By Cassidy Parker
By Aaron Cordy
Local health workers join statewide strike
outside
Union representatives have attempted to negotiate a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, which ran out months ago, for almost a year, with the state government offering a three per cent pay rise per annum.
Greater Shepparton. Our Plan. Our Future.
The Council Plan 2025–2029 sets the direction for Greater Shepparton over the next four years. It outlines how Council will invest your rates, prioritise projects, and deliver services that strengthen our region. Shaped by community input, including a dedicated Community Panel, this Plan focuses on five key priorities that support a thriving, inclusive and sustainable Greater Shepparton.
A Stronger Local Economy
Smarter Infrastructure
Supporting agriculture, local businesses and new industries to create jobs and strengthen our region.
Investing in roads, facilities, housing and transport to support a growing community.
Liveability
Creating safe, inclusive neighbourhoods with access to housing, services, culture and recreation.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
A Protected Environment
Protecting our rivers, green spaces and natural assets for future generations.
Transparent, Responsible Leadership
Delivering transparent, responsible leadership with strong financial management and community engagement.
Health and wellbeing are embedded across all priorities – supporting mental health, safety, gender equality and access to services.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
• Continued investment in roads and community facilities
• Support for local jobs and industries
• Safer, more connected neighbourhoods
• Environmental protection and sustainability
• Transparent decision-making and reporting
EXPLORE THE FULL PLAN AND TRACK PROGRESS AT:
that piqued her initial interest, and one that saw her become a firefighter.
WILMOT ROAD BOOK FAIR
Wilmot Road Primary School Community Hub (WRCH) held it Book Fair on Wednesday, April 1. Raising over $360 raised to be used to purchase nappies, wipes, etc. for Caroline Chisholm Society – Goulburn Valley to help our local families who need a little extra support.
Local community hubs like WRCH provide a smorgasbord of vital services for people in the community. From learning opportunities to food relief, they are a key connecter for people who may not know where else to turn.
BUSHFIRE INQUIRY PUSHED BACK
The state Government’s parliamentary inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, which took one life, destroyed more than 300 homes and burnt 400,000 hectares won’t start until later this year. The news has caused outrage across the state for those who put their lives on the line battling the blazes.
CAT ADOPTION
Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging community members to open their hearts and homes this April to one of the many cats and kittens waiting at the Shepparton Animal Shelter. Adoption fees have been reduced to $50 this April for cats over 12 months of age. Kittens remain full price. All cats have been vet checked, desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, treated for worms and fleas and are ready to take home. Animal Shelter staff encourage community members to visit Council’s website to view the available cats online and complete the online pet adoption questionnaire before attending the Animal Shelter.
GIVE THE CFA A HAND NEXT FIRE SEASON
CFA’s annual Give Us A Hand recruitment campaign has officially kicked off, and the encouraging number of expressions of interest to join CFA so far is a testament to the spirit of our local community members which instils us with great comfort in the integrity of our future firefighters.
More than 3,400 Victorians have put their hand up to join CFA since the devasting January bushfires, hoping they too can lend a hand in the next fire season to protect their communities.
The Give Us A Hand recruitment campaign encourages Victorians to join their local CFA brigade in an operational firefighting capacity, or within community education and support roles. For more information about volunteering, contact your local CFA branch.
JUNIOR WRITING COMPETITION IS NO FURPHY
Submissions are open for the junior and youth categories of the 2026 Furphy Literary Awards. Categories include Junior Short Story and Junior Poetry for writers aged 12 years and under, and Youth Short Story and Youth Poetry for writers aged 13 to 17 years.
Prizes are available in each category, with first place receiving $300, second place $100 and third place $50. Entries close at 11.59pm on Sunday May 31 2026. For more information and to enter, visit https://shepp.city/furphylit.
TO THE MOON
NASA’s Artemis II mission lifted off at 9:35am AEDT on Thursday, April 2, with the space agency hoping to send humans around the Moon for the first time since 1972.
Four astronauts, including the first woman, first person of colour and first non-US citizen to travel beyond low Earth orbit, are on board the Orion capsule atop NASA’s next-generation SLS rocket at Cape Canaveral, Florida. At the time this was printed, the crew surpassed the record for human’s farthest distance from Earth previously set by Apollo 13, at 248,655 miles from Earth.
ANOTHER MEDAL FOR ISLA SHAW
15-year-old cycling sensation, Isla Shaw has won a bronze medal at the AusCycling Junior Track National Championships in Brisbane as part of the Victorian Women’s Under 17 Team Pursuit squad. Isla teamed up with Gabriella Rojo-Rodriguez, Juliet McDonald and Nicola Wallace to deliver a fantastic ride and secure a place on the national podium. This is the second bronze medal for Isla this season, after picking up her first earlier in the year in the National Elimination Race in Perth.
More than a place
No longer “one size fits all”
One of the hot topics in aged care these days is the need to offer opportunities for more older people to continue living in their own homes. Governments are encouraging it, and more families and older people themselves are stating it as a preference. Shepparton Villages has long been a provider of support services to do just that – to help people stay in their own homes. Some of these clients who receive these services go on to become residents at Shepparton Villages, but not all of them.
There’s choice every step of the way, and these days it’s all about offering as much choice as possible.
