‘We’re sick of it’: Local police at breaking point after wave of reckless driving
SHEPPARTON police say they’re exahusted, furious, and bracing for more tragedy. After months of dangerous driving, serious crashes and preventable trauma, Superintendent Brett Kahan is calling on the community to change. He has issued a blunt and emotional plea: “Enough is enough.” Continued Page 19
By Deanne Jeffers
COLD, misty weather didn’t dampen the excitement of Rocky Varapodio and Shane Hall, just two of the region’s iconic fruit growers and key figures behind plans for a Big Pear at Kialla’s Emerald Bank.
The proposed landmark aims to celebrate the Goulburn Valley’s horticultural legacy
BIG ATTRACTION... Currently in the preliminary design phase, the Big Pear would be large enough for visitors to step inside and learn about the region’s fruit growing history.
are Big Pear Steering Group members, chairperson
and
and draw visitors to the region, with the city’s southern entrance as its stage.
“In the late 1800s... people were going to the gold fields,” Mr Varapodio, Chairman of the Big Pear Steering Group, said. “Our gold was the dirt, the climate, and the access to water... that was the gold that brought everyone to the Goulburn Valley.”
“People around Australia tend to think of Shepparton as this fruit-growing city,” Mr Hall added. “You can be travelling all around the world and say, ‘I come from Shepparton,’ and they’ll say, ‘Oh, that’s where SPC is!’ There’s a real, recognisable fruit-growing connection, and we should be capitalising on that.” Continued Page 14
Pictured
Rocky Varapodio
member Shane Hall.
Photo: Bruce Mactier Building Designers.
Regional freight operations shift as two companies realign focus
By Deanne Jeffers
VICTORIAN Freight Specialists (VFS) has officially taken over the regional operations of Shepparton-based freight company Gattuso Transport & Packaging, in a move both businesses describe as a “natural progression” of a long-standing partnership.
The transition, which has been in planning since late last year, sees VFS lease part of Gattuso’s Shepparton depot and absorb nine regional staff, allowing Gattuso to sharpen its focus on longhaul freight and warehousing solutions.
VFS General Manager Dale McBean said the two companies have shared a close relationship for 25 years, with Gattuso previously acting as a regional agency for VFS. That trust has made for a smooth handover in early July.
“Our businesses have always been aligned in values and goals,” said Mr McBean. “We’re excited to strengthen our local footprint and offer more dedicated regional freight services in areas like Greater Shepparton and surrounding areas, like Cobram, Barooga and Wodonga.”
With the acquisition, VFS now operates out of seven depots across Victoria, including its existing sites in Geelong, Wodonga, Echuca, Morwell, Dandenong and Truganina, with Shepparton added to the mix. The company runs extensive nightly linehaul from Melbourne and maintains a fleet of more than 100 diverse vehicles, from vans to B-doubles.
Gattuso Transport Managing Director Frank Gattuso stressed that the move is not a sale or a step back, but rather a strategic shift.
“We’re not going anywhere,” Mr Gattuso
said. “We’re streamlining what we do best – long distance freight and warehousing. VFS taking over the regional work allows both businesses to focus on our strengths.”
Gattuso’s team now sits at around 40 staff members, following the transfer of nine local staff to VFS. The company retains a fleet of approximately 30 trucks and is continuing to grow its warehousing and distribution offerings, which are part of a longer-term plan that
also sees Frank’s son, Jordan, stepping into a leadership role.
“We’ve grown a lot over the past five years, especially in manufacturing and fleet size, but it’s time to evolve,” Mr Gattuso said. “Jordan’s been involved since he was a kid and he’s ready to help guide the next phase.”
The merger opens new doors for businesses seeking regional freight solutions. Mr McBean encouraged companies that may have previously
CHANGING
GEARS... Victorian Freight Specialists (VFS) recently acquired the regional operations of Gattuso Transport & Packaging, enabling Gattuso to concentrate on long-haul freight and warehousing solutions, while VFS strengthens its regional freight operations.
approached Gattuso for local projects without success to now get in touch with VFS.
“With this new structure is place, we have the capacity and reach to help more clients move their freight across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales,” he said.
To learn more about VFS go to www.vfs.com. au/ or call them on 9797 8333 to discuss your needs.
MOVE YOUR LOCAL & REGIONAL
FREIGHT WITH VFS
Now based at Gattuso’s Transport Shepparton after purchasing the local and regional services depot arm of Gattuso Transport. (Frank Gattuso transport and son are still operating as normal with bd and semi).
VFS also have depots in Geelong, Wodonga, Echuca, Morwell, Dandenong and Truganina
With a mix of Vans, Trucks & B-Doubles give us a call to move your local & regional freight Now in Shepparton at the Gattuso Transport Depot. 205 Central Ave, Shepparton www.vfs.com.au
Pictured from left is VFS
General Manager
Dale McBean and Gattuso
Transport Managing Director Frank Gattuso. Photo: Deanne Jeffers
WEEK four and another three lucky shoppers have scored themselves a $250 GMCU debit card, just by spending $10 or more at local, participating businesses. There’s still time to win, with more $250 weekly prizes, $500 and $750 consolation prizes, and the $5,000 grand prize up for grabs.
This week’s winners are Paul Tricarico who shopped at North End Bakehouse Shepparton. Paul said, “You’re joking! How good is that? Thank you so much. Can I keep entering?”
Bridget Hurley has also won a $250 debit card after she spent just $25 at Perfect Pieces. “Oh wow, I never win anything. That’s great,” Bridget said.
Daniel Nortis shopped at Total Tools Shepparton. Daniel said it was a surprise. “My wife entered for me when she went to buy me something from Total Tools,” he said. “I never normally win a thing.”
To be included in the 10k Giveaway, upload your receipt and details at www.10kgiveaway.com.au when you spend $10+ in participating businesses. It’s as simple as snapping a photo, scanning the QR code and entering online.
See the back page of this newspaper edition for the full list of participating businesses. Competition closes at 6pm on July 27.
WEEK 3... Winner Marie Priestley and Fairley’s IGA acting store manager Lorraine. Photo: Emma Harrop
WEEK 3... Winner is Norah Armstrong, pictured with Prouds the Jewellers team member Jess. Photo: Emma Harrop
WEEK 3... Winner Glenda Burtina and Suzanne Grae team member, Joanne. Photo: Emma Harrop
LOCAL ARCHITECTURE DEBUTS ON THE WORLD STAGE
SHEPPARTON’S Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is making global noise – literally.
Fresh off four wins at the recent Victorian Architecture Awards, the striking centre has just been shortlisted for the 2025 World Architecture Festival Awards in Miami this November.
‘Munarra’ means ‘Thunder’ in Yorta Yorta language, and it’s safe to say this powerhouse project is taking the world by storm!
STATUS QUO FOR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS
RBA KEEPS INTEREST RATES ON HOLD
DESPITE widespread expectations, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has stunned markets by keeping the official interest rate unchanged at 3.85 per cent, defying predictions of a widely anticipated 0.25 percentage point cut.
The decision surprised both economists and financial markets and followed a rare split vote among RBA board members, with six supporting the hold and three advocating for a rate cut.
Underscoring the RBA’s stance was a call for more data to confirm that inflation is on track to return to its 2 to 3 per cent target range, despite the latest inflation data showing consumer prices rising less than expected in May. The board emphasised the need for caution amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.
Unfortunately, while this is no doubt unwelcome news for homeowners, any future
rate cuts will depend on developing economic indicators as the RBA continues to balance inflation control and economic growth against a fluid intentional trade arena.
The RBA will next meet on August 11 –12, 2025 to discuss any further possible interest rate cut.
SAM OPEN DRAWS A SPELLBINDING ARRAY OF EXHIBITS
SEIZING the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic and creative prowess, local artists and creatives from across the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions have again come together to exhibit in the Shepparton Art Museum’s annual open-call group exhibition — SAM Open 2025.
Tantalising, engaging, and impressive, 66 submissions now grace the walls of SAM’s Hugh T. Williamson Community Gallery, showcasing a delightfully eclectic array of styles and approaches, including photography, painting, textiles, ceramics, and sculpture.
we have a responsibility that goes beyond game day. We want to ensure that every player, coach, volunteer, and supporter gets home safely. Road safety is everyone’s game.”
With speeding as the key focus for 2025, the initiative highlights that driving just 5 km/h over the speed limit increases the risk of a crash by a staggering 44 per cent. Speed-related crashes currently account for over 30 per cent of road fatalities and 25 per cent of serious injuries on Victorian roads.
To learn more about the TAC Club Rewards Program and how SFNC is getting involved, follow the club on social media.
