The Adviser 1816

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By Aaron Cordy

visited SPC

Shepparton facility and local producer Kalafatis Fresh Produce on Thursday, May 21.

The visit was part of Global Victoria's Horticulture Inbound Trade Mission, which showcased the strength of regional Victorian agriculture and export capability, which SPC has been at the forefront in recent times. Continued Page 8

By Aaron Cordy

WHEN the October 2022 Floods wreaked havoc through Greater Shepparton, it left a trail of devastation that some are still counting the costs of. The Shepparton Italian Social Club (SISC) was one of many affected by the

floods, with its building submerged in water for weeks.

Nestled behind the council building on Marungi Street within the Princess Park precinct next to the Goulburn River, the SISC building was built in the 1950s by the Italian

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by some of the world’s most celebrated artists, with pieces by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse and Paul Cézanne now on display at the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM).

Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso opened to the public on Saturday and features 37 paintings and sculptures from Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki, many of which have never before been shown in Australia.

Spanning almost a century of artistic innovation, the exhibition traces the evolution of modern art from Impressionism and PostImpressionism through to Cubism, Surrealism and Abstraction.

The exhibition will run until September 20 and overlaps with the Archibald Prize 2026 later this year, with SAM selected as the only Victorian venue to host the prestigious touring exhibition.

artworks in regional Victoria.

“I think there’s something for everyone,” Mr Lacy said. “The great thing about the show is that people will be drawn to different works, but together they tell the story of the development of modern art from the late 19th century through to the mid-20th century.”

Mr Lacy said visitors often gained a completely different appreciation for the artworks when seeing them in person.

“Even if you’re familiar with these artists through books or online, it’s when you actually see the paintings in person — the brushstrokes, the texture, the colour — that the works really come alive,” he said.

He said the exhibition is already attracting strong interest from outside the region, with some visitors booking trips to Shepparton specifically to see the collection.

“I think that’s what an exhibition of this

St Brendan’s fete

A wonderful celebration of community spirit took place at St Brendan’s on May 17, with laughter, chatter, prayer and singing, as well as a lovely lunch enjoyed by all. The occasion was the patronal feast of the parish, St Brendan. The parish began in 1879, 147 years ago, so there was a lot to celebrate.

The festivities began with Mass of Ascension of Jesus celebrated by Fr. Ronald B. Masilang RCJ, assisted by Fr. John Paul Pasala. Lively and prayerful music was led by the music group with the help of the congregation and the singing group from St Brendan’s Primary School.

One highlight was the rendition of the Hymn to Saint Brendan that had been composed years ago in the parish and is now used in other parishes around Australia with the same patron.

A busy parish team prepared the luncheon in the Sacred Heart Hall next to the Church and Notre Dame College. While some queued for soup, pies and sandwiches, others enjoyed coffee and sweets.

The Chairwoman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Tiffany Chandler, welcomed all and St Brendan’s Primary School choir entertained the group for most of the next hour.

up straight away to book tickets. They’d never been to Shepparton before.”

The exhibition is divided into six themed sections, with SAM creating its own exhibition design to guide visitors through the changing visual landscape of modern art.

Alongside the exhibition, SAM is running a series of talks, workshops, tours and special events, including family-friendly activities and a children’s audio tour featuring local children discussing selected artworks.

SAM has extended its opening hours during the exhibition period and will operate seven days a week, with late openings until 7pm every Friday.

Local concession tickets are available for $19, while children aged 12 and under can enter free. To book or learn more, visit the SAM website or go to: https://tinyurl. com/77j9bhv2

Keeping options open

Last week in this column I answered a question people often ask us about how much independence they can truly have in an ‘Independent Living Unit’, or ILU, at a retirement village. In broad terms the answer I gave was that you can be as independent as you want, subject of course to things like the state of your health and what level of support you might be receiving via MyAgedCare, the Australian Government’s aged care assessment system.

For many people, the most important benefit of ILU living is simply that they don’t have to worry about routine things like gardening and household maintenance and repairs. They can focus more on doing what they actually enjoy. (Which does include a spot of gardening for some, but not all.)

When thinking about whether this kind of living is right for them, another question people often then ask us is this: WhenshouldIputmynamedowntobeconsidered foranindependentlivingunitorsomeothertypeof residentialsupport?

Another good question. In my view, it’s increasingly important to plan ahead for whatever level of care and support you might ultimately end up needing – so it’s never too soon really.

We often meet people who didn’t expect to need care or to consider a move, but whose circumstances have changed fast. They sometimes find themselves facing long waiting lists due to high demand, or a need to accept a place that isn’t their preferred option.

