GROWING up, we learned an important saying: There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing, or the failure to plan for a wet or cold day.
Since reports that the State Government had installed electronic signs on major freeways in northern Victoria warning drivers of ‘Potholes ahead next 20km’, a
second message has been added: “Storm damage. Drive Safely.”
The State Government has for years now maintained that bad weather is to blame for Victoria’s dilapidated roads, and not lack of investment or proper repairs, as it spruiks its “record investment” in road maintenance.
Pothole reports surged during the first
week of July, with 997 reports made between June 30 and July 6 via Snap Send Solve, and 3,060 road damage reports sent in the last month compared to 2,100 in June 2025.
However, data shows that our roads were already broken long before winter arrived.
Continued Page 14
FORECAST? ROUGH WITH A CHANCE OF RAGE... One Victorian farmer’s roadside sign visible from the Goulburn Valley Highway says what thousands of frustrated drivers are thinking – no more excuses, just fix the bloody roads. While the Government’s new freeway signs just point out the potholes,
Photos: Deanne Jeffers
FOR opera’s own Casanova, it’s just another day of pleasure seeking. Seducing a bride on her wedding day. Breaking into a woman’s bedroom in the dead of night. Killing her furious father.
Opera Australia’s National Tour returns to Riverlinks Westside on Tuesday, July 28, at 7.30pm with a fabulous, 1950s-inspired staging of Mozart’s dark comedic masterpiece. The production is directed by Michael Gow (writer of the seminal Australian play Away) and features a cast of some of Opera Australia’s finest singers, performing alongside a live chamber orchestra.
"Don Giovanni is one of opera’s greatest works, and we’re excited to share this stunning Opera Australia production
with audiences across our region. Bringing performances of this calibre to Shepparton is an important part of Riverlinks’ commitment to delivering outstanding cultural experiences for our community," said Manager of Riverlinks Venues Matthew Schroeders.
Tickets are available online or through the Riverlinks Box Office: 03 5832 9511.
For the full selection of shows on offer, visit http:// www.riverlinksvenues.com.au/ whats-on.
DON GIOVANNI... Opera Australia’s National Tour returns to Riverlinks Westside with a fabulous, 1950s-inspired staging of Mozart’s dark comedic masterpiece. Pictured are the stars of the show Cathy-Di Zhang and Andy Williams. Photo: Supplied
Skechers comes to Shepparton
GLOBAL footwear and apparel brand Skechers will officially open its doors in Shepparton on Thursday, July 16, bringing one of the world's leading footwear retailers to the City Central Arcade.
with the first 50 customers each day receiving a $50 voucher, along with instant prizes available through a spin-to-win promotion (terms and conditions apply).
To celebrate, the new store will run grand opening promotions from July 16 to July 19,
Known for combining comfort, innovation and style, Skechers offers a wide range of footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The brand is renowned for its comfortable walking and running shoes, casual lifestyle footwear, work and safety footwear, and performance collections designed for sport and everyday wear.
Operated by Accent Group, the local distributor of Skechers across Australia and New Zealand, the new Shepparton store combines the strength of a globally recognised brand with a local retail presence, creating employment opportunities while offering customers the latest Skechers collections and personalised customer service.
The opening marks another positive investment in Shepparton's CBD, adding to the growing number of businesses choosing to establish or expand in the city centre.
Customers are encouraged to arrive early during the opening weekend to take advantage of the exclusive grand opening offers while stocks last.
Skechers is located at 233-235 Maude Street, at the former Telstra store in the City Central Arcade.
THURSDAY... Skechers is opening at the City Central Arcade in Maude Street on Thursday, July 16, with grand opening promotions scheduled to Sunday, July 19, including $50 vouchers
Double winner in the GMCU $25,000 Giveaway
Still time to win the $5,000 grand prize!
ENTERING the GMCU $25,000 Giveaway really does pay off, with Numurkah’s Kerrie Hickey claiming two of 10 $250 prizes in Week 5 of the Giveaway!
Kerrie was shopping with her grandchildren and entered at several participating businesses, claiming her two winning entries at traffik and Brad’s Magic Meats
“Oh wow, fantastic! We were on a girl’s day out,” said Kerrie. “Great news on a Monday. I’ll have to take my grand-daughters shopping again.”
“I’ve got six grandchildren so winning twice will cover them all,” she said.
Week 5 winner Kylie Richards also entered at several participating stores, with the winning entry coming from Shop 221
“Oh how good,” she said when she got the call from The Adviser to notify her of her win.
“I entered a few times that day. I’ll have to look at the list of businesses to see what I can buy.”
Madeline Jarred is another weekly $250 winner after shopping at Trelly’s Outdoor. She said, “Oh my god, that’s awesome. I wasn’t expecting to win. I’m in shock. I’ll have to think about what to spend it on.”
The Adviser was still trying to reach one of the 10 winners from this week at the time of publishing.
Other Week 5 winners are: Margaret Walker (Market Meats), Deidre Nesbit (SPC Factory Sales), Lina Vigliaturo (Perfect Pieces), Jenny Perona (Pinch of Salt), and Rebecca Beggs (WB Hunters Produce).
If you have missed out on a weekly $250 prize, do not worry.
Every entry in the GMCU $25,000 Giveway is eligible for the grand draw where one lucky local will claim the $5,000 grand prize.
So, whether you entered at the very start of the Giveaway or only recently, every entry counts! Don’t forget, you can claim double entries by signing up to The Adviser ’s free mailing list when you enter online with your receipt.
Spend $10 or more at any participating business and enter at www.gmcugiveaway.com.au
For participating businesses, see page 21 of this edition or go to the Shepparton Adviser website: https://www.sheppadviser.com. au/25k-giveaway-2026/
Entries close 6pm on Sunday, July 26, with the grand draw taking place Monday, July 27.
By
A vital subject people need to talk about in relation to aged care is its cost.
You need to know exactly what you’re getting into - and whether its right, and affordable, for you or a loved one.
It can be easy sometimes to get distracted by a mass of glossy brochures and other promotional guff that doesn’t address one of the most basic and important questions of all: What’s this actually going to cost me?
To be fair, as with many things involved with aged care, the answer is not always straightforward. Different people can need different levels of care and services, and they can have different preferences too – so the answer for one individual may not be quite the same for the person next to them.
There’s also the critical question of what level of financial support will be provided by the government – if any – and this can also vary depending on income and other factors.
You won’t know what the government is willing to provide until after you have undergone an Aged Care Assessment. (These can be arranged through Services Australia – Centrelink.)
So, this gives you two things to consider: What’s going to be the cost of your aged care support, and then how much of that is the government willing to subsidise?
All providers of aged care services should offer information on their basic charges for accommodation types, and any ‘optional extra’ services, and also for getting more help in your own home if that’s what they can provide too. Next week I’ll talk about where exactly to find these valuable bits of information in relation to Shepparton Villages, at our three different locations, along with our Support at Home (home help) costs too.