For those who want to be part of a supportive aged care community, moving into an Independent Living Unit (ILU) within a retirement village might be the right choice. But for those needing a higher level of care and support, a residential aged care home might be a better choice. Shepparton Villages offers both.
But then again, for those who remain fit and well enough to continue living independently – perhaps with just an occasional helping hand here and there – getting Support at Home services might be the right solution. The important thing is to find what’s right for each individual - it can’t be “one size fits all”.
Shepparton Villages will be making more noise in the months to come to promote more awareness of our very own Support at Home services.
Watch out for a special supplement coming up soon in the Adviser. It will be all about our Support at Home offerings – with some good stories to tell about people continuing to enjoy life in their own homes with the benefit of just a little bit of the right kind of support here and there. It’s good news for many families!
Find out more: www.sheppvillages.com.au Or call: (03) 5832 0800 Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm
CAROLINE CHISHOLM SOCIETY... Wilmot Road Primary School Community Hub leader, Sarah Pearson (with one of her favourite books), raised funds for the Caroline Chisholm Society – Goulburn Valley to help our local families with Book Fair last week. Photo: Aaron Cordy
FIREFIGHTING VOLUNTEERS... For Echuca Fire Brigade member Kaylea Blake (pictured), it was a much-loved CFA running activity
Photo: Supplied
By Veronica Jamison, CEO, Shepparton Villages
A home-grown popstar
By Cassidy Parker
ROBERT Baxter is one of Shepparton’s many homegrown artists, and this year has seen them reach new heights – opening for G Flip at Margaret Court Stadium, being Triple J’s Unearthed feature artist, and releasing their latest song ‘MUSIC 2 MY EARS’ just last Thursday.
Robert had dedicated the last three years to pursuing a music career, recently becoming a full-time artist, however they have a long history across different art forms, both locally and further afield.
“As soon as I was born, I always wanted to perform. I’d watch Michael Jackson and Britney Spears on TV when I was young.”
“My parents were always supportive of it - you can basically do whatever you want in life, just work hard at it.”
Robert was always involved in whatever Greater Shepparton had available, whether that was acting, dancing, singing, or song writing. In high school, through the Kool Skools program, they developed a passion for songwriting and would go on to release a few songs over the years.
For many years, their love for dancing took the forefront, working as a dance teacher at Amy Newton Dance Studio, teaching choreography for local theatre productions, and performing in productions.
“I was kind of thinking I was going to be a dance teacher forever, or maybe open a performing arts school, or something like that.”
Robert moved to Melbourne full-time in 2022, saying the pandemic became the catalyst for them to look for another path in the creative industry.
“When Covid happened, there was just so
many times where we’d work on a show for like six months, and then it would get cancelled, and I just felt like I wanted to do something else.”
Since this move, Robert has hit some major milestones across their different disciplines.
Walking in Melbourne Fashion Week, being a digital cover star on magazines in Malaysia and the Philippines, guest starring on Spicks and Specks, going on tour with major Australian girlgroup Blusher, joining Australia’s longest standing ballroom family House of Silky, and releasing music with their peers in the local Australian music scene.
Being picked as Triple J’s unearthed artist in March meant aside from having their music featured heavily on Triple J, they were offered the opportunity to open for G Flip, a multi-platinum Australian musician.
“It was crazy. They only told me nine days before, and I was meant to take the weekend off. But then when I got the call I was like, obviously I’m doing it – it's G Flip and it’s Margaret Court.”
“Also, the stage was so long. I’m not used to running around for that long, I kind of ran out of breath.”
Robert’s love for music, despite taking them across the world, has been grown and cultivated locally, and they gave recognition to the local arts community that supported them as they grew creatively.
“Well, if we’re doing shout outs it has to be Ryan Black and Jason Giuliani as the two who got me started in songwriting...they really encouraged me and they taught me a lot about songwriting and music.”
“Obviously Amy Newton who runs Amy
1st May 2026 9.30am – 11am
Newton Dance Studios, she's always believed in me. If ever I had a gig in Melbourne she’d be like
‘Yeah, go do that gig. We’re always going to be here for you whenever you need us.’”
“Jamie Lea as well... she probably gave me my first gig when I was like 15 years old, a little singing gig. Casey Fogarty too– my teachers and mentors, love them.”
In their new music, Robert is inspired by the sound of iconic artists like the Black-eyed Peas, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. “That’s my trifecta.”
“I think there’s a few things that are important
to the music. It’s the way it makes people feel, the way it makes people move, like what’s the message behind it, the visibility for my community.
“If you’re somebody in Shepparton who’s trying to do something a bit off the path, you have to make the choice...It's hard to do a job that I don’t like and it’s hard to do a job that I love that makes less money, you just have to make the choice on what your priorities are.”
“To do anything out of the ordinary, you have to have a growth mindset.”
“
We focus on academic success, but we also concentrate on the roundness of the person. That’s important! As a Christian school, it is important to us to instill Christian values into our everyday learning. Jim Laussen, Principal
but has recently taken some major steps in the world of music. Photo: Jarrad Levy.
