As 2023 draws to a close, The News takes a look back on all the biggest stories that happened in our community.
Celebrating our 2023 Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year
During the recent Greater Shepparton floods, Michael D’Elia, vice-president of Shepparton Search and Rescue, emerged as a guiding force.
His dedicated service, especially during the October 2022 floods, earned him the titles of Greater Shepparton Citizen of the Year and Shepparton Citizen of the Year.
Mayor Shane Sali praised his exceptional commitment, highlighting his contributions to the community, particularly during crises.
Mr D’Elia, acknowledging the collective effort of volunteers, expressed humility and gratitude for the recognition.
Dookie, Devenish and District Good Friday Appeal smashes goals
The Dookie, Devenish, and District Good Friday Appeal (DDDGFA) was a resounding success, raising over $120,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
This brought the total amount raised by the appeal to more than $510,000 in just seven years.
In recognition of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the DDDGFA and the countless volunteers who supported the appeal, Anna Wilson and Simone Dalla Riva from the RCH visited the Gladstone Hotel in Dookie on Wednesday, August 16.
During their visit, they chatted with locals and sat down for a meal to show their appreciation for the community’s fantastic fundraising efforts.
DDDGFA president Paul Durden said it was an honour to have them visit Dookie and added that their success was thanks to their volunteers’ efforts.
“We’ve got a lot of little towns that involve themselves, and when you look at what this community does and what we raised to be second on the regional tally board, that’s something for Dookie and Devenish District to be really proud of,” he said.
Murals and featured artists at MEAC
In a vibrant celebration of community spirit in Mooroopna, multiple initiatives have illuminated the town.
The Morrell St mural, an emblem of transformation, emerged from graffiti to a colourful tapestry, thanks to the collaboration between the Mooroopna Education and Activities Centre and the Greater Shepparton City Council’s Empowering Communities Project Grant.
Led by local artist Tank and overseen by Rachael McAlister, the project engaged youth from the Lighthouse Project’s OLLY initiative, culminating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 13, uniting the community.
Simultaneously, Dr Shiromali Ekanayake’s Art on Treasure and Trash exhibition at MEAC showcased sustainability through vibrant art crafted from recyclable materials during the pandemic.
A mental health-specialising GP, she shared her uplifting art for free, fostering joy among patients.
Additionally, the Victorian Senior Citizens Festival highlighted the remarkable journey of Carol Evans, an artist and volunteer at MEAC, whose impact extended beyond art classes, demonstrating resilience, community support and encouragement for diverse talents.
Mrs Evans’ journey mirrors her dedication to fostering creativity and community engagement, earning accolades from MEAC’s Jan Phillips.
Braving the shave
Lifestyle Shepparton hosted its ninth annual Shave Day.
Gavan Pritchett founded the fundraiser in 2014 to raise funds for the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre at GV Health and to help focus on men’s health.
Mr Pritchett emphasised the local impact, with donations directly benefiting the Shepparton community.
This year, they raised $18,000, which was matched by the Lifestyle Communities Foundation, to bring the total donation to $36,000.
Over 100 local businesses contributed goods and funds for auctions and raffles, strengthening the cause.
Despite the discomfort of growing facial hair for two months, participants, including Lifestyle Shepparton manager Gabrielle Beck, expressed gratitude for the event’s success, echoing the heartfelt sentiments of Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre specialists Sonia Strachan and Nicole Lewis.
Many a mo is grown in Movember
T-BRO’s Movember entered its eighth year, with Shepparton’s Tyler Brodie continuing to advocate for men’s mental health.
In 2023, he smashed his fundraising goals for a total of $4550 from his fundraising in Shepparton and Benalla.
Meanwhile, local firefighter Tee Wade, already known for his well-established mo, decided to put his own twist on Movember.
Initiating a Reverse Movember challenge, he vowed to shave off his moustache if he raised an all-time high of $1000 for the cause.
Mr Wade also dyed it many fun colours during the month and promised to let go of the mo for an entire year if he reached $2000 in donations.
After managing to more than double his goal for a total of $2218, he fulfilled his pledge and shaved it off with the help of fellow firefighter Brad Nolen.
Another successful fundraiser by Berry Street Youth Foyer
Berry Street Youth Foyer organised a triumphant fundraiser for Shepparton FoodShare, raising $6800 during the annual Bill and Beat’s event.
Hosted by Youth Foyer students, the evening featured a three-course meal and entertainment by local artist Nigel Parsons, with over 70 people attending the event.
Shepparton FoodShare’s executive officer, Glenn Peric, welcomed the donation, expressing gratitude for the crucial funds aiding the organisation’s operations and ensuring continued food distribution to various relief agencies and community programs.
Marathon efforts
In October, Stuart Trevena embarked on an inspiring 52km run from Kyabram to Shepparton, raising autism awareness in honour of his son Bailey.
The run, part of a month-long initiative, raised $1600 for Autism Spectrum Australia.
Despite physical challenges, Mr Trevena’s determination, supported by his parents and colleagues at Dowell Windows, symbolised his commitment to autism awareness, earning admiration for his impressive effort and dedication to the cause.
In November, Kyle Gemmill, a Victorian police officer, ran 441km in seven days, raising over $145,000 for Ewing sarcoma research as a tribute to