I’ll also have a couple of tips about where you can get some further impartial guidance.
Whatever you decide, it will be critical to make sure you’re well informed about all costs involved and the support potentially available to help you meet those costs.
WEEK 4 WINNER... Pictured are Lyn from traffik with Olivia, winner Stephanie and Ella Martin. Photo: Deanne Jeffers
WEEK 4 WINNER... From left is winner Denis Magee and Bethany from the North End Bakehouse. Photo: Emma Harrop
WEEK 4 WINNER... From left is Hunter from The Main Course butchery and winner Gail Thompson. Photo: Emma Harrop
Veronica Jamison, CEO, Shepparton Villages
Scratching to fund eczema medicine for children
THOUSANDS of Australian families are holding their breath ahead of a decision on whether a life- changing medicine is funded by the Federal Government for children with an unbearable form of eczema.
Dupilumab (brand name Dupixent) is currently available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for people aged 12 years and older with severe eczema, costing just $25 per month. However, for children younger than 12, the medicine costs $1,666 a month, putting it out of reach for many Australian families.
This is despite the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) backing a PBS subsidy for young children in March 2022.
provide lasting relief. Eczema has taken a toll on the whole family. They are holding out hope for compassionate access to a medicine called dupilumab, but their rural location makes this more challenging. All they want is for Ally to enjoy a normal childhood.
Dr Li-Chuen Wong, a specialist from the Australasian College of Dermatologists who treats children with severe eczema, says "funding this medicine is a no-brainer."
"Dupilumab is highly effective, keeps kids out of hospital and allows them to live a normal childhood. It can also save valuable healthcare resources and dollars," said Dr Wong.
"Treating children with severe eczema as early as possible is critical and reduces their risk of developing related conditions such as asthma, allergies and hay fever."
Ally North from Kerang, was diagnosed with severe eczema at 12 months. Her eczema has worsened over the years, to the point of covering her entire body and becoming completely unmanageable. Now six-years-old, Ally still struggles to sleep through the night as she wakes constantly and scratches to the point of bleeding.
Ally's mum says they are at breaking point, after every imaginable treatment has failed to
The advisory committee met from July 8 to 10 to once again decide whether dupilumab should be funded through the PBS for children as young as six months with severe eczema. The result of that meeting will not be known until Friday, August 21.
ECZEMA MEDICATION... Ally North has suffered from severe eczema since she was 12 months old. Dupilumab is currently available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which would greatly ease Ally’s suffering, but since she is under 12 years old, the cost of the medicine is 1,666+ a month. Photo: Supplied
Star-studded football carnival
By Aaron Cordy
KICKING goals this Sunday, GV Stars host the Northern Conference at the Central Park Recreation Reserve.
Part of the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA), the conference has six teams, including Benalla, Wangaratta, Wodonga, North Albury, Echuca and GV Stars, made up of people with a disability to play Australian Rules Football. The free event will be an exciting day of roundrobin matches with players aged from 14 to 40.
The GV Stars have been around for 16 years, giving locals a chance to play the game they love. They began with the aid of Valley Sports, before joining the FIDA conference. They moved around for several years until they found their home at Central Park thanks to the Shepparton East Football Netball Club.
Each team in the Northern Conference
hosts a carnival, with each team playing three matches, each with two 10-minute halves.
“We have a good core of 18-19 players... All they want to do is just play footy. It's all about playing footy; yes, they'd like to win as much as anyone else, but it's all about playing the game,” said GV Stars President Darren Cook.
“Now we’ve got a home at Shepp East, we can run it more like a normal footy club, which is good. And the players enjoy it. We go to tea nights, which is before a carnival. We go to a tea night at Shepp East, and we get to read out our team like they do the other clubs, and all that sort of stuff. So, the players love all that.”
Darren Cook
The free event will be a lot of fun, with the first match kicking off at 10am, Sunday, July 19, at the Central Park Recreation Reserve. The Shepparton East Football Club will run the canteen on the day. There will be a coffee van.
If anyone wants to get involved with GV
Stars as a player, volunteer or sponsor, contact Darren Cook on 0407 344 391 and follow them on Facebook. While it is a little late to join the 2026 season, they will be looking for new recruits ahead of 2027.
ALL ABILITIES FOOTBALL... GV Stars host the Northern Conference at the Central Park Recreation Reserve this Sunday. Teams from Benalla, Wangaratta, Wodonga, North Albury, and Echuca, along with the Stars, will compete in the conference, which is a fun and inclusive event everyone can enjoy. Photo:
WANTED ON WARRANTS
Shanika Morehu is wanted on multiple warrants.
The 28-year-old is known to frequent the Shepparton area.
Anyone who sights MOREHU or has information about her whereabouts please contact crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Community volunteers the heart of GV Hospice
GOULBURN Valley Hospice Care is now recruiting people to join their active volunteer program. GV Hospice Care is a community palliative care service that provides specialised care to people living with life-limiting illnesses.
“Our volunteers do a wonderful job. The demand for Client Care volunteers is growing, along with the number of clients accessing the service. Our focus is on early referral, symptom support and improving quality of life,” said Chief Executive Officer, Wendy Ross.
“The volunteers work to provide support to both the person with the illness and the family and carers. Volunteer care could include an outing, a chat, reading a book or newspaper to the person, or even freeing up the client’s carer to have a short break once a week.”
Client Care Volunteers are needed across Greater Shepparton. Hospice nurses provide care to clients in Dookie, Katandra, Merrigum, Mooroopna, Murchison, Shepparton East, Tallygaroopna, Tatura and Toolamba. Volunteers are needed to support people with life-limiting illnesses in all these communities.
“We are always looking for anyone who is willing to give around an hour of their spare time each week to care for others. It would be especially good to recruit people from non-English speaking backgrounds so that we can provide greater support to our clients who come from similar cultures,” said Co-ordinator of Volunteers Maree Chin.
Volunteers are selected for their warmth and understanding, emotional maturity, acceptance of others, and their ability to respect confidentiality. All volunteers are
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED... GV Hospice Care is calling for people to join their active volunteer program. Volunteer carers can go on outings, have a chat or read a book or newspaper to
required to undertake a short training course. The next course commences on Wednesday, August 26. For more information or an application form, please contact Maree on 5822 0068 or email mareec@gvhospice.org.au.
NETWORK OUTAGE... Hundreds of V/Line passengers were left stranded after a Telstra outage stopped all V/Line train services in their tracks on Wednesday, July 8. Services resumed on Thursday after communication systems were restored and tested, with V/Line offering free travel on Monday and Tuesday this week to compensate affected passengers. Photos: Olivia O’Keeffe
HUNDREDS of V/Line travellers were left stranded last Wednesday, July 8 and early into Thursday when a Telstra outage halted all regional V/Line rail services.