Back under the same stars Salvation Army North East Youth Services hold 2nd homeless sleepout event
THE homeless crisis continues to worsen across the country, with the cost of living, inflation and now the rise in fuel prices, people from all walks of life are finding it harder to keep a roof over their heads.
After the success of Under the Same Stars last year, the Salvation Army North East Youth Services are hosting its second sleep out event to raise funds to improve the lives of local homeless youth.
“On the back of the 2025 event, this is a no-brainer for us” said Jim Gow, Youth Participation Worker at Salvation Army North East Youth Services.
“We are aware that people want to help but aren’t always sure how. This is a great opportunity to not only help, but to network with others and experience what many experience each and every single day. Think of it as a networking event with a
purpose.”
The event is on Wednesday, April 15 from 5pm at the Deakin Reserve, going all night until 7am the following morning. All funds will be directed towards youth homelessness servicing locally and will stay 100 per cent local.
“It’s important that the funds stay local for us. Many fundraisers send money to different areas; however, this money is raised by locals for locals. I’ve been involved in more than 70 events previously, but this is the biggest fundraiser I’ve been a part of.” said Mr Gow.
In addition to Under the Same Stars, a side event is also contributing to raising funds for the same cause. Miles From Home, is being held on the back of last year’s running achievement by locals Peter Ralph and Vic Bovalino.
“We ended up running the 100 miles last year in under 22 hours, which was a massive personal achievement, but now we want to create more of a community running event – something that the running community can be a part of, not just Vic and I” said Mr Ralph.
The sleepout will include information about local homelessness statistics for under 25-year-olds, guest speakers discussing their experience with homelessness, as well as where the money will go and exercises in simulating budgeting when earning Youth Allowance and the challenges that brings.
This event is a drug, alcohol, smoke and vape free event. Entry will be via prepaid ticket only. Ticketing for the event is https:// under-the-same-stars-2026.raiselysite.com/.
HOMELESS
sleep out event, Under the Same Stars, along with Peter Ralph and Vic Bovalino running to raise fund with Miles From Home. People can still get involved in the sleepout event and help local youth who are sleeping rough.
Photo: Aaron Cordy
CFA raises 2.1 million for Good Friday Appeal
Thank you to all participating brigades across Victoria for your contribution to this year’s Appeal and for the work you do in your local towns not only to protect them but to also help save young lives.
Alen Slijepcevic
IN CFA’s 75th year supporting the Good Friday Appeal, the generosity of Victorians right across the state has exceeded expectations, helping raise an incredible $2,150,000 for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
Once again, CFA volunteers were out in force both on their fire trucks and on foot, making their way around local streets rattling tins all morning to raise vital funds in their communities for a much-loved and well-respected cause.
As a major fundraiser for the Appeal, and one that hits close to home, CFA has now raised more than $43 million over an impressive 75 years.
It was also a milestone night for the Appeal as they
marked an astonishing 95 years of fundraising, with a record-breaking final tally of $25,268,485.
Acting CFA Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM presented the new customised cheque for the momentous year with the total amount CFA contributed to The Royal Children’s Hospital alongside Gisborne Fire Brigade members Mark Carter and Sandra Barotta on Friday night.
“As an organisation, we are incredibly proud our CFA members’ efforts each year who lend their time to fundraise alongside the Victorian community for such a worthwhile cause,” Alen said.
“Thank you to all participating brigades across Victoria
Live Longer
Our goal at Shepparton Physiotherapy Clinic is to return you to work, sport, and life faster. Our priorities are long-lasting results, personalised care, and flexible availability times. We offer: Monday to Friday Evening Appointments 5pm - 8pm Online Consultation Female Physiotherapist
On-site Parking WheelChair Accessibility Hands On Approach Exercise Based Treatment
We have extensive experience across public and private hospitals, aged care facilities and private clinics. Physiotherapist, Gurveen Kaur brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. She is dedicated to thoroughly assessing and diagnosing each patient’s condition to develop tailored treatment strategies.
Bookings Mon-Fri 5pm to 8pm
for your contribution to this year’s Appeal and for the work you do in your local towns not only to protect them but to also help save young lives.
“Many of our members have required the services of the RCH, and it is an absolute privilege to be a part of raising such important funds and to see direct results of that fundraising that the brigades do put toward technology and research to help our Victorian children.”
The money raised for The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal will be used to ensure kids are provided with the best possible treatment and care.
Fuel excise cut and the price of filling up
PRICES CREEPING UP... Many measures have been put in place to fight the rise of fuel prices, both across Victoria and nationally, however there is no end near to the steep prices locals currently face. Photo: Supplied.
ON Monday, March 30, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia’s fuel excise tax would be halved from April 1 to June 30. This brought the price of fuel down by 26.3 cents per litre. A fuel excise is the flat rate tax added to the petrol bought at the bowser, so for every litre of petrol, a person was paying up to an extra 52.6 cents a litre.
This fuel excise cut has seen prices around Greater Shepparton slow their rise, with Unleaded 91 averaging from
around $2.20 to $2.50 per litre, and diesel averaging $3.18 at the time of publishing. The Australian Institute of Petroleum’s weekly report on prices across the country shows that across regional Victoria, in the week ending April 5, we experienced a 13.1 cents decrease in price per litre.
