Local crash survivor urges locals to donate lifesaving blood
Manager Michelle Hamilton, Session Leader Margaret Jones, and Donor Services Nurse Assistant Bell Ackland. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto
By Natasha Fujimoto
SIX years ago, on the day before his birthday, Liam Edwards’ life changed in an instant. On his way to visit his girlfriend, Liam’s car hit a pothole, causing a tyre to blow out. The vehicle veered off the road, crashed into a tree, and rolled over, briefly knocking him unconscious and crushing his hand.
When he came to, Liam could smell fuel and hear a sizzling sound. Despite his injuries, he managed to crawl out of a window and stumble approximately 50 metres toward a nearby farmhouse. There, two men saw him and immediately called triple zero.
“I was losing a lot of blood; I was just minutes away from the worst possible outcome,” Liam said.
Paramedics arrived just in time. On the side of the road, they administered a life-saving bag of donated blood to Liam before he was airlifted to hospital. He underwent emergency surgery and received several more blood transfusions. Though he tragically lost several fingers due to the severity of his injuries, Liam said he’s deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in saving his life.
Above all, Liam wants to thank the blood donors whose selfless actions made his survival possible, especially during National Blood Donor Week (June 9–16).
“The blood bag I received on the roadside saved my life. I wouldn’t be here without it, and it wasn’t just that one bag. During surgery, I needed multiple transfusions. It’s
really inspired me to give back and to help others,” Liam said.
Every year, thousands of Australians require blood transfusions due to accidents, surgeries, cancer treatment and chronic illnesses. According to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, one in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime, yet only around 500,000 people currently donate each year.
To meet growing demand, Lifeblood requires more than 1.7 million donations annually.
This week, Lifeblood is calling on locals to consider donating and to recognise the incredible contribution of regular donors in the Shepparton region and across the country.
To raise awareness, Lifeblood has introduced a new branded bandage for donors initiated during National Blood Donor Week - highlighting the lifesaving impact each donation can have.
When asked what message he would give to those considering donating blood, Liam said:
“Just do it! It 100 per cent saved my life. There are people in far worse situations than I was—children, the elderly, and everyone in between. These donations are needed and used. I’ll absolutely be rolling up my sleeve to help others, just like others helped me.”
Appointments are still available at the Shepparton Donor Centre, with 130 spots open in the next two weeks. To book, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au, or use the DonateBlood app.
The blood bag I received on the roadside saved my life. I wouldn’t be here without it, and it wasn’t just that one bag. During surgery, I needed multiple transfusions. It’s really inspired me to give back and to help others
Expressions of Interest Riparian Management
SAVED BY A BAG OF BLOOD ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD... Car crash survivor Liam Edwards (pictured) has never forgotten the lifesaving blood donations he received following a horrific accident six years ago. Now committed to giving back, he too donates blood at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Donor Centre in Shepparton and encourages others to roll up their sleeves to do the same. Pictured with Liam from left are Lifeblood Donor Centre
Liam Edwards
SMOKE ALARM SAVES LOCAL FAMILY IN WOOD FIRE SCARE
A Tatura family narrowly avoided disaster after bedlinen left too close to a wood heater caught fire, damaging much of their home.
The family had stepped out to a shed when smoke alarms alerted them. The fire burned through blankets before hitting the floor and spreading into the living room.
Tatura Fire Brigade Captain and Incident
Controller Peter Bevan hoped this common incident reminds residents to keep items drying at least one metre away from all heating sources.
CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria responded to over 150 heater fires in less than a year, with most starting in sleeping or living areas.
Authorities recommend turning off heaters when unattended and servicing gas appliances every two years.
FREE SANITARY PRODUCTS
To ensure that menstruating women in the Goulburn Valley have access to free sanitary products, Primary Care Connect has introduced a vending machine stocked with essential items, conveniently located in their main public restroom for easy and confidential access. The vending machine is free to use with no appointments necessary. It can be found inside Primary Care Connect’s main public restroom. For more details on the machine, how to locate it, and its ease of use, please check out the video created by Primary Care Connect for the community on their Facebook page.
VICTORIA POLICE REJECT WARNING CALLS
Victoria Police have rejected State Coroner John Cain’s recommendation to notify domestic violence victims 48 hours before their abusers are released from jail due to a lack of “resourcing”.
In a letter to the Coroner’s Court, obtained by
The Herald Sun, Victoria Police said it could not provide the potentially lifesaving calls due to “resourcing and capacity” shortages that have plagued the system.
The State Coroner made the recommendation after 49-year-old mother Noeline Dalzell was stabbed to death by her abusive ex-partner in 2020 in front of their three children in her Seaford home.
TATURA: CHANGE TO ROAD WORKS
Greater Shepparton City Council has advised changes to upcoming road works along Casey Street in Tatura. The roadworks will now be undertaken in two stages.
Stage 1 asphalting works on Casey Street, between Fraser and Francis Street, will now take place from Monday, June 23 to Thursday, June 26.
Stage 2 involves asphalting works near the roundabout of Casey and Brown Streets, which will take place on Friday, June 27. The road will remain open during the first stage with traffic management in place between 7.30am and 5.30pm. However, the construction area at Casey and Albert Streets will close Friday for the second stage, with no through traffic permitted between 7.30am and 5.30pm. Pedestrian access to the surrounding footpaths will remain available during the works.
FRESH PRODUCE DONATIONS REQUIRED AT MEAC
Providing food relief to around 50 people a day, Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre (MEAC) delivers an indispensable service to the community, assisting families and individuals in navigating the ongoing challenges of cost-ofliving pressures and food insecurity.
Grateful for the immeasurable support and supplies from Foodshare, MEAC is calling on community members to consider donating much-needed produce—particularly fresh fruit and vegetables from home gardens—as well as
essential staples for the centre’s supermarketstyle pantry, which allows individuals and families to select what they need.
This service operates at the centre from Tuesday through to Thursday. While these are the preferred days for donations and visits, community members in need are welcome to come in anytime to access essentials.
MEAC deeply values the continued support it receives from Foodshare, but contributions from the wider community, especially fresh produce, make a significant difference.
“We do not judge anyone who comes through our doors. Everyone is welcome, and we understand that needs come in many forms.
If you’re in a position to help, or if you know someone who is, please consider donating to MEAC,” said Jan Phillips, MEAC Manager.
400 GAMES FOR THE TALLY REDLEGS
This weekend, Tayllgaroopna Football Club stalwart Joshua ‘Twiggy’ Sidebottom will play his 400th game at home against MurchisonToolamba.
A dedicated footballer, Twiggy has played 200 senior games and has multiple premierships to his name from both Seniors in 2005 and Reserves in 2019.
He continues to play an active role supporting the upcoming juniors, with two of his three children currently playing in the Tally Congupna Roadrunners junior football team. Tallygaroopna FNC extended warm congratulations to Twiggy and said they look forward to the celebration on Saturday, June 21.
Club helping kids kick goals in class
Mooroopna Park Primary School kicked off “Footy Club” this term to give students added incentive to get to school on time, every day.
Led by Education Support staff Talon Wilson and Finn Walters, Footy Club delivers breaky, footy skills and a lot of fun – while putting participants in the right frame of mind for learning. Talon, a GSSC graduate, is combining his job at Mooroopna Park with university studies in education. He credits Footy Club with allowing him to contribute to the education of young people now while earning his classroom credentials.
“Every day counts here at school and we want to see them turn up,” he said. “It brings a smile to our faces and we hope to do the same for them.”
While strong school attendance develops social skills and firm friendships, it has enormous benefits for education outcomes.
Mooroopna Park is delivering on all fronts. The school’s recent NAPLAN scores have shown a doubling in the number of students rating as “strong” or “exceeding” in their results.
Your local school is your best school!
Prep students Zunisha and Cinch on their Mooroopna Park learning journey
KDL... Joshua ‘Twiggy’ Sidebottom will play his 400th game this weekend. He is pictured at his milestone 200th senior game in 2019. Photo: Supplied
Food, fun and footy… Talon (left) and Finn (right) flank their morning ‘Footy Club’
Premier brings Drought Taskforce to Shepparton
with a promise of
By Aaron Cordy
VICTORIAN
Premier Jacinta Allan
met with stakeholders at the Greater Shepparton City Council offices for the state’s second Drought Taskforce meeting, which she chaired, on Friday, June 13, to see what action needs to be taken for farmers, primary producers and rural and regional communities.