A notice was issued via V/Line’s website, urging travellers to make alternative plans due to the limited number of bus replacement services available to passengers.
Crowds of commuters sprawling out of Southern Cross Station’s bus terminal on Wednesday evening were told by V/ Line workers there would be no train services the following morning, affecting Shepparton, Seymour, Ballarat, Gippsland and Geelong lines.
Train services resumed by noon Thursday, July 9, after extensive testing of the train's communication network was deemed stable.
V/Line’s roof-mounted antennas rely on Telstra for trains to connect and communicate with control centres and to share real-time updates across the rail network, ensuring safe and reliable travel.
Telstra CFO Michael Ackland says the outage has now been resolved with all train lines back up and operating.
V/Line services were free Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14 to compensate travellers for the disruption.
a person in palliative care. Pictured is GV Hospice volunteer Cynthia with Nannay. Photo: Supplied
Letters to the Editor
COUNCIL'S INACTION PUTS AIRPORT FUNDING AT RISK
Dear Editor,
This is becoming absurd.
An urgent grant opportunity for Shepparton Airport was raised with Greater Shepparton City Council on June 22, in plenty time for action. The Federal Government’s Regional Airports Program Round 5 is currently open, and this is exactly the type of funding program Council should be pursuing for essential airport planning, safety and infrastructure works. Up to $5,000,000 available.
Instead, the matter has been passed from the Mayor, to Infrastructure, to another officer assistant, then to Infrastructure Preservation. The final nominated contact is now apparently away until July 15, which is conveniently after the grant deadline.
That is not responsible asset management. It is delay by handballing until the opportunity expires. Council’s written response acknowledged the important role Shepparton Airport plays in supporting emergency services, aeromedical operations, aviation activity and regional connectivity. It also stated there is no dedicated budget allocation for major aerodrome upgrades or grant co-contributions in the current financial year.
We welcome Letters to the Editor but they are not guaranteed to be included and may be edited for reasons of style or content. Letters will not be eligible for consideration if they contain defamatory material, or information of a personal nature which is not in the public domain.
That logic is completely backwards.
Council cannot keep saying there is no budget for Shepparton Airport while failing to act on the very grant programs designed to help solve that funding problem. If there is no airport capital budget and no master planning budget, then available external funding should be treated as urgent, not optional.
Shepparton Airport supports fixed-wing air ambulance transfers, emergency services, firefighting aircraft, aviation training, business access and regional connectivity. These are essential regional services, not luxuries. The ambulance has been calling out for a basic shelter for over five years and we provided plans.
Council has also acknowledged the value of a contemporary aerodrome master plan, but has allocated no funding for one. Again, this is exactly why grant opportunities matter.
The airport user group has repeatedly offered to assist with practical information, operational priorities and supporting evidence. But Council must lead the application. Instead, we are ignored, delayed, deflected and no clear answer provided on whether any application has even commenced.
Despite attempts to follow up by phone and email, we
have received no clear response and no indication of public support from Council for pursuing this grant.
Every councillor should now state clearly where they stand.
Do they support Council applying for available grant funding for Shepparton Airport, or do they support allowing this opportunity to expire through delay and inaction?
Ratepayers, airport users, emergency service operators and the wider community deserve a clear answer.
The public deserves to know: is Greater Shepparton City Council applying for Regional Airports Program Round 5 funding for Shepparton Airport, yes or no?
If not, who made that decision, and why was this opportunity allowed to run out of time?
Regards,
Peter Blake
Shepparton Airport User Group
Want to have your say?
Email your letters to the editor to editorial@sheppartonadviser.com.au
Please keep letters to under 200 words.
Why Data Parts
FAIRLEY LA TROBE 2026 LECTURE
Michael Traill AM will deliver the 2026 Fairley La Trobe Lecture in Shepparton on Monday, August 3 at the La Trobe Shepparton campus, 5.30-8.30pm.
Each year, the Fairley Foundation and La Trobe University present the Fairley La Trobe Lecture, featuring a prominent Australian. This year’s keynote speaker, Michael Traill AM, is a pioneer of impact investing who left a successful corporate career to help reshape how capital can drive social change. From founding Social Ventures Australia to leading major national initiatives, his work has influenced the future of social purpose investment.
To hear insights from one of the country’s foremost changemakers, secure your complimentary ticket at: www.eventbrite. com/e/fairley-la-trobe-lecture-2026tickets-1987977715863
AMPLIFY CREATIVE HUB RETURNS
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting young people aged 12 to 25 to the next Amplify Creative Hub session on Saturday, July 18 following a successful launch event in June.
The free youth-led program will run from 12pm to 4pm at Shepparton Library and will focus on media and digital arts. The July session will include hands-on workshops in graphic design, drawing, and video content creation.
Amplify Creative Hub will continue monthly until November, with future sessions set to explore activities such as music, photography, digital arts, DJing, music production, multimedia, and songwriting. Sessions will be held on Saturday, August 22, Saturday, September 19, Saturday, October 17 and Saturday, November 21.
Young people can register for the July session at www.shepp.city/creativehub
AVIAN INFLUENZA STRAIN DETECTED IN AUSTRALIAN SEABIRD
Authorities are investigating a new case of avian influenza (H5N1) found in a bird known as the Greater Crested Tern, on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, near Robe.
Animal health workers are working to establish how the transmission occurred while identifying any emerging risks to wildlife and agricultural industries as quickly as possible. Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Nicholls Sam Birrell MP is urging members of the public to avoid making contact with any sick or dead birds and to report them immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
“The Best Computer People in the Country”
A NEW Italian restaurant has opened on High Street. La Velluto is serving up a slice of Italy, with authentic food, friendly service and an extensive menu to tempt your tastebuds.
La Velluto’s new menu includes a range of favourite pizzas and pasta dishes, plenty of starters and sides to choose from, and a sumptuous range of desserts including biscoff or nutella pizzas, tiramisu and panna cotta.
The restaurant is perfect for casual dining or a special occasion and also offers takeaway and home delivery.
La Velluto is open for dinner seven days a week from 4pm to 9pm, and Friday to Sunday for lunch, operating 11am to 3pm.
Find La Velluto at 94-96 High Street, Shepparton. To reserve a table or place an order, phone (03) 7057 1411.
Mains include a variety of chicken dishes, including buttery chicken limone and creamy chicken boscaiola, along with veal options, scotch fillet, and seafood mains including grilled salmon and chilli garlic prawns with cherry tomatoes and garlic bread. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available. All kids’ dishes are $13.
3 Compliance Myths That Could Cost Shepparton Landlords Thousands
What every real estate agency and rental provider should know before their next safety check
MOST landlords don’t lose sleep over compliance — until something goes wrong, and the question changes from “is everything fine?” to “can we prove it?” In Victoria, that distinction matters enormously, and a handful of common misconceptions are leaving rental providers exposed without them even realising it.