It’s worth remembering that putting your name on a waiting list early doesn’t commit you to moving. It just provides you with greater flexibility and choice, if and when the need arises.

We’re always happy to have a chat with anyone who is just starting out on their aged care journey and wants to keep all options open. It’s smart thinking.

“Never known it this bad”: Tatura residents alarmed over repeated vandalism

By Deanne Jeffers

PERSISTENT acts of vandalism in Tatura are causing growing frustration across the town, with several public toilets now closed, including toilets at Mactier Gardens, Tatura Park and Stuart Mock Place.

Residents say anti-social behaviour is becoming increasingly common in what was once considered a quiet country town. Concerns have escalated following repeated incidents of criminal damage to public facilities and the recent theft of the Australian flagpole at

Mactier Gardens ahead of ANZAC Day.

The impact is also being felt by local community groups. Last month, the Tatura Bowls Club was broken into, with offenders smashing a window and stealing drinks from the club’s fridge. While the club has replaced the window at cost, long-time member Jason Carter said the incident had left many in the community disheartened.

“I’ve been in Tatura all my life and I’ve never known it to be this bad,” he said, reflecting on the recent spate of destruction across the town.

Greater Shepparton City Council has expressed disappointment by the recent acts of vandalism, with incidents reported to Victoria Police.

Midland Ward Councillor Rod Schubert said the repeated acts of criminal damage at public facilities were unacceptable.

“The broader community is understandably angry and frustrated at seeing these repeated acts of vandalism continue,” said Cr Schubert.

“People are tired of watching valuable community assets damaged and destroyed by irresponsible behaviour that achieves nothing but inconvenience, expense and disappointment for everyone else.

“These facilities are provided for the benefit of the entire community, including families, children, sporting groups, visitors, volunteers and the elderly residents who rely on clean and accessible public amenities when attending parks, events and recreational areas throughout town,” Cr Schubert said.

“As a direct result of this senseless behaviour, the toilets are now inoperable and will require

considerable time and expense to repair before they can be reopened.

“In the meantime, local residents and visitors are left inconvenienced ... and Council staff are once again forced to divert time and resources away from other important works to deal with avoidable acts of vandalism.

“Ratepayers should not have to continually bear the financial burden caused by the selfish and destructive actions of a small number of individuals who clearly have no respect for community property,” said Cr Schubert.

“Every dollar spent repairing vandalised facilities is money that cannot be spent improving roads, playgrounds, sporting facilities, parks and other essential community services across our district and in our town.”

Cr Schubert is calling for CCTV to be established in Tatura, to help protect public amenities and to promote public safety.

He encourages anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity, or who may have information regarding who is responsible, to

report it to authorities.

If you’ve got information, report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Bushfire housing support announced five months after fires

HOUSING support is finally being rolled out for victims of the 2025-26 summer bushfires, following sustained advocacy from Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell, who says the response has been “far too late and too little.”

Five months after the fires devastated communities across Northern Victoria, the State Government has announced it will provide 100 temporary modular homes for people without adequate insurance whose homes were significantly damaged or destroyed.

Ms Lovell welcomed the announcement but said the government had failed to act quickly enough for hundreds of displaced residents.

“I am pleased to hear that the government has finally committed to providing 100 modular homes, but this is clearly not enough, and has arrived far too late as the cold winter weather has already set in.” she said.

Ms Lovell raised the issue in parliament last week, demanding the Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery take immediate action to provide proper housing support.

She said that after both the Black Saturday bushfires and the October 2022 floods, governments moved rapidly to provide emergency accommodation for displaced residents.

In this summer’s fires, more than 425 homes were lost across the Northern Victoria electorate, including in the Longwood, Harcourt, Walwa, Yarroweyah, Goomalibee and Markwood fire zones. Across Victoria, almost 500 homes were destroyed or damaged.

The Victorian Government’s own submission to the bushfire inquiry acknowledged many residents could be displaced for “potentially several years”.

Ms Lovell said she had heard from residents in the Longwood and Harcourt fire zones who were still living in caravans without adequate heating, relying on friends and family for accommodation, or struggling to return children to local schools while trying to rebuild their homes and lives.

She described the government’s housing response as inadequate and said affected communities deserved far greater support.

CAPTURE THE CATCHMENT

Entries for photographs to feature in the 2027 Goulburn Broken Catchment Management

and is a superb way for locals to showcase their photographic skills of nature.