However, with international conflict still blocking the crucial trade route of the Strait of Hormuz, there is no immediate relief in sight for these steep petrol prices.
GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL... Helped by the generosity of Victorians right across the state, the CFA raised an incredible $2,150,000 for The Royal Children’s Hospital. From left, Donald Good Friday Appeal Area Manager Dale Anderson, Gisborne Fire Brigade members Sandra Barotta and Mark Carter, Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic. Photo: Supplied
The spiritual meaning of Easter
A message from Jeremy Rensford, Chair of Greater Shepparton Ministers’ Association
ON behalf of the Christian community of Greater Shepparton I'd like to acknowledge our wider community at this most special time of year for Christians. Sometimes it's not easy to understand why certain holidays/festivals/religious celebrations are special. There can often be misinformation going around. I had the honour of speaking at a recent Diversity Week function and understand how important it is that we understand each other's culture and beliefs. Many may think of Easter time as being about a chance to go camping, eat chocolate (understandably!), the Easter bunny and maybe not eating meat on Good Friday.
While these things have varying degrees of validity, what's most important for us Christians, is what Jesus did for everyone; it's so much more than just a religious ritual. To us, it’s the story of God reaching into our world, taking on our pain, and breaking the power of death.
On the peculiarly named Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus was crucified. It’s called “good” not because the suffering was good, but because, in that moment, we believe Jesus chose to take
upon himself the worst of our human sin, guilt, and brokenness. For us, Good Friday shows that God takes our failures and regrets seriously and is willing to walk into the darkness with us. That is good!
Then, on Resurrection Sunday (widely known as Easter Sunday), we celebrate our belief that Jesus rose from the dead. This is not a nice, feel good “Hollywood" ending, but rather it’s the heart of Christian hope. If His death is the final “no” to our old lives, Christians believe Jesus’ resurrection is God’s great “yes” for what's next - that life, forgiveness, and a fresh start are possible from this miracle gift of God. Resurrection Sunday is about none of us being beyond the reach of a loving God, no matter how distant we may feel.
I hope this little article brings clarity to our wider community that may be wondering what the Easter weekend is really all about. I thank you all for your friendship, support, and for the part you play in making this a place where people can live, hope, and grow together.
YAY OR NAY IS IN!
Many of us celebrated Easter over the weekend! Camping getaways are a classic, but a lot of people are reconsidering with rising petrol prices, so we asked where you stood on the matter:
29 per cent of viewers said YAY to an Easter getaway, but 79 per cent said NAY
The State Government has announced free public transport across Victoria for the month of April. We asked if you were happy with this measure to ease the cost of travel: 100 per cent of responders said YAY to the support, but one viewer responded “Mooroopna is unable to reap the full benefits, workers not able to make it on time.”
On Easter Sunday, the clocks ticked back an hour with daylight savings coming to an end.
Some people think it’s annoying, some people say it’s useful. We asked what you thought:
57 per cent of people said YAY to the tradition, with the rest at 43 per cent saying NAY
Keep an eye out for next week’s YAY or NAY for a chance to have your voice to be heard by a wider audience, and have your say published in our next edition.
(Don’t worry, we’ll keep it anonymous.)
To vote and let us know where the GV stands on these issues, you can head to our Instagram story at @sheppartonadviser each Wednesday at 5pm, or comment on our Facebook post.
EASTER MESSAGE... Chair of Greater Shepparton Ministers’ Association, Jeremy Rensford, shares his thoughts on cultural understanding and the spiritual meaning of Easter. Photo: Aaron Cordy
SHEPPARTON
ROUND
BIKE IMPOUNDED
Shepparton Proactive Policing Unit responded to multiple complaints from the community about this unregistered dirt bike and it’s dangerous driving through the Shepparton CBD.
The rider, a unlicenced 16-year-old male from Shepparton will receive a summons to appear at the Shepparton Children’s Court at a later stage for several charges and the motorbike was impounded at a cost of $1,280.
WHAT makes a dealer a cornerstone of the industry? For regional Victoria’s caravanning industry, there must be a combination of trusted names, brand power and local expertise. As an authorised Jayco dealer, Prestige Jayco Bendigo has what it takes to service the local caravanning community. They come to the table with an impressive selection of new and pre-owned caravans, camper trailers and motorhomes, catering to both first-time buyers and seasoned travellers.
with a 3-month warranty available. Whether you're looking for a lifestyle change, or just an upgrade, this deal is the perfect time to secure a 2025 model for a rare price.
Their upcoming Pre-Winter Runout Sale has a lot on offer - with 2025 model clearances across camper trailers, caravans, and pop tops as well as a range of used caravans available for inspection,
What distinguishes the Prestige Jayco Bendigo operation is its full-service approach. Beyond sales, it provides genuine parts, accessories, and a well-equipped workshop staffed by qualified technicians, ensuring customers are supported long after purchase. This commitment reflects the broader Jayco philosophy: the dealership is not just a point of sale, but a long-term partner in the caravanning lifestyle. Any purchase made during this Pre Winter Sale is available for immediate delivery, meaning you don’t have to wait to enjoy a
single deal you snag this April 17-18. If you’ve got your on eye on a caravan, camper trailer, or anything else for your next journey, come into Prestige Jayco Bendigo next Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, where you’ll find a BBQ, daily Gate Entry prizes available, and the quality that makes Prestige Jayco the place to go. Find everything you need at prices you can’t miss out, at Prestige Jayco Bendigo’s 21-27 Midland Highway, Epsom location, just two doors down from Buildpro Bendigo. To find out more about this sale, and get in contact with your local Jayco dealers, call ahead at (03) 5447 997.
