognition Awards Ceremony was held on Monday, May 19 at Riverlinks Eastbank. Reflecting the theme for National Volunteer Week, ‘Connecting Communities’, the 16th iteration of the awards received 41 nominations for a diverse group of volunteers dedicated to various organisations, service clubs and organisations across the region.
The Volunteer Award recipients for 2025 were:
2025 Bella Ainsworth Young Volunteer: Caitlyn Tuohey
2025 Adult Volunteer: Lauren Wolfe
2025 Volunteer Team: Shepparton Riding for the Disabled
2025 Long Serving Volunteer: Clive Wood
Goulburn Valley Water will construct a new 7.5-kilometer pipeline to ensure a long-term drinking water supply to the Katunga community.
The new pipeline will transfer drinking water from the Nurmurkah Water Treatment Plant to storages at the Katunga Water Treatment Plant. Initial works were scheduled to begin mid-May, with the project expected to be completed by late 2025. The project addresses feedback received from customers about the hardness of the water supply and its impact on household appliances. No interruptions to water supply or pressure are expected during the works.
Following one of the driest starts to autumn on record, Goulburn Valley Water will introduce Stage 2 water restrictions to Euroa and Violet Town, starting Wednesday, May 28.
Harvesting water from rain-dependent rivers and streams, storages that supply the service area have declined to their lowest level since 2019.
No lawn watering (residential or commercial). Gardens: Use hand-held hose with trigger nozzle, bucket or watering can anytime.
Watering systems: Only 6–8am and 8–10pm on alternate days:
Even/no-numbered properties on even dates.
Odd-numbered properties on odd dates.
All properties on the 31st.
Restricted: Car washing, hosing hard surfaces, window cleaning. Please note, restrictions do not apply to recycled water or tank water.
For more information visit www.gvwater.vic.gov. au/restrictions or call 03 5832 4800.
Sunday 1 June 10am till 3pm $65pp
100% goes direct to the Cambodian Clean Water & Toilet Project
10am to 12pm Gentle Yoga Flow Breath Work Guided Meditation
BOOKINGS & INFORMATION noon to 1pm 0417 728 715 | b.yogashepparton@gmail.com
1pm to 3pm Workshop on healing the body & mind
GV Hospice celebrated their wonderful volunteers for National Volunteer Week from May 19-24, by making Kokedama balls and birdhouses at
Waaia will become part of Australia’s largest outdoor gallery after receiving State Government funding for a mural on the local grain silo, which is one of the tallest in Victoria.
Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes, visited Waaia this month to announce 159 successful projects worth over $5.1M in the second round of the Tiny Towns Fund, selected in rural and regional towns of fewer than 5,000 people.
An artist will be commissioned to complete the work in Waaia, helping put the small town on the map as another destination on the renowned silo art trail.
Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children at standalone sessional kindergartens and long day care centres across Victoria – saving families an average of $2,400 per child, per year.
From 2026, some children will be eligible for more time at Four-Year-Old Kinder each week. Visit vic.gov.au/pre-prep
At kindergarten, children will learn:
• language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance
• to express themselves and make friends in a safe and caring environment
• skills and confidence before primary school.
Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2026. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder
THE Goulburn Valley Woodworkers recently presented donations to two vital charity organisations, GV Hospice Care and the Shepparton branch of the Riding for the Disabled/Riding Develops Abilities (RDA). The donated funds were the proceeds of their annual woodshow, which was held in October 2024.
The October Woodshow is a major community event that showcases the craftsmanship and creativity of its members and visiting demonstrators, providing attendees with live woodworking demonstrations and a large variety of handcrafted goods for sale.
In keeping with their long-standing tradition of community support, the Woodworkers Club has donated the event proceeds to non-profit organisations that make a significant impact on the lives of local residents. GV Hospice Care provides
compassionate palliative care services, and RDA offers therapeutic horse riding experiences for individuals with disabilities.
GV Hospice Care has used the donated funds this year to purchase four nebulisers with the previous year’s donation going toward purchasing another wheelchair for use by their patients.
Riding for the Disabled have used funds towards bolstering their programs, providing resources to maintain their facilities and care for their horses.
“Our club members are passionate not just about woodworking, but also about giving back to our community,” said Club President, Chris Harvey.
“We are proud to contribute so meaningfully to the health and wellbeing of our community. We choose different local charities to support bi- annually.”
We welcome Letters to the Editor but they are not guaranteed to be included and may be edited for reasons of style or content. Letters will not be eligible for consideration if they contain defamatory material, or information of a personal nature which is not in the public domain.
BAIL ISN'T CONVICTION—SOMEONE TELL THE NATS
Dear Editor,
I FIND it increasingly difficult to attribute intelligent comment, rational thought, or critical analysis to anything said by National Party MPs, state or federal. Rant seems to be their default position. State leader, Danny O’Brien’s letter to the Adviser (14 May) concerning youth crime is the latest inanity.
Leaving aside the disturbing fact that his classification of those on bail as “offenders” denies both the presumption of innocence and the necessity for due legal process, his “solutions” to a – frankly, significantly overhyped – youth crime crisis indicate both an ultrasimplistic and largely ignorant understanding of the issues involved.
(As the English discovered 300 years ago when they created over 200 capital offences, you cannot punitively legislate away the underlying causes of crime. They had to send the overflow of their legislative failure to Australia).
In addition to careers as a teacher and practicing lawyer (including in the Criminal Division of the Children’s Court), I spent 10 years as a Children’s Court probation officer, and 20 years as a youth worker at Turana Youth Training Centre (now Melbourne Juvenile Justice Centre), which included conducting Australia’s first outdoor education program for young offenders. Ergo, I have more than a few functional insights – certainly more than O’Brien demonstrates.
Sincerely, Dr Dennis Dodd Shepparton
Want to have your say?
Email your letters to the editor to editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au
Please keep letters to under 200 words.
THIS year’s SPC Business Excellence Awards features 14 categories, nominations are now open:
• Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia.
• Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign, sponsored by HIT FM, The Shepparton Adviser and WIN Network.
• Emerging & Micro Business of the Year, sponsored by Greater Shepparton Business Centre.
• Excellence in Business: Professional Services category, sponsored by Shepparton BMW.
• Excellence in Business: Retail Services category, sponsored by Harvey Norman Shepparton.
• Excellence in Business: Trade Services category, sponsored by Goulburn Murray Credit Union (GMCU).
• Excellence in Customer Service: Professional Services, sponsored by are-able.
• Excellence in Customer Service: Retail/ Hospitality, sponsored by Shepparton Club.
• Excellence in Customer Service: Trade Services, sponsored by MB+M.
• Excellence in Market Development, sponsored by GSBN
• Excellence in Food & Agribusiness, sponsored by Noumi
• Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by GSBN.
• Visitor Experience of the Year, sponsored by Shepparton & Goulburn Valley.
• Young Professional of the Year, sponsored by La Trobe University.
Nominations will close on August 22, 2025, with successful recipients announced at the special gala dinner, which is scheduled for later this year in October.
Nominating is easy, and all the information you need, including PDF forms, can be found online at gsbn.net.au.
Wednesday 4th June 2025 - 11am to 3pm
AT the large rally held on the steps of parliament on State Budget Day recently, Leader of the Liberal Party Brad Battin announced that if elected, the Nationals and Liberals will scrap Labor’s emergency services property tax.
The controversial Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) is the 60th new or increased tax since coming Labor came into power. The Coalition has called the ESVF “land tax by stealth” and said it will take $2.14B over its first three years, impacting Victorian families, farmers and small businesses under the guise of supporting emergency services.
Under Labor’s changes, a typical home valued at $1M now attracts a $309 annual charge, while small businesses and farmers are paying thousands more without any guarantee that
money will go to frontline services.
In some cases, the ESVF will double or even triple charges for property owners across the state, with primary producers hit the hardest, facing hikes of up to 150 per cent while struggling with horrendous drought conditions.
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien, said regional Victorians had been hit hardest by Labor’s new tax.
“This cruel tax deserves to be consigned to history. The Liberals and Nationals will make sure it is,” Mr O’Brien said.
• Increased absentee landowner surcharge for foreigner property (2015-16 Budget)
• A tripling of brown coal royalties (2016)
• Increased absentee landowner surcharge for foreigner property (2016-17 Budget)
• Increased foreign stamp duty (2016-17 Budget)
• A new tax on Uber and taxi fares (2016-17 Update)
• A new stamp duty on property transfers between spouses (2017-18 Budget)
• An increased stamp duty on new cars (201718 Budget)
• A new so-called ‘vacant home’ tax (2017-18 Budget)
• A new stamp duty on off-the-plan purchasers (2017-18 Budget)
The Coalition has said that under an elected Nationals Liberal Government, Labor’s ESVF will be scrapped, and the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) will be reinstated, with SES funding secured transparently through the State Budget, not hidden inside property rates.
The Victorian State election is expected to be held in November 2026.
The ESVF is expected to replace the FSPL on rate notices from July 1, 2025. A petition to the parliament to immediate cease this change is currently active and as of Monday afternoon, had garnered over 36,000 signatures.
To add your name, go to: www. parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/ emergency-services-and-volunteers-fund/
For the full list of the 60 increased or introduced taxes, scan the QR code to view it on
The Shepparton Adviser’s website.
60 new and increased Taxes since 2014 under Labor
• A new annual property valuation to increase land tax (2017-18 Budget)
• A new city access tax for West Gate Tunnel (2017)
• A new point of consumption gambling tax (2018)
• Cladding rectification tax (2019)
• Increased land tax for homes with contiguous blocks on a separate title (2019-20 Budget)
• Retrospective increase in insurance duty for overseas-based insurers (2019)
• Widening of vacant residential land tax to uninhabitable properties (2019)
• Increased luxury car tax (2019-20 Budget)
• Gold mining royalties (2019-20 Budget)
• Increased Fire Services Property Levy (2019)
• Narrowed the Land Tax exemption for charitable institutions (2022)
• A new ‘Schools Tax’ on non-government schools (2023-24 Budget)
• 42 per cent increase to the WorkCover average premium rate (2023)
• Expanded land tax on unimproved residential land (2023)
• Increase to Births, Deaths and Marriages fees (2023)
Since November 2014, the Andrews / Allan Labor Government has imposed 60 new or increased taxes and charges. Of this, 30 have been increases to property taxes or charges, including:
• Increased Fire Services Property Levy (2015)
• Introduced foreign stamp duty (2015-16 Budget)
• A new corporate restructure duty (2019-20 Budget)
• Increased foreign stamp duty (2019-20 Budget)
• Increased absentee landowner surcharge for foreigner property (2019-20 Budget)
• Increase to the Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy (‘bin tax’) (2020)
• Environment Mitigation Levy (2020)
• Road Occupation Charge on construction companies (2020)
• Number plate tax (2020)
• A new ‘on-dock rail’ charge on imported shipping containers (2020)
• Increased stamp duty on property transactions (2021-22 Budget)
• A new affordable housing tax (windfall gain tax on rezoned land) (2021-22 Budget)
• Electric Vehicle tax (2021)
• Increased land tax on taxable landholdings above $1.8 million (2021-22 Budget)
• Expanded point of consumption tax on gambling to keno (2021-22 Budget)
• 10 per cent increase to Victorian Government penalty units (2021)
• Increased Fire Services Property Levy (2021)
• Expanded land tax on gender-exclusive clubs (2021-22 Budget)
• Mental health payroll tax surcharge (2021-22 Budget)
• Increased wagering and betting tax (2021)
• 50 per cent increase to Births, Deaths and Marriages fees (2022)
• Increased payroll tax on businesses (2023-24 Budget)
• 43 per cent increase to domestic building insurance charges (2023)
• Increased land tax on landholdings above $300,000 (2023-24 Budget)
• Land tax on landholdings between $50,000 to $300,000 (2023-24 Budget)
• Increased absentee landowner surcharge for foreigner property (2023-24 Budget)
• Expanded land tax on vacant residential land (Holiday House Tax) (2023)
• Increased wagering and betting tax (2023-24 Budget)
• Holiday and Tourism Tax (2024)
• 53 per cent increase to domestic building insurance charges (2024)
• A new health tax on GPs and allied health professionals (Health Tax) (2024)
• Second increase to the Municipal and Industrial Landfill Levy (‘bin tax’) (20242025 Budget)
• Increase to the Fire Services Property Levy (2024)
• Death Tax by stealth - up to 650% increase to process wills (2024)
• Increase to Energy Safe Victoria industry levy forces up household power bills (2024)
• Creation of the expanded Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund tax (2024)
• Announced but not considered by Parliament:
• Announced expansion of Congestion Levy in the forthcoming Budget (2025)
YOUR chance to grab a collector’s item that will be the envy of friends and family ends this month. English, German, French and early Australian antiques have been heavily slashed as Royston of Albury Antiques says a sad farewell to Shepparton.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, will be the last days of the beloved Antique shop with doors closing at 5pm on Sunday.