Running for 20 years and a local tradition for amateur photographers, you can email your images of insects, birds, plants or animals in their natural state in the Goulburn Broken catchment to janicem@gbcma.vic.gov.au. Photos must be between 2–10MB in landscape format and submitted as a jpeg file attachment and include a description of the image in a subject line. Entries

FIRST 72 HOURS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOPS

Providing practical information and tools to help individuals and families plan ahead, prepare an emergency kit and understand how to stay informed during an emergency, a number of First 72 Hours workshops will be held across Shepparton and online throughout June. Workshops will run for approximately two to three hours and will focus on preparing households for the first 72 hours of an emergency, including events such as floods, storms, heatwaves and bushfires, all of which can occur with little warning. The First 72 hours of an emergency are a critical period of time when essential services may be disrupted, and emergency assistance may not

To find out more and book a spot in one of the scheduled workshops in the municipality, visit: shepp.city/72hrworkshops.

INNER NORTH SHEPPARTON TO RECEIVE NEW SPEED LIMITS

New speed limit signage will commence on Tuesday, June 9 across streets in inner North Shepparton, with works expected to take two weeks to complete. The changes will reduce speed limits to 40km/h on 34 streets, including areas around schools and community facilities.

While Railway Parade and Hawdon Street will have their limits reduced to 50km/h, roads and streets bordered by Wyndham Street, Balaclava Road, Nixon Street, and the aforementioned Railway Parade and Hawdon Street will be reduced to 40km/h. The adjustments aim to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in response to community feedback.

To find out more head to: https:// greatershepparton.com.au/council/sheppartoninner-north-latm

RETRO BOOK CLUB

The Benalla Permaculture is hosting a Free Book Club exploring strategies from RetroSuburbia: The Downshifter’s Guide to a Resilient Future by David Holmgren. Participants need a copy of

Free Emergency Preparedness Training

the book and will also receive a workbook by donation. Sessions will take place at Shepparton Library on Saturday mornings, spanning 10 weeks from May 30 to October 3, with participants providing refreshments on rotation.

Bookings essential via https://events.humanitix. com/retrosuburbia-book-club-2026, or for further information, please email benallapermaculture@ gmail.com

FREE WOMEN’S PAIN RELIEF

The green whistle (Penthrox) is now available at 20 Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs, across the state, including Primary Care Connect in Shepparton. The fast acting and dignified pain management option is available for free for IUD insertions and removal.

The State Government rollout follows the release of Victoria’s landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain, which highlighted the near-universal experience of significant or severe pain during IUD procedures. For more information, visit betterhealth.vic.gov. au/sexual-and-reproductive-health-hubs.

Council tactics with Italian social club raises questions

of the building they built in the 1950s. It’s taken nearly four years to get a response from Council, with them finally tabling an offer of $500,000 that they claimed in insurance, with strict conditions. Photo: Adviser

IN 2021, Council approached SISC to take over the building's insurance, as it was part of the Princess Park precinct and situated on Crown land. An offer that appeared reasonable to the club, which had always been self-sufficient from its inception. That is when the trouble began for SISC.

“We're fully insured right up till January 2022, when Council came to us late 2021 and said, ‘Hey, because it's on the Princess Park complex, it's Crown land, it's our responsibility to insure the building on the club's behalf,” said SISC Vice President Vince Tassoni.

“We entrusted that to them, they've basically made a claim after the floods and pretty much taken the money and run.”

Cr Sam Spinks tabled an offer to SISC at the April 2026 Council meeting to endorse the reinstatement of the building in principle, subject to the required planning, building and other approvals being obtained.

Under the endorsed recommendation, Council would contribute $500,000 towards the reinstatement of the building. This amount would cover all of Council’s costs to manage the project, including design, construction and administration. SISC is required to fund the remaining cost.

An odd aside in the fight to get the SISC building fixed has been the byplay on social media from Council members, with Cr Fern Summer leading a public charge

for the SISC. The motion was agreed upon by Council, six voted for the motion, Cr Summer and Cr Wickham did not vote. Cr Eddy was absent from the meeting.

“What the general public doesn't understand, they've put the offer on the table two weeks ago at the Council meeting, but up until that point, we've been fighting because there's been nothing from them. They’ve been pretty much pushing the demolition since day one. We've been fighting to stop that,” said Vince.

"This is not the first time the club has flooded in its history. When it was built, it was built to withstand floods. If they had let us get back in here, we could have probably been up and running within a month.

“The builders and the Council at the time [in 2022] gutted the place. Our toilets, for example, were fully tiled to the ceiling. The walls in between the dividers were all terrazzo panels. A pressure wash and a mould treatment would have been fine. Same with the kitchen, tiled to the ceiling, all stainless steel. There was no need to demolish all that stuff. They've just obliterated everything.”