STATE ACCOLADES FOR SMALL TOWN SWIM CENTRE
An exciting opportunity to support and celebrate local artists, SAM Open 2025 invites participants to share their creativity with audiences and present their work in dialogue with exhibitions by nationally recognised Australian artists. This year’s iteration had no set theme; instead, artists were invited to submit a recent work that reflects their unique creative practice, and with some ‘magical and adventurous results!’
SAM Open 2025 is now showing at SAM until November 2, 2025.
WHEN SPORT MEETS ROAD SAFETY
THE Shepparton Football Netball Club (SFNC) has announced its participation in this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program, an initiative aimed at promoting road safety within grassroots football and netball communities.
Going beyond the sidelines, the program encourages clubs to champion safer roads. SFNC President Brendan Bicknell said, “As a club deeply connected to our community,
NUMURKAH Aquatic & Fitness Centre is making waves! The centre has won the 2025 Aquatics & Recreation Victoria (ARV) Small Facility Management Award, showing heart, hustle and hands-on leadership can outshine size or budget.
Managed by YMCA Victoria on behalf of Moira Shire Council, the team was recognised for its community impact, from inclusive health programs and school swim access to NDIS partnerships and grassroots fundraising.
In 2024, they topped the state in YMCA Open Doors fundraising, helping local families facing financial hardship, and also supported causes like the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
Centre Manager Carien Hessellberg said the win was a proud moment for the whole town, and with nearly 12 per cent of locals involved as members of swim students, it’s a reminder of just how vital these smaller facilities are to community wellbeing.
FIREWOOD OFFENDER NABBED TWICE AT REEDY LAKE
A MELTON man has been caught twice in one day illegally cutting and removing River Red Gum timber from Reedy Lake Wildlife Reserve, northwest of Nagambie.
Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers first intercepted the man during a targeted patrol as he cut up a recently felled, dead river read gum tree. He admitted he was processing it for firewood and was told he’d receive three infringement notices for unlawful tree felling in a wildlife reserve, operating a vehicle off-road on public land, and illegally cutting and removing timber. Officers made him unload the timber and warned further offences could see his equipment seized.
But just hours later, under the cover of darkness, he returned. With assistance from Victoria Police, officers intercepted his vehicle towing a trailer loaded with freshly cut timber. His trailer, timber, and chainsaw were seized. Investigations are ongoing and the man is expected to face court.
PRESERVING HISTORY WITH ASSISTANCE
THE Kaiela Institute in Shepparton is taking an important step in preserving Indigenous history, thanks to support from the Victorian Government’s 2025 Local History Grants Program.
With a grant of $13,024, the Institute will acquire two professional-grade scanners to digitise a nationally significant collection. This work is part of the Makutu digital preservation project on Yorta Yorta country, aimed at protecting and sharing important cultural records.
The project highlights the vital role of community-led organisations in keeping local history alive.
Through the Local History Grants Program, run by the Public Record Office Victoria, the government is helping groups like Kaiela preserve vital history.
This is a meaningful investment in cultural
respect, truth-telling, and a stronger shared history for all Victorians.
ROUGH ROADS, BIG HEARTS: BULLDOG CHARITY DOES IT AGAIN
WHAT started as a bunch of mates on motorcycles has become a force for good, raising more than $65,000 for GV Hospice over 12 years. This year alone, their off-road fundraising trek through Wonnangatta brought in a massive $15,577, nearly doubling their target. Last week they handed over the cheque to GV Hospice, which enables the organisation to continue its vital 24/7 care for whoever in the community needs it.
CHILDREN’S EXHIBITION FOR NAIDOC WEEK
LA TROBE University Shepparton has unveiled its first exhibition in a newly dedicated gallery space, featuring artwork by children from Lulla’s Children and Family Centre.
Around 20 preschoolers collaborated on Bowarring: Bloom on Trees, a vibrant display celebrating the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Shepparton. The artwork reflects this year’s NAIDOC Week theme: The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy, highlighting the importance of aspiration and community.
Families joined their young artists for an opening event on July 4, ahead of NAIDOC Week. The exhibition is open to the public at La Trobe Shepparton until the end of August.
HANDS OFF OUR FARMS: LOCAL MP SLAMS ENERGY REFORM PLAN
STATE Member for Shepparton District Kim
O’Keeffe has come out swinging against the State Government’s proposed VicGrid Stage 2 reform, calling it a “transmission takeover” that disrespects regional landholders.
The proposed laws would allow access to private farmland without consent, and slap farmers with fines of up to $12,210 if they refuse.
“Labor continues to avoid community consultation and their concerns by pushing ahead with ideological agenda against regional Victorians,” she said.
The Victorian Nationals are pushing for stronger landholder rights, community consultation and fairer investment for those expected to host infrastructure on their land.
SAFETY BARRIER MAINTENANCE
WITH multiple wire rope safety barriers damaged across the region, including more than a dozen spots along the Midland Highway between Mooroopna and Tatura, locals have been
questioning when action will be taken.
The Adviser put the question to the Department of Transport (DPT), which confirmed works are about to get underway.
“Crews will complete repair works on flexible safety barriers at various locations along the Midland Highway between Stanhope and Shepparton East this month,” a DPT spokesperson said.
Repair works on the Goulburn Valley Highway and Hume Freeway are also scheduled in the coming months.
“The Victorian Government is investing a record $976 million towards maintaining arterial road network this financial year – which includes the repair of safety barriers and other road safety infrastructure.
“New flexible safety barriers have also been recently installed along the Midland Highway in Nalinga to reduce the risk of run-off-road and head on collisions.”
Celebrate local success – Nominate now
NOMINATIONS for the 2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards are looking strong, which is a great reflection of the enthusiasm across the region.
Each year, the Business Excellence Awards, facilitated by GSBN and made possible thanks to the generous support of Naming Rights Sponsor SPC and valued Award Category Sponsors, shine a spotlight on the remarkable businesses and individuals making a difference in our community.
industry’s growth — all while engaging with their community and showing environmental responsibility.
While many categories have received strong interest, a few are currently underrepresented. We’re encouraging the community to get involved and help highlight outstanding local achievements by nominating in the following sponsored categories:
• Visitor Experience of the Year – Honours businesses that go above and beyond to deliver exceptional visitor experiences. Whether through food and beverage, accommodation, events, attractions, or cultural experiences, this category is open to a wide range of operators — from cafés, pubs, and distilleries to museums, tours, and caravan parks.
• Excellence in Export Market Development – Recognises businesses that have successfully expanded into international markets and contributed to our local economy through export. Nominees in this category will have built strong export strategies, developed international relationships, and shown sustained success overseas.
With 14 award categories in total, there’s something for every business across the Greater Shepparton region. Nominations by the community and self-nominations are welcome and encouraged via the simple online form. Nominations for the Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards close Friday, August 22 — don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and recognise the people and businesses shaping the future of our region.
• Excellence in Food & Agribusiness –Celebrates innovation, performance, and impact within the food and agribusiness sector. This award honours businesses that champion sustainable practices, lead with innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the
All the information you need can be found at: www.gsbn.net. au/2025-award-categories/
Shepparton City Council CEO Fiona Le Gassick
Photo: Emma Harrop
IN the wake of war, grief lingers—not only for the heroes who gave their lives, but also for those still waiting for answers about the fallen who were never found.
In the small town of Stanhope, lying in the heart of dairy farming country in northcentral Victoria, one such story remains deeply etched in local memory. It is the story of local lives lost aboard a Japanese transport ship, the Montevideo Maru during WWII.
Stalked, hit, and sunk by a misinformed American submarine—the USS Sturgeon —the Montevideo Maru was cast to the bottom of the South China Sea, carrying over 1,000 prisoners of war (POWs), including soldiers from the 2/22nd Battalion. Among them were three young men born and raised in Stanhope.
Captured as Japanese forces swept through Southeast Asia in 1942, the soldiers were overcome at their garrison in Rabaul—now a township in the East New Britain province of Papua New Guinea—and were either killed in the onslaught or taken prisoner aboard the ill-fated ship.
For over 75 years, the resting place of the POWs remained unknown. But the memory of the heroic brothers in arms was not forgotten. And for three local Stanhope lads—Percy Crombie, Alf Poole, and Bill McLennan— their sacrifice would be remembered in a most unique and remarkable way.
Today, a sweeping and poignant mural of the Montevideo Maru, painted on the side of a Stanhope hardware store, does more than decorate a wall—it anchors a community’s remembrance.
Painted by Benalla artist Tim Bowtell, the mural was initiated by the Stanhope RSL subbranch, led by the driving force of its secretary, George Gemmill. Making it his business to
know all 11 names listed on the township’s war memorial, George said:
“Stanhope RSL is very small. We only have eleven financial members and an average age of 75. But we are active, and when the idea of having a mural painted on the side of the local hardware store was raised, I immediately thought of the Montevideo Maru.”
