TV personality Paul Murray is set to showcase the charms of Greater Shepparton in a special episode of his Sky News program, Our Town Live, on Sunday, May 28, at 9pm.
His series aims to highlight the beauty and potential of regional Australia.
During the episode, viewers will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Campbell's Soup Plant and its recent $8 million upgrade.
More than 100 primary producers from the Goulburn Valley region provide fresh produce to the plant.
The program will also delve into the region’s rich agricultural landscape, offering insights into the origins of our food.
Audiences will be treated to visits to local gems such as Pink Lady Apple Orchard, Kewstoke Olive Estate, and the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections project.
Shepparton Art Museum, Shepparton Brewery and the award-winning North End Bakehouse, renowned for its delectable vanilla slice, will all be featured in the show as well.
The episode will also pay tribute to the exceptional women of rural and regional Australia through interviews with former finalists of the Harvey Norman/Weekly Times Shine Awards.
Speaking about the importance of highlighting regional towns, Mr Murray expressed his desire to showcase them during normal times, not just in the aftermath of natural disasters and other difficult times.
“I haven’t been to Shepparton, and to be honest I don’t know much about it, but that’s the thing, neither do the audience,” he said.
“We want people to learn about these towns.”
He believes that with the growing trend of remote work, towns such as Shepparton have become increasingly attractive to individuals considering a move from major cities.
Through this special episode, Mr Murray hopes to enlighten viewers about the hidden treasures and untapped potential of Shepparton and other regional towns.
“Things like the floods that have happened just 12 months ago, these people are expected to act like all of these things are in the rear-view mirror and meanwhile are being taxed in new ways all the time,” Mr Murray said.
“Town mayors are having to go out to Canberra to explain what’s going on.“
By shedding light on their vibrant communities, he aims to counterbalance the occasional neglect these towns face from national networks and governments.
Viewers can watch Paul Murray Live from Sunday to Thursday at 9pm on Sky News Australia and Sky News Regional.
This special Our Town episode in Shepparton will air at 9pm on Sunday, May 28, on Sky News Australia and Sky News Regional.