The money is a good start, but it is the devil in the detail of how much say Council has over the building that has SISC worried.

“We've been a strong independent club with a 70-year history, and they've pretty much destroyed us,” said Vince.

After the Budget: What It Means for Us?

The budget delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers has made significant changes to tax arrangements relating to capital gains tax and negative gearing. These changes are highly contested and will have far-reaching implications for the personal financial arrangements of many ordinary Australians.

For that reason, I believe the government should have had the decency to take this policy change to an election and seek a mandate, as John Howard did with the GST in 1998.

The changes to negative gearing are proposed to help younger Australians into home ownership and while I agree with the intent, it is highly questionable whether these changes will deliver that outcome.

In fact, the CGT changes in the same budget threaten to increase the tax on deposit savings for first home buyers. Economists have also warned rents might increase because investors will move away from putting capital into housing.

Negative gearing will still be available for new dwellings, but this type of investment is far more complex in terms of establishment and future risk.

Our solution is to tackle the main roadblock to new housing at its core by providing a $5 billion fund to deliver services such as water, electricity and sewerage to new estates. We believe this will do far more to create new housing supply.

The powerful budget reply speech from Angus Taylor proposed a significant change to the tax system, indexing tax brackets to inflation. This effectively ends bracket creep, the phenomenon where pay rises needed to keep up with rising CPI are taken back by the government as workers move into higher tax brackets.

This is about rewarding work and ensuring Australians are not penalised for trying to get ahead. We will scrap Labor’s negative gearing and capital gains tax changes.

Australia is at a fork in the road. It either becomes a high-taxing, over-governed nation where capital flees offshore, or a dynamic economy driven by private enterprise and innovation where there are jobs and opportunities for all.

SPC hosts large delegation of international importers

“WE have a lot of international clients, and what SPC offers as a group is a lot of local produce and these international marketers are these customers that we're facing. So, having this international delegation, through Vic Global, coming into the region is really important,” said SPC CEO International Nick Dimopoulos.

“We've had juice exports into Korea for the first time. We've had tomatoes into China. We've had fruit purees into Singapore, Malaysia, and going to Vietnam, and in the next three to four months, China as well.”

Global troubles due to the US war and tariffs have certainly created challenges on many fronts, but also opportunities that SPC, along with Australian growers, can capitalise on.

“In some way, it's been beneficial with recent events in the Middle East. Shipments coming in from other parts of the world have been delayed, whereas Australia has that advantage of a quick response into a lot of the regional countries. Singapore two weeks, China three weeks, and that is a blessing for many people,” said Mr Dimopoulos

“A lot of companies in the region have been out of stock, so that has actually given us additional opportunities. The tariffs in the US have also created new opportunities

where people have realised that purchasing from our backyard — Australia — is now a preferred option due to time, due to speed, due to quality. So, we're trying to reap the benefits of that.”

The delegation by Global Victoria in partnership with Apple and Pear Australia, Australian Table Grape Association, Citrus Australia, Summerfruit Australia, Cherry Growers Australia, Victorian Cherry Growers, Horticulture Innovation Australia and AusVeg, was a five-day program of site visits, business matching and networking, built to help Victorian growers and exporters deepen existing relationships and turn introductions into lasting trade partnerships.

“Global Victoria has invited a lot of people who are working in the industry and who are actually into exports, so it's very productive, very busy. We're meeting a lot of people, learning a lot about the produce, which is getting exported, which is really nice,” said Diya Arora from IG International, India.

“We're already importing a lot of produce from Australia, but I wanted to see the produce before the harvest period. Right now it's going to be harvest for citrus, so I wanted to see the produce and was more focused on citrus, stone fruit, and grapes, so it's very productive here, I would say, and the produce is so high quality, so it's really nice.”

Opening up the housing market with more affordable homes

We’re opening doors with more homes planned in the places you want to live, close to trains, trams and services.

Find out about reduced stamp duty on off-the-plan apartments and townhouses and the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant for home buyers who are buying or building a new home.

Visit vic.gov.au/openingdoors

THE 2026 Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Awards

Proudly brought to you by Shepparton Club Inc. have been officially launched, with nominations now open.

The awards, supported by Naming Rights Sponsor for 2026, Shepparton Club, celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements, innovation, and resilience of businesses and individuals across the Greater Shepparton region. The official launch of the awards took place on Monday at the Shepparton Club’s redeveloped sports bar.

Nominations are now open, closing Sunday, August 23. The journey culminates in the 29th annual Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner in October.