Myth 1: A smoke alarm with a fresh battery is a working smoke alarm.
New battery, job done — right? Not quite. Victorian regulations require smoke alarms to be functionally tested, not just powered. An alarm can have a brand-new battery and still fail to trigger when it matters most.
Myth 2: No complaints means no compliance issue.
Many landlords assume that if a tenant hasn’t raised a concern, there’s nothing to worry
about. But gas and electrical safety checks aren’t reactive — they’re a legal requirement every two years, regardless of whether anything has gone wrong. Waiting for a problem to surface is waiting too long.
Myth 3: Last year’s certificate still covers us.
Safety checks expire on a strict cycle. An out-of-date certificate isn’t a grey area — it’s treated as full non-compliance from the day it lapses, and records must be produced within seven days if a tenant requests them in writing. There’s no buffer, and no benefit of the doubt.
These aren’t small technicalities. Noncompliance can mean breach of duty notices, penalties, VCAT disputes, and serious complications with insurance if something does go wrong. For real estate agencies managing dozens or hundreds of properties, even one overlooked certificate is a liability nobody
wants sitting on file.
This is exactly the gap RIC Safety Audits is built to close — and we’re bringing that expertise to Shepparton. Our team handles electrical, gas, and smoke alarm compliance in a single, competitively priced annual visit, with minor repairs fixed on the spot at no extra cost, up to $250. No second invoice. No chasing paperwork. No guessing whether a certificate is
still valid.
We believe Shepparton’s real estate agencies deserve a compliance partner who makes the rules simple to follow, not harder to understand. If you manage rental properties in the region, we’d welcome the chance to show you exactly how straightforward compliance can be. Safety without the stress.
Timeless style for every occasion
WINTER fashion is all about investing in timeless pieces you'll reach for year after year, and Shop 221 has the perfect collection to keep you looking stylish throughout the cooler months.
From cosy knits and tailored coats to statement jackets and everyday wardrobe essentials, the latest winter range combines comfort, quality and effortless style. Whether you're refreshing your everyday wardrobe or searching for that standout piece, you'll find plenty of inspiration in store.
For evenings and special occasions, Shop 221 also offers an extensive range of elegant evening wear in sizes 8 to 24. Complete your outfit with a stylish coat or luxurious faux fur for a polished winter look.
With Shop 221’s Winter Sale now on, there has never been a better time to update your wardrobe. Selected coats, knitwear and jackets are reduced by up to 50 per cent, creating the ideal opportunity to pick up on quality fashion at fantastic prices.
Shop 221 is located at the Maude Street precinct, at 185 Maude Street, Shepparton.
To enter the GMCU $25,000 Giveaway, simply spend $10 or more at participating businesses, scan the QR code or upload your receipt online for your chance to win one of 58 prizes during the competition.
BE a road safety champion and flex your colouring-in skills for a chance to win a bicycle light set thanks to RoadSafe Goulburn Valley.
First prize is an Azur Beacon 65/30lm USB light set, valued at $50. These lights attach to the front and rear of your bike to make sure you are seen while riding.
To win, colour in the poster on page 14 of this newspaper edition or download and print it from the online article.
When your masterpiece is
complete, deliver it to The Adviser’s office at Level 2, 38-40 Welsford Street, Shepparton, OR post to The Adviser POX BOX 1664 Shepparton.
Entries close Friday, July 31, with winners contacted shortly after, so don’t forget to include your contact information with your creation.
Remember, if you’re riding a bike, always wear a helmet, follow the road rules, and make sure cars can see you. This is especially important during
winter, when visibility can be low. If you’re driving, take care of bike riders and vulnerable road
users like children and people who work on roadsides, such as Addy’s dad, Paddy, from the illustration.
COLOUR IN TO WIN... Colour the Ask Addy illustration on page 14 of this edition, or print it from The Adviser’s website, and deliver it to The Shepparton Adviser for a chance to win this Azur Beacon 65/30lm USB light set, valued at $50, courtesy of
ON BITUMENT... After media outlets exposed that electronic signs had appeared on highways warning drivers of ‘Potholes Ahead Next 20km’, a second message was added attributing the road’s condition to storm damage. As a daily driver on the Goulburn Valley Highway (sign pictured at Kialla West), I can confirm that many of these potholes have been present for months and are not a winter anomaly.
continued from front page
A STAGGERING 15,514 pothole reports have been logged in the first half of 2026 alone, compared to 11,836 at the same time last year. To put that in perspective, the state has blown past the entirety of 2025, which closed out with 12,571 total reports and averaged 34.4 reports per day.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Planning has said, “Maintenance crews are responding
cameras. While these potholes appear to have been patched earlier, the repairs are no longer safe for motorists with the site reportedly claiming several victims on last month.
to reports of potholes along the Hume Freeway and Goulburn Valley Highway and will deliver repairs as necessary.”
They added that due to extended, extreme or above-average rainfall or flooding like parts of the state have recently experienced, “damage to our roads is inevitable.”
That may be true of any given storm, but it doesn't explain why the network had no resilience left to absorb one, or the fact that anecdotal evidence shows that many of the impacted roads were damaged in the first place.
While the State Government maintains that it is spending “a record $1.04 billion to rebuild, repair and resurface roads across Victoria – with 70 per cent of the funds going to regional Victoria,” analysis shows that the Government is actually planning to do fewer pothole repairs and road resealing over this financial year.
Budget papers reveal that targets for targeted pavement patchwork and localised road structure repairs are being scaled back, with plans to patch just 74,000 square metres of Victoria’s regional road network in the 2026-27 financial year, down from 95,000 square metres the previous year.
This matches state budget analysis from the Opposition, with Shadow Roads Minister Danny O'Brien saying that the government’s own data shows deep road
resurfacing and rehabilitation works collapsed by up to 75 per cent over the four years leading into 2026.
This severe reduction in deep resurfacing has meant roads quickly decay under intense rain, forcing councils and crews into endless, reactive patchwork rather than structural preventative maintenance.
Labor says it has “invested nearly $3 billion over the past three years – the largest sustained investment in road maintenance in Victoria’s history,” and yet, roads have never been worse.
One must ask the question: if so much money has been spent maintaining roads, why are wheels bending, tyres shredding, and drivers forced into a daily, nail-biting game of dodge-ems? Why is taxpayer money being spent on multiple electronic signs warning of 20 kilometres of potholes instead of fixing the bitumen beneath them?
If the government insists on blaming the weather, it must deliver an infrastructure strategy that can withstand it. We need roads that don't instantly disintegrate when it rains, repairs that hold for longer than a few days, and a shift toward fully renewing entire sections of road instead of scattered, temporary patches.
