National research shows that regional and remote students are 10 per cent less likely to consider going to university than metropolitan students and about six per cent less likely to graduate from university.
The Greater Shepparton Foundation is working to ensure that’s not the case for students from the Goulburn-Murray region who want to pursue tertiary education.
The foundation recently named the latest students to receive Lift Off scholarships to help them with the expense of pursuing further education.
In its 10th year, the program has helped 132 local students pursue post-secondary education, and this year alone, local businesses, philanthropic organisations and individuals have given $65,000 to support that pursuit.
“The Lift Off scholarship program is a great example of how we can marry businesses and people together with scholars in a really meaningful way,” Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer Amanda McCulloch said.
Meanwhile, Lift Off scholarship committee chair Mary-Ann Linehan, who has played a key role in the development of the program, is stepping down from the position. A replacement is yet to be named.
Fine weather sought for outdoor recruitment day
Greater Shepparton City Council’s infrastructure maintenance department will be hoping for a mild, sunny day on Wednesday, February 28.
That’s when the department is hosting a recruitment day for a number of outdoor jobs.
So a 45°C scorcher, history-making downpour causing flash flooding or destructive hail and gale-force winds may not be too encouraging for prospective recruits considering an outdoor career.
Fortunately, we’ve only had three of those four in the past few months, so hopefully, all will be well on the 28th.
Registrations are essential, with more information to be found at https://shepp.city/recruitment-day or by contacting council’s people and development team on 5832 9700 or by emailing council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
Alternative work
The Seymour Alternative Farming Expo is looking for workers for the event in April.
The expo, a part of the McPherson Media Group, has a range of activities and displays, including workshops, food, produce, livestock and entertainment stalls.
Expo organisers are advertising various roles for the April 12 to 14 event, including ticket sales and scanning personnel and grounds workers.
Applications can be submitted to hr@mmg.com.au
The expo features around 400 exhibitors and attracts 20,000 visitors to Kings Park, Seymour, across the three days.
Transport remembrance day
Greater Shepparton is one of Victoria’s and the nation’s largest transport centres, with 25 per cent of the state’s trucks said to be registered in the region.
It’s likely, then, that many of the companies and drivers behind the trucks coming and going from the area have been touched by tragedy in some way.
On Tuesday, February 6 a vigil was held in Canberra to remember workers lost in the industry during 2023.
The Transport Workers’ Union said 235 people were killed in transport-related crashes in 2023, including 54 truck drivers and four transport gig workers.