When approached to paint the mural, artist Tim Bowtell admitted that, while he was embarrassed to have never heard of the Montevideo Maru, its story has left a proud and lasting impact on him.
“I had never heard of the Montevideo Maru when they contacted me. When I heard the story, I was actually shocked and a bit embarrassed that I didn’t know anything about it,” Tim said.
In an uncanny coincidence, the Stanhope mural was unveiled on April 15, 2023—just one week before the Montevideo Maru, was located at the bottom of the South China Sea.
Now an important annual event drawing many relatives of the fallen soldiers, the Stanhope RSL sub-branch has just held its third commemorative service for those lost on the Japanese transport ship beside the mural, on July 1.
Vital to honouring the legacy of each brave individual’s sacrifice during the tumult of war, the story of Stanhope’s Montevideo Maru is not only about remembrance, but also about the power of even the smallest communities to keep what might otherwise be a footnote in history alive, large, and meaningful. As Tim said,
“Stanhope RSL punches above its weight. Small groups like this, with drive and persistence, can make stories like this happen.”
FOR OVER 75 YEARS... the resting place of WWII POWs carried on the Japanese transport ship, the Montevideo Maru were lost at the bottom of the South China Sea after being sunk by the
Walk for the ones who couldn’t
By Deanne Jeffers
WHEN Tori Sutherland’s waters broke at just 24 weeks, she was flown from Wangaratta to Melbourne’s Mercy Hospital for Women.
“We were over the moon expecting twins,” Tori said. “Then all of a sudden, we were fighting for our lives.”
Tori gave birth to twins Lyla and Hudson. Tragically, Hudson passed away after just one day.
“I still carry that grief with me every day,” she said. “You never expect to go home without your baby.”
Lyla spent 119 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Tori stayed in Melbourne while partner Stuart returned home to care for their family in regional Victoria.
“It was very hard being in the city by myself,” Tori said. “Support made all the difference.”
That support came from Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, which provides care packs, online connection groups and ongoing support to families with premature or sick babies.
To mark 20 years, the Foundation is launching The Mighty Trek Challenge, pushing an incubator 900 kilometres from Sydney to Melbourne, stopping in Shepparton on October 17.
“Pushing the incubator symbolises the long journey families go on,” CEO Felicia Walstead said. “For some, it’s two weeks, others it’s six months. If you have a prem baby and have to leave them in hospital for one night, it is devastating.”
The goal is to raise $1M to expand hospital support for families with sick or premature babies by 2026. Every year in Australia, 48,000 babies are born prematurely or sick, with one in seven needing critical care in the NICU or Special Care Nursery (SCN).
The emotional toll on families like the Sutherlands can be
MIGHTY TREK... Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, which supports families like the Sutherlands who have sick or premature babies, is turning 20 this year. To celebrate, the Foundation is hoping to raise $1M by walking 900km from Sydney to Melbourne to raise awareness. Pictured is Life’s Little Treasures Foundation CEO Felicia Walstead with regional family Tori and Stuart Sutherland, and three-year-old Lyla. Lyla was a twin, but sadly, her brother, Hudson, did not survive when Tori’s waters broke at 24 weeks. Photo: Deanne Jeffers
devastating. To support Life’s Little Treasures Foundation and The Mighty Trek and help deliver life changing care to families, consider donating to the Foundation or taking part in October. For more information, go to: lifeslittletreasures.org.au or visit https://walk-for-prems-2025.raiselysite.com/
Public lecture: Regional cities in a changing world
THIS year’s Fairley La Trobe Lecture will be delivered by the Hon. John Brumby AO, Chancellor of La Trobe University, on the topic From the Local to the Global: Regional Cities in a Changing World.
In 1999, author Thomas Friedman argued that thriving communities must do two things simultaneously: nurture a
strong sense of local identity and embrace innovation. Today, amid geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change, that message is more relevant than ever.
In this timely lecture, Mr Brumby will argue that regional cities are uniquely positioned to foster vibrant
local communities while seizing the opportunities of global markets and emerging technologies. In a world facing complex challenges, regional Australia has a chance to lead.
The Fairley La Trobe Lecture is proudly presented in partnership between the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation and
La Trobe University.
The free public lecture will be presented at the Shepparton Art Museum on Wednesday, July 23, from 5.30pm. Secure your complimentary ticket today via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/ fairley-la-trobe-lecture-2025-tickets1411379196169?aff
Maintaining Mooroopna Train Station
By Deanne Jeffers
WITH the first anniversary of the opening of Broad Way path connecting Mooroopna Train Station with the township, the Mooropna Community Plan Steering Group has called on the State Government to provide a record of their maintenance of the property and to increase investment to maintain the station and surrounding area.
boost our
economy and support our small businesses
Mooroopna Train Station facilities were destroyed by fire in 2018, and upgrades were completed in 2022 to extend the platform, improve parking, lighting and CCTV as part of the Shepparton Line Upgrade. The new walking and cycling path, named in honour of Mooroopna local Perry Broad, was opened in 2024.
Chairperson of the steering group, Rowan Farren, said that maintaining the train station and transport
Rowan Farren
infrastructure was important to ensure that everyone could enjoy the town.
“Mooroopna has an opportunity to boost our local economy and support our small businesses,” he said. “With our train station being the first impression that many tourists will see for our town, it is one of the most important investments we could see for the continued growth of our community.
“Investment in our road and transport infrastructure is
the first step in supporting our growth channels but without continued investment it is a grave concern of the committee that the site may fall into a state of dilapidation.
“Greater Shepparton will continue to see a growing population, and with the efforts of our tourism and advocacy groups, will hopefully reap the rewards of a strong visitor economy,” Rowan said.
“Having well-maintained transport infrastructure will ensure that everyone, both locals and visitors, are able to take pride in the town.”
TOWN ASSET... Mooroopna Community Plan Steering Group chair Rowan Farren said maintaining the train station is important for encouraging visitation, supporting local businesses and growth of the town. Photo: Deanne Jeffers
Push for road safety funding continues: Minister tours Shepparton’s worst intersections
Mayor Cr Shane Sali
By Deanne Jeffers
GREATER Shepparton City Council is ramping up its push for a major road funding package from the Victorian Government, following a recent tour of key intersections with Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne.
Mayor Shane Sali and Director of Infrastructure Gary Randhawa joined Minister Horne earlier this month to inspect some of the region’s highest-risk intersections, including the River Road/Goulburn Valley Highway and the Wanganui/Numurkah/Ford Road junctions, identified as Council’s top two priority sites for safety upgrades.
Over the past five years, the River Road intersection in Kialla has been the site of 14 crashes. A roundabout for this location is projected to cost between $15M and $25M. The Wanganui Road and Ford Road intersection has been four crashes and requires an estimated $7M for improvements.
“Safety at multiple sites across our municipality is of great importance. We have crash data for several sites, but Council cannot fund improvements on our own,” he said. “The time we spent driving around with Minister Horne was extremely valuable to discuss the high priority roads.”
During the tour, Cr Sali also pointed out dangerous intersections across Tatura and Mooroopna, including the Midland Highway and Toolamba/Echuca Roads, Turnball and Dhurringile Roads, and the Tatura-Undera Road and Merrigum-Ardmona Road intersections. Other sites discussed included:
• Echuca Road and Lancaster-Mooroopna Road
• Graham Street and Numurkah Road, near GV Health
• Kialla West primary school area
• Caroll Road’s entrance to the Midland Highway
• Several Archer Street intersections including Wilmot Road/Poplar Avenue and Orrvale Road.
While touring the region, Minister Horne also visited the recently completed State Government funded Central Avenue/Midland Highway roundabout.
The long-standing need for a second Goulburn River crossing was also raised, with Cr Sali saying the 2022 floods exposed major gaps in the region’s transport network during emergencies.
“With the Minister in the car with me, we were able to raise these concerns with her firsthand. She is very aware of the issues facing our community in relation to road safety,” said Cr Sali.
He also noted that the region is experiencing significant growth, with Greater Shepparton’s population of 68,873 projected to increase by 1.2 per cent annually until 2031, bringing new opportunities and challenges.
“These challenges include addressing infrastructure needs, such as road and transport solutions, protecting the environment, creating local jobs, ensuring the availability
of affordable housing, and supporting industries as they adapt to changing demands,” he said.
“Strategic planning is essential to balance these opportunities with the complexities of community growth. Council and key stakeholders are strongly advocating for funding for a Road Network Resilience Package to improve road safety and infrastructure to cater for this future growth of the region.”
While the Council welcomed $1.9M in new funding under the Safer Local Roads and Streets Program, particularly for works near local schools and Shepparton’s busiest and most unsafe roads, Cr Sali said the city’s broader infrastructure needs remain urgent and unresolved.