“Today's meeting had a dedicated focus on two key priority areas identified by the task force last week,” said Ms Allan.
“The first of those was in the financing and banking sector, and we had an excellent discussion where we invited in representatives, farmers from across different parts of the state, and they shared with us their own personal on-farm experience.”
“Also there were other representatives from the communities as well who talked about how else we can get around and support farmers, and then also to having banks represented on the committee on the task force, they were also able to hear first hand, the experiences that are being
immediate action
lived right now in our rural and regional communities, and talked about how they are also providing support.”
The first Drought Taskforce meeting in Camperdown highlighted three issues that the taskforce has provided an immediate response to.
The first is the establishment of a new drought freight network for the south west part of the state. This will provide temporary relief on our road network to be able to get bigger trucks closer to the farm gate to deliver the feed and fodder that is needed for those farmers.
The second matter raised last week was getting feed and fodder from interstate into Victoria as quickly as possible. Permits will be streamlined from 10 days down to two business days to turn around permits for fodder coming in from interstate.
The third was to fast track control permits to mitigate the damage to pastures from kangaroos.
“I made the decision to both establish the drought Taskforce and to chair it as Premier, as sending a very clear message
that this was a top priority for the Government,” said Ms Allan.
The State Government has provided three packages of support totalling $67M for drought relief. The first of those packages was released in September of last year on the back of work with farmers in the south west region of the state. There is a discrepancy between the level of financial support for the south west region and what has been received by the north east region and the Goulburn Valley.
“This goes back to why we have the Drought Taskforce is to be the clearing house for all of these issues and requests for support to come and be considered, not just by the government, but by broader representatives from across rural and regional Victoria, as we consider what we do next in providing support for farmers but also for rural and regional communities,” said Ms Allan.
DROUGHT TASKFORCE... Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan met with stakeholders at the Greater Shepparton City Council offices for the state’s second Drought Taskforce meeting last Friday. From left, Minister for Agriculture is Ros Spence MP, Premier Jacinta Allan MP, Minister for Water Gayle Tierney MP and GSCC Mayor Cr Shane Sali. Photo: Aaron Cordy
Seeking a better life
By Aaron Cordy REFUGEES,
asylum seekers and migrants are a hot topic come election time. They are the low-hanging fruit often picked by political leaders to stir the masses and rally for votes against their opposition.
Some people believe refugees and asylum seekers land in Australia and receive government handouts. This misconception is massively incorrect, as displaced people are cut off from services like Centrelink, Medicare and depending on the visa they can attain, they can be denied the opportunity to work.
There are many reasons why people leave their countries as refugees and seek asylum, each facing different
challenges as they try to settle in a new land
There were 34,502 refugee people in Australia in 2023 down from 54,430 refugee people in 2022. Shepparton has a significant refugee and asylum seeker population, particularly a large Afghan community with 1,144 residents reported in the 2021 Census. These statistics can rapidly change as a person's refugee status is a shifting phenomenon depending on the whims of political change.
There are many reasons why people leave their countries as refugees and seek asylum, each facing different challenges as they try to settle in a new land. Locally there are several organisations to help like the Ethnic Council and Connect GV helping ease that transition, but the complexity of refugee cases means more help is needed from organisations like Refugee Legal.
Refugee Legal specialises in immigration and protection visas. Solicitors from Refugee Legal, Priscilla Jamieson and former local and Notre Dame student Madelyn Madeira, visited the Greater Shepparton to meet with people in need and stakeholders at the Ethnic Council last month.
"At Refugee Legal, we have a team that specialises solely in permanent protection visas. We assist applicants in lodging the
visa at the Department stage, or if it's been refused by the Department, we step in to appeal it to the Administrative Review Tribunal," said Madelyn.
Not everyone is eligible for a protection visa. There needs to be a valid reason before it is granted.
"Applicants have to have a well-founded fear of persecution or significant harm if they were to return to their home country. This fear of harm must be on the grounds of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group, such as members of the LGBT community," said Madelyn.
The way someone arrives in Australia can have a profound impact on the level of support they receive from the government. With Refugee Week observed June 16-22, there is a call for kindness and understanding, with some saying that the system sets people seeking asylum up to fail.
"Our legal system, insofar as it deals with people who are applying, who are migrating or fleeing persecution, is very complex, very rigid, and very inflexible. So, unfortunately, in order to navigate the system, most people will require legal assistance, and that's what we provide," said Priscilla. "People who arrive by plane have been treated more fairly than those who arrive by boat.
"The legacy caseload from boat arrivals in the early 2010 to 2012, most people have been granted permanent residence under what's called a resolution of status visa, but there's still some thousands who were denied visas under an extremely unfair system. The government needs to come up with a solution for those people because they've established lives here. They've been
REFUGEE LEGAL... Fleeing your homeland to seek asylum is not a choice made lightly if it is a choice at all. Australia has a complex history with migrants; with many chapters they would like to forget.
Shepparton has a significant refugee and asylum seeker population with 1,144 residents as of the 2021 report. To help them navigate the system, solicitors from Refugee Legal,
and
working, creating families, friendship networks and so on."
Australia's role in offering aid to refugees goes back to when former Australian politician and judge, The Right Honourable Dr Herbert Evatt QC KStJ, presided over the UN General Assembly from 1948 to 1949 and helped to draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Australia signed six years later in 1954.
In 1976 the first people seeking asylum by boat arrived in Australia from Vietnam and in 1977, Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser introduced Australia's Humanitarian Program. However, by 1992, a shift in Australian policies and practices regarding asylum seekers seemed to signal a decline in humanitarianism, leading many to question the reasons behind this change.
Negative news headlines about a small number of new arrivals casts a dark shadow on the many hardworking migrants and asylum seekers who came to Australia seeking a better life and who contribute to our communities in many ways.
During the 1990s, the Afghan-born population in Australia grew significantly due to ongoing civil war and instability in Afghanistan. The number of Afghan-born residents arriving in Australia between 1991 and 2000 was 6,638. As of June 2023, there were 78,370 Afghan-born people living in Australia, which is the direct result of that conflict. This is one example of foreign policy contributing to a flux of people seeking asylum.
Fleeing your home is not a choice made lightly. People do not seek out foreign invasion, political upheaval or religious and ethnic persecution. That threat is still very real to many people seeking asylum in Australia, which is why empathy and understanding from the wider community is vital. This is why services like Refugee Legal are essential, as they help people navigate a system that is often stacked against asylum seekers.
Priscilla Jamieson
former local and Notre Dame student Madelyn Madeira met at the Ethnic Council last month.
Photo: Aaron Cordy
Safeguard our vital local community services
By Amanda McCulloch, Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer
THE announcement of the closure of Horses for Hope has sent ripples through our Greater Shepparton community, not just for those
ive and L ocal!
directly impacted, but for everyone who values the essential work of non-profit and community-based organisations. For over two decades, Horses for Hope offered life-changing equine assisted, native therapy services to people managing trauma, mental illness, and developmental challenges— in a format no one else could. Its loss is more than unfortunate; it’s a stark warning.
Non-profits like Horses for Hope are the quiet achievers of our region. They fill critical service gaps, particularly for vulnerable populations who often fall through the cracks of mainstream systems. But they do so on a financial knife's edge—juggling inconsistent funding and increasing demand.
a community
Expression of Interest
Agent services – Euroa
The problem is systemic. Most local nonprofits rely heavily on short-term grants, donations, and occasional government support—resources that are unstable and often tied to rigid outcomes. This makes long-term planning, staff retention, and service continuity incredibly difficult. When economic conditions tighten, or when grant priorities shift, these organisations become casualties.
This is where the idea of a community Forever Fund becomes not just important, but urgent.
The Greater Shepparton Foundation Forever Fund—an endowed community fund that generates annual income for local
The Australian Government agency Services Australia is seeking Expressions of Interest from organisations to provide agent services for 10 hours per week in Euroa.