To make sure no one misses out on a unique and timeless piece to set their home apart, Albury Antiques Shepparton is holding a Mega Sale with 70 per cent off storewide until the doors are permanently closed.
“The Shepparton community have been great supporters of
us, my wife and I would love to thank all our customers,” said Royston.
“We hosted Antique Roadshow three times, held two exhibitions and two auctions. We have had a great experience in Shepparton, we are sad to say goodbye to our customers.”
With plenty of parking out the back, off Sturt Street, and they
deliver to anyone in Australia, there’s no better time to pick up that coveted piece and transform the feel of your home.
Find Albury Antiques Shepparton at 159-165 High Street, Shepparton, with 70 per cent off storewide this Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 5pm. Email alburyantiques@gmail.com, visit www.alburyantiques.com or call Royston on 0424 688 744.
THE last chance to buy into one of Shepparton’s most desirable estates is here!
Grammar Park Gardens is releasing its final 33 blocks, going under the hammer on Saturday, May 31 at 10am at the Parklake Hotel.
With its prime northside location close to schools like Goulburn Valley Grammar School and St Luke’s Primary School, sporting facilities, shopping centres,
parklands and GV Health, this soughtafter estate offers a mix of generous and mid-sized blocks to suit a variety of buyers.
All 33 lots will be offered for sale by auction on Saturday, May 31, with no lots sold prior.
For more information, contact Selling Agents Glenn Young from Youngs & Co on 0438 579 993, or Terry Shiels from Kevin Hicks Real Estate on 0448 573 820.
La Trobe University’s renovated and extended Shepparton campus was officially launched in February this year – a significant investment in world-class facilities to enhance the student experience and increase opportunity for people in the Goulburn Valley to access courses that respond to critical skills and workforce shortages.
The $20 million Shepparton Reimagined Project was supported by the Australian Government’s $5 million contribution in addition to La Trobe’s $15 million investment. The re-development reflects the University’s commitment to improving amenities for students and staff in regional communities and better connecting the community to high-tech research and teaching facilities on campus. Shepparton campus now offers new opportunities for education, research and community engagement, enabling the University to work with partners to drive growth and innovation in regional Victoria.
In a first for Shepparton, the campus now features dedicated research and industry spaces to facilitate increased collaboration between the University, industry groups and community. We look forward to welcoming more industry partners to campus and offering students invaluable opportunities for work-integrated learning. La Trobe’s graduates will not only gain skills that are in demand, but will also remain committed to our region, contributing to Shepparton’s long-term success. Our latest data reveals over 87% of Shepparton graduates are employed regionally – a figure that demonstrates the importance of higher education in rural and regional communities.
The project involved construction of a new two-storey building that is connected to the original campus as well as refurbishment of the existing facilities. Its future-proof design enables floors to be added so that the campus continues to meet future demands. We were delighted to work with Spowers Architects, Crow Constructions and a host of local subcontractors to deliver this project, all of whom have done a stunning job.
The redevelopment has doubled our clinical nursing facilities, providing students with immersive learning experiences designed to prepare them for a successful career in health care.
Elizabeth Capp Head, Shepparton Campus
La Trobe University
Other key features include new dedicated spaces for our library and the Ngarrapna Indigenous Unit, where Indigenous students can study and access specialised support, and enhanced informal study spaces where students can meet, work online or in person, and hang out between classes.
La Trobe’s strong partnership with GOTAFE ensured there was minimal disruption to teaching during the construction period, with students using nearby GOTAFE classrooms and the University’s portable facilities. We are very grateful to GOTAFE for their support over the last couple of years.
La Trobe’s conscious investment in electric infrastructure has also made Shepparton the University’s first fully electric campus, supporting its wider Net Zero goal by 2029. The Shepparton campus’ electrification was an important step in the project, with the following key features:
– The campus is now powered entirely by renewable energy, with all electricity generated used on site.
– Electric vehicle charging stations for staff, students and the community.
– Centralised electrified heating and cooling systems replace ageing gas infrastructure.
– Solar panels and electric barbeques for sustainable campus events.
The Shepparton campus redevelopment is more than just a campus upgrade; it is a catalyst for community development, economic growth and educational equity. As we near the end of Semester 1 teaching, it has been wonderful to see the response of students, staff and community to our upgraded facilities. We look forward to welcoming you to our ‘new’ campus.
Erin McDowell is a fourth-year online student currently completing her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). A mature-age student, Erin balances her studies with a full family life — she’s a proud mum of two boys, partner to a keen fisherman and dog-mum to Jeff, a rescued Jack Russell who’s unexpectedly become the star of the household.