Whether it’s outstanding customer service, strong leadership,

innovation, or community impact, these awards provide an opportunity to recognise the people and businesses that make Greater Shepparton thrive.

Along with Naming Rights Sponsor, Shepparton Club Inc, Media sponsors of the awards are Triple M, WIN Network, and The Shepparton Adviser. Category sponsors are Apprenticeship Support Australia, GMCU, Greater Shepparton Business Centre, Harvey Norman Shepparton, MB+M, Noumi and Shepparton & Goulburn Valley.

Categories now accepting nominations are:

• Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

• Best Marketing/Advertising Campaign

• Emerging & Micro Business of the Year

A crowning grand opening

SHEPPARTON has received the royal treatment, with the grand opening of Crown Pizza and Kebab Restaurant, on Wyndham Street, Shepparton, on Saturday, May 16.

New owners Sayed and Zahra Ibrahimi have called Greater Shepparton home for the last 10 years, having relocated from Afghanistan. Working in hospitality, they bring with them a passion for the community and their new business that will tempt the taste buds of locals.

Crown’s menu has old favourites like kebabs, HSP, burgers and pizzas. They also have wonderful Afghan food, biryani, gozleme, gourmet pizzas, lasagna, Mediterranean-style fish, milkshakes, acai and much more.

The grand opening was a special day with Shepparton Police Liaison Officer Leigh Johnson,

Kim O’Keeffe MP, GSCC Community Engagement Officer Mariola Nebiu, Community Advocate Zahra Haydarbig and many local Multicultural Community members attending.

“As a local Community Advocate previously at Greater Shepparton and recently at Greater Dandenong, I have known the family for decade who have come from a disadvantaged country they’re tireless local contributors like many other former refugees passionately contribute back to the estate’s economy,” said Community Advocate Zahra Haydarbig.

You can find Crown Pizza and Kebab Restaurant located at 2/465 Wyndham Street, Shepparton, between Cold Rock and KFC. They are open 10am to 10pm seven days a week.

• Excellence in Business – Professional Services, Retail Services, and Trade Services

• Excellence in Customer Service – Professional Services, Retail/Hospitaility Services, and Trade Services

• Excellence in Innovation

• Visitor Experience on the Year

• Young Professional of the Year.

To nominate or to learn more, go to www.gsbn.net.au/2026award-categories/ or scan the QR code on page 12 of this edition.

Photos from the official launch at Shepparton Club will be featured in next week’s Adviser.

Campaigning against carp

growing impact of invasive European carp on Australia’s waterways. Pictured from left: Hon Bob Baldwin, Steven Threlfall, Steve Starling and Anthony McGrath. Photo: Supplied

MORE than 100 representatives from 40 community sectors attended the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Murray-Darling Carp Action Summit at the Lake Nagambie Function Centre on April 30.

The summit reflected growing concern about the environmental impact of European carp across Australia’s inland waterways. In parts of the Murray-Darling Basin, carp account for up to 80-90 per cent of total fish biomass, with post-2022 flood estimates placing populations at around 375 million fish.

Led by Dr Siwan Lovett from the Australian River Restoration Centre, discussions focused on practical, coordinated solutions and the proposed creation of a Murray-Darling Action Alliance to strengthen national efforts.

Key priorities include stronger government leadership, evidence-based control measures such as carp herpesvirus trials, native fish restocking programs, carp abatement initiatives and better management of environmental water flows and wetlands.

Current measures include physical carp removal, exclusion barriers, recreational fishing initiatives and research into genetic technologies, though experts say broader coordinated action is needed to reduce carp numbers at scale.

The Hon. Bob Baldwin and Australian Fishing Trade Association members Steve Threlfall, Bill Classon, Steve Starling and Cassie Price attended the summit.

Exhibition visitors encouraged to explore region

A NEW tourism campaign is encouraging visitors attending Shepparton Art Museum’s major exhibitions to explore more of the Goulburn Valley while supporting local businesses.

Greater Shepparton City Council and destination brand Shepparton & Goulburn Valley have launched the “Eat, Play, Stay & Shop” initiative to coincide with the Australian-exclusive Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso exhibition and the upcoming Archibald Prize 2026.

The campaign includes a pocket visitor guide, interactive map, public art displays and a free “Out & About” bus service linking key destinations including SAM, the CBD, Emerald Bank and the Shepparton Railway Station. The service is free, with no bookings necessary. To learn more, go to https:// sheppandgv.com.au/events/special-events/ out-and-about

Mayor Shane Sali said the exhibitions presented a major opportunity for local businesses.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to make the most of the increased visitation these exhibitions will bring to the region,” Cr Sali said.