Strengthening cultural understanding through leadership
THE emerging leaders of the Fairley Leadership Program rode a Cultural Bus Tour across Greater Shepparton in March to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and promote inclusiveness and respect for Harmony Week.
Delivered in partnership with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton, the immersive, place-based experience
brought together emerging leaders, community representatives, sponsors and stakeholders to engage directly with local multicultural communities.
The Cultural Bus Tour included GV Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre and Mosque, Albanian Moslem Society Shepparton, Gurdwara Sahib (Sikh Temple), Shepparton Heritage Centre and the Nabi
Akram Islamic Centre participants heard from community leaders about their history, identity and lived experiences within the region.
Goulburn Murray Community Leadership acknowledged the generosity of the community groups who opened their doors and shared their stories.
“While it is not possible to engage with every culture and community in a single day, this experience provides an important starting point. It encourages ongoing learning, reflection and a deeper understanding of what inclusive leadership looks like in practice,” said Kimberley Chu Programs Coordinator at GMCL.
SAM prepares for most ambitious show yet
By Olivia O’Keeffe
THE countdown is underway for art lovers awaiting Shepparton Art Museum’s (SAM) major winter blockbuster Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso opening May 23 to September 20.
The exhibition offers visitors an exclusive opportunity to view artworks never before seen in Australia from some of the artworld’s biggest household names such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse and Edgar Degas.
Last year Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio brought in around 17,000 visitors to the gallery and this year Facing Modernity, SAM’s first paid and most
marketed exhibition, predicts 22,000 visitors.
“We could have 100 people lining up out the door on that first day, or we could have 10. It's hard to tell, but we expect there’ll be somewhere in the middle. So we've just got to be flexible enough to adjust and adapt,” SAM’s Artist Director Danny Lacy said.
In preparation for the influx of visitors to the gallery, SAM is implementing additional security measures, a larger ticketing infrastructure and advertising 20 new casual positions over a six-month period.
Beginning too, in September and at the
tailend of Facing Modernity is yet another monumental art event at SAM, The Archibald Prize 2026, on display at the gallery from September 5 to November 1.
Lacy describes the biggest challenge in preparing both events simultaneously has been the logistics of scheduling, given the gallery had already started programming Facing Modernity when they received the offer to host the Archibald Prize 2026 on dates that were already set in stone.
“Ideally, you’d probably stage them in different years, not back to back or overlapping for two weeks. That is pretty crazy in a way... but you can’t say no to the Archibald Prize.”
Lacy describes 2026 as a foundational year for the gallery made possible by the work of previous directors and staff and the realised potential of SAM’s state of the art building.
“We've got this amazing art museum, one of the... most amazing in regional Australia. Let's just make the most of it really and see what we can do. It's a real learning curve for us, but a really exciting opportunity,” said Mr Lacy.
Ticket bookings for Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso will open at 10am on Thursday, April 23 and will be available to purchase via SAM’s website.
BUS TOUR... Fairley Leadership Program participants were treated to a Cultural Bus Tour across Greater Shepparton, to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and promote inclusiveness and respect for Harmony Week. Pictured are emerging leaders, community representatives, sponsors and stakeholders at the GV Turkish Islamic Cultural Centre in Mooroopna. Photo: Supplied
Artist
Director Danny Lacy, is excited about the museum’s 2026 exhibition lineup that includes Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso and the 2026 Archibald Prize. Photo: Aaron Cordy
Local health workers join statewide strike
“70 PER CENT of clinical decisions in medicine are based on pathology. So, a lot of the medical scientists do not get re-enumerated based on what we do,” said local spokesperson of the strike, who wished to stay anonymous.
“We're the heart of healthcare, and yet, we're always at the back, hidden. But everything that you see in the hospital, most of the outcomes are based on pathology. Some medical
scientists have been there for years and years and years, doing the hard work, but with minimal recognition.”
Along with the dismal three per cent increase, AHP stop work action was to address the Department of Health’s lack of consideration for:
• No dedicated educator EFT built into training pharmacists.
• Lowest paid interns across all health fields in Victoria.
• No clear grade progression for pharmacists working at Advanced Scope.
Understanding the nature of the care they provide, the strikers locally and across the state made sure the stop work action had a minimal effect on patients' needs, while showing a strong front to the state government.
ACE Secondary College Shepparton’s Year 12 cohort have been working collaboratively with local graphic artist Steph McNair on a mural celebrating their music program. The mural references multiple points of the school's musical history, and recognises each of the Year 12 students, as well as the teachers. Painted in the College’s colours, the mural features call backs to the school band started last year – Blayze and The Rats – and features
a large electric guitar, a call back to a welding project completed by the year level last year, welding a guitar out of scrap metal, which now hangs in their music room. ACE Secondary College Shepparton is oriented towards smaller class sizes that emphasises connection between staff and students. The collaborative learning model sees students given more autonomy in their curriculum and encouraged to pursue their interests and career goals.