Erin’s path to psychology began after a successful career in horticulture. “I spent years teaching horticulture and conservation land management in the vocational education sector. Before that, I worked in nurseries and garden centres around Australia as my partner and I travelled the country.”
Her shift into psychology came from a desire to make a more personal impact. “I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour — why we do what we do. But it was also my personal experience with my dad, who had schizophrenia, that really opened my eyes to the stigma around mental health. I knew I wanted to be part of the change.”
Now in her Honours year, Erin is undertaking a significant research project while juggling study and home life. She’s currently navigating proposal submissions
and ethics approval, all while continuing to support her family and community.
She chose online study to accommodate her family life.
“It allows me the flexibility to be present for my kids while still progressing in my career.”
As for the future? “I haven’t decided exactly where I’ll land, but I’m considering a Master’s or PhD next. I’m really drawn to clinical neuropsychology, but I also love the idea of working in research. I’m trusting the universe to point me in the right direction.”
Erin is a big fan of the new Shepparton campus, describing it as modern, welcoming, and well-organised, with a warm community feel. “If you haven’t checked it out yet, you absolutely should!”
Brandon Pither is a second-year student completing a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at La Trobe’s Shepparton campus, majoring in physical education. A lifelong resident of Shepparton, Brandon grew up on a farm, where being active was a natural part of daily life. This early connection to physical fitness helped shape his passion for sport and movement — something he now aims to pass on to the next generation through teaching.
Throughout school, physical education was always Brandon’s favourite subject. “I’ve always been active, and PE was the class I looked forward to most in school. It allowed me to move, have fun, and still learn — what more could you ask for?” This, along with the values of hard work and community support instilled by his family, strongly influenced his decision to pursue a career in teaching.
After graduating from Year 12, Brandon took a gap year to explore his options. “I wasn’t sure what to do after school, so I took a traineeship in PE at my old high school — and it was honestly the best decision I could’ve made. I loved working with the students and realised I wanted to be a teacher who could have that kind of positive impact every day.”
Brandon chose to study at La Trobe’s Shepparton campus for its convenience and the opportunity to stay connected to his community. “Studying locally
means I can attend tutorials in person, connect with my peers and teachers, and still stay grounded in the town I know and love.” he says. “The new campus has really enhanced that experience — it’s fresh, modern, and designed for student success.”
One of his favourite parts of campus is the library, “It’s a calm space where I can focus and get into the zone when study gets hectic.”
Looking ahead, Brandon hopes to work in a secondary school, teaching PE and creating a learning environment where students feel supported and excited. “Some of my biggest role models were teachers who were fun, approachable, and genuinely cared. That’s the kind of teacher I want to be — someone who students look forward to seeing.”
Nguyen Ngoc Vy Tran, or Vy, is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours). Originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Vy has been living and studying in Australia for nearly six years. She began her studies in Melbourne, where she spent two and a half years, before moving to Shepparton with her parents. Vy’s journey reflects a blend of cultural diversity and personal growth, and her story highlights her passion for helping others while navigating the challenges of adapting to a new environment.
Vy initially planned to study nursing because of her passion for helping others. ‘I’ve always loved helping people,’ she says, ‘but as an only child, I realized the demands of nursing might not work well for me.’ After learning about Social Work, Vy found it to be a better fit. ‘Social Work is similar to nursing in that it’s about helping people, but it also explores different human perspectives,’ she explains. Although she entered the course with little prior knowledge, Vy quickly adapted and discovered her passion within the field. ‘I’ve grown to love it, even though I didn’t know what to expect when I first started.’
When choosing a campus, Vy decided on Shepparton because it felt more like home. ‘Melbourne was great, but I never felt like I belonged there. Shepparton has a more
relaxed, supportive community,’ she shares. Vy especially enjoys the newly renovated library, which has become her favourite spot for studying and reflecting. ‘My favourite part is the library. It’s my go-to place for studying or just clearing my head. I’ve always dreamed that our campus would have a better library, and now I get to enjoy it!’
As she nears the end of her degree, Vy is still exploring her career options. ‘I originally wanted to go into child protection services, but after my first placement, I realized I might prefer to stay within my comfort zone for now,’ she admits. ‘I want to make a difference in people’s lives, even if it’s just in small ways,’ Vy is excited about the opportunities ahead and is confident that her studies will lead her to a fulfilling and impactful career in social work.
Ready for more in 2025? Whether you want to take your career to the next level or change directions into something new, we’ll help you uncover the next step with a one-on-one consultation.
Batteries in the bin spark many fires every year! Everyday items like laptops, phones, toys, and vapes can contain hidden batteries, and CAN NOT be disposed in your bins at home.
By Deanne Jeffers
BILLED as a budget ‘Focussed on What Matters Most,’ many of the region’s key projects have missed out on funding in the Victorian 2025-26 Budget, as the government grapples with skyrocketing debt.
In her budget address delivered on Tuesday, May 20, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes projected net debt would hit $194B by 2028/29. Interest payments to service the debt will be $10.6B then, almost $29M a day.
Greater Shepparton City Council had been advocating for several important priority growth projects, including the Shepparton Sports & Events Centre, Road Network Resilience Package, and a Regionally Significant Contemporary Public Health Service, all of which failed to receive funding.
Mayor Councillor Shane Sali expressed disappointment that the Victorian Government failed to acknowledge the significance of these projects, calling it a missed opportunity for a rapidly growing region that plays a vital role in the state’s future.
Residents of the Shepparton electorate will miss out on funding for health, roads and schools, as the Allan Labor Government raises taxes to spend big on metropolitan Melbourne
“The Shepparton Sports & Events Centre is a shovel-ready project, and a commitment from the Victorian Government would ensure we are one step closer to bringing this important community project to life,” said Cr Sali.
Member for Nothern Victoria Wendy Lovell said it was
clear from the budget that the electorate doesn’t matter to the State Government.
“Residents of the Shepparton electorate will miss out on funding for health, roads and schools, as the Allan Labor Government raises taxes to spend big on metropolitan Melbourne,” said Ms Lovell.