We contract agents to deliver services and programs on our behalf. We provide training and equipment.
Agents help people in rural and remote Australia to access government services. Agents provide a face to face information service and free self-help facilities. These include an internet enabled computer, Wi-Fi, phone and scanner/ photocopier/printer to help people do their business with us.
We’ll pay the successful applicant in accordance with our fee structure. Each year we review the number of hours per week we need you to provide face to face customer service. The payment will change accordingly. Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/agentaccesspointhosts to view:
• the selection criteria
• general information on agent services
• how to obtain the terms and conditions for this opportunity.
For more information, please call 02 8440 2814 to speak with one of our agent coordinators.
Expressions of Interest close at 5 pm, Wednesday 9 July 2025
Email your Expression of Interest to: Agent Coordinator, NAAPT.SERVICE.DELIVERY@servicesaustralia.gov.au with subject header: TASNWVIC – Euroa EOI
causes—could be a game-changer for Greater Shepparton. It would create a stable, locally controlled source of funding that can respond flexibly and quickly to emerging needs. Whether responding to emergencies like the 2022 floods or Foodlink, established to support business and community during COVID, helping our youth stay connected to education and employment, supporting mental health programs or simply supporting the incredible work of our non-forprofit organisations locally, a Forever Fund backs the long game.
Think of it as a financial safety net for the soul of our community.
What’s more, a Forever Fund would invite all of us to be part of the solution. Individuals, families, businesses, and philanthropic partners could contribute—large or small—with the confidence that their donations will have a lasting impact. This is about legacy. About saying: we believe in the strength and resilience of our people, and we’re putting our money
where our heart is.
Communities across Australia are already embracing this model. In places like Geelong, the Geelong Community Foundation is transforming how rural and regional communities invest in their own wellbeing and support local ideas and solutions to local problems. Why shouldn’t Shepparton join them?
The closure of Horses for Hope in May 2025 is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with Colin, Jack, Amy and the board of management, funders, supporters and of course participants impacted by this decision.
But it should also mark a turning point. It has highlighted the vulnerability of our most valuable services—and the need for bold, forward-thinking solutions.
Let’s not wait for the next crisis to act. Let’s build a Forever Fund! Please visit the ‘Prospectus’ page on our website at www. greatershepparton.foundation/prospectus for more information and to donate.
Police warn snow travellers to be prepared or face fines
AS snow season begins, police are urging alpine travellers to plan ahead or risk fines and serious safety hazards.
Last year, 1,471 drivers were turned back at Mt Hotham alone for not carrying legally required snow chains.
This season, police and authorised officers are again checking vehicles on key alpine routes, including Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Lake Mountain and Mt Stirling, to ensure drivers understand alpine road rules and are properly equipped.
Recent heavy snowfall has led to several rescues, including two hikers and 13 drivers at Mt Hotham. SES crews also rescued more than 20 people trapped near Hotham Heights, with road closures adding to the danger.
A zero-tolerance approach is in place: failing to carry snow chains carries a $395 fine, while not fitting them when required can result in a $988 penalty. Stay safe and avoid fines—be prepared before heading to the snow.
ROOM TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
FOREVER FUND... Greater Shepparton Foundation Executive Officer, Amanda McCulloch, reflects on the news of Horses for Hope closing, and calls for a bold response—establishing
Forever Fund to ensure essential local services like Horses for Hope are never left vulnerable again. Photo: Supplied
Language rising from the tall trees
700-word Bangerang dictionary to be released at years end
By Aaron Cordy
LANGUAGE is sacred. In its basic form, language is how we communicate. For Indigenous Australians, language holds the connection to culture, to country, their oral history and traditions.
To keep the connection to land and language strong for future generations of Bangerang people, cousins Roland and Kobe Atkinson have comprised a Bangerang dictionary with more than 700 words of The People of the Tall Trees.
“Aboriginal language for an Aboriginal person is the core number one thing for identity, communication and how to identify yourself, and re-strengthen your identity as well,” said Bangerang custodian and cultural educator, Roland Atkinson.
It is called Bangerang Ngawitpa Lotjpatj. Bangarang; People of the Tall Trees. Ngawitpa; round or circle. Lotjpatj comes from the word Lotjpa, which means to speak, and Lotjpatj means been speaking and have spoken.
It was important for the cousins that the language came under the traditional owner group, the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation. With the aid of the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation of Languages and the community, they developed a spelling system.
“Were we going to go with the B or the P or the G or the K? There was a couple of long
Aboriginal language for an Aboriginal person is the core number one thing for identity
Roland Atkinson
meetings around that. But we had to educate ourselves about the new space, especially around the Aboriginal language that traditionally wasn't documented. It was just orally spoken,” said Roland.
“Once that was established, we started going through all the early settlers’ literature and documentation in the area, for the language that they put down. Going through word-for-word, different settlers’ diaries, and then putting it to the new spelling system and coming up with the new spelling to make pronunciation a lot easier. The reason we did that was we wanted our language to be united nationally, so if anyone from up north or WA saw our language, they
could speak it straight off the bat.”
White settlers virtually stole the language and muddied it with English interpretations across the vast Bangerang Nation, with some groups in Wangaratta wanting to be called Pangerang instead of Bangerang. This is why it was so important to establish the language circle with an agreed-upon structure and spelling for the 700 Bangerang words.
“So that's why we established the language circle to take that ownership back but also give guidance to our own community. It's a new space; we’re still picking up trends. You know, what's the pros and cons of it?” said Roland.
“The good thing is that the word list is completed. That means any use of language if the community needs it, for naming a new project or program or creating education tools, they can go ahead with it, and the language circle is there to guide them. Once you get the
endorsement from the language circle, you automatically get the endorsement from the traditional owner group.”
Kobe and Roland are expecting to have the dictionary hard copy finalised by the end of the year so they can donate it to the libraries within the Bangerang Nation. They are also putting every word with audio attached into an online dictionary, to make it easier for the wider community who haven't spoken the language before to hear it and start encouraging them to speak Bangerang.
“The language comes from the ground where the people come from. I'm 44 years old and growing up we just had a handful of words we called koori slang. But we always wanted to put some sort of foundation down, so the next generation and so on, become fluent speakers, but also share it as well to make it the perfect tool for reconciliation.”
BANGRANG DICTIONARY... cousins Roland and Kobe Atkinson have comprised a Bangerang dictionary with more than 700 words of The People of the Tall Trees. It was a complex task that required a lot of meetings and agreement for traditional oral language. Pictured is Roland in front of one of the displays at the Bangerang Cultural Centre. Photo: Supplied
Meet your pet’s new best friends!
SHEPPARTON pet lovers, rejoice! Petbarn has officially arrived in town. This brand-new store brings everything you need for your furry, feathered, or scaly family members, all under one roof.
Whether you’re looking after a dog, cat, fish, reptile, rabbit, guinea pig, or even backyard poultry, Petbarn Shepparton has you covered. From premium pet food and parasite protection, to grooming tools and pet accessories, the extensive range caters to every pet parent.
The knowledgeable team are as passionate about your pets as you are. Friendly advice, product tips and genuine care come standard at Petbarn. Locals are invited to join their free Friends For Life loyalty program, which comes with additional perks like exclusive member pricing, points with every purchase, special offers, and access to the Frequent Feeder and Puppy & Kitten programs. Find out more at petbarn.com.au/loyalty-program.
July will mark Petbarn’s annual Seeing Eye Dog Appeal,
to
to
where stores nationwide raise money in partnership with Vision Australia. Since 2014, Petbarn and its customers have raised more than $8.9M to help train Seeing Eye Dogs that support Australians who are blind or have low vision.
Last year alone, the campaign raised over $1M, and Petbarn Shepparton is proud to be part of the effort for the
first time in 2025.
Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or welcoming a new companion, pop into Petbarn and see what’s on offer, and say hi to Shepparton’s newest pet care team.
Petbarn Shepparton is located at 282-286 High Street, Shepparton. Find out more at petbarn.com.au
BLOOMS...