How have potholes on Victorian roads impacted you? Send your story and photos to deanne.jeffers@sheppartonadviser.com. au or message The Shepparton Adviser on social media.
BANDAIDS
Photo: Deanne Jeffers
ENTER, IF YOU DARE... The southern entrance to Nagambie has been damaged for sometime, with potholes lining the entire entryway off the Goulburn Valley Highway before the speed
Photo: Deanne Jeffers
Kids get creative with Picasso-inspired art
SCHOOL holidays saw local kids channelling their inner artist at ‘Paint Like Picasso’ workshops held at Shepparton Marketplace.
Paint-stained hands were difficult to avoid with many enjoying the fun alongside new friends.
The children’s abstract paintings, inspired by SAM’s iconic Degas to Picasso exhibition, are now placed on the community art wall for all visitors to enjoy.
Beyond school holiday fun, Shepparton Marketplace remains one of the region's most convenient shopping destinations, with a wide range of retailers offering everything from groceries and fashion to cafés, beauty services and everyday
essentials.
Many of the centre's stores are participating in this year's GMCU $25,000 Giveaway, meaning shoppers can tick off their weekly errands while also going in the draw to win. Every eligible purchase of $10 or more provides another chance to enter, with the $5,000 major prize to be drawn on July 27.
Shepparton Marketplace is located at 110-120 Benalla Road, Shepparton with ample free parking on-site.
To enter the GMCU $25,000 Giveaway, simply spend $10 or more at participating businesses, scan the QR code or upload your receipt online for your chance to win one of 58 prizes during the competition.
PAINTING LIKE PICASSO... Nine year-old Zachary hones his artistry skills, painting swirls of green and vibrant pink. Photo: Olivia O’Keeffe
ART AT THE MARKETPLACE... Seven-year-old Audrey and six-year-old Indie
pink and purple skies and rounded faces. Photo: Olivia O’Keeffe
370 young people a sense of belonging, which inspired them to create the handprint wall with staff. Insert: Zoran. Photo: Supplied
The Youth Foyer celebrates 10 years
BERRY Street and Beyond Housing Network, in partnership with GOTAFE, manages the Foyer in Shepparton, which houses 40 young people aged 16-24 in selfcontained units. Over 370 young people have had their lives changed for the better after spending time at the Foyer.
Connection is a big focus of the Foyer for their young people. They work to build social capital alongside supporting them in their education and employment pathways,
so they can have sustained success after leaving the program, which is evident in the work the Foyers have done in the community after leaving the program.
“It’s a celebration of how many young people we've had through and the aspect of being a real community program. We've had a lot of people come in and help, and we've had a lot of young people that have gone out and participated in the community,” said Senior Manager of Open Dialogue & Youth Foyer Anita McCurdy.
"At the start we were always talking
about building social capital for young people, but we probably didn't expect it to be so positive. It's been amazing in terms of how well we've gone for those 10 years within the community.”
If you're interested in supporting the Education First Youth Foyer in Shepparton so they can continue their great work for another 10 years and beyond, you can contact them on 0438 716 974 or foyershepp@berrystreet.org.au.
By Aaron Cordy
JUNE sees a spate of donations to charities and not-for-profits (NFP) as people try to give themselves a little tax break before the end of the financial year. The generosity isn’t confined to June, with Australians donating approximately $8B to $9.1B annually in individual taxdeductible and self-reported giving, according to research done by Roy Morgan.
But what is the difference between a charity and a not-forprofit? And where does your money go?
All charities are NFPs, but not all NFP’s are charities. And the difference can mean a big
difference in where the money goes.
In Greater Shepparton, there are many wonderful charities and NFPs. Shepparton Foodshare, Primary Care Connect, Shepparton Access, the South Shepparton Community House, St Paul’s African House, the Greater Shepparton Foundation and the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project are just a few registered local charities.
The region is equally serviced by great community clubs. From local sporting clubs to the Committee for Greater Shepparton and People Supporting People.
Then there are organisations that border the definition of
charity and NFP. The local Rotary clubs do a plethora of charitable work in the community, but they are not technically charities.
However, Rotary does have several branches that are registered charities.
Charities need to be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission; a charity must meet strict legal tests to serve a specific charitable purpose for the public benefit, whereas an NFP does not come under the same scrutiny.
This does not mean that NFP’s are dodgy or that the money doesn’t go where you intended.
However, a recent case of an online influencer scamming the
public by taking money for an orphanage that doesn’t exist under the guise of a charity is not new. There have always been people exploiting the generosity and compassion of others for personal gain.
To avoid using your hard-earned money to fund scammers' overseas trips or investment properties, it is best to understand where the money goes through a personal link to the charity or organisation. For larger charities and even small ones where a personal connection isn’t possible, you can find out if an organisation is a legitimate charity at https://www.acnc.gov. au/charity/charities.
EDUCATION FIRST... The Education First Youth Foyer in Shepparton is celebrating 10 years of supporting local youth. The Foyer has given over
Small gifts, lasting impact
A STRONG and vibrant community is built when its members come together with a shared vision and a commitment to supporting one another. The Greater Shepparton Foundation’s Forever 500 Campaign is a simple yet powerful example of how collective giving can create meaningful and lasting local impact. By donating $500 to the Forever 500 Campaign, your contribution is split equally between addressing immediate community needs and investing in the Foundation’s Forever Fund. This creates a sustainable source of income that will continue supporting Greater Shepparton for
generations to come.
With 50 per cent of your donation set aside to grow the Forever Fund, the remaining 50 per cent supports grassroots projects making a difference in the community right now — whether through youth programs, family support services or local initiatives responding to emerging challenges.
At a time when many charities and community organisations are facing increasing demand, initiatives like Forever 500 provide residents with a practical way to strengthen local resilience. While individual contributions may seem modest on their own, together they can help fund
GREATER Shepparton City Council has revised its policy on roadside fatality memorials, introducing updated requirements for their construction and maintenance.
The Roadside Fatality Memorial Policy aims to assist affected members of the community seeking to establish a roadside memorial while safeguarding and informing applicants on the potential risks involved.
Community members wishing to install a roadside memorial must first propose their plans to council who are responsible for managing and assessing requests, responding sensitively to all matters.
DEMOCRATIC GIVING... The Greater Shepparton Foundation Forever 500 Program is a community driven philanthropic program that funds grassroots projects such as the Healthy Child Oral Language Intervention Program, which aims to improve student language and literacy skills in early childhood to ensure better school readiness, learning engagement and long-term academic success. Photo: Supplied
projects that improve lives and strengthen connections across the region. Offering a meaningful way to support the community both now and into the future, Forever 500 is an impactful investment in
Greater Shepparton’s long-term wellbeing. To find out more or get involved, visit: https://www.greatershepparton.foundation/ forever-500
Roadside fatality memorials call for safety measures
HONOURING LOVED ONES SAFELY... Greater Shepparton City Council has updated its Roadside Fatality Memorial Policy, providing clearer guidance for the installation and maintenance of roadside memorials while prioritising the safety of motorists and visitors. Photo: WikiCommons
The policy outlines that roadside memorials must be located in a position that will not distract drivers or cause interference with passing traffic or roadworks and be constructed out of non hazardous materials.