INSUFFICIENT...
The 2025-26 Victorian Budget, handed down last week by Treasurer
Member for Nothern Victoria Wendy Lovell
“Massive increases in taxes will hit the people of northern Victoria hard, with Labor’s new Emergency Services Levy set to rip an extra $2.1 billion from the pockets of Victorians over the next three years.
“Taxation revenue is forecast to be almost $42 billion in 2025-26, before growing by an average of 5 per cent per year over the forward estimates – an over $2 billion increase per year, but the region will see little in return.
“Financial mismanagement and cost blowouts mean
Victoria’s debt will rise to its highest ever, reaching $194 billion by 2028/29 – blowing out net debt by $6.7 billion from last year’s forecasts.”
State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe echoed these concerns, highlighting that funding for regional development has experienced another hit, this time by 17 per cent, dropping from $296.7M to $245.6M.
“Regional Victorians make up 25 per cent of the state’s population, and we deserve our fair share of funding, including 25 per cent of infrastructure spending,” said Ms O’Keeffe.
Some other projects that have missed out on funding or been delayed include Stage 2 of Banmira Specialist School redevelopment, Stage 1 of the Shepparton Bypass, Clinical Health School and further upgrades to GV Health, a sixmonth delay on the Wilton Road Early Parenting Centre, and no end in sight for the Shepparton Line Upgrade or public transport review for Greater Shepparton, effectively rendering the budget’s big ticket item – free public transport for Victorians under 18 and Seniors Card holders on weekends – feel largely irrelevant for Greater Shepparton residents still waiting for basic service improvements.
continued from front page
THE following organisations will get a share of the funds:
• Caroline Chisholm Society, to support operations and its material aid program including the provision of nappies, prams, formula, clothing, and more, available from the GV Pregnancy Support Service Centre in St Andrews Road, Shepparton.
• GV Afghan Women’s Association Family Health Information Sessions, to educate Afghan women on western healthcare systems specifically regarding autism and menopause, which are often misunderstood or unrecognised as symptoms, and therefore attributed to spiritual or behavioural causes rather than medical conditions. These sessions will be held in culturally safe spaces, supporting families to acquire awareness and support.
• GV Family Talk, Talk Play! A free weekly intervention program to support two- and three-year-old children with delayed language. The program educates families and puts in place strategies to encourage practice in a fun, supportive environment and facilitated by speech pathologists and early childhood professionals.
• Hunter Boyle Swim Program, to provide swimming lessons and provision of equipment and water education and safety to local Shepparton families who otherwise would not have access.
• Shepparton Access EcoCafe, to support a cool room upgrade to enable EcoCafe, which supports people with a disability to learn new
skills and access employment, to continue operations of its social enterprise.
“We are thrilled that with the support of the Margaret Attwood Trust, we can fund such valuable projects that will have a direct impact on local people,” said GSF Executive Officer, Amanda McCulloch.
GSF convenes a community Grant Advisory Committee to transparently and independently assess applications and make recommendations for funding.
Ms McCulloch said, “This year’s funding sought via the grant program exceeded $100,000, double what was available to award. We are grateful to the independent Grant Advisory Committee that had a huge task to review the applications and make
recommendations for funding.”
Over the past nine years, GSF and its predecessor organisation, Goulburn Valley Community Fund, has opened grant rounds annually to fund community projects that align with its vision for inclusive, interconnected communities where everybody has equal opportunity to participate.
During this time, with the incredible support of the community, more than $1M has been distributed to organisations across Greater Shepparton. Supporting projects in sectors of arts and culture, education, training and employment, equipment and infrastructure and social and community wellbeing.
THE Victorian Government is committing $153 million to build up to 348 new homes for Aboriginal people across the state, marking an important development for Shepparton, where access to housing has been a long-standing challenge.
This initiative, part of the Big Housing Build, empowers Aboriginal communities to take control of their housing needs. The new homes will be developed by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), such as the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative, which will lead the work in Greater Shepparton. These organisations will ensure the housing is safe, secure and culturally appropriate, reflecting the specific needs of the local Aboriginal community.
Greater Shepparton, home to one of Victoria's largest Aboriginal populations, has long grappled with housing shortages and instability. This funding will help create better living conditions and greater stability for families and individuals. It also reflects a broader commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, allowing communities to shape their futures
and make housing decisions aligned with their cultural values.
More than 230 of the 348 homes will be built in regional Victoria, with Greater Shepparton receiving the highest number of new houses in any Victorian region under this program.
A total of 58 new homes will be constructed in Greater Shepparton, recognising the urgent demand in the area and positioning it as a model for how place-based, community-led housing can deliver real outcomes.
In neighbouring municipalities, five new homes will be built in Echuca, and another three in Seymour. Other regions set to receive significant numbers of new homes include 36 in East Gippsland, 29 in Wodonga, 28 in Greater Geelong and 24 in Ballarat.
While this initiative marks a major step forward, the housing need across the state remains significant. Demand continues to outpace supply in places like Geelong, highlighting the ongoing importance of ongoing investment in Aboriginal housing.
RECOGNISING
and
and
AS A Christian the notion of giving thanks is very strong in our personal beliefs. I felt it super important that this month’s column reflects this. I’m so thankful for God’s blessings upon our community. Earlier this month, the Shepparton FoodShare celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new forever
home in Mooroopna. As someone who has been personally involved with the organisation since its inception, I think I speak for many in saying a huge thank you to you, our local community. I can’t help but be so proud of the kind, sincere, generous and connected community that we belong too.
FoodShare is one of many examples of this and today, rather than me writing a provocative, hopefully encouraging piece, I just want to congratulate and thank you for making a difference in our local region. I celebrate what we’ve achieved together and am believing for even greater results in the future. Thank you! And thanks be to God for His grace and favour on our region. I’m looking to Him for more of this, we could do with it.