“With over 60,000 people expected to visit Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley over the coming months, it’s an ideal moment to encourage them to eat, play, stay and shop locally.”

SAM Artistic Director Danny Lacy said the exhibitions would place Shepparton firmly on the cultural tourism map.

“Facing Modernity presents a once-in-alifetime chance to see artworks by Picasso, Dalí and Matisse that have never been displayed in Australia,” Mr Lacy said.

Creative displays linked to the exhibitions have also appeared throughout the CBD, including artist-themed shopfronts and a large mural in the Maude St precinct.

To get involved or learn, visit: https:// sheppandgv.com.au/eatplaystayshop

seeking off road adventure Wednesday,

ARB

A large crowd of past and present members gathered to celebrate and reminisce about 50 years on the road. After the celebrations were over, the club held its AGM, where Ian Chapple stepped aside as club President to make way for Darren Martin.

GMCU gets behind one of regional Australia’s most successful competitions

The 2026 GMCU $25,000 Giveaway begins June 3,

58 prizes up for

the

ONE of regional Australia's biggest shopping competitions is back, with local shoppers set to be rewarded for supporting local businesses during the 2026 GMCU $25,000 Giveaway.

Running from Wednesday, June 3 to Sunday, July 26 the popular annual competition will see a record 58 winners announced, thanks to GMCU and The Shepparton Adviser

This year, shoppers have the chance to win a share of $25,000 in prizes, including the major prize of $5,000 in GMCU gift cards, plus a $500 consolation prize.

Weekly prizes will also be awarded throughout the competition, with 10 shoppers each week winning $250 simply by spending $10 or more at participating businesses. Every eligible entry also goes into the draw for the major prize.

Participating businesses will also benefit, with one local business winning a $1,000 prize each week for six weeks, plus one $500 prize.

Approximately 150 local businesses are already involved in this year’s giveaway, which has historically provided a significant boost to local trade by encouraging shoppers to support businesses within their community.

Entering is easy. Simply spend $10 or more at any participating business, scan the QR code displayed in-store or visit the Giveaway website to upload a photo of your receipt along with your contact details.

Last year’s major winner was Numurkah local, Lee Lythgo, who won $5,000 from a $200 grocery shop at Riverside Plaza’s Coles — the equivalent of 25 grocery shops if spent the same way. Shepparton’s Lauren Gray took home the $500 consolation prize by shopping at Big W in the Shepparton Marketplace.

Local businesses wanting to get involved in one of the region’s biggest results-driven shopper competitions are encouraged to get in touch now by calling 5832 8900 or emailing melanie. spencer@sheppartonadviser.com.au.

Keep an eye out for promotional posters appearing in stores and don’t miss the full 2026 GMCU $25,000 Giveaway feature in The Adviser on June 10, including details on all participating businesses and where to shop.

AUTO

For all auto servicing and brakes 28 Watson St, Shepparton 5831 2155

We offer paint, accessories & everything

need for your painting project.

Fryers St, Shepparton 5821 1899

Jason’s Pest Control PAINT SHOP HAYMES PAINT SHOP

21, 24, 28 or 35 seaters 1 Huggard Drive, Mooroopna 5820 3700

Spider, Termites, Ants, Wasps, Mice & Rats 1800 599 699

PHARMACY

DIRECT CHEMIST OUTLET

Blood Pressure Checks, Nursing Home Service. Medicines, Vitamins & more. 248-250 Wyndham St, Shepparton 5822 2000

PIZZA PIZZA EXPRESS VERNEY ROAD Shop 3 - 7 Conifer St, Shepparton MON-TUES 4PM to 9PM WED-SUN 11AM to 9PM Pick Up or Delivery 5831 1121

PLUMBER & GAS FITTER WAYNE HOBBS

All Plumbing & Gas Fitting Aged Pension Discount 0428 504 704

267 High Street, Shepparton 5831 1300 FLOORING H&T FLOORWORLD We offer expert advice to help you find the perfect fit for any space. 9 Benalla Road, Shepparton 5821 3115

SECURITY Alarm Systems & Camera Surveillance

Guards & Mobile Patrols

& Business Protection 1800 809 579 SKIP HIRE

RED SKIPS Helping with all your dirty needs. Various size Skip and Hook bins available. Call Joey for a bin delivery/quote 0428 713 708 PEST CONTROL

look after you!

5820 3700

Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING to be held at the Mooroopna Mechanics Hall, 43 McLennan Street, Mooroopna on Wednesday, 10th June, 2026, commencing at 7:00pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Mooroopna Mechanics Hall Inc. (6068), for a term of three years.