FAIR PAY.. . Local healthcare workers, including hospital pharmacists and scientists engaged in strikes and industrial action over pay disputes and unsafe workloads at GV Health on Wednesday last week. Photo: Aaron Cordy
Daniel Hooper, Rowan Ratcliffe, Blayze Ahmet, Miles Hoffman, Starr Francis, Declan May, Sienna Sutcliffe and Charlotte Hilbig. Photo: Cassidy Parker
Cricketatharmony Deakin
HITTING SIXES... Guiding with Purpose participant, Kobe Wilson, has his eye on the bowler.
HOWZAT ... Cooper Hunter of Banmira Specialist School about to snare a caught behind.
BANMIRA SCHOOL... Lincoln Harris of Banmira Specialist School bowled a maiden over at the GV Harmony Day Cup.
CRICKET DAY... Loveable local, Geoffrey Morris had a ball manning the wickets at the GV Harmony Cup hosted by the Shepparton Youth Club United Cricket Club.
FAST BOWLER... Tim Jacobs from Shepparton Access rips down an in swinger as Guiding with Purpose participant Esther Moorhouse is ready to put some runs on the board.
HARMONY CUP... Shepparton Access’s Gemma Chaplin saved a four when she was fielding in the outfield at the Harmony Cup cricket day.
How does free public transport affect Greater Shepparton?
continued from front page
WHILE it’s widely agreed by locals that any amount of financial support to help ease the cost of travel is a good thing, it begs a lot of questions about the capability of our regional public transport systems, and what Greater Shepparton residents would actually like to see from the government.
The announcement of free public transport immediately brought some longstanding issues to mind, and an increased scrutiny of our public transport system.
While the Shepparton line is often compared to the Bendigo or Geelong lines, which have much more frequent services, the current population of the City of Greater Shepparton currently sits at just under 70,000, while the City of Greater Bendigo is nearly double at 126,000 people, and the City of Greater Geelong at 276,000.
Further, even though the Shepparton Line is still waiting on the last stage of promised upgrades to be delivered by the state government, including five full return services which are yet to run, it has undergone multiple significant upgrades as part of the state and federal governments $4 billion Regional Rail Revival Program.
We reached out to the Greater Shepparton community online to hear your feedback and got a wide range of opinions on the matter from the people it affects.
One commenter mentioned that many other mid-sized regional communities like Mildura don’t have a train service, and rumours have circulated that the Swan Hill line may face closure. “Be thankful that you have a service at all.”
There’s a lot of facets to the issues local commuters face.
FREE TRAVEL... The state government has announced free public transport throughout the month of April, but locals have argued this fails to deal with the issues regional Victorians face when travelling. Photo: Deanne Jeffers.
One commenter mentioned that speed limit changes on Verney Road make the V/line bus late for the Hospital, Wyndham Street and Shepparton Station stops.
Another argued there was a need for increased services out of Southern Cross station at night, when Shepparton services frequently become packed from concerts, shows and football games.
One reader suggested offering express bus services from Shepparton to Southern Cross as “the buses just take way too long.”
A comment criticised the weekday services, with the last full train service of the day currently leaving Shepparton station at 4.13pm, and the last bus to train service leaving at 4.40pm, making the service inaccessible for many full-time workers.
Other readers mentioned overcrowding, and the availability of local public transport beyond the train line.
While there was an overwhelming positive response to the announcement of free public transport, locals have reported that this move fails to address many of the pressures regional Victorians face when travelling.
Charity raffle providing plenty of support
AZEM Elmaz is widely known in Greater Shepparton for the tireless work he does through his charity, People Supporting People. Whether it’s providing meals, or a little bit of empathy and support, People Supporting People are always there for those doing it tough.
That is why the Shepparton Club is proud to support Azem and People Supporting People with the proceeds of this month’s Charity Raffle.
From helping the homeless and vulnerable to providing food for CFA and emergency crews during fires, floods and the pandemic, People Supporting People has been there for the
How a community rebuilds
IN the face of the January fires that ravaged various communities across Victoria's Northeast and North Central regions, locals have become reliant on donations, community efforts, and relief funds to stay afloat.
While our fast-paced news cycle may make January seem long gone, residents are still wrestling every day with the effects of the fires that have stripped them of their homes, belongings, and very often their ways of life.
The Greater Shepparton and Strathbogie regions came out in amazing shows of community support, coordinating impressive amounts of donations, but immediate relief efforts are only one part of the recovery process, which often continues for years.
The Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund, established during January as
a subsection of the Australian Communities Foundation, has brought over $220,000 directly to fire-affected households through Rapid Response Grants. An overall $420,000, with the Strathbogie Disaster Relief Fund indicating their plans for more substantial initiatives and funding rounds.
The SDRF has now released a seven-part video series highlighting the work of some of heroes in the Ruffy community during this dark chapter, and emphasising the everyday affects this tragedy has on their life.
“It is so important to show not just the immediate impact of the fires but the longtail of destruction that individuals and communities are left to deal with,” said SDRF Community Advisory Committee member Alister Purbrick.