GRATEFULNESS… Chair of Greater Shepparton Ministers’ Association, Jeremy Rensford, shares a message of thanks for the Greater Shepparton community for its support of Shepparton FoodShare and the great things happening locally. Photo: Aaron Cordy
$10,000
RESILIENCE is built when people and communities face hardships and work through to the other side. After the October 2022 floods, the people of Greater Shepparton showed great resilience in coming together as a community in the crisis, but where to next?
The Resilience Canopy with support from GSCC’s flood recovery team is offering Greater Shepparton locals free training to empower them to action community engagement models, pathways and resilience tools within the community.
“We want to skill up people in the community to run this process. This is not about consultants coming in and running an engagement process for the community, it’s about the community who have this deep love and passion for the community being given the skills and the support to take
their own community through the process of building resilience,” said The Resilience Canopy General Manager Communities Sally Hutchinson.
The Resilience Canopy Practitioner Training uses a holistic approach to build lasting resilience by following a simple sixstep plan, with a flexible approach for each community, with ongoing support. The training runs through July and August with two half-day online sessions and two full-day in-person sessions at MEAC in Mooroopna.
If you are community-minded and passionate about building stronger challengeready communities and want to take part in The Resilience Canopy Practitioner Training, email training@resiliencecanopy.com.au or call 1300 955 428 and follow The Resilience Canopy on Facebook for more details.
THE annual 16th Tatura Rotary Art Show returns to Victory Hall this King’s Birthday long weekend, showcasing a stunning collection of Australian-made artworks.
The show opens at 7pm on Friday, June 6, with a gala evening of food and entertainment. Guest speaker Heather Ewart, a Goulburn Valley local well-known for her Back Roads program on the ABC, will open the event and share her story.
Following this, the Australian Opera’s Michael Lapina and colleagues will perform favourite arias and musical theatre classics. Victory Hall’s superb acoustics and distinct 100-year-old heritage promise an unforgettable experience. Opening night tickets are $20 and include hot finger food.
From Saturday to Monday (June 7-9), around 400 artworks will be on display and for sale. This year also features a new student art display from local Tatura schools.
“We have all levels of art experience, from the very accomplished artists who have staged their own exhibitions to artists just starting out,” explained organiser, Rhonda Rose. “These artists come from near and far, as they know that our exhibition has a very good sales record.”
On Sunday afternoon, guests will be treated to a performance by the Shepparton Sings community choir.
“Please come along, enjoy a coffee and light snack on our on-site cafe, while you ponder which piece of art you are taking home,” said Rhonda. “There are so many new homes in the area, we are sure the walls need something to make them a home.”
The Tatura Rotary Club and local community look forward to welcoming you June 6-9, 2025. For more information, please contact Rhonda 0418 181 295
cl as sifieds @s heppartonadvise r. com.au www.sheppar tonadvise r. com.au
For further details and/or to apply, visit the Employment page on our website: www.ggs.vic.edu.au/employment
For further details and/or to apply, visit the Employment page on our website: www.ggs.vic.edu.au/employment
Wyndham House Clinic is looking for a casual registered nurse to complement our team of Aged Care champions.
Currently we have a team of 3 staff responsible for assisting our GP’s give the highest standard of care to our 200 plus aged care residents.
We are proud to be part of a pilot program
“General Practice Coordination model for residential aged care”, achieving positive change for the aged residents under the care of our clinician’s.
Duties are varied including:
• Data entry
• Liaison with external aged care professionals.
• My Medicare -and GPACHI entry and maintenance.
• Assisting with my aged care applications
• Advanced care planning
• Accompanying and assisting GPs on rounds at Aged Care facilities
• Clinical notes
Join the Cleave’s Earthmoving Team
Experienced Excavator/ Machinery Operator Must Hold White Card, HC Licence & Be Reliable IMMEDIATE START AVAILABLE
GENERAL LABOURER
Experience Preferred, But Not Essential Must Hold White Card, Drivers Licence & Be Reliable
IMMEDIATE START AVAILABLE
Please send your resume to Email: civilprojects@cleavesearthmoving.com
We are looking for:
An experienced registered nurse ideally with aged care experience who is looking for something new
Knowledge of Microsoft suite of programs.
Ability to complete CMAs and Advanced care assessments.
Knowledge of Proda, My Medicare and GPACI programs.
Willingness to become part of an after-hours phone triage in the future.
Friendly, outgoing nature with a willingness to learn on the way
Must live and be eligible to work in Australia
- we cannot offer sponsorship
If this interests you, please email your application to angela.frederickson@ wyndhamhouseclinic.com.au
Closing date June 6th. No phone calls please Short listed candidates will be contacted.
96 Maude St, Shepparton www.wyndhamhouseclinic.com.au
Shepp United (11th) v Rochester (3rd)
Shepp Swans (2nd) v Echuca (4th)
Jedd Wright and his Shepp Swans brains-trust could argue Shepp Swans deserved the seven week unbeaten run they have delivered this season - after a frustrating start to 2024 that saw them finish the season with seven wins and in eighth position
A frustrating seven-week period for Shepp United will extend by one more week before they face the other two bottom three teams in the space of three weeks between rounds nine and 11. On paper they don’t appear to be a match for third ranked Rochester, which is fresh from a 138 point win against bottom team Tatura and has lost only once this year - by nine points to unbeaten second ranked team Shepparton Swans (in Round 5). They have been a little up and down with their form, wins of 79 points (against Seymour) and 86 points (against Mansfield) interspersed by the narrow loss to the Swans, a 15 point win against Euroa (8th) and a seven point win against Mooroopna (9th). United trailed Echuca in Round 1 by just two points, won two of their four quarters against finals aspirant Mansfield and just failed to upset sixth ranked Seymour a fortnight ago. They are clearance beasts, win plenty of the football, but struggle to defend opposition. They have the 11th ranked defence, but an attack which is outperforming two teams above them on the ladder. Match ups to watch: Jessie Cucinotta and Mitch Trewhella are both top five for disposals; Dylan Gordon or Ryan O’Keefe will have the job of containing new United recruit Prediction: Rochester by 39 points
Kyabram (1st) v Shepparton (5th)
Three weeks ago a Shepp Bears and Kyabram Bombers game would have been an exciting proposition, but recent form has the top-of-theladder Kyabram team a raging favourite. Defensively the Bears have performed well, with the third best defence in the competition this year, but their offence is ranked only fifth and they sit fifth on the ladder with a 4-3 record. They started the year with 101, 127, 74 and 39 point wins against four teams outside the top six.