The current committee’s term will expire on Sunday 2nd August, 2026. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night.

Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office or at the meeting. For further enquiries please contact the Secretar y, Susan Parnell on 0498 985 011.

Complaints policies are available on our website at: http://www.sheppadviser.com.au/ editorial-policy/

If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone about this, please email: editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au

Or call our friendly

Previews R8

BENALLA (8th) v ROCHESTER (10th)

Two sides built on defensive resilience, but still searching for greater scoring consistency. They are the top two spoiling teams in the competition, yet both sit well outside the top six for marks inside 50, a major factor in their low–scoring profiles. Benalla has topped 100 points only once this season and hasn’t passed 70 in its other seven games, while Rochester’s best return outside its 125–point haul against Tatura has been 83 points, with three totals under 70. The midfield duel will be worth watching, with Rochester’s Mitch Trewhella (29.3 disposals, 6.7 clearances, 7.9 tackles) going head–to–head with Benalla’s Chris Welsh (29.2 disposals, 6 clearances, 4 tackles). Both clubs sit 10th and 11th for clearances, but Rochester’s strength at ground level – ranked third for ground–ball gets – helps keep it competitive. Prediction: Rochester by 11 points.

LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 17, 2025 – Rochester won by 23 points

KYABRAM (5th) v SHEPP UNITED (7th)

A contest shaped by contrasting styles but similar stakes, with both sides needing a win to stay in touch with the top four. The Bombers are the league’s most methodical ball–movement team, averaging 240.9 kicks and 111.7 marks per game, while United sits far lower at 192 kicks and 73.3 marks. Kyabram’s offensive power remains its greatest weapon, averaging 110+ points per game with three 150–plus totals already this season. Their Round 7 demolition of Mansfield showcased their best football: 154 more disposals, 63 more marks, +65 contested possessions, +19 clearances and 65 inside 50s. Brodie Newman continues to shine with 130 ranking points per game and elite intercept and contested marking numbers, while United counters with Zac Norris, who has posted 190+ ranking points three weeks running and is now the league’s top–ranked player. United will also take confidence from Liam Serra, who produced his best outing of the year with 34 disposals, 18 marks and 169 ranking points – and could have pushed for best–on–ground honours with straighter kicking. Prediction: Kyabram by 38 points

LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 15, 2025 – Kyabram won by 67 points

SHEPP SWANS (4th) v MANSFIELD (6th)

This matchup is shaped by contrasting form lines after the Eagles’ heavy 100–point loss to Kyabram last week. Mansfield won the free–kick count but lost almost every other key indicator, finishing with 144 fewer disposals and only 290 for the game. Only Matt King (32 disposals, 8 tackles, 1 goal) and Sam Thomson (28 disposals, 2 goals) cleared 100 ranking points, highlighting how few contributors stood up in a difficult afternoon. The Swans, meanwhile, continue to build a reputation as one of the hardest teams to play against, leading the league for one–percenters (52 a game) and sitting first for tackles (71 a week). Their midfield mix is led by Ethan Warburton, ranked 11th in the competition, who shapes as a key matchup against Mansfield’s Matt King, ranked 18th and in strong form with 7 goals in his last three games. The Swans will also welcome back Max Clohesy, their only top–30 ranked player outside Warburton, adding another layer of pressure and rebound.

Prediction: Mansfield by 23 points

movement has been more handball–driven – ranked 4th in the league with 136.7 handballs a game – while Tatura averages only 110, often struggling to link up cleanly. Both teams face similar forward–half challenges, averaging just five and six marks inside 50 per game. Euroa generates more entries (34 inside 50s), while Tatura sits last with only 30 per week, limiting scoring opportunities. Tatura’s top performer remains Jimmy Bennett, ranked 25th in the league, though his output has dipped to 96 and 72 ranking points in the past two weeks after a huge 200–point Round 2. Euroa’s highest–ranked available player is Ryan Hill at 44, with Cohen Hill (51st) and Lachlan Hill (52nd) next in line, highlighting the youth and inexperience currently carrying the load. Both sides have struggled to hit the scoreboard consistently – Euroa’s highest total is 86, while Tatura’s best is 73, both coming in losses. Jett Trotter (11 goals) and Ben Darrou (10 goals) lead their respective forward lines, but supply will again be the key. Prediction: Euroa by 24 points LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 8, 2025 – Euroa won by 64 points

MOOROOPNA (9th) v SEYMOUR (3rd)