A community that feels like home
AT LIFESTYLE Communities Shepparton, life is shaped by warmth, connection and a strong sense of belonging. With its welcoming atmosphere and relaxed pace, the community offers a lifestyle that feels familiar yet elevated, one that balances independence with genuine connection.
Homeowners often share how quickly Lifestyle Communities Shepparton feels like home. From friendly conversations with neighbours to shared moments in the Clubhouse, there’s an ease that comes from living among likeminded people who value both their own space and the comfort of community around them.
Low maintenance living plays a big part in shaping life here. There’s more room for what
truly matters – time with family, involvement in the local area, and the freedom to enjoy each day as it comes. Whether that’s staying active, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying quieter moments at home, life at Lifestyle Communities Shepparton is guided by choice rather than obligation.
The community itself has been thoughtfully designed to support this way of living. Homes are comfortable and easy to manage, while shared spaces offer opportunities to connect without pressure. It’s a lifestyle where support is available, but independence is always respected.
To experience it for yourself, visit Lifestyle Communities Shepparton’s Open Day on
community when it matters most.
The Shepparton Club Charity Raffle will be livestreamed on Facebook from 7pm on Friday, April 17, for those who can’t be there. Make sure you get your ticket and good luck!
With a veritable treasure trove of both online and in-house draw prizes to be won, you can purchase your online draw tickets at https://pubandclub. co/sheppartoncharityraffle, scan the QR or drop into the Shepparton Club at 455 Wyndham Street before 7pm, Friday, April 17, for a quiet drink and a scrumptious meal and the chance to share in the prizes. For bookings, call 5831 4488.
LIVE AT YOUR OWN PACE... At Lifestyle Communities Shepparton, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of each day, without stresses and obligations slowing you down. When it’s time to relax for the night, the peaceful atmosphere of Lifestyle Communities’ low-maintenance living is perfect for winding down. Photo: Supplied
Saturday April 11 from 10am to 1pm. Explore the community, tour the Clubhouse, walk through homes for sale, and see firsthand how everyday life unfolds in this thriving neighbourhood. If you’re considering a move or simply curious about community living, the Open Day offers an opportunity to experience it without pressure
– just an open door and a warm welcome. Sometimes, it only takes a visit to realise how naturally a place can feel like home.
Join us on Saturday April 11 from 10am to 1pm at Lifestyle Communities Shepparton, 65 Channel Road, Shepparton, and discover how this community could shape your next chapter.
CHARITY RAFFLE… The proceeds of this month’s Shepparton Club Charity Raffle will go to People Supporting People, to help them continue offering food, clothing and dignity to those in need. From left, Shepparton Club GM Wayne Sutton, Nationals Member for Shepparton District Kim O’Keeffe, People Supporting People funder Azem Elmaz and Shepparton Club admin Paula Coonerty. Photo: Emma Harrop
LIVELIHOODS LOST... Many regional Victorian farmers affected by the January fires had their land partially or fully destroyed. Photo: Supplied.
Business breakfast
ROLY'S Mobiles hosted the April Greater Shepparton Business Network Business Breakfast, on Wednesday, April 1.
Led by Roland Haccart and his experienced team, Roly’s Mobiles is a
HOST WITH THE MOST... Roly’s Mobiles store manager Damien Lea and owner Roly Haccart. Photo: Emma Harrop
GREATER SHEPPARTON... Picture at Jason Bathman from Barbeques Galore and Sally Tremellen from the Greater Shepparton Business Network and Chanel 7. Photo: Emma Harrop
NETWORKING EVENT... From left is Rose Njoroge from the Commonwealth Bank, Vino Vidjearadjou from Online Marketing Guru, Greater Shepparton City Council Cr, Rod Schubert and Damien Cocks from Greater Shepparton City Council. Photo: Emma Harrop
TRAFFIC... From left is Pat Jayasinghe from Game Traffic, Scott Rowan from SEN and Andrew Harlow from Game Traffic. Photo: Emma Harrop
Please send your resume to Email: operations@cleavesearthmoving.com
Echuca Vs Benalla
Echuca face off against Benalla, with the Murray Bombers very impressive in Round 1 (23 goals from 42 scoring shots and a 115–point win). Benalla lost by 53 points, but will sigh with relief when they realise Angus Byrne is still a month away, Cam Valentine is still suspended, and Jack McHale, Sam Edgar and Baxter Slater are also unavailable.
Benalla should unveil VFL recruit Toby Triffett and could have Colby Matheson, Charlie McCarthy and Tyler McGregor available. Echuca by 41 points.
Shepparton Swans Vs Kyabram
Even without Mick Mattingly, a super–impressive Kyabram will be too strong for the Shepp Swans, who they will be looking to get one back on after a late–season loss last year. The Swans won by 21 points, but started slowly and won’t be able to do that against the Bombers.
Kyabram by 27 points.
Shepparton Bears Vs Seymour
Euroa Vs Shepparton United
When Seymour’s big guns are firing there are going to be a few club coaches with severely furrowed brows.
In round one those stars were on sing - Riley Mason kicked eight, Jack Murphy had 38 touches and Huw Jones was strong down back. They face a Bears team with similar star factor - particularly ruckman Ash Holland and livewire Luke Smith.
