Former News cadet, Herald Sun journalist and star Channel 7 football reporter Mark Stevens is making a move back into the political scene.
Mr Stevens graduated from the former Shepparton High School in 1987 and then started with the News as a cadet the following year, before moving to the Herald Sun and then a high profile role as an AFL scoop on 7.
He worked briefly for former state Liberal leader Michael O’Brien as media manager before he was toppled by Matthew Guy before the last election.
Since then Mr Stevens has been working with RSN radio in Melbourne, but is now leaping back into the political fray as head of media/deputy chief of staff with other the half of the Coalition, The Nationals, and leader Peter Walsh.
“I’m really looking forward to being part of a strong, unified regional team, led by Peter Walsh and Emma Kealy,” Mr Stevens said.
“It is a role that gives me the best of both worlds, working in the city as our kids start their studies post Year 12, and also spending more time in regional Victoria.
“I still have strong ties to Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley.
“Mum, my sister, nieces and uncles and aunties.
“I’ll be seeing more of them, no doubt.
“I understand the issues regional families face and I now have the opportunity, along with the rest of The Nationals team, to have a positive impact.”
Mr Stevens’ wife, Jane, grew up on an orchard in Invergordon and went to Numurkah High School, while his mother, Joy Stevens, and sister, Alison Holland, still live in Shepparton.
His father-in-law, Frank Wallace, lives in Cobram.
Peppermill in line for state award
The Peppermill Inn at Kialla is a finalist in the Australian Hotels Association (Victoria) State Awards for Excellence.
The “Pepps” has been nominated in the best hotel accommodation category.
The winners will be announced at Palladium at Crown in Melbourne on May 15.
Other categories to be awarded include the top 10 parmas in the state, best chef, best non-alcoholic beverage menu and best rooftop experience.
Tat really is booming
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali is urging business owners to consider gaining a foothold in Tatura early with its growth set to take off over the next three decades.
At its meeting on April 18, council passed a recommendation proposing the rezoning of more than 600 hectares of land on the edge of Tatura to protect it for future growth.
Speaking after the meeting, Cr Sali said key businesses should be rushing to establish themselves in the booming centre.
“Amendment C242gshe sets the groundwork for council to plan for the future urban expansion for Tatura, providing much-needed homes in the town,” he said.
“There’s obviously been investment from existing supermarkets there now that will cater for that growth and, as I made a point last night (at the council meeting), I’d be encouraging key services that need to be there to invest into Tatura because it’s a growing community and they need those essential services.”