THE ground is soft from recent rain, and Shepparton Plant Farm’s huge end-of-financial-year sale is on now, marking a fantastic time to roll up your sleeves and refresh your garden.
Craig Turner from Echuca Moama Plant Farm and his team of locals have breathed new life into the former Gardens on Archer site, creating the region’s largest nursery, Shepparton Plant Farm.
Unlike large suppliers who import plants from far and wide, Shepparton Plant Farm offers stock grown right here in the Goulburn Valley. Their
Shepparton Plant Farm, with
nurseries. Bare-root root roses (pictured),
garden. Photo: Deanne Jeffers
plants are already acclimatised to local conditions, meaning even the most inexperienced gardeners are set up for success.
Until June 30, enjoy 20 per cent off almost everything in-store at their Shepparton and Echuca nurseries and online, including plants, pots and trees. Known for their already competitive everyday prices, this EOFY offer makes Shepparton Plant Farm one of the bestvalue nurseries in the region. Orders over $100 also qualify for free delivery to selected areas.
“With recent rain softening the
ground, it is a great time to start planting to see strong growth come spring, and with the end of the financial year approaching, it’s also a smart time to plan and make the most of seasonal savings,” Craig said.
Now is an ideal time to plant deciduous trees, bare-root roses, and fruit trees, setting your garden up to thrive in the months ahead.
Shepparton Plant Farm is located at 535 Archer Road, Kialla and is open seven days a week. You can also shop online or find out more at www. sheppartonplantfarm.com.au
ALL YOUR PET NEEDS... At the brand new Petbarn Shepparton store, leashed pets are not only welcome but are encouraged
pop in
meet the team and explore their vast range. Pictured are from left is Riley Van Oosten, Karen Barty, Tom Smith, Riss Oyler, Fish the furry team member, Jeremy Alink, Shelby James and Baylee Hansen. Photo: Emma Harrop
What’s up for grabs, and how to get your share...
YOU could win a share of $10,000 in prizes thanks to the GMCU just by spending $10 or more at local stores. Entering is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4:
1. Spend $10 or more at any participating store (listed on page 30)
2. Make sure to get a receipt. Digital receipt can be screenshot on your phone and uploaded via the web browser.
3. To upload your receipt and contact details, scan the QR code or go to the website: www.10kgiveaway.com.au/
4. Select enter and you’re in the draw!
The GMCU/Adviser $10,000 Giveaway runs from Wednesday, June 11 until midnight on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Each week for five weeks, three shoppers will be randomly drawn to win one of 15 GMCU debit cards valued at $250, that can be spent at any business participating in this year’s giveaway.
All entrants will go into the draw to win the $5,000 grand prize, or $750 and $500 consolation prizes.
With 120 retailers signed up, you could win a shopping spree worth anywhere from $250
to $5,000 to spend at the local businesses you already know and love. It’s also a great chance to explore new stores or finally purchase that item you’ve had your eye on—knowing it could earn you even more spending power.
You might be rewarded for buying new tyres, getting a manicure, or shopping for clothes, groceries, toys, furniture and more. Just keep an eye out for the promotional posters in participating stores across Greater Shepparton.
Here’s what’s up for grabs at businesses throughout the region:
• Three $250 shopping sprees per week for five weeks, totalling 15 winners
• Two consolation GMCU debit card prizes valued at $750 and $500
• The grand prize of $5,000, awarded to one lucky winner.
EVERYWHERE you go, you hear about the rising cost of living and how household expenses are putting increasing pressure on family budgets. It’s getting harder to find real ‘bang for your buck’, and shoppers are becoming more savvy in response.
The GMCU/Adviser Giveaway offers households a chance to turn everyday purchases of $10 or more into entries to win a share of $10,000.
Each week for five weeks, three lucky shoppers will be drawn to win one of 15 $250 GMCU debit cards and go in the draw to win the $5,000 grand prize. There are also two consolation prizes up for grabs, valued at $750 and $500.
This year when you enter the Giveaway online at www.10kgiveaway.com.au, you’ll also have the option to request a free, no-obligation health check on your current home loan or one you're considering.
It’s completely optional, but a great opportunity for homeowners or future buyers to gain insights into how their home loan compares. If you tick the box when entering, a GMCU team member will be in touch to go over your situation and provide personalised, no-obligation advice.
Whether you’re wondering if you’re getting the best deal or preparing to enter the property market, this free check could uncover potential savings.
It’s just another way the GMCU and The Adviser are working together to support locals, not only by encouraging community spending, but by giving households the opportunity to make informed financial decisions.
Don’t miss your chance to win big and give your budget a boost. Every $10 you spend locally could bring you one step closer to $5,000!
Dreaming of adventure?
SCORE big on boats, caravans, and accessories with end-of-financial year specials at Solar City Marine & Caravans, home to country Victoria’s biggest marine and caravan showroom.
Over the years, Solar City Marine & Caravans has earned a strong reputation for outstanding service and customer satisfaction. They specialise in value-formoney family boat packages and caravans tailored to your perfect holiday adventure.
Solar City Marine & Caravans stock the My Dream RV range of caravans, with over 13 new vans on display. They are also home to Australia’s number one brand of boat and outboard: Quintrex and Yamaha. With over 30 boats in stock, packages ready for immediate delivery
at Europa
and big discounts now is the perfect time to buy.
iTechworld has arrived instore and Solar City Marine & Caravans are matching their EOFY sale, including lithium batteries from $499, 300W solar blankets reduced to $499, 3.5kVA generators down to $999, or pick up a 3000W inverter for just $699.
Find these incredible specials and so much more at Solar City Marine & Caravans at 195 Numurkah Road, Shepparton.
For your chance to win a share of $10,000, spend a minimum of $10 at participating retailers, scan the QR code, upload your receipt and submit online. Solar City Marine & Caravans is a participating business in the 2025 GMCU $10,000 Giveaway.
Savour the taste of Europe right here in Shepparton
THE taste of Europe has long been found here in Shepparton with Europa Deli and Café on Vaughan Street. Owners Joe and Anna Mallamaci are renowned for providing exceptional service to customers and for stocking a plethora of exceptional food products and delicatessen items—from gourmet cheeses to freshly packaged dried fruits, nuts, sweet treats, and much more—to have you drift away with the flavour of Europe that will keep you wanting more.
Their delicious range of home-cooked cakes, slices, and sandwiches is a perfect way to begin the day for breakfast or gather with friends and family for a lunch you will not regret.
Their establishment provides a welcoming space to enjoy highquality, fresh café food and delicious, freshly made espresso coffee, rendering Europa Deli and Café the perfect lunch stop and gourmet food shopping destination.
Europa Deli and Café is located at 37 Vaughan Street, Shepparton, and can be contacted on (03) 5831 3109.
For your chance to win a share of $10,000, spend a minimum of $10 at participating retailers, scan the QR code, upload your receipt, and submit online. Europa Deli & Café is a participating business in the 2025 GMCU $10,000 Giveaway.
INDULGE... in the finest co ee and gourmet delights
Deli and Café! From rich, aromatic brews to handpicked delicacies, owner Joe Mallamaci delivers unbeatable service and irresistible flavours that’ll have you coming back for more. Photo: The Adviser
EOFY
Quintrex boats that have
arrived in the showroom, and 13 new caravans are on display. Pictured are Sales Manager Jim Edmund and Principal Dealer
McCully.
Photo: Deanne Je ers
Drive
DRIVING down the lush fairways of the golf course on a sunny day can only get better with tips and tricks from a professional coach.
The Shepparton Golf Club Pro Shop is one of the top regional golf courses in Victoria. Under the guidance of experienced PGA golf professional Russell “Rusty” Kelly, it is the perfect place to improve your backswing.
Russell is a 20-year PGA Professional with extensive experience in various roles, from Head Golf Professional to Director of Golf. He played on the Australian tour for several years and has played and coached throughout the UK, gaining valuable insights and skills before shifting his focus to coaching and club management and the life of a Club Professional in Shepparton.
“My passion lies in coaching and helping players improve and enjoy the game. I strive to provide a clear pathway for improvement, tailoring my communication to suit everyone’s learning style. I combine a straightforward approach with the latest game improvement technology,” said Russell.
Joining the Shepparton team in
2023 as a PGA teaching professional was Reanna Blake. A certified PGA Professional since 2016, she coaches golfers of various skill levels from men, women and juniors of all ages.
You can find the Shepparton Golf Club Pro Shop at Golf Drive Shepparton. To book a lesson email pro@sheppartongolf.net.au, book via the pro shop page on the Clubs website or call (03) 5821 2717.
For your chance to win a share of $10,000, spend a minimum of $10 at participating retailers, scan the QR code, upload your receipt and submit online. Shepparton Golf Club Pro Shop is a participating business in the 2025 GMCU $10,000 Giveaway.
Meet
Kayla Haigh
KAYLA is the Branch Manager of both the Mooroopna and Numurkah branches, and she has been with GMCU since September 2024. She’s passionate about creating meaningful positive impact for those in her local community.
Q. What footy team do you barrack for, or are there any other sports you enjoy watching or playing?
Carlton – don't hold it against me. Being from NSW, I mainly follow NRL, for which I barrack for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Q. What is your favourite part of your job and working at the GMCU?
My favourite part of the job would be helping our members succeed and reach their goals, whether it be setting a savings goal for a house deposit or car. Or helping them get into their dream home with getting a home loan. I love seeing our members happy or excited about reaching a life goal.
Q. Where is home for you, and how did your find your way to the Goulburn Valley?
Home is Pambula, south coast NSW. I followed my sister to the GV five years ago after my nephew was born.
Q. What does community spirit mean to you?
A community that rallies around each other in a time of need.
Q. Beyond your job, what are some things you like to do in your free time?
I am a volunteer firefighter with the Mooroopna CFA and enjoy spending time camping and fishing.
Q. If you had the opportunity to become a master of any skill without any effort, what would you pick and why?
Painting. I’m currently painting my house and it’s much harder than I thought, and I wish I had a steadier hand.
Q. What do you think is the secret to good customer service?
Empathy and understanding along with the ability to want to help.
Q. What’s one local thing you’ve bought that you absolutely couldn’t do without now?
Caramilk slice from North End Bakehouse – my guilty pleasure.
Q. What is your dream holiday destination?
New Zealand or Canada.
Q. Why are you proud to be the face of the GMCU Giveaway this year?
It’s a great way to give back to our community and to inject money back into our town – particularly in tough times.
Mooroopna and Numurkah
JESSICA is the Kyabram Branch Manager and she has been with GMCU for just over two years. She is proud to lead her team to help locals reach their financial goals
Q. What is your favourite part of your job and working at the GMCU?
My favourite part of the job is helping our members. Seeing the younger generation open their first accounts, saving money for cars or travel, making the members money work for them. When it comes to lending, it’s great to see people finally get the keys to their dream homes, cars or caravans!
Q. Where is home for you, and how did you find your way to the Goulburn Valley?
Home started for me in Rochester, I lived in Echuca, and now in Kyabram. It’s a perfectly sized town, with just the right amount of everything.
Q. What does community spirit mean to you?
Community spirit means supporting your local businesses and knowing the local people. When the local community supports us, we can then support them through sponsorships for example.
Q. Beyond your job, what are some things you like to do in your free time?
I really enjoy going hiking, four-wheel driving, and traveling to see new places. I also enjoy painting and drawing.
Q. What footy team do you barrack for, or are there other sports you enjoy watching or play?
I barrack for Hawthorn in the AFL. I have two kids that play for different local clubs, Lancaster and Kyabram, so I barrack for each of them when I watch them play also.
Q. If you had the opportunity to become a master of any skill without effort, what would you pick and why?
Ice sculpting. I think it would be a lot of fun, and very challenging.
Q. What do you think is the secret to good customer service?
I think people underestimate the power of simple kindness – a smile, manners, an ear to listen. It helps to form relationships with your customers, or members in our case, that’s filled with trust and goodwill.
Meet Jessica Giorgianni
Q. What’s one local thing you’ve bought that you absolutely couldn’t do without now?
Coffee. I love my daily coffees (plural) and I love that Kyabram has a lot of coffee shops; I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite one!
Q. What is your dream holiday destination?
The Northern Lights.
Q. Why are you proud to be the face of the GMCU Giveaway this year?
I was part of the competition last year and it was great to see people’s faces when they won. It’s part of how we do things at GMCU – to be able to create moments of delight for our members and the wider community.
REWARDING LOCALS... GMCU Kyabram Branch Manager, Jessica Giorgianni. Photo: Emma Harrop
Bakers of artisan breads, bagels, sourdough, ciabatta, croissants & traditional bakery
Our trading hours Mon-Fri 6:30am - 4pm Sat 7am-2pm Sun Closed 121 Wyndham St, Shepparton (Next to Renato’s Florist) Orders welcome 5821 2311
GMCU Giveaway equals a huge boost to local economy
ECHUCA’S Dot Nicholson claimed the top prize in the 2024 GMCU Giveaway. Dot spent just $36 at North End Bakehouse in Mooroopna on treats for her grandchildren, and in doing so, she claimed the $5,000 grand prize to spend at participating businesses.
The GMCU Giveaway not only rewards customers for their loyalty, giving them the opportunity to win a gift card that can be spent on groceries, eating out, shopping for clothes, toys, tyres, furniture, white goods, jewellery, sporting goods or more, but also provides a massive boost to business.
Last year was a huge year for the annual shoppers’ competition, with more than 85,000 entries received from people who spent $10 or more at participating businesses.
A survey of nearly 1,000 entries in 2024 revealed an average spend of $95.63, equating to millions of dollars spent at local participating stores. Shoppers from Numurkah spent the highest amount per entry at $165.10 on average.
Geoff Adams of The Shepparton Adviser thanked the GMCU for their ongoing support of the Giveaway.
I’m sure that the dozens of winners from the 85,378 entries in 2024 were absolutely thrilled to be part of this competition, along with the 150 businesses. We just could not do this without the GMCU
“Encouraging shoppers to spend $10 or more at participating retailers equates to millions of dollars being pumped back into the local economy,” said Mr Adams.
“I’m sure that the dozens of winners from the 85,378 entries in 2024 were absolutely thrilled to be part of this competition, along with the 150 businesses. We just could not do this without the GMCU.”
WINNING ENTRANT... Dot Nicholson of Echuca won the grand prize of $5,000 in the 2024 GMCU/Adviser Giveaway. Dot was one of many entries from Echuca, with entries coming from a total of 91 di erent towns. The majority of 2024 entrants were from Shepparton (47 per cent). Photo: Emma Harrop
a great artist
By Aaron Cordy
PLEIN Air Art was the French impressionist style that became popular in the 19th century. It is also the style Kialla West artist Raymond Hill has made his own, inspired by Australia’s landscape and those he has seen around the world.
Don’t Fence Me In , is Raymond Hill's new show featuring a selection of his breathtaking plein air paintings displayed at the Kyabram Town Hall Gallery until Thursday, July 31.
The exhibition consists of 40 paintings of both his stunning Australian landscapes and his striking paintings of his trips to Europe, Canada, the USA, Japan, the UK, Ireland and Italy.
Ray began painting when he was 17 inspired by the Beatles’ song ‘Fool on the Hill,’ before his love for the Australian bush turned his hand to the plein air style, painting on location, and producing works true to the colour of the surroundings. But it wasn’t until a tragedy, Raymond turned
his passion into a career.
“I've always been doing dabbling and painting when I was full-time building.
And then we go away on holiday and usually get frustrated because I couldn't paint,” said Raymond.
“I was managing a building company at the time, so I threw the towel in there and went full-time painting. Then from that, things just seemed to happen.”
Travel has inspired Raymond’s work as much as the Australian landscape, with overseas tutoring other artists, creating networks and continuing to develop his art with new dimensions and connections to the land that inspires his work.
As well as creating his own beautiful works Raymond does Plein Air painting lessons at his Kialla West Studio. For more information about these lessons or his artwork email raymond@raymondhill. com.au or call 0407 837 466.