When visiting a roadside memorial, applicants are encouraged to develop safe practices such as attending the site during low traffic periods and checking that the memorial is maintained in a neat and tidy condition.
Roadside fatality memorials also known as roadside tributes or
roadside shrines allow grieving community members to mark and honour the location of a loved one's death caused by a roadside accident and may include items such as wooden crosses, floral arrangements or plaques featuring inscriptions.
Roadside memorials are generally installed temporarily for up to 12 months whereby applicants seeking permanent memorials will need to contact the policy’s project manager at the time of applying.
Road Trauma Support Services are available on 1300 367 797.
THE POWER OF PRINT
More than a chance to win
WHILE entering the GMCU $25,000 Giveaway could see you win a share of the prize pool, there's another benefit many shoppers may not realise.
When uploading your receipt online, entrants have the option to request a free, no-obligation Home Loan Health Check with GMCU. Whether you're paying off your current mortgage, looking to refinance or planning to buy your first home, the complimentary review can help you understand how your loan compares and whether there may be opportunities to save.
Simply tick the box when entering the Giveaway and, if
you'd like to take advantage of the offer, a GMCU team member will be in touch to discuss your circumstances and answer any questions. There's no obligation and no pressure – just personalised advice to help you make informed financial decisions.
In a time when every dollar counts, reviewing one of your biggest household expenses could prove just as valuable as winning a prize.
To enter the GMCU $25,000 Giveaway, simply spend $10 or more at participating businesses, scan the QR code or upload your receipt online and you will go into the draw to win the $5,000 grand
THE GMCU $25,000 Giveaway is closing at 6pm on Sunday, July 26, with only a limited time left to enter to win the $5,000 grand prize.
So far, 50 local shoppers have won a $250 Visa debit card, courtesy of GMCU. Every entry you have made during the competition gets you a little closer to claiming the top prize, just by spending $10 or more at participating businesses.
You can boost your chances by signing up to The Shepparton Adviser’s free mailing list when you enter online.
COULD YOUR HOME LOAN BE WORKING HARDER... Along with your chance to win the $5,000 major prize in the GMCU $25,000 Giveaway, entrants can also request a free Home Loan Health Check with GMCU. Upload your receipt before the Giveaway closes at 6pm on Sunday, July 26. Pictured are the faces of this year’s Giveaway, A.K. and Millie from GMCU. Photo: Emma Harrop
prize, drawn Monday, July 27.
The Giveaway closes at 6pm on Sunday, July 26. Be sure to enter all eligible purchases before the deadline, with every entry getting you one step closer to winning.
For participating businesses, visit: www.sheppadviser.com.
To enter, spend $10 or more at a participating retailer and then enter your receipt and details online at www. gmcugiveaway.com.au
To claim the boosted entries, enter your email address to sign up for The Adviser’s mailing list. We will never spam your inbox, and signing up gives you early access to the weekly headlines each Wednesday before the newspaper hits your letterbox.
You can also request a free, no-obligation home loan health check on your current home loan or one that you’re considering from
au/25k-giveaway-2026/ or go to page 21.
To enter, go to: www. gmcugiveaway.com.au
Learn more about GMCU and its services online at www.gmcu. com.au or phone 1800 MY GMCU (1800 694 628).
GMCU upon entering.
For the full list of participating businesses in this Giveaway, visit: www.sheppadviser.com. au/25k-giveaway-2026/ or see the full page advertisement on page 21 of this edition. Don’t miss your chance to win big and give your budget a boost. Every $10 you spend locally could bring you one step closer to $5,000!
Competition closes at 6pm on Sunday, July 26, with the major prize drawn Monday, July 27.
Mentoring the next wave of local business owners
GREATER Shepparton City Council concluded its inaugural 2026 Greater Shepparton Business Mentor Program on Thursday, July 2, at the Aussie Hotel in Shepparton.
The program ran from May to July 2026, bringing together new and emerging local businesses with experienced mentors for practical one-on-one guidance, honest conversations and support tailored to their business goals.
Mentors and mentees reflected on the value of sharing local knowledge, building stronger connections and working through real business challenges together.
Each mentee was matched with an experienced local mentor for two structured mentoring sessions across the May to July period.
Business Mentor Program mentee Bronwyn Watts from Born Maternity Clothing said the program delivered practical improvements she could put into action straight away.
“I had some quick wins that I could implement immediately, and I started seeing the benefits almost straight after my sessions with my mentor. They helped me strengthen my digital marketing, resolve technical issues and explore ways to use AI in my business,” said
Bronwyn.
“I am now more consistent with email marketing and paid advertising, and our sales have increased based on the advice I received through the program.
“The best part is that my mentor has offered to stay in touch, so I now have a trusted contact I can reach out to. The biggest lesson I will take away is consistency. Keep showing up and keep doing the work.”
Greater Shepparton Business Mentor Program, mentor Debbie McColl from All Farm Gates said she joined the program to help local businesses work through challenges and achieve their goals.
“Running a business can be challenging and it is valuable to have someone to share ideas with and talk through different aspects of the business,” said Debbie.
“Sometimes we get caught up working in the business rather than on the business. This program gives people the opportunity to step back, look at the bigger picture and learn what they can do to move forward.”
For further information, please contact Council’s Economic Development Engagement Coordinator on 5832 9700 or email council@ shepparton.vic.gov.au
Nationals and Liberals pledge $5 billion to road maintenance
STATE Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe said the Nationals and Liberals will invest $5 billion over four years to fix 1 million potholes and take Victoria’s road maintenance standards back to where they should be.
“Victorian drivers are sick of having to travel on dangerous and unsafe roads that are plagued with potholes and having to pay for costly repairs due to no fault of their
own,” said Ms O’Keeffe.
“People right across our region are fed up with the neglect of our roads that are in an appalling condition, or that have been patched up rather than properly constructed or maintained.”
The new fund will re-establish Better Roads Victoria as a standalone agency, rebuilding the engineering and technical
expertise stripped out when the Allan Labor Government axed Regional Roads Victoria.
Ms O’Keeffe said the new fund was part of the Nationals' broad commitment to regional Victoria through the Fair Share Guarantee, which will deliver 25 per cent of the state’s infrastructure spending to the regions.