With the state election less than 18 months away, Council is finalising its advocacy priorities for the State Government to showcase the critical challenges our region is currently facing.
ROAD ADVOCACY.... Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, pictured on a tour of Greater Shepparton’s most notorious roads and intersections with Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Shane Sali and Director of Infrastructure, Gary Randhawa. Photo: Supplied
Rumbalara celebrates NAIDOC Week
Honouring strength, vision and legacy
RUMBALARA Aboriginal Co-Operative proudly joined communities across Australia in celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025, embracing this year’s powerful theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.
This theme celebrates the resilience of Elders, the aspirations of young people, and the enduring cultural legacy that continues to shape Australia. It honours the importance of generational leadership and the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Throughout the week, Rumbalara hosted several well-attended community events, creating spaces for connection, cultural pride and reflection. The celebrations began with the annual flag raising ceremony, marking the official start of NAIDOC Week for Rumbalara. Community members gathered in unity to honour the strength, survival, and continuing legacy of First Nations peoples.
A heartfelt Elders Luncheon followed, offering a chance for Elders to gather over a meal, enjoy entertainment, and enjoy each other's company. It was a special moment to acknowledge their leadership and contributions to culture,
family and community.
The week’s events concluded with a vibrant Family Day, bringing together families for a day of food, community stalls, joy rides, live entertainment, and games – celebrating culture through togetherness, fun, and shared pride.
Rumbalara CEO Felicia Dean said NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect on the past while looking toward the future with strength and purpose.
“NAIDOC Week is more than a celebration – it's a powerful reminder of who we are, where we come from, and the legacy we are building for the generations to come,” said Ms Dean.
“This year’s theme captures the deep respect we hold for Elders, while recognising the strength and vision of our young people. At Rumbalara, we’re proud to walk alongside the community in honouring that legacy.”
Ms Dean added her thanks to all those who participated in Rumbalara’s NAIDOC Week activities. “To everyone who participated, supported, shared stories or simply stood with us this week – thank you. The energy, pride and unity we experienced will continue to carry us forward.”
CONTINUING LEGACY... Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative marked the start of NAIDOC Week 2025 with its Annual Flag Raising Ceremony, uniting community to honour this year’s theme — The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy. The event celebrated cultural pride, connection and the powerful legacy of First Nations peoples. Photo: Supplied
Big Pear plans ripen for Shepparton tourism boost
continued from front page
THE plan is for the Big Pear to be large enough for visitors to step inside and explore Shepparton’s rich history, from orchards and canneries to the waves of migration that shaped the region.
“One of the things that makes Shepparton quite unique as a large country city is the mix of nationalities. You go anywhere else, and you don’t quite have the ethnic mix that Shepparton has always had, and to a large extent, the fruit industry was a catalyst for that migration to Shepparton,” said Mr Hall.
The Big Pear idea came from Annie Willis, whose great-grandfather was an orchardist. After returning to the area, she felt the region lacked a true symbol of its fruit-growing identity and has spent the better part of two years developing the idea.
More than just a big roadside attraction, the Big Pear is pitched as an immersive and educational experience, honouring the families who helped turn the region into Australia’s food bowl where today, 90 per cent of the nation’s pears are grown.
Mr Varapodio stressed it won’t be a gimmick.
“We don’t want a Mickey Mouse attraction,” he said. “We want something really well done. When people walk out after 20 or 30 minutes and say, ‘Wow!’ — we want to surprise them.”
funded, would increase tourism, extend visitor stays, support local businesses, and lift the local economy.
to Shepparton, but if you’ve put another brick in the wall of attraction, you want people who come to Shepparton for whatever reason, to leave Shepparton with a really good impression,” he said.
Founder and developer of Emerald Bank, Lloyd Mawson, has supported the idea and is prepared to gift the land for the Big Pear.
An independent report by Urban Enterprise estimates the $1.3M project, largely privately
The proposal has already attracted significant attention, both nationally and internationally, and it has been positively received by local people and businesses as well, signifying ripe demand for the visionary project.
The report, commissioned by the steering group, estimated thousands of projected visitors and a potential annual economic output of more than $2M. The associated cafe and gift shop would be run commercially.
Mr Hall said that the Big Pear would be “another brick in the wall,” in attracting tourism to the area and encouraging longer stays.
“There’s no silver bullets in getting people
“Probably how you feel is why wasn’t this done 50 years ago? It’s one of those things, but there’s no better time than today,” said Mr Hall.
The Shepparton Big Pear Steering Group includes Rocky Varapodio, Andrew Prentice, Shane Hall, Lloyd Mawson, Jim Andreadis, Annie Willis, Paul Willis and Kathy Fuller.
TOURISM... Emerald Bank was identified as the ideal location for the Big Pear. Photo: Bruce Mactier Building Designers.
and member Shane Hall, at Emerald Bank. Photo: Deanne Jeffers
By Aaron Cordy
SHEPPARTON Foodshare has long been a pillar in the community for people in need. They have distributed 4.8M kilos of food, the equivalent of 9.6M meals to local people in need, making them one of the region’s essential services.
The help offered by Foodshare largely comes from the generosity of local people, community groups, and businesses like Everyday Supplies, which announced a new partnership between the pair last week.
Shepparton Foodshare Executive Officer, Dee Healey, was thrilled to announce the new partnership.
“Jac, Brad and the team at Everyday Supplies are well known in our community. They are no strangers to supporting a cause that they believe benefits the community in which they operate their business. We are so grateful for this valuable support,” said Ms Healey.
For the past three years, Everyday Supplies has been a ‘Monthly Partner’ of Shepparton Foodshare, an initiative that sees a person or business commit to a month that they will provide a financial contribution to support Foodshare's
operating costs during their partner month.
Under the new partnership, Everyday Supplies will donate their products and services, providing greater impact for their support. It is estimated that it will reduce Shepparton Foodshare’s operational costs by around $8,000 to $10,000 annually.
“We know many people are willing to be a ‘Monthly Partner,’ so we thought it best to open up our spot to someone else while still contributing to the operational costs. Being able to assist in taking away the everyday expenses of Shepparton Foodshare in this way ensures that they can keep running costs lower and focus on what they do best in helping the community,” said co-owner of Everyday Supplies, Jac McCarty.
Foodshare distributes food to registered emergency relief agencies, schools, community meals programs, faith organisations and neighbourhood houses. The need for food relief has never been greater, with Shepparton Foodshare distributing a record 490,000 kilos of food for the financial year ending 2024, a 30 per cent increase on the previous year, and the largest annual distribution since inception.
Comes to Kyabram GIVEAWAY $10,000 GMCU 2025
Kyabram invites you
WHETHER you're looking to be inspired or simply entertain the family during the school holidays, Kyabram has plenty to offer — from art exhibitions to hands-on activities.
The Kyabram Town Hall Gallery features five exhibition spaces showcasing a rich mix of traditional and contemporary art, textiles, and community projects.
5.30pm to 7.30pm, or Thursdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All skill levels are welcome, with beginner-friendly tuition in drawing and painting available. Sessions cost $5 per visit, plus a $5 annual membership. Just bring your own materials.
reptiles and a walk-through aviary brimming with colourful birdlife. The park offers a unique opportunity to get up close to some of Australia’s most iconic species, with daily animal encounters, feeding sessions, and talks from knowledgeable keepers.
Art classes for children are also on offer, running Saturday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
For more information, contact the town hall at info@kyabramtownhall.com.au, (03) 5852 1546 or 0490 371 641.
Be sure to support local while you're in town. Several businesses are taking part in the 2025 GMCU/Adviser $10K Giveaway, giving you even more reasons to shop local, enjoy great service, and go in the draw to win.
Current exhibitions include Don’t Fence Me In by local plein air artist Raymond Hill, Breaking the Surface by Splinter Contemporary Artists, Connected but Different by Margaret McDonald — a striking display of recently completed quilts — and Lee’s Artist Journey Continues by Lee Nelson.
Looking to unleash your inner artist? Join the Kyabram Town Hall Art Group — an adults' group that meets on Tuesdays from
And don’t forget — kids receive free entry to Kyabram Fauna Park on weekends and throughout the school holidays! Set across 55 hectares, Kyabram Fauna Park is home to more than 600 native animals, including kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, emus, echidnas,
Kyabram businesses participating in the Giveaway are Cafe Three620, Ky Lotto, Workwear Connect, and Kyabram Showcase Jewellers. Spend $10 or more in these businesses, enter your receipt and details at www.10kgiveway.com.au and you could win a share of $10,000!
BE
Photo: Aaron Cordy
HOLIDAY TIME… Kyabram is packed with activities to enjoy during the school holidays, including free entry for kids at Kyabram Fauna Park and a full schedule of events at Kyabram Library as well. Photo: Supplied
Letters to the Editor
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.