Don’t Fence Me In will be on display at the Kyabram Town Hall Gallery, 199 Allen Street Kyabram, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm until Thursday, July 31.
LOCAL ARTIST... Local Plein Air Artist Raymond Hill’s latest show, Don’t Fence Me In is on display at the Kyabram Town Hall Gallery until the end of July. Raymond paints on location, producing works of true colour of his surroundings. Photo: Aaron Cordy
Your banking partner
AT GMCU, the local teams are here to help with all your banking needs, from everyday accounts to loans and insurance.
As a customer-owned bank, GMCU puts members first, offering personalised service, competitive rates, and easy online access. With 10 branches across the region, they’re a trusted partner committed to supporting your financial goals with care and integrity.
GMCU has proudly supported the Giveaway since it was launched in 2003. This annual event was created to encourage local shopping in the Greater
Shepparton area. Since its inception, the competition has awarded prizes to hundreds of shoppers and garnered millions of entries, equating to a huge boost for local businesses and rewards for local shoppers.
Mooroopna and Numurkah Branch Manager, Kayla Haigh and Kyabram Branch Manager, Jessica Giorgianni, are the faces of this year’s giveaway. You can learn more about Kayla and Jessica on pages 18-19 of this weeks Giveaway feature.
To learn more about the GMCU and the services and products they offer, go to www.gmcu.com.au/ or call 1800 694 628.
BANKING WITH PURPOSE... The GMCU is proudly a customer-owned bank, that belongs to its members. Everything they do is centred around serving its members with care, integrity, fairness and efficiency. They provide genuine, personalised service and offer convenient online access, anytime. Pictured is GMCU CEO Richard O’Nians Photo: Emma Harrop
Hangout in Shepparton’s CBD
MEMBERS of the community are invited to ‘Popup Hangout’ in Maude Street this June. A Greater Shepparton City Council initiative, in collaboration with the Greater Shepparton Youth Committee and the Victorian Government’s Amplify program.
Featuring a reptile show, live music, a street art workshop, henna, face painting, an origami workshop and more, this exciting event will take place at the Maude Street precinct on Saturday, June 21 from 10am to 2pm.
Community members are invited to enjoy the
special activities hand-picked by the Greater Shepparton Youth Committee, as well as the live family entertainment and music showcasing local talent.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, encouraged residents to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to have fun with family and friends.
"This new event concept is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy the Maude Street precinct, support local talent, and discover what the CBD has to offer," he said.
"Collaborating with the Youth Committee to deliver an event designed for young people is key to Popup Hangout. I'm really looking forward to seeing younger community members participate in the workshops or simply enjoy hanging out in the CBD."
For further information and updates about the Popup Hangout, visit the website, follow Council’s social media pages or view the Facebook Event Page.
POPUP HANGOUT... Greater Shepparton City Council, in collaboration with the Greater Shepparton Youth Committee and the Victorian Government’s Amplify program, invites community members to ‘Popup Hangout’ on Saturday, June 21 from 10am to 2pm at the Maude Street precinct. There will be a reptile show, live music, a street art workshop, henna, face painting, an origami workshop and much more. Photo: Supplied
Blockbuster exhibition opens at SAM
Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio - an exhibition not to be missed!
GIFTED, fascinating, and revered, Brett Whiteley’s name is synonymous with Australian art at its very best. From June 28, audiences can experience a selection of this iconic artist’s diverse works up close at the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) in Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio
Significantly, this is the only Victorian stop on a major national tour featuring works drawn from the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Brett Whiteley Studio in Sydney. This captivating exhibition offers local audiences a rare insight into the chaotic brilliance of an artist whose career spanned over three decades. Whiteley won the coveted Archibald, Sulman, and Wynne Prizes multiple times—famously taking out all three in 1978.
Acclaimed both in Australia and abroad, Whiteley is known for his dynamic paintings, intimate studio photographs, expressive charcoal sketches, and towering masterpieces such as Self-portrait in the studio and The balcony 2, both featured in this exhibition. His work has been part of major contemporary exhibitions across Australia and Europe, and is held in every
major Australian museum, as well as prominent international collections.
A whirlwind of exceptional creativity, Inside the Studio provides a deeply personal look into Whiteley’s artistic process which were predominantly studio-based, where he worked at an easel, on a table, or directly on the floor, giving him full control over his creative space.
Whiteley began studio practice in the late 1950s, initially converting his parents’ glasshouse into a workspace. As he travelled during the 1960s, he continued his habit of working in living spaces, often blending life with art. His Surry Hills studio in Sydney, converted from a warehouse, became both home and creative base from 1988 until his death in 1992.
Alongside iconic paintings, the exhibition includes rarely seen archival photographs showing works in progress, offering a behind-the-scenes view of Whiteley’s world. Visitors can also enjoy a curated Spotify playlist, drawn from Whiteley’s personal vinyl collection, accessible via QR code in the gallery.
Disability support that cares for you
FINDING the right care for a person with a disability is one of the most important decisions people can make for a loved one or themselves. You want someone trusted who understands the needs of people with a disability and can help develop the daily life and living skills required to accomplish their goals.
Care 4 You Support Services is an accredited NDIS provider with years of experience in the local area. With trained and certified caregivers, they understand the needs of the participants and tailor the services accordingly. They provide in-home personal care, respite, and aged and disability services.
“We offer personalised care that’s tailored to the client's needs. Everybody is an individual and
everybody’s needs are different. We like to match the right support worker with the right client and have the same consistency of the workers going there so the client doesn’t get confused and anxious about new people coming in,” said Managing Director Priscilla Cooksey
Care 4 You is the 2025 Quality Business Awards winner for Disability Care Services, meaning they are a trusted local NDIS provider.
To find out more about the services Care 4 You provide call 043 441 8833, email: care4you21@ outlook.com or find them at 420 Poplar Avenue Orrvale.
UNMISSABLE...One of Australia’s most recognisable and celebrated artists, Brett Whiteley won the prestigious Archibald, Sulman, and Wynne Prizes—famously claiming all three in 1978. Now, the Shepparton Art Museum presents Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio, a captivating exhibition running from June 8 to October 5, sure to draw both local and visiting audiences. Photo: Supplied
The exhibition will open with a sold-out launch event on Friday, June 27 at 6pm, featuring opening remarks and a special preview.
Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio is a free, ticketed exhibition at SAM from June 28 to October 5, 2025. Tickets for the first four weeks of the exhibition can now be pre-booked online via the SAM website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/whats-on/ upcoming/brett-whiteley-inside-the-studio/
SUPPORT SERVICES... Care 4 You Support Services is an accredited NDIS provider with years of experience in the local area. They pride themselves on finding the right carer to meet the client’s needs across all the services they provide. From left, John, Nicole, Priscilla, Maddie, Imogene, and Clinten. Photo: Aaron Cordy
Motoring history
SHEPPARTON and Echuca played host to a slice of motoring history last month when the Model A Ford Club of Victoria (MAFCV) visited the region to mark its 50th anniversary.
Coinciding with Historic Winton weekend, the milestone event ran from May 23 to 26 and gave locals a chance to see vintage vehicles in action.
Club members were based at the Overlander Hotel in Shepparton, and on Saturday, around 40 Model A Fords made the scenic drive via Kyabram to the Port of Echuca, where the classic cars were proudly displayed.
The Goulburn Valley Motor Vehicle
Drivers Club Inc. welcomed around 81 guests on Saturday evening for a roast dinner, reporting that a wonderful time was had by all. On Sunday, they gathered again for breakfast before motorists began their journeys home.
The Model A Ford was produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1927 to 1931, following the legendary Model T. It came in a wide range of body styles and was one of the first vehicles to feature modern innovations such as safety glass in the windshield. Today, these cars are prized by enthusiasts for their charm, simplicity and lasting impact on automotive history.
HISTORY IN MOTION... Motoring history was on show in the Goulburn Valley last month, when the Model A Ford Club of Victoria visited the region to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Held the same weekend as the Historic Winton on May 23-26, the milestone club event provided locals with a chance to see history in motion in their own backyard.
Photos: Brendan Walsh
Ford Model A Tourer.
1929 Ford Model A Racing Special.
1928 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan
Support Workers
Required to assist female client living in their own home - Shepparton area
•Personal Care, Community Access and Domestic Work
•Disability support experience preferred.
•Variety of shifts available including overnights
•Minimum starting pay rate is $41.87 plus allowances on evenings, weekends and public holidays (based
Email your resume to lcsapply@lifestylecentred.com.au
COMPANION BBQ gas bottle, as new condition $5 Ph: 0439 049 779
CRAYFISH drop nets x 6, bait catch containers x 2, large yabby net x 1 $10 the lot Ph: 0439 049 779
ELKHORN backboards, solid timber non rust nails, can also help with remounting elks onto new boards, from $10 Ph: 0408 389 247
SUITCASE Tosca 60 x 40 x 20cm thick, dark green colour 2 wheels as new $20 Ph: 03 5821 1854
TABLES nesting set of 3, mahogany turned legs exc cond 1970's $50 Ph: 0421 087 772
TABLE steel frame and legs with masonite top 900mm L x 600mm W $10 Ph: 0408 389 247
MYNA BIRD TRAPS $55 Mooroopna Men's Shed. Ph Michael 0418 993 692.
SCOOTER E-bike good cond $250 Ph: 0431 214 576
participating business Management and staf f of The Adviser are not eligible to enter this competition.
PRIZES: 3 x $250 prizes (GMCU debit cards) per week will be drawn on Monday June 23rd and 30th June, July 7th, 14th, and 21st 2025 at 10am at The Adviser, 38-40 Welsford Street, Shepparton
The Grand Prize of 1 x $5,000 plus 1 x $750 and 1 x $500 prizes (GMCU debit cards) will be drawn from al entries received during the competition, including previous winning entries.
These draws will be on Monday, 28th July 2025 at 1:00pm All prizes will be provided in the form of a Goulburn Murray Credit Union (GMCU) Debit Card
TOTAL PRIZE POOL: Total prize pool is $10,000 and al of this must be won.
UNCL AIMED PRIZES: If a winner does not claim their prize by Thursday
August 28 th, 2025, the prize will be re -drawn at 9:00am on We dnesday, September 17th, 2025, at the of fices of “The Adviser”, 38-40 Welsford Street, Shepparton, and the new winner will be notified in accordance with these conditions
NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: Winners will be contac ted by phone as soon as the prizes are drawn.
Names of $250 draw winners will be
Benalla (10th) v Shepp United (11th)
For a game between the 10th and 11th-ranked teams in the competition, this contest has plenty of interest, given the arrival and immediate impact of Guy Barnes on the Saints outfit and the encouraging signs of Shepp United in the previous three weeks.
Barnes, the former WAFL goalkicker who has played the last two games, kicked three goals last week in the 22-point win against Mooroopna. Playing alongside Nathan Wright (who kicked a season-best nine goals) and Jarrad Wright, he gave the Benalla attacking half a vibrant new look. After winning just six of the first 24 quarters (on the scoreboard) of the season, the Saints have won five of the last 12 and can continue that upward trend against the Demons. United’s last six weeks, while bringing just one victory, have not been the worst.
second-last round). That would give them 16 wins for the year and, by my calculations, see them finish second on the ladder. All this with a few stars to come back into the team, having had Will Monahan on the sidelines on Saturday alongside Justin Hoffman and ruck duo Watson and O’Brien. Seymour’s 50 per cent winning record is probably indicative of where the Lions sit this year. They have two of the competition’s most prolific ballwinners—Jack Murphy and Nathan Beattie—but have a lack of high-quality ruck stocks and have conceded 100-plus points twice this year.
Prediction: Echuca by 31 points.
LTTM: Round 16, 2024: Echuca won by 104 points.
Mooroopna (9th) v Tatura (12th)
After a 116-point flogging at the hands of Kyabram, they lost by just a goal in Round 5 against Seymour, ran Mooroopna to 18 points a week later, lost by just 9 points to second-ranked Rochester, and had a 108-point win against Tatura. After being smashed in the opening quarter of Saturday’s game against Echuca, when the Murray Bombers scored nine goals to United’s two, they were outscored by just five points in the second half of the game. Neither team will have any finals thoughts, but a win for United would take them up one rung, and a Saints victory could lift them to eighth spot on the ladder. Benalla will have an edge in the ruck, where Mark Marriott has been outstanding in 2025, while Chris Welsh’s match-up with United gun Jesse Cucinotta will also be a highlight. Benalla intercept-marking defender Nick Warnock will also be important as he attempts to prevent the ball getting to in-form United forward Kaedyn Napier.
Prediction: United by 11 points
LTTM: Round 14, 2024: United won by 39 points.
Shepparton (7th) v Shepp Swans (4th)
Shepp Swans will be hoping to avoid going the same way as Shepp Bears, who have fallen to seventh on the ladder after losing the last five games. They are coming off a bye, which they will hope is some sort of circuit breaker and will help them in the battle against the fourth-ranked Swans. The Bears have had a season of two halves after winning the first games of the season. Since then, they have played five of the top six teams and lost to them all, now sitting a game outside the top six with five of their final nine games against teams below them on the ladder. The Swans started the season even more impressively, winning their first seven games of the year. They have, however, followed the Bears' example by losing the last three games – to Echuca by 17 points, Mansfield by 19 points, and Kyabram by 13 points. Those margins suggest the Swans are not too far off the mark, and their draw should allow them to end the year with 13 wins. After the Bears, they face Benalla (10th), Seymour (6th), Mooroopna (9th), Tatura (12th), and Euroa (8th). In two of their final three games, they face the two teams that sit first and second on the ladder. The Swans lost just three of their first 28 quarters of this season (Rounds 1–7), but in the last three weeks have lost more quarters than that two-month period. Shepparton will be relying on its hardtackling midfield to lead it out of the wilderness, ranked as the top tackling team in the competition and secondbest clearance team. The big differences between the two teams come in the contested disposal game, with the Swans preferring a high uncontested mark game and the Bears wanting to keep it in close. Shepparton is also a high handball team, while the Swans are ranked 11th by hand.
Prediction: Swans by 27 points.
LTTM: Round 17, 2024: Shepparton won by 90 points.
Echuca (3rd) v Seymour (6th)
Echuca couldn’t exactly be described as a sleeping giant, but the injury concerns the premier of the last three seasons has had this year have lessened its long-held air of invincibility. Despite these injuries to key players— including midfield bull Jack McHale, premiership captain Kane Morris and goalkicker Cooper Barber—the Murray Bombers sit third on the ladder and have lost only once this year: to unbeaten ladder leader Kyabram. They could win seven of their last eight games, if recent form is anything to go by, facing only two other teams inside the top six (Seymour this weekend and Kyabram in the
After starting its season with five straight defeats, the Cats would have been hopeful that wins against Shepp United and Seymour were a sign of a competitive second half to the season. They even started the Round 9 game against Echuca in style, with a six-goal quarter and 26-point lead—only to score just two behinds in the second half. That disappointing finish flowed into last weekend’s game against Benalla (which had just one win, against Tatura, before the weekend). The Cats gave up seven goals in that first quarter and, despite kicking eight themselves in the second term, still faced a fivepoint half-time deficit. They added Nathan Drummond to their forward line mix on the weekend with immediate results, but it may have been robbing Peter to pay Paul as they allowed Benalla only their second 100-pointplus score of the season. Drummond kicked five majors, despite having kicked only eight goals in his last 17 games with the Cats. He was a perfect foil for Logan Campbell, who also registered a personal best at GVL senior level by bagging six majors. Campbell kicked three goals in Round 16 last year, but he found himself in rare air on Saturday. Facing up against the winless Tatura on Saturday, the Cats pair may have a chance to repeat the weekend’s dose—although they will be hoping their efforts reap better rewards. It is also the Cats' last game against a team outside of finals contention for a month. They face Mansfield (5th), Rochester (2nd), the Swans (4th), and Shepparton (one game outside the top six in 7th) in the month following the Bulldogs game. Tatura is coming off the bye and, given the results so far this year, will probably be eyeing off the Round 16 game against the much-improved Benalla as their only chance of a win. They face all six teams in the top echelon of the competition in the run to the season’s end.
Prediction: Mooroopna by 71 points.
LTTM: Round 13, 2024: Mooroopna won by 20 points.
Rochester (2nd) v Kyabram (1st)
I may not be giving Rochester enough credit for its 9-1 start to the 2025 season, but this game doesn’t quite feel like a first versus second battle. The Tigers sit second but have only the fourth-best attacking record after scoring sub-80-point totals in half of their games this season. Amazingly, all but one of those have resulted in wins—and the other one was just a nine-point loss to another top-six team, Shepparton Swans. Defensively, the Tigers are the best team in the league, key defenders Dylan Gordon and Ryan O’Keefe supported by the in-form Andy Henderson and uncompromising flankers Nathan McCarty and Grant Fuller. Unbeaten Kyabram is clearly the competition’s best attacking team, failing to register triple figures in only three of their 10 wins this season. They boast five of the top 14 goalkickers in the competition, even though Charlie Barnett (29 goals) was kept goalless for the first time this year on Saturday against the Swans. Riley Ironside (only 3 goals in the last 3 games) has 26 goals, Aidan Robinson and Tom Holman 19, while goalkicking midfielder Archie Watt (17). Two of the last three weeks, however, have been narrow escapes for the ladder leader. They trailed the Swans at ¼ time before kicking 13 goals to eight after the first break and won by 13 points. A fortnight earlier they managed just 10 goals and also trailed at the first change. A feature of the game will be Hamish Hooppell’s battle with Kyabram co-captains Zac Norris and Aidan Robinson. Robinson kicked half of his team’s goals (a career-high 7) against the Swans on Saturday, making it 19 goals for the year. In the preceding 68 senior games with Kyabram, he had kicked only 20 goals.
Prediction: Kyabram by 29 points
LTTM: Round 12, 2024: Rochester won by 11 points.
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TASSIE NEEDS A ROOF: THE THINGS WE LEARNT
ETHAN CLARK, ANDREW SLEVISON & JAIDEN SCIBERRAS/SEN
ROUND 14 has come and gone, with a contest out west to close out a round with two personalities.
With four teams sitting out with the bye, only one clash to this point has finished with a margin between two goals and 12...
From a freezing Tassie clash to a North Melbourne home game in Perth, whether down to the wire or over before it started, here are the things we learnt in Round 14!
Port’s Powerhouse is a game-changer
Port Adelaide look a different side with their star midfielder in the lineup.
Returning from injury in what may be a season-defining contest against Melbourne, Jason Horne-Francis was as good as any across Round 14.
Within just over three quarters, the former No.1 pick was a dominant force on the inside, finishing with a gamehigh seven clearances to go with 29 disposals, seven marks, a goal and eight score involvements.
His electric first step and ability to drive the legs was the source of a number of Port Adelaide’s attacking prowess, playing a major role in permitting the side’s combat against a plucky Demons side.
Of course, credit must go to Mitch Georgiades, a player with all the assets needed to be a true star of the AFL.
Seven goals from 11 shots, 13 score involvements including a goal assist, 10 marks (eight inside 50) and 18 disposals, Georgiades went nuclear against a strong Melbourne defence.
Performances like these are needed if Ken Hinkley/Josh Carr’s men want to remain alive in 2025. Two games outside the top eight with Sydney and Carlton to come, these wins have become uber-important.
You can’t rule out the Giants
Whenever it seems as though they are out of the premiership mix, the Giants prove exactly why you can never truly rule them out.
On the other end, Colby McKercher has been the most improved player in the AFL over the last six weeks according to Champion Data, however his excellent performances exiting D-50 might be exactly where the former Pick 2 belongs.
With Finn O’Sullivan swinging back, George Wardlaw trusted with significant midfield time and further influence from their senior players, the Roos look to have a strong mix to take into the future.
Tassie needs a roof, Hawks win tight one
At least it was close?
Six goals in the first half and just five in the second made for rather dull viewing on Friday night, the Hawks coming away eventual 47-44 victors.
You can’t imagine the AFL would be thrilled with the quality of the game and the lack of scoring, but perhaps the reason they put it on a Friday night, for the first time ever in Launceston, was to showcase just how important this ever-mentioned roof will be for a new stadium.
After a week off their tucker, the Western Bulldogs were back feasting again on Thursday night, demolishing St Kilda by 72 points (132-60) at Marvel Stadium.
Last weekend it was impossible to score freely as the wet weather hit grounds around the country (aside from Bunbury), but the comfortable conditions under the Marvel lid suited the hungry Dogs.
Sam Darcy’s return was welcomed with open arms and the big unicorn didn’t take long to hit his straps. His night overall was incredible, finishing with 3.2 from 19 touches and nine marks (four contested). What a joy he is to watch.
After being suffocated by Hawthorn’s immense pressure in Round 13, the Doggies were back in a destructive mood. Luke Beveridge’s side banged on 20 goals - 10 in each half - to destroy the Saints who managed just eight majors and only three after the main break.
That’s seven scores of 100 or more by the Dogs in 13 games in 2025. A nice return. Look out Richmond in Round 15.
Three straight losses? Beat the Cats in Geelong.
Fall poorly to Fremantle?
Comfortably put away the Blues. Barely beat the Tigers and fall to Port Adelaide? Beat the reigning premiers at the Gabba.
This side refuses to go away.
Highlighted by eight goals without a behind to start the contest, the Giants’ forward half was simply too strong, with key stocks in Jesse Hogan, Aaron Cadman and Callum Brown combining for 14 of the side’s 17 goals.
Aaron Cadman’s career-high five was a scary indicator of the incredible potential the kid carries, while their trademark ball movement off the back flank was back to its best with 68 of their 107 points spawning from the defensive half.
All this in the absence of Toby Greene, Tom Green, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward, Jake Stringer, Kieren Briggs and Brent Daniels (for three
quarters).
You just cannot rule them out.
The Roos have the right mix
Yes, they fell short in a home game away from home, but Alastair Clarkson is starting to nail the Kangaroos’ onfield mix.
There’s been plenty of talk over where - and how - North Melbourne young stars should line up. With the likes of Harry Sheezel collecting rather average ball in the defensive half and Colby McKercher floating between roles, discussions have circulated surrounding where exactly these young guns belong.
After what has been an underwhelming start to the season, it looks as though they’ve got it right.
Sheezel has been far more influential since his shift to the forward half, having another major performance despite being relatively inefficient with his use.
Be that as it may, Hawthorn managed to secure their eighth win in a row at the venue, the equal second longest in their time in Tas, in a crucial win that sees them level on 36 points with Adelaide.
One goal the other way and the Crows would have been cemented in the top four with an eight-point buffer over Sam Mitchell’s men.
Connor Macdonald stood up when required with two goals, including one to break a run of seven-straight behinds combined to start the fourth term.
For Adelaide, it was also the halfforward that stood out, Ben Keays collated two goals alongside 18 possessions and eight tackles. He is putting together a very good season.
Both sides now head into a bye before the Hawks return to Tassie to face North Melbourne and the Crows travel to the MCG for a date with Richmond. Both very winnable games.
Dogs best is good, St Kilda’s worst is awful
When then Dogs are good, they’re very, very good. Their best footy is crisp and would challenge most teams in the comp. It’s just about unlocking the consistency required to truly contend. Now let’s see it against a top 8 team. When Ross Lyon’s Saints are at their best, they’re good enough to knock off the Geelongs of this world. But when they’re bad, they’re very, very bad. Awful. Even with Marcus Windhager taking care of Marcus Bontempelli they were unable to gain ascendancy anywhere else on the ground.
The Saints were older than then Dogs by average age and more experienced by average games played. The Dogs had more players with less than 50 games of experience (9-5) as well.
If the Saints can’t bridge the gap between their best and worst, then expect a few more drubbings to come in 2025.
Collingwood off a bye next up. Let’s see which St Kilda rocks up.
Mitch Georgiades of the Power flies over Max Gawn of the Demons during the AFL Round 14 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Melbourne Demons at Adelaide Oval. Photo: MATT TURNER/AAP IMAGE