A game defined by firepower at one end and emerging talent at the other. The Lions boast the league’s most dangerous forward mix, led by Riley Mason with 30 goals, supported by Jaron Murphy (18) and Jack Murphy and Ricky Shraven (10 each). Mooroopna’s leading goalkicker, Dan Tuddenham, has 9, highlighting the difference in scoring potency. Despite that, the Cats still have three players inside the league’s top 25 – Kai Madgwick (15th, 134 ranking points), Liam Betson (132) and Keelin Betson (125) – giving them the midfield strength to challenge higher–ranked sides. Seymour’s top–end talent is equally impressive, with Tom Stapleton (144.3 ranking points from three games) and Huw Jones (139.8) both sitting inside the league’s top 10. The Lions don’t win as much ball as Mooroopna – the Cats average more disposals, clearances and hit outs – but Seymour’s efficiency and forward conversion have driven their rise into the top three. Their defensive pressure is anchored by tackling machine Dylan Cook, ranked 5th in the league, though the next best Lion is Darcy Giles at 22nd. Mooroopna counters strongly in this area, with Keelin Betson ranked 3rd for tackles and Jed Woods 10th. Prediction: Seymour by 43 points LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 8, 2025 – Cats won by 50 points

SHEPPARTON BEARS (1st) v ECHUCA (2nd)

LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 9, 2025 – Eagles won by 19 points EUROA (11th) v TATURA (12th)

A battle between the bottom two sides, both searching for a spark after slow starts to the season. Euroa’s ball

The top–of–the–table showdown between Shepparton Bears (1st) and Echuca (2nd) brings together the league’s two most consistent sides, but with very different profiles. The Bears boast three of the competition’s top 17 ranked players – Lewis McShane (5th), Luke Smith (8th) and Ash Holland (17th) – while Echuca has just one inside the top 25 in Liam Tenace. Shepparton’s defensive unit, led by Mitch Brett, Zac Metcalf, Bryce Stephenson and Daniel Meek, has been outstanding, conceding less than 50 points a game across the season. Echuca’s scoring has been more subdued, passing 100 points only twice in seven games, while the Bears have gone beyond 90 points in six of their seven matches, winning the other in a tight 64–47 contest against Mooroopna. The potential return of Sam Reid, still ranked 26th despite playing only three games, would be a major boost for Echuca, while Shepparton will be hoping to regain Watts or Stevenson, depending on their recovery timelines. The contest will also feature two of the league’s best in the effort areas, with Luke Edwards and Aiden Mills both inside the top 15 for one–percenters – Edwards sitting second with six a game.

Prediction: Echuca by 5 points

LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 16, 2025 – Bears won by 19 points

Carlton beating Essendon by a point in the 1999 Prelim.

Kernahan. What is your favourite AFL

If you could have any current player from another club, who would it be and why? Nick Daicos he’s an all round gun.

REID ALL ABOUT IT: WHY HINKLEY BACKS MURPHY TO MAKE AA SIDE

NICHOLAS QUINLAN/SEN

Since being drafted to the Dockers with Pick No. 17 in the 2024 draft, Murphy Reid has captured the imagination of the AFL world.

And following his dominant performance in Fremantle’s win against St Kilda, Ken Hinkley believes the 19-year-old will be adorned with his first All-Australian blazer at season’s end.

Having won the Rising Star last year, Reid has improved on his game, having averaged 24.1 disposals (compared to 14.5 last year), two clearances (up from one) and 7.4 score involvements (1.9 more than 2025) per game for the ladder-leading Dockers.

This improvement would be shown throughtout Friday night’s 30-point win with Fremantle’s No. 16 achieving a career high of 30 disposals and a game high of 14 score involvements.

With that in mind, the former Port Adelaide coach, who had previously selected him for his rolling AA side last month, remains confident Reid will be selected for the official side in just his second year in the AFL.

“I’m telling you, we’ve all gotta sit up and take notice (of Murphy),” he told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“I had him in my rolling AllAustralian team at Round 6, and I’m glad I did.

“Cause, he’s gonna be there at the end of the year.

“He is such a special talent. His vision, his ability to see the game (with) 360 (degrees), is amazing.

“They’re the players who make you a great side.

“They’ve got this ability to use their hands in creative ways and they can also turn and stop, and then kick the ball. “(A) bit like Scott Pendlebury, you know, that he can do all these things as well as anyone.”

If Reid is to be awarded an AllAustralian blazer this season, he would join the likes of Nick Daicos and Jeremy Cameron for players who were selected for the prestigious side in just their second season.

when they take on the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

Fremantle will be looking to extend its historic win streak to 11 games

That takes place on 30 May with the match beginning at 4:15pm AEST.

Simply silent

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