Euroa face what looks on paper to be an improved Shepp United team. The Magpies lost by 81 points and look like being without Lachlan Hill this week (red–carded in the game against Mansfield). They should have Adam Giobbi and Jacob Gleeson back, which will make a difference. United lost by 64 points, outscored nine goals to one after half time.
I think they will improve and beat Euroa by 21 points.
Rochester Vs Mansfield
Game of the round is Rochester against Mansfield. The Eagles, with sons–of–guns Callum Brown and Will Kelly in great touch, and Billy Hogan starting the year with seven goals, look strong. Rochester may have key defensive pillars Ryan O’Keefe and Dylan Gordon back, but are still below strength. This game was a draw last year and I think the Eagles can win by five points, despite it being at Rochester.
This will be a close one, but I am backing the fact that the Bears will be well planned enough to handle the Mason factor and they will win by 8 points.
Tatura Vs Mooroopna
In the final game, a night match between Tatura and Mooroopna, the Cats will rely on the Betson brothers to set the tone and despite Tatura looking much improved, I am tipping a 31–point Cats win.
Tatura still have a number of players to return and showed signs with Ben Darrou in attack (five goals), Finn Radley in defence, and Tom Sullivan and Jimmy Bennett indicating they will be improved this year. Four of the Bulldogs’ top five players from the weekend were recruits.
Between the Sticks
Joel Costa - Blackwoods
What team do you support?
Richmond . Who is your all-time favourite player?
Dustin Martin, how could it not be. What is your favourite AFL moment?
2017 Prelim final at the G against GWS. Crowd noise was unbelievable and it sounds silly, but by the end of that game I knew we would win the flag!
If you could have any current player from another club, who would it be and why?
Sam Darcy, without a doubt. Kicks with both feet and is a generational talent who is nowhere near his peak...
CORNES: THE AFL’S UNEVEN NATURE HAS REACHED CRISIS LEVEL
SEN
Kane Cornes believes that the AFL desperately needs equalisation, and that it’s time to take some serious action.
A common theme across the football world this season surrounds the game’s uneven nature. From compromised draft systems to fixture issues, the AFL remains far from balanced in its entirety.
With clubs seemingly taking longer and longer to rebuild, the on-field product continues to suffer, and with a 19th team just years away and possibly a 20th on the horizon, the talent pool may be stretching itself beyond its means.
But what can be done to help return the game to an even playing field?
As Cornes argues, it’s a fix that won’t happen overnight, but it’s certainly one that those at AFL HQ should begin mending as soon as possible.
“This isn’t a new thought, so spare me the reheating of soup,” Cornes told SEN Fireball.
“Every decision the AFL make from here on in has to be with the end goal in mind to make the competition as even as possible.
“This is almost a crisis level situation where we have poor teams, great teams, and then a couple in the middle, and it’s no good.
“Saturday night, I don’t even know the show with Michelle Pfeiffer on streaming, but I switched off the footy and I watched Michelle Pfeiffer on Prime, because I was sick of it.
“Last night was a tough watch. The Saturday game between Port Adelaide and Richmond was about as bad a game of football as you can see.
“We get great games, no worries. Friday night with Adelaide and Fremantle was really interesting. I thought the North Melbourne versus Carlton game was interesting because it was close.
“There needs to be a royal commission in how we make the competition more even.
“If you are going to change the rules, and you’re going to make it so much faster for everyone, you have to understand that that’s going to favour the Western Bulldogs significantly at Marvel Stadium, and it’s going to hurt the poorer teams like Essendon, and we saw it last night.
“Same goes for Richmond, same
goes for Port Adelaide, same goes for West Coast when they get smacked by 128 (against Sydney). 128!
“Every single move you make AFL, has to be ‘does this make the competition more even’. If you just went by that in future for every single thing that you did, then I think we’re going to be in a much better spot that we are in right now.”
While long-term changes require significant attention, Cornes suggested that minor changes such as fixture mismanagement and travel compensation should be areas that are fixed from as early as next season.
“The Giants have a terrible draw, and it’s really hard to go and get
people to go and work at the Giants, or players to go and play there. So, give them a leg up somewhere,” he suggested.
“Fremantle and West Coast’s travel is such a disadvantage, that they should be getting something on the back of that.
“Every single thing, every decision that you make… Collingwood play 14 at the ‘G. Take something away from them! If they need to have a short break.
“If they need to play three games in a short window like Adelaide have done – make that Collingwood and give Fremantle an extra few days’ break.
“Whatever it is, every single thing that you do needs to be, in the back of whoever’s making the decision, ‘does this make the competition more even’.
“Right now, the last thing we need is people not turning up to games, and even worse, switching off at half time like we did on Saturday.
“I can’t imagine there are that many ballers out there that watched – that usually would – all of Saturday’s Port versus Richmond, and all of Saturday night. They were the only two games we had on all of Saturday.
“It’s a mess, and it needs to be sorted out. It’s going to take time, but if that’s all you think about, I think the game is going to be in a better spot.”
Brodie Grundy of the Swans celebrates after kicking a goal during the AFL Round 4 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans. The Swans defeated the Eagles by 128 points. Photo: Richard Wainwright/AAP Image.