LABOR’S LAND GRAB IS NOT CONSULTATION, IT’S COERCION
Dear Editor, Labor’s desperate push to roll out renewable energy projects across 70 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural land has crossed a dangerous line.
The Allan Labor Government has introduced new laws that would allow government officials and transmission companies to enter private farmland without landholder consent, and punish
those who resist.
Under the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill, farmers could be fined up to $12,210 for refusing access, over $4,000 for not providing ID, and $1,221 for simply removing a notice from their own property.
This is not consultation. It is coercion.
Communities like Colbinabbin, Stanhope and Girgarre are already facing the threat
Buybacks continue despite drought fears
By Aaron Cordy
FARMERS remain outraged as the Federal Government pushes forward with water buybacks, as the drought continues to take its toll, with calls to stop the buyback going unheard.
At a press conference in Shepparton recently, Victorian Minister for Water Gayle Tierney called on the Commonwealth to pause the buybacks.
“The first thing that we have done is request from the Commonwealth an absolute pause on buybacks. And I think that's an incredibly important start,” said Ms Tierney.
“The other element is that we've also called on the Commonwealth to publicly provide the socio-economic impact document that they have been working on in relation to buybacks, I think that the region fully deserves and needs to know exactly what the consequences of buybacks actually mean.”
The Minister was unable to secure the pause on the buybacks, which Ms Tierney confirmed in state parliament last month.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has also slammed the Federal Government for paying a staggering premium of $1,000 per megalitre above the seasonal average in its recent purchase of Goulburn water.
VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said the deal involved the Commonwealth acquiring 13,114 megalitres of Goulburn water across 37 separate parcels, paying $4,810 per megalitre, well above the seasonal market average of $3,800. The total cost to taxpayers of $63M.
“This is a clear example of the Commonwealth using its buying power to outbid farmers and inflate the price of water, the very lifeblood of our food production
WATER BUYBACKS...
The Commonwealth Government continues to take water from the region as part of the Buybacks, despite the calls from the Victorian Farmers Federation and the State Government to stop them as the drought worsens. Pictured is Victorian Minister for Water Gayle Tierney addressing a press conference in front of Premier Jacinta Allan, in Shepparton last month. Photo: Aaron Cordy.
system,” said Mr Leahy.
“It’s appalling. This not only puts farmers under financial pressure but also undermines the integrity of the water market.”
Despite the much-needed recent rain, the state and parts of the country are still experiencing below-average rainfall, and climatologists say it will take long and consistent periods of above-average rainfall to end the drought.
The question remains why the Commonwealth Government continues to take water from vital food-growing regions when resources are already drying up.
of massive energy infrastructure being imposed on them with little say. Now they’re being told they can’t even object, or they’ll be fined.
This is an outrageous overreach and a serious attack on private property rights at a time when regional Victorians are already under pressure from drought, rising costs and growing economic uncertainty.
Energy infrastructure is important, but it cannot come at the cost of fairness, respect, and trust. Landholders deserve to be at the table, not trampled over.
The Nationals will fight to restore the voice of regional Victorians on renewables. That means:
• Reinstating the “third umpire” so landholders can appeal decisions to VCAT.
• Introducing a 2km buffer between
homes and wind turbines.
• Creating a community benefits fund to ensure legacy investment in regions that host major projects.
• And unlocking low-emissions gas reserves to bring down power prices for households and businesses.
We believe in a future powered by both clean energy and genuine community engagement. Because regional Victorians deserve better than this.
Yours sincerely, Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa
Want to have your say?
Email your letters to the editor to editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au
Please keep letters to under 200 words.
Help us shape the GREATER SHEPPARTON
HERITAGE STRATEGY
We are developing a new Heritage Strategy to plan how we acknowledge the distinct heritage of our municipality, for the next 10 years and beyond.
Greater Shepparton has played a unique and important role in Australian history. It is important to recognise the value of heritage and the places that tell our shared story.
Provide your feedback via our online survey Survey closes Sunday 27 July 2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Phone Council’s Strategic Planning team on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
For a hard copy survey, visit Council’s Customer Service Counter at 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton
Great golf gear ready to go
PLAYING golf like a pro begins with the right equipment and a little bit of specialised help from a professional to have you driving down the fairways and sinking those putts on the green.
Shepparton Golf Club Pro Shop has the equipment and the expert staff to help your long game soar like an albatross. The Pro Shop has an extensive range of golf clubs, bags, buggies, balls, footwear, apparel and a whole lot more to get you chipping away at perfecting your game. With brands like Titleist, Cobra, Callaway and many
more, the team at Shepparton Golf Club Pro Shop have everything you need.
Don’t forget to book a lesson with PGA-qualified Professionals Russell ‘Rusty’ Kelly and Reanna Blake.
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 club’s 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.
A spotlight on costume fun this Book Week
BOOK Week is just around the corner, running from August 16 to 23, and it’s the perfect time to bring your kids’ favourite storybook characters to life. Whether it’s the Cat in the Hat causing a bit of chaos, Hermione casting spells, Wally hiding in plain sight, or Cruella de Vil stirring up trouble, this year is all about celebrating the stories we love.
Spotlight Shepparton’s upcoming Book Week campaign makes getting ready easy and affordable. From fairytale classics to the latest adventures, there’s a huge range of costumes and accessories to choose from. Right now, you can save 20 to 30 per cent on costumes and accessories (excluding hot buys and clearance) and pick up selected licensed kids’ costumes for just $19. It’s the perfect way to let your little ones step straight into their favourite tales without spending a fortune.
And don’t forget — VIP Day kicks off tomorrow, July 17. Drop in to enjoy 30 per
cent off full-priced items storewide, check out the new catalogue, and grab a Scratch & Win coupon for extra savings. You could score 20 per cent, 15 per cent, or $5 off your next shop. Plus, there’ll be selected Spartys costumes going for a special VIP price of just $12.
So, whether your kids dream of being wizards, witches, brave heroes or mischievous cats, Spotlight Shepparton has everything you need to make this Book Week one to remember. Come in, get inspired, and let the stories leap off the page!
Visit Spotlight Shepparton at 5/115-155 Benalla Road and get ready to step into a story this Book Week.
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. Spotlight Shepparton is a participating business in the 2025 GMCU $10,000 Giveaway.
GOLF PRO... Shepparton Golf Club Pro Shop has the equipment and the expert staff to help you improve your game. PGA-qualified Professional Russell ‘Rusty’ Kelly (pictured) and the team can help you with the right clubs, bags, balls, apparel and footwear, before you tee off on one of the top regional golf courses in Victoria. Photo: Emma Harrop
Pictured
Christina, Veronica, Tanya and Brianna. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto
‘We’re sick of it’: Local police at breaking point after wave of reckless driving
continued from front page
AT a press conference following a string of serious road incidents across the Goulburn Valley, Superintendent Kahan did not hold back.
“We’re seeing excessive speeds of 200 kilometres an hour through and near the CBD of Shepparton, which is outrageous.” he said. “They’re not just going to kill themselves, but they’re going to kill those around them.”
Earlier this month, a utility travelling at high speed crashed into a pole near Riverside Plaza in Kialla. All three occupants were seriously injured and taken to hospital, two of whom were airlifted from the scene.
Police now say the ute was travelling in convoy with another vehicle, a white Holden Commodore, which was also allegedly tearing through the city at up to 200km/h.
“To the driver of that car,” Kahan said, looking straight down the camera, “you saw your mates flip that vehicle. Why didn’t you stop? And why the heck were you driving 200km an hour?”
"The best-case scenario is surrender yourself to police,” he said. “This community doesn’t accept that behaviour, and very shortly we’ll know exactly who that person is.”
Police have released CCTV footage and images of the Commodore and its passenger and are asking for the public to help identify them. However, Superintendent Kahan said that this case is just one symptom of a much deeper problem.
In just one hour on the morning of Sunday,
July 6, Shepparton Highway Patrol caught three drivers with blood alcohol readings three to four times over the legal limit. One of them, a 40-year-old man, was already disqualified and blew 0.197. Another man blew 0.179 at 8.30am while on his way to work.
Drug driving is another serious offence causing concern. Officers responded to a crash early last week where both drivers tested positive for methamphetamine.
Police also detected several other meth and THC-impaired drivers across recent patrols.
“You just shake your head,” Kahan said.
“And then you have to walk to someone’s house at 2am and tell their mum they’re not coming home, and I don’t want my constables doing it either, but we will unless this madness stops.”
Police say enforcement is about to get tougher than ever. “There's going to be more police, there's going to be more lights, and there's going to be more sirens in this town... more than you've ever seen before,” Kahan said. “We’re pulling over everything that moves from now on, because it’s the only way to keep our roads safe.