BUSINESS MENTOR... Council has celebrated its inaugural 2026 Greater Shepparton Business Mentor Program, which matches new and emerging local businesses with experienced mentors for practical one-on-one guidance, honest conversations and support tailored to their business goals. Pictured from left: Tracey Toy (Guiding with Purpose), Bronwyn Watts (Born Maternity Clothing), and Anthony Murphy (Attention Media). Photo: Supplied
KITCHEN sink half tray on RH side, brand new all clips and drain fittings, never installed $45 Mooroopna Ph: 0400 469 707 smaller size 983 PILLOWS x 2 super sleeper
CLASSIFIED LOCA L OPPORTUNITIES
FOR SALE
Office Furniture
Available items: Office Desks, Filing Cabinets, Reception Furniture, Printers, Computer Screens, Monitor Arm Supports, Kitchen Tables, Chairs & Equipment. Bulk purchase welcome. Contact Michael 0438 372 280
FREEZER 50L tuckerbox Euro 3 star $150 Ph:
HALPINS cycles, men's racing bike good cond, $100 Ph: 0418 709 721
REFRIDGERATOR Simpson large gc, freezer top fridge bottom $100 Ph: 0438 224 522 CARPET underlay 1.8m W x 6m L, used Airtex rolls x 2 good cond $20 lot Ph: 0400 469 707
$45 Ph: brand in box $180 Ph: 0431 214 576
PLEASE NOTE: As of July 2019, it is now a requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, that an advertisement must include the unique source number (required from the Pet Exchange Register) of the seller and the individual microchip number of each cat or dog being sold or given away. These requirements apply to puppies and kittens as well as adult dogs and cats. For further information phone 5832 8900.
HANDYMAN SERVICES WANTED TO
COMMENCEMENT: The
(b) Scan the entry QR code on the participating stores’ posters, fill in the form on-line, include the date and amount spent and tap Submit and Upload Receipt. Entries will not be valid without a photo of the receipt. A receipt can only be entered once; any receipts entered multiple times will be void.
WEEKLY WINNERS: Will be digitally drawn at 10am on Monday June 15th, 22nd and 29th, July 6th, July 13th, 2026. All entries, including previous prize winners, will then be placed directly into the final draw on July 27th, 2026, for the Grand $5,000 Shopper’s Prize. A $2,000 Consolation Business Prize, for all participating businesses will be drawn after the Grand Prize. Management and staff of participating traders are not eligible to enter this competition at their own participating businesses, however, can enter at other participating businesses. Management and staff of The Adviser are not eligible to enter this competition.
PRIZES: 10 x $250 shoppers prizes per week for 5 weeks and 1 x $1,000 In value business prize per week for five weeks will be drawn at 10am on June 15th, 22nd, 29th and July 6th, 13th, 2026, digitally at The Adviser 38-40 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
The Grand $5,000 Prize is in the form of a GMCU gift card and the $2,000 Consolation Business Prize, consists of a $500 GMCU gift card and a $1,500 advertising voucher from The Adviser. This draw will be at 10am on Monday, July 27th, 2026 digitally at The Adviser 38-40 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
Shopper’s prizes will be provided in the form of a GMCU gift card and drawn digitally; the $1,000 Business prizes will be $500 in the form of a GMCU gift card and a $500 advertising voucher from The Adviser. Another $500 prize will be awarded to the business who generates the most entries over the length of the competition. This prize will be in the form of a GMCU gift card.
length of the competition. This prize will be in the form of a GMCU gift card
As part of the term of accepting the prize, al winnings are to be spent in participating businesses A list of the participating businesses will be given to the winners at the time of presenting them with their certificate. The certificate is to be taken to GMCU with proof of identification to receive their GMCU gift card.
As part of the terms of accepting the prize, all winnings are to be spent in participating businesses. A list of the participating businesses will be given to the winners at the time of presenting them with their certificate. The certificate is to be taken to GMCU with proof of identification to receive their GMCU gift card.
As part of the terms of accepting the prize, the winner is required to agree to having their photo published in The Adviser TOTAL PRIZE POOL: Total prize pool is $25,000 and all of this must be won.
As part of the term of accepting the prize, the winner is required to agree to having their photo published in The Adviser TOTAL PRIZE POOL: Tota prize pool is $25,000 and al of this must be won.
UNCLAIMED PRIZES If a winner does no claim thei prize by Thursday, August 20th 2026 the prize will be re-drawn at 9:00am on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 at the offices of The Adviser 38-40 Welsford Street Shepparton and the new winner will be notified in accordance with these conditions.
UNCLAIMED PRIZES: If a winner does not claim their prize by Thursday, August 20th, 2026 the prize will be re-drawn at 9:00am on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 at the offices of The Adviser, 38-40 Welsford Street, Shepparton, and the new winners will be notified in accordance with these conditions.
NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: Winners will be contacted by phone as soon as the prizes are drawn.
NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: Winners will be contacted by phone as soon as the prizes are drawn.
Names of $250 shoppers prize winners drawn will be published in The Adviser on Wednesday June 17th
Names of $250 shoppers prize winners drawn will be published in The Adviser on Wednesday June 17th, June 24th, July 1st, 8th, and 15th, 2026. The name of the $5,000 GMCU gift card prize winner will be published in The Adviser on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026 Winners of any unclaimed prizes will be published in The Adviser on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026
PRIVACY: Information collected on entries will only be used to compile statistics on total value of purchases, average spend, total number of entrants and postcodes from various areas. It is the shopper’s choice if they want to fill in the section giving consent to a free Adviser subscription. No personal details will be recorded, and all entries will be destroyed once statistics have been compiled and all prizes claimed.
PROMOTER: The Trustee for GJ Adams Trust t/as The Shepparton Adviser, Newspaper House, 38-40 Welsford Street, Shepparton VIC
Echuca (2nd) v ROCHESTER (5th)
Rochester has won its last four games, including victories against the reigning premier and two teams it is battling for one of what appears to be the two remaining places in the final six.
After this weekend's match with traditional rival Echuca, Rochester faces the bottom two teams (although Euroa is on an upward trend) in the final four games.
Echuca has a three-game break on third-ranked Seymour, but from fourth-placed Shepparton Swans to ninth-ranked Mansfield there are just eight premiership points separating six teams.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Hugh Byrne v Dylan Gordon: If Byrne is not on VFL duty, he may get Gordon for company.
Both are in red-hot form, with Byrne kicking 14 goals from his five GVL games this season.
Carver, I would have Robinson in attack, which makes his potential battle with interceptmarking Radley a lip-smacking prospect.
Prediction: Kyabram by 83 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 3, 2026 - Kyabram won by 160 points
Seymour (3rd) v Mansfield (9th)
Seymour sits third on the ladder but battled against Benalla (admittedly without ruckman Tom Stapleton) and has only managed 100point winning margins against the bottom three teams this season. Their opponent, Mansfield, has lost its last three games and dropped from fifth to ninth on the ladder.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Mitch Wales v Bailey Wileman: Wileman is the hottest ticket in town at the minute, but Wales is a big-occasion player and had his best game for some time against Tatura.