In the last three weeks they have lost to Echuca (by 33 points), now seventh ranked Mansfield (by 17 points) and Seymour (by 16 points). Kyabram, on the other hand, continue to dominate at their end of the ground. They have a percentage of 213.81 - their offence having scored 180 more points than the second best attack in the opening seven rounds.
Last year they lost their first two games by three points (to Euroa and Mansfield), then beat Seymour before losing to Mooroopna by five points and by three points to Shepparton two weeks later. They won their other two games, so were 2-5 after losing in Round 7 to their opponent this weekend - Echuca - by a massive 109 points. Echuca kicked 24.9 to the Swans six goals in that game. This season the Swans only close call was against Rochester, in Round 5, when they won by nine points. They have played only two teams in the top six, but following the Echuca game have Mansfield (seventh now after the Seymour surge), Kyabram (also unbeaten, and on top), and Shepparton in Round 11. They will definitely play finals with games in the next month against 10th ranked Benalla, Mooroopna (9th), winless Tatura and Euroa (two wins, sitting eighth). Meanwhile, Echuca sit in fourth spot on the ladder, despite having a 6-1 record.
They played the game against Mansfield without Sam Reid, Leo O’Brien and Jack McHale - debuting Jett Dargan and Hudson Kellett, while Lachlan Hogan (a star with Moama and Bendigo Pioneers) also played his first game with the Murray Bombers.
And despite their defence being just the fifth best in the league (behind Rochester, the Swans, Shepparton and Echuca), they remain on top. they have an amazing seven players in the top 30 goalkickers for the season - Charlier Barnett surprisingly on top of that list with 23 goals from seven games (14 more than he has kicked in his first 25 games of senior football with the Bombers - since debuting in 2021).
The others are Riley Ironside (also 23 goals, after kicking 23 goals in his 66 senior appearances with the Bombers since making his debut in 2018), Tom Holman (16), Archie Watt (12), Anthony Depasquale (10), Zac Cerrone and Michael Mattingly (nine reach).
Mansfield (7th) v Benalla (10th)
Ben Christopher is a key to Mansfield challenging the other six teams (they sit seventh now after losing narrowly to Echuca in Round 7) who seem to be seriously challenging for a spot in the finals. Christopher has missed four games this year, but kicked four goals in a win against Seymour and alongside Jack Hutchins, Billy Hogan and Will Foster could form a dangerous attack. Hutchins has kicked 13 goals this year, but the next most prolific goalscorer is Ben Reardon (six goals from seven games).
Only a bad second quarter and an off-target 3.7 in the last quarter of its game with Echuca prevented it from keeping a spot in the top six before the interleague bye. Before that game they had beaten Shepp Bears and led Kyabram narrowly in the final term of their eventual 20 point Round 5 defeat.
Tatura (12th) v Euroa (8th) Euroa’s Round 8 game with the bottom placed Bulldogs is a must win as seven of their last 11 games are against teams battling it out for a place in the finals. The Magpies sit eighth on the ladder, with a 2-5 win/ loss record, having lost to five of the top six teams in the opening seven rounds. They have beaten both teams below them on the ladder, Mooroopna and Benalla, although the Benalla game was by just four points. Tatura, on the other hand, will be hoping that the break provides a re-set button. In just seven games they have averaged almost 140 points against them every week and scored (on average) just 30. Lachlan Hill has had an outstanding season for the Magpies and is one of the contested ball beats in the competition. He will give Euroa the edge in the centre, despite a lack of ruck stocks and with Will Creevey form a strong combination. They will give Jett Trotter enough scoring opportunities as he faces off against a backline that has performed admirably in the circumstances - through Curtis Ryan, Andrew Ciavarella, and Michael Archer. In the midfield Charlie Murdoch and Comanche Wells have been among their teams most consistent players. In the aerial battle only Tatura’s Ryan Young looks capable of challenging one of the GVL’s best marking players - Cohen Paul.
Mooroopna (9th) v Seymour (6th) Seymour has the chance to cement a place in the top six in the next fortnight, after losing the opening three games of the season by a combined total of 150 points. After losing to Rochester (third), the unbeaten Shepparton Swans (now second on the ladder) and Mansfield (seventh), they have beaten Shepp United (by a goal), Tatura (by 104 points) and last season’s grand final Shepp Bears by 16 points). They now face the Cats, who have won just one of their opening seven games, and 10th ranked Benalla a week later.
They will, however, need to rack up these wins as the following of football is the toughest they could imagine - Rochester, Echuca, Kyabram and Shepparton Swans. Before the 70 point loss to Kyabram, ninth ranked Mooroopna has been competitive in losses to Euroa (27 points), the Bears (39 points), the Swans (28 points), Rochester (seven points) and Mansfield (38 points). After Seymour and Echuca (Round 9) they will start favourite for arguably the first time this year in games against Benalla and Tatura.
PART 2 of Sir Doug Nicholls Round was one of significant margins at every turn.
Thursday night’s thrilling contest between the Cats and the Dogs marked the tightest return of the weekend, marking the only clash to finish with a margin within three goals.
From Marvel, to the MCG, to Marvel and back to the MCG, here are the things we learnt in Round 11!
Max Holmes is relishing his role in Geelong’s midfield
All the attention entering and exiting Geelong’s clash with the Bulldogs surrounded Bailey Smith, and rightly so, however his dynamic midfield partner deserves far more credit for his performance.