Superintendant Kahan is clear that police cannot do it alone. He also noted that since the horrific collision in Kialla, registrations for the
Planning for Resilient Green Community Spaces
CoolHeads Program – a free education session aimed at confronting young people with the real consequences of reckless driving – have surged and he also encouraged local people to register for the upcoming Police Forum on July 23.
“We cannot prevent deaths and serious injuries from occurring if this level of selfishness and stupidity continues,” Kahan said. “I don’t want my officers to have to tell another family their loved one is never coming home... but the inevitability is they will if we have people driving like that.”
And to the community, those feeling disheartened, afraid or frustrated, he has a final message:
“If you get pulled over by police and you’re
doing nothing wrong, let my members know you’re doing a good job, because they’re doing exactly what I’m asking them to do.
“I know we’re doing all we can, so I’m hoping if this message reaches one person who’s treating our roads like a criminal, and that person goes, ‘I’ve just listened to what he had to say, and I’m going to stop doing it’ — well, that’s a win.”
CoolHeads will be held Wednesday, July 16, 7–9pm at Riverlinks Eastbank. The session is free, but bookings are required: https://sheppandgv.com.au/events/calendar/ event-details/!/323/event/cool-heads-july-2025
Greater Shepparton PSA Neighbourhood Policing Online Forum will run Wednesday, July 23, 6–8pm . Register online: www. eventbrite.com/e/greater-shepparton-psaneighbourhood-policing-online-forumtickets-1368167177859
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GB CMA) is partnering with fi ve local councils to plan for resilient community green spaces during times of drought. Through the project Mitigating Impacts of Drought on Community Sporting Recreation Reserves, GB CMA is working with Greater Shepparton City, Mitchell Shire, Moira Shire, Murrindindi Shire, and Strathbogie Shire Councils to build water resilience into local recreation reserves, during dry conditions. These reserves are more than just sports fi elds—they are essential community hubs that support mental health, social connection and physical activity for our regional and agricultural communities.
The project’s fi rst stage focuses on understanding how each council currently manages water access for recreation reserves. This includes understanding existing infrastructure, water sources, and the risks posed by drought. From this, the project will identify opportunities to improve water resilience—such as using alternative water sources or modifying irrigation systems.
By working together, project partners aim to build stronger, more resilient communities where green spaces continue to thrive, even in challenging conditions. This project is part of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program, supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government.
LIGHTS AND SIRENS... Shepparton
Photo: Deanne Jeffers
Charity raffle supports GV Hospice Care
CONTINUING its outstanding support of local causes, this month’s Shepparton Club charity raffle will raise funds for Goulburn Valley Hospice Care.
GV Hospice is a non-profit, home-based palliative care service offering specialist support to people and families
facing life-limiting illness. Thanks to community generosity, the service operates 24/7 and is provided free of charge to people of all ages across the region.
The raffle will take place on Friday, July 18, from 7pm at the Shepparton Club.
To take part, visit clubraffles.online/ sheppartoncharityraffle, or drop into the Shepparton Club at 455 Wyndham Street for a quiet drink, a tasty meal and to show your support for this vital local service. For bookings, phone 5831 4488.
No wait to donate for 625,000 Australians
MOST sexual activity wait times for life-saving plasma donations have been removed this week by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, safely paving the way for many
gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEPi) to help save lives.
Previous donor rules prevented many
DELIVERY*
*If your home is not in a delivery
people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months.
Plasma, the ‘liquid gold’ part of the blood, is now the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply.
Some 625,000 Australians may become eligible to donate plasma, with Lifeblood anticipating around 95,000 additional donations of plasma to be made each year.
CEO Stephen Cornelissen AM thanked the community for their overwhelming support of these changes. He said importantly the change, “Will allow those on PrEP to become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period.”
Lifeblood has also been progressing changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules.
These changes – known as gender-neutral assessments – are expected to be introduced in 2026, and once implemented, will see all donors being asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality.
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App. Shepparton’s Lifeblood Centre is located via the Coles Carpark entrance.
Shepparton
Cricketers
Mooroopna
/SheppartonAdviser
Guidance in an anxious world
A message from Jeremy Rensford, Chair of Greater Shepparton Ministers’ Association
The Goulburn and Murray Valleys’ largest circulating newspaper Call 5832 8900 | www.sheppartonadviser.com.au
IT’S an understatement to say there’s a lot going on in our world at the moment – recent elections, wars and rumours of wars and increased divide between heavily opinionated humanity to name a few. With the proliferation of online content and social media; it seems like this has only made these problems more prevalent and immediate daily. So much to worry and be anxious about.
Thankfully, The Bible has relevant everyday advice for those of us who are not doing well – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6&7)
This is like a cheat code for mental health –we all will struggle with anxiety in one way, shape or form, it’s not a matter of if, but when. The instruction here is when it happens, we remember to pray to God and pass on our
requests to him, while being thankful. For me it goes something like this “Dear God, I’m so grateful for all the blessings in my life such as XYZ, but right now I’m freaking out about this issue I’m having, I just can’t get it out of my head – HELP!!!”
Making this a habit has had a profound positive impact on mine and others’ lives and helps me to be more thankful every day. I pray and hope it will do similar for you
ANXIOUS TIMES... Chair of Greater Shepparton Ministers’ Association, Jeremy Rensford, shares a message of hopefulness and gratefulness to ease the burden on mental health in the face of world troubles. Photo: Aaron Cordy
HELPING HAND... Goulburn Valley Hospice Care will be the July recipient of the Shepparton Club’s charity raffle, enabling the non-profit to continue its home-based palliative care service to locals in need. Pictured from left are Paula from The Shepparton Club, Brit, Jodie, Meg, Anneleise, Maree, Wendy, Jess from GV Hospice, and Wayne Sutton from The Shepparton Club. Photo: Emma Harrop
Charming central home offers endless possibilities
Open for inspection
this Saturday, 19 July from 10-10.30am
A STUNNING weatherboard home set amongst the enduring appeal of tree-lined streets, 48 Rea Street is a character-rich residence perfect for living life to the fullest. With an abundance of space on its 900m² (approx.) block, there's plenty of room to accommodate all lifestyle needs, whether it’s space for a growing family or simply a peaceful retreat to enjoy tranquillity, all while benefiting from the convenience of one of Shepparton’s most sought-after central locations.
Blending warm charm with modern comfort, the recent renovations impress from the moment you arrive. Greeted by an immaculate façade, classic veranda, and meticulously landscaped gardens, this is just a hint of what lies within.
Featuring soaring 9-foot ceilings and polished timber
floorboards, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home also includes two exposed brick fireplaces that speak to the home’s rich heritage.
The master suite boasts a walk-in robe and private ensuite, while the three additional sizeable bedrooms provide ample space for family or guests. At the heart of the home is a light-filled openplan kitchen, living, and dining area. Ducted heating and reverse cycle cooling ensure comfort year-round.
Stepping outdoors, a vine-covered pergola presents a delightful entertaining area, set against stretches of pristine lawn that offer both privacy and escape. A separately fenced rear section opens up a plethora of development possibilities, while a practical sized shed offers a space for tools and storage.
Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, local schools, and GV Health, this delightful gem is perfect for families, professionals, or investors—and Sean Reidy from Gagliardi Scott Real Estate agrees:
“This beautifully renovated home is a rare find. It's ready for immediate move-in and offers strong potential. With plenty of space for a pool or possible subdivision (subject to council approval), it's perfect for families or developers.”
For further information call Sean Reidy on 0448 689 444 or Rocky Gagliardi on 0407 826 542.
Winter water boost for Goulburn River plants, wildlife
WATER for the environment is being delivered into the Goulburn River this month to sustain the health of the waterway.
Known as a winter fresh, water is being released from Lake Eildon, increasing the height of the river for about four weeks.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) environmental water manager, Simon Casanelia, said the fresh replicates what would have occurred naturally in the river during winter, prior to regulation, but at a smaller scale.
“Even in dry conditions, it’s important to provide water to keep the river and its dependent plants and animals healthy and resilient,” Mr Casanelia said.
“The winter fresh helps the entire food chain by depositing seed-rich sediment on the banks, promoting the growth of bankstabilising plants. It moves sediment from the riverbed, creating diverse habitat for native fish and water bugs.
“Higher water levels also provide an important nesting cue for platypus to build
and utilise higher nests on the riverbank.
Adjacent wetlands and anabranches, which are currently separated, will be connected by the water delivery, providing habitat for animals.”
Water for the environment is water allocated and managed to improve the health of rivers, wetlands and floodplains. Use is adapted based on climatic conditions, water availability and ecological needs.
The winter fresh began last week and will flow through Alexandra, Molesworth, Seymour, Murchison and Shepparton and will eventually flow into the Murray River near Echuca.
The fresh will peak downstream of the Goulburn Weir in late July at approximately 9,500ML/day (a river height of 5.6m at Shepparton) before slowly dropping back to approximately 1,000ML/day (a river height of 2.7m at Shepparton) in mid-August.
The peak is well below the minor flood levels (9.5m at Shepparton). Timing of the fresh may change depending on G-MW operational requirements. In the event of
heavy rain, environmental water releases will be reduced or stopped.
Environmental flows are planned by the Goulburn Broken CMA in consultation with the local community, river ecologists, Goulburn-Murray Water, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH), the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Murray Darling Basin Authority.
This flow complements other management activities undertaken over the past decade to improve the health of the Goulburn River including fencing, weed control, revegetation and returning logs to rivers (re-snagging) for fish and bug habitat.
To check how water for the environment changes flows in the Lower Goulburn, view the hydrograph on Goulburn Broken CMA’s website: http://fchmccoys.hydronet. com/ (updated weekly). The flows are authorised by the VEWH in line with its Seasonal Watering Plan 2025-26. The plan is available for download from www.vewh.vic. gov.au.
ENVIRONMENT... Homewood wetland at Ghin Ghin, near Yea, will be connected to the Goulburn River during the winter fresh.
HEALTHY WATERWAYS... The winter fresh will help provide food and habitat for native fish, including Golden Perch. Photos: Supplied
Admin Assistant
Financial Services - Shepparton
Will suit mature aged person seeking a return to work and/or have moved recently to the area.
Permanent Part-Time Hours
Particular interest is emphasised on your sharp mind, reconciling figures skills & problem solving which will secure your long term position within this well respected & established local Financial Adviser Services business.
Written applications to: PO Box 1370 Shepparton Is
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR 2026 TEACHING POSITIONS
As we continue to grow, 2026 marks another exciting chapter for All Saints Anglican School. We will be expanding to include additional classes in Years 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8, and welcoming our first cohort of Year 9 students. With plans to offer VCE to Year 10 students in 2027, this is a pivotal time to join our dynamic and evolving school.
Positions Available
We are inviting expressions of interest from enthusiastic educators for the following roles in 2026: Junior School & Middle School
• Generalist Classroom Teachers
Middle Years Specialist Subjects
• Science
• Mathematics
• English
• Humanities
• Italian
• Health and Physical Education
• Performing Arts
•Visual Arts
•Technology
• Religious Studies
If you are an innovative and dedicated teacher eager to help shape our new Senior School, we encourage you to express your interest now
About You
We are looking for educators who:
• Are deeply committed to student learning and continuous professional growth.
• Place children at the centre of all learning decisions and classroom practices.
• Are confident in planning and delivering engaging, evidence-informed teaching strategies.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and work collaboratively in team environments.
• Embrace contemporary pedagogy and digital integration.
• Create inclusive, nurturing, and dynamic learning environments.
• Are excited to contribute to our rich co-curricular programs.
• Bring creativity and adaptability to cater to diverse learning needs.
• Have knowledge of or interest in the Science of Learning.
• Hold a current VIT registration or be eligible to obtain one.
Graduate teachers are encouraged to apply
How to Apply
To express your interest, please submit:
•A one-page cover letter detailing your teaching areas and why you wish to join the All Saints community
•A current CV, including contact details of two referees.
Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid work permit.
Applications close on the 25th of July 2025
Why Join Us?
At All Saints Anglican School, our mission is to provide a holistic, Christian, and evidence-informed education that equips students for life in the 21st Century. We are a young and fast-growing school with the vision, resources, and energy to create something remarkable – and you can be part of it.
Employment terms are governed by the Anglican Schools Commission Incorporated Victorian Agreement, with remuneration determined by the Principal in accordance with qualifications and experience.
Child Safety Commitment
All Saints Anglican School is a Child Safe organisation We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children and uphold a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse. We ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations to maintain a child-safe culture. Help shape the future of education in Shepparton –we’d love to hear from you.
ARMCHAIR brown velvet, good condition $10.00 Ph: 0438 906 722
KITCHEN dresser, pine. Beautiful condition. Very cheap. $50 Ph: 0417
597
TOP TIPSTERS ROUND
Shepparton v Shepp United
When Shepp Bears played the teams they face in the final five rounds of the home and away season the first-time round, they finished with a 2-3 win/loss record. They will be hoping to better that result when they start the run into the finals against co-tenant Shepp United on Saturday. The Bears have clawed their way back up to 5th and now sit two games inside the top six. The Bears face a United team that may sit 11th on the ladder, but is a top 5 disposal team and also featured strongly in the contested ball game. Kyle Clarke, Jessie Cucinotta, Liam Serra and Kade Chalcraft have been standouts, but haven’t been able to influence the scoreboard enough this year. Shepp Bears are the number one disposal team in the competition (averaging 383 disposals), are the top tackling team (73 a game), are number one for hit outs and have laid more forward 50 tackles than any other team. Despite sitting 10th for free kicks for, they are now on a two-week winning run that they will be looking to extend to four before confronting the three teams that beat them the first time round – Echuca, Mansfield and Seymour. United will struggle to contain Luke Smith (36 goals, 20 of those in the last four weeks) and Lewis McShane (35 goals), with the latter having his best return – 4 goals – since Round 3 (ironically that game was against United). Ted Lindon and Bryce Stephenson will have the jobs on Kaedyn Napier (22 goals this year) and Liam Serra (20 goals), with Max Brodie another in-form Bears defender. Mitch Brett does his work at both ends and on the weekend had 26 touches (20 kicks), with 3 I50 entries and 3 rebound 50s. Prediction: Bears by 43 points
LTTM: Round 3, 2025: Bears won by 74 points
Mooroopna v Shepp Swans
they could well finish with a rush and challenge both the Swans and Bears for a spot in the final six. They are two wins behind both these teams but have games against Tatura, Euroa, United and the Bears to come.
Prediction: Mansfield by 19 points
LTTM: Round 3, 2025: Mansfield won by 44 points
Euroa v RochesteR
Rochester has lost just two games this season, but in three other games has finished with a singlefigure winning margin. The Tigers’ most impressive win of the season came only two weeks before last weekend’s bye – a 34-point win against Echuca only a week after they had been humbled by Kyabram to the tune of 62 points. Including this weekend’s game against Euroa, the Tigers face three of the bottom five teams in the final home-and-away rounds –including winless Tatura in the pre-finals round. They should finish second as they also face an out-of-sorts Shepp Swans who have dropped to 6th on the ladder after losing all but one of their last six games. One of the great duels of the GVL season will be between Lachlan Hill and Rochester’s Mitch Trewhella. Hill leads the competition for both loose ball and hard ball gets (Trewhella is 2nd for hard ball gets), while the Magpie star is also the top contested possession player (Trewhella is 4th), and he is 2nd for clearances (Trewhella is 7th). Trewhella is the top tackler in the competition (Hill is 4th) and is the top handballing player in the competition. Both teams prefer to use hands – the Tigers ranked 1st and Euroa 3rd. Prediction: Rochester by 29 points
LTTM: Round 13, 2025: Rochester won by 15 points
Benalla v Kyabram
After returning to the winners’ list a fortnight ago, the Swans lost their fifth game of the last six rounds when they allowed Seymour to take a 29-point lead into half time of the weekend’s game at Princess Park. The Swans outscored Seymour in the final half, but still lost the game by four goals and now sit sixth on the ladder – still two games ahead of Seymour, but with little wriggle room if they are unable to right the ship in the next two weeks. They will be expecting wins against Mooroopna and Tatura, but then have 2nd ranked Rochester (who they beat by nine points the first time round) and unbeaten Kyabram in the final round. When the Swans have enough I50 entries they are extremely dangerous. In fact, they take more I50 marks than any other GVL team. They are a long kicking, low handballing team (11th in the league for handballs, in fact) and struggle in the contested ball space (7th for contested marks, despite having taken the 2nd most marks in 2025). Mooroopna, conversely, is a high handball team (2nd in the competition) and will be hoping to keep the game in close and avoid the slick-moving Swans from taking too many uncontested marks (where they are also ranked 2nd). The Cats will be relying on Will Wood to try and reduce the dominance of Swans ruckman Mark Kovacevic, while Ben Hicks will be hoping to lead the defence in stopping James Auld (22 goals), Steele Simpson (21 goals) and Nathan Rachele (21 goals) – all top 20 players in the goalkicking. Jed Woods and Kai Madgwick have been outstanding for the Cats this year and will front up against ball-winning machine Nathan Hrovat on Saturday. This will be worth the price of admission alone.