Matt King v Lachlan Giles: Not sure if this is the way Ben Davey will think, but the defensively minded Giles could go forward and nullify the creative King, who starts at half-back but has kicked nine goals this year. King hasn't played since Round 10 but was part of the GVL team on the weekend.
Nic Quigg v Callum Brown: Brown was a withdrawal from the GVL game due to knee soreness, so a week off may be all he needs to meet the in-form Quigg at full health.
Cameron Valentine v Hugh Hamilton: Hamilton now has 25 goals from eight games, but Valentine is now two senior games into his comeback and presents a challenging opponent.
Prediction: Echuca by 19 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 3, 2026 - Echuca won by 30 points
Euroa (11th) v Benalla (10th)
Euroa is coming off its best win of the season against Mansfield, while Benalla has lost its last seven despite being competitive against Echuca, Seymour and Kyabram.
Mark Marriott continues to have a great season and comes up against Magpie beanstalk Adam Zimmerman, who had an impact in his first game of the season in Round 13.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Adam Zimmerman v Mark Marriott: Two giants of the league, with Marriott arguably the most consistent player in the GVL this season.
Lachie Hill v Chris Welsh: Two of the real hard nuts of the competition. Hill returned against Mansfield with immediate impact after five weeks on the sidelines.
Cohen Paul v Nick Warnock: Two absolute stars of the competition. If this aerial battle occurs, it will be worth the price of admission alone.
Prediction: Euroa by 2 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 3, 2026 - Benalla won by 25 points
Kyabram (7th) v Tatura (12th)
Seventh-ranked Kyabram has a very healthy percentage (+29 on sixth-ranked Mooroopna, +20 on Rochester and +40 on fourth-ranked Shepparton Swans) despite sitting seventh, and a big win here could take them as high as fifth if other results go their way.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Jack Russell v Jimmy Bennett: Russell was the GVL's best player on the weekend and Bennett is back in the form that netted him a 200-ranking-point game earlier in the year.
Tom Sullivan v Coby McCarthy: Two big-bodied midfielders who are two-way runners and will be butting heads in an intriguing midfield battle.
Finn Radley v Aiden Robinson: If I was Corey
Prediction: Seymour by 15 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 3, 2026 - Seymour won by 19 points
Shepp Bears (1st) v Mooroopna (6th)
Mooroopna sits sixth on the ladder, but a loss could see it drop to eighth if Kyabram and United are winners. Conversely, a win, combined with Rochester and Swans losses, could see it climb to fourth on the ladder, a big incentive indeed.
Keelin Betson was a late withdrawal from the GVL team, which is a concern for the Cats.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Ash Holland/Liam Broom v Liam Betson: The Bears' master-and-apprentice ruck duo tackle Betson, with Holland not having played since Round 11.
Kade O'Dwyer v Kai Madgwick: O'Dwyer may get the job of trying to curb the influence of ball magnet Madgwick, who rarely walks off with fewer than 30 disposals.
Prediction: Bears by 20 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 3, 2026 - Bears won by 17 points
Shepp Swans (4th) v Shepp United (8th)
The Swans have lost three of their last four, to second-placed Echuca, sixthranked Mooroopna and seventh-ranked Kyabram. They are just two points clear of sixth but seem to find something when they need it most in difficult situations.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Brodie Newman v Harper Simpson: Young Swan Simpson may push towards Newman to make him accountable as the interceptmarking Demon continues a great season.
James Auld v Declan Newbound: Auld can be a match-winner and is due for a breakout game after a comparatively modest return of six goals across the last four weeks.
Prediction: United by 6 points.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 3, 2026
- Shepp United won by 11 points
SIMPSON: THE DIFFICULTIES IN HOSTING RETIREMENT CONVERSATIONS
ANDREW SLEVISON/SEN
How difficult is it to have THE conversation with players who are nearing the end?
Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson experienced that scenario many times during his coaching career as he balanced the egos of veterans with the good of the team.
In 2014 - Simpson’s first season at the helm of the Eagles - he faced the delicate task of managing one particular veteran while building for the future.
A particular point of focus was in the ruck with veteran Dean Cox entering what would prove to be his final campaign. Simpson had emerging pair Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett to consider as Cox’s career came to an end.
“In my first year I had an issue. I had Dean Cox and Naitanui, which is not a bad issue,” Simpson said on SEN Afternoons.
“But young Scott Lycett was coming through. Scotty Lycett couldn’t quite see that he had 10 more years of football and Dean Cox was 32 and battle-weary, but there was no way I was dropping him.
“I had this difficult scenario in the last five or six weeks where I had to give Scotty some games otherwise he was going to leave.
“In the end Dean retired on 292 games. He may have been able to go on again for 300. But we wouldn’t have kept Scott Lycett.
“I think he sort of knew that, and he stayed on as our ruck coach. We ended up making a Grand Final the next year, Scott Lycett was really important towards that.
“It was a difficult one because it was my first year.”
Simpson’s approach involved open and honest conversations which came about again in 2024 - his final year as coach - as Andrew Gaff prepared to bow out of the game.
He says similar things would be occurring at clubs like Collingwood and Geelong with superstar veterans Scott Pendlebury and Patrick
Dangerfield respectively.
“If you fast forward that 12 years later and you’ve had a relationship with someone, Andrew Gaff for
example, that’s a lot more difficult when he thinks he can continue to play,” Simmo added.
“The game had probably caught up with him, the team was going poorly. They’re the tough ones that every coach has got to deal with.
“I’m assuming with Pendlebury and Dangerfield there’s certain conversations. Then with the guys a rung under, veterans that would love to play on but may need to move on.”
As a player himself, it wasn’t necessary for Simpson to have those chats.
The dual North Melbourne premiership winner was ready to call time after 306 games back in 2009s, especially considering Darren Crocker was coaching on an interim basis after the exit of Danielle Laidley.
“My body was fine, I was 33, but we were on the way down as a footy club in terms of the ladder position,” Simpson said.
“I just didn’t want to do ice baths and the leadership meetings. You get the 17/18-year-old who has gone out too late and all that rubbish, I was just sick of it all.
“My form had dropped a little bit and I just thought it was time.”
However, it might be a slightly different story if Simpson was playing on good money in 2026.
“Whereas if that happened now I think you’d find a way to continue, just to freshen up and find a way. Obviously pay is a lot to different to back in the 2000s,” he said further.
“There’s a lot more reasons to carry on. Sometimes those conversations are direct - ‘We’ve been friends a long time, I think this is your last year. We want to do this the right way’.
“You might lose a relationship out of that, but if it’s needed you’ve got to do it.”
Adam Simpson, former coach of the West Coast Eagles. Photo: Matt Turner/AAP Image/File.