Since transitioning into the engine room, Max Holmes has refused to take a backwards step.
Forming one of the competition’s premier duos with Bailey Smith, Holmes has been electric for the Cats, and his performance against the Bulldogs on Thursday night was a prime example of just that.
33 disposals, 17 contested, seven score involvements and eight clearances, Holmes has become a crucial piece of Geelong’s ball movement, while his potential goal of the year contender has proven his ability going forward.
Holmes has been so good, it’s easy to forget he’s just 22 years old, younger than his counterpart in 24-year-old Smith.
Considering the damage that the pair have already done this season, it’s hard to imagine how good Geelong’s midfield will be for a long time to come.
Carlton’s numbers don’t lie
The biggest issue for Carlton seems blatantly obvious, as it has been for the duration of the season.
This week, Champion Data’s Daniel Hoyne revealed that the Blues are the worst kicking team in the competition
by some margin. It was further revealed that Carlton’s quality of entries inside 50 are also comfortably 18th.
That was before Carlton’s loss to the Giants, which certainly failed to change the narrative.
Despite having 58 inside 50’s, with both Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay present within the arc, the Blues managed just eight marks inside 50. On the other end, the Giants clunked 14 marks inside 50 from just 47 entries.
This led to the Giants’ 17 goals, with a combined 12 goals from key forwards in Jesse Hogan, Jake Riccardi, Callum Brown and Aaron Cadman. The Blues could only muster 12 goals total, with McKay going goalless and two of Curnow’s three coming in the first term.
Do the Blues have the talent to turn their kicking woes around? It’s becoming apparent that the club clearly lacks an elite boot, so is the issue one of coaching or personnel?
Whatever it is, the Blues don’t have a lot of time to figure it out.
Pies recruit is proving the value of the Mid-Season Draft
Just a few days out from the 2025 Mid-Season Draft, Collingwood’s Ned Long has put on a show, displaying exactly why the mid-year selections can be so valuable.
After being delisted by the Hawks in 2023, the Magpies handed the bigbodied midfielder a career lifeline, selecting Long with pick 19 in the 2024 Mid-Season Draft after strong performances for Collingwood’s VFL side.
It’s safe to say that the 22-year-old has already repaid the favour. Taking on the Kangaroos on Saturday night, Long put up one of the strongest stat lines of the season thus far, securing 29 disposals, 13 of which were contested at 79 per cent efficiency, laying 14 tackles from 30 pressure acts, 15 score involvements including two direct goal assists, six clearances, four inside 50’s, three intercepts and 344 metres gained.
While this is by far the best game of Long’s 23-game career to date, this
performance doesn’t seem too farfetched considering the signs we’ve seen from the young gun.
Averaging 18 disposals, seven tackles six score involvements on the year, Long has gone from strength to strength since earning his permanent spot within the Magpies’ midfield.
Ned Long is a prime example of the level of talent around the country outside of the AFL. Given the right environment, the sky is the limit for a number of young guns seeking an opportunity at the top level.
Could we see another lifeline on Wednesday night?
Is it time for Ken to step aside?
Port Adelaide’s coaching handover has not worked out as planned.
A 49-point loss in a drenching out west was far from what Ken Hinkley or Josh Carr would have hoped for.
This loss marks their fourth straight defeat, with an accumulative margin of 220 points for an average of 55 points per loss.
It might be time for Ken Hinkley to hand over the reins.
With Port Adelaide residing in the bottom four, just a game ahead of Richmond with holes all over the ground, it would be of the club’s best interest to allow Josh Carr to take over
Clayton Oliver has had an extremely rough run over the past few seasons, however since returning to the side with a new role, you cannot help but feel the thrill of watching Clarry battle in the midfield, kicking goals with a smile telling of the ever-questioned culture at the club.
131 points against the Swans, their highest tally since Round 7 of 2023 (!), highlighted by 13 second-half goals and five goals from Kozzy Pickett, the Dees are absolutely humming.
Led as always by Max Gawn, Melbourne have every right to celebrate their renewed energy, and now, just a game outside of the eight, the Demons are most certainly alive in 2025.
at the helm.
A somewhat fresh start might be exactly what the Power need to find their feet before it’s too late, and with their best player in Zak Butters approaching a major decision regarding his future at the club, finding form should be a nonnegotiable for Port Adelaide.
Sitting at 4-7, with the bye to come before taking on GWS, some big calls may need to be made.
The Demons are alive!
Talk about a revival.
After five straight losses to kick off 2025, so much was questioned of the Demons, but it didn’t take long for the 2021 premiers to rediscover their best.
Bar the Hawks in Round 9, Melbourne have answered every challenge since their lowly start, going 5-1 in their last six including a huge win over Brisbane at the Gabba, and in Round 11 a delightful victory over the Swans.
While the results are flowing, it’s the manner within which the Dees are getting the job done that raises cause for excitement.
After all the concern and drama of last season, Christian Petracca is well and truly all-in at Melbourne. Celebrating his 200th game for the club, Petracca looked back to his explosive best.
With a trip to Darwin to take on St Kilda next week followed by the Big Freeze clash with Collingwood, the next few weeks could be a major indicator as to where the Demons truly belong in 2025.
It’s a big week for North Melbourne Simply put, the Kangaroos should be significantly further ahead in their rebuild than they currently are.
Facing a severely undermanned, and somewhat under-prepared Collingwood side, North Melbourne could only compete for three quarters.
While many will credit Collingwood’s depth and readiness from the bottom up, questions must be asked of North Melbourne’s willingness for the contest, particularly with games on the line.
With a full-strength side, elite recruits all over the park and a threetime premiership coach, the Kangaroos were overrun by a Magpies side playing without 10 first team players.
Within their three-quarter performance, the Roos still conceded 24 scores to 16 before being blown out in the fourth, giving up six straight goals to enter the term en route to eight major concessions within the final exchange.
After years of bottom-half finishes, the Kangaroos have to be a better side than what was dished up on Saturday night.