Prediction: Shepp Swans by 51 points
LTTM: Round 3, 2025: Swans won by 28 points
Seymour v Mansfield
If you are down south this weekend, you could do worse than calling in to see this game, which could feature two players in great goalkicking form –Mansfield’s Billy Hogan and Seymour’s Riley Mason. Between them, they kicked 18 goals last weekend, with Hogan bagging a season-high 12 and Mason kicking half a dozen. Mason won the league goalkicking last year and has this year appeared on only two occasions in Lions colours. He has kicked 21 goals in 12 games with Collingwood’s VFL team and in the Lions' upset win against Shepparton Swans took 8 marks Inside 50 for a 6.3 return. Hogan has kicked 30 of his 38 goals for the season in the last four weeks, his 12.2 return on Saturday coming after bags of seven and eight in the last two games. Before Round 10 he had been kept goalless on six occasions. This match looms as an eight-pointer for the Lions, as
After winning back-to-back games for the first time this season, the Saints suffered 119- and 84-point defeats leading into last weekend’s bye. Winless for the opening four rounds, the Saints beat Tatura by 65 points before being highly competitive in losses to Rochester (leading by 3 points at quarter time), Euroa (a four-point loss), and against finals aspirant Seymour. They then beat United by 19 points and Mooroopna by 22, on the back of 13 goals in two weeks by the league’s leading goalkicker Nathan Wright. This weekend, though, they face a Kyabram team which had 52 scoring shots against Tatura on the weekend and registered its fourth 100+ point win of the year. Against the Bombers in Round 3, the Saints kicked six of their eight goals for the game in the third quarter, but didn’t manage a score in the final term as the Bombers had 13 scoring shots. Luckily, they were inaccurate and kicked seven behinds. Kyabram’s scoring power is underlined by the fact it is more than 400 points better than the next best attack, while also boasting the second most effective defence (just behind Rochester and Shepparton Bears). Jack Russell continues to impress in his first GVL season, with the most goal assists in the competition. The Bombers also have six of the top eight score involvement players in 2025.
Prediction: Kyabram by 125 points LTTM: Round 3, 2025: Kyabram won by 105 points
Tatura v Echuca
Having had a wretched run of outs with injuries to star players, the Murray Bombers' 3rd-placed status belies the challenges they have faced. This weekend will not be one of those challenges, with their only losses this year to Kyabram (by 35 points) and to Rochester (by 34 points). They have looked less than invincible (something which is foreign to the league since preCOVID days) in games against Mansfield and the Swans, winning both by less than two goals. After this weekend’s game against the bottom-ranked Bulldogs, they face Benalla (10th) before two big games against a vastly improved Shepparton Bears (which has recovered from a five-week losing stretch to win their last four games) and a blockbuster against unbeaten Kyabram in Round 17. Tatura has been putting all its eggs in one basket in recent weeks, taking Curtis Ryan out of defence to play alongside ruckman Ryan Young and another regular defender, Michael Archer. Ryan had 35 disposals and 4 clearances, while Archer had 23 touches and 5 clearances. They will front up against the 3rd-best clearance player, Sam Reid, who is also top three for loose balls and hard ball gets. The Murray Bombers welcomed Kane Morris back last weekend and he will have an interesting duel with swingman Ben Darrou. Prediction: Echuca by 136 points
LTTM: Round 3, 2025: Echuca won by 161 points
THE THINGS WE LEARNT: THE THILL-SEEKER IS BUILT FOR SEPTEMBER
ANDREW SLEVISON & JAIDEN SCIBERRAS/SEN
ROUND 18 has come and gone, and what a round it was.
The AFL treated us to a September preview, with eight of the nine September hopefuls facing off in a fixture for the ages.
From bags of six, comeback kings and captain’s goals, Round 18 simply had it all.
With that being said, here are the things we learnt from 2025’s final’s preview!
If the Suns land a home final, look out
Are the Suns a real threat?
Entering Friday night, all the talk surrounded Gold Coast’s history – or lack of.
Having never made the finals, the Suns entered the contest with 10 wins from their 15 games, well and truly amongst the top-end teams with a game in hand leading into season’s end.
Facing a Collingwood side at the pinnacle of the AFL, having won eight straight and cruising towards a minor premiership, the Suns had an almighty challenge that the franchise had yet to experience.
And yet they stood as all as any, holding the premiership favourites goalless for over two and a half quarters en route to an incredible six-point win.
Arguably the most impressive feature of their victory wasn’t just their electric start, but their ability to counteract the immense charge mounted by the Pies in the final term.
An incredible five straight goals saw the Magpies take the lead in the most unlikely of circumstances, and it seemed as though the result was all but settled.
However, led by their inspirational captain Noah Anderson, the Suns fought back as well as ever, claiming back their lead and holding on against
the AFL’s top dog. With their killer mindset and elite leadership, the Suns really might be a premiership threat, and if given the opportunity to open their September campaign at home, look out.
The Dogs are behind the eight ball Where to now for the Western Bulldogs?
A disappointing 11-point home loss against the Adelaide Crows has left the Dogs a game behind the pack, falling to the dreaded ninth position following Fremantle’s impressive win over the Hawks.
The issue with the Bulldogs’ loss was that all of their star players played as well as expected.
Marcus Bontempelli was as elite as ever with six goal assists and 37 touches, Ed Richards in top form as he has been all season within a midfield that comfortably won the clearance count… the Dogs didn’t play too far beyond their expectations.
Having said that, they lost to a top side yet again, marking their seventh loss from eight games against the current top eight.
So, where do they go from here?
The immediate area of necessity is within their back half. Although James O’Donnell and Rory Lobb have had good seasons, they simply aren’t at the level required to defend against the best – hence Riley Thilthorpe’s six.
Their elite scoreboard prowess is as scary as any, however good teams tear their defence apart far too easily.
Without change or the potential return of Liam Jones, the Dogs may miss out.
The Thill-seeker is built for September
What a player.
Riley Thilthorpe’s career-high six goal performance against the Bulldogs was every sign necessary that the kid is built for the biggest stage.
A game-changing showing of pure dominance, Thilthorpe’s rare ability to take complete control of a contest is special, and at just 23 years of age, we’ve hardly seen the beginning.
With so much talk of Sam Darcy’s brilliance – and rightly so – the Crows key man demanded the spotlight, booting four majors in the second term and going at 100 per cent around the ground in the second half.
It sets up what is destined to be a special showing in the finals, and with the likes of Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine continuing to perform amongst the best, the Crows could do some serious damage.
Freo may have the guts they lacked last season
In 2024, Fremantle missed out on September, and they only had themselves to blame.
Four straight losses to end the year, the Dockers went from top four contenders to tenth place within just four weeks.
They lacked the killer instinct they needed to put away games, and with a young list made up of extremely young stars, it’s not difficult to see why.
This year, it feels like the Dockers have found that extra gear, and that was well on display in their win over the Hawks.
13 points down heading into the final term, knowing that a loss would send them a game behind the pack, Justin Longmuir’s men put the foot down, booting four goals to just two behinds to power home to a much needed win out West.
With their percentage sitting at the lowest of all nine teams competing for eight spots, the Dockers can’t rely on other results to get them in, and now on even points with fourth-placed Geelong, Fremantle may have the guts required to make their final push.
A contest with Collingwood awaits, the most difficult fixture on the schedule, before three straight games against bottom nine sides.
If they truly have the instinct they
lacked last season, expect a huge push at the MCG this coming weekend.
The Brisbane Lions are on the premiership prowl.
The reigning premiers were in a savage mood against Carlton on Thursday night.
While challenged at times, in the end they held the Blues at arm’s length throughout the Round 18 opener at Marvel Stadium.
Chris Fagan wanted his side’s tackling and pressure to lift. 35 turnovers in the forward half which led to seven goals (eight behinds) and 20 tackles inside 50 suggests it did.
A 37-point win (103-66) could have been more if they really wanted it to be. It looked like it could have got very ugly when it was 52 points at threequarter time.
That’s three wins on the trot and they’re on track to nail a top two spot.
That midfield of Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley, Jarrod Berry and Will Ashcroft is elite. Throw in Zac Bailey, Cam Rayner and Levi Ashcroft who are often around the ball and it only gets better.
They were beaten at clearance but the overlap run and overall class was on another level to that of their opponents.
You don’t want to play the Lions. Their game is in very good order, and you’d imagine it will only get better.
They do have a very competitive lot of fixtures ahead which will only help them nail things down for a finals assault. That run is: Western Bulldogs (home), Gold Coast (away), Collingwood (away), Sydney (home), Fremantle (away) and Hawthorn (home).
They do need to keep winning to assure top four, but once they get there, look out whoever gets them in September.
What we learnt about Carlton is that it is definitely now time to play the kids.
Riley Thilthorpe of the Crows (right) celebrates scoring a goal during the AFL Round 18 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Adelaide Crows at Marvel Stadium. Photo: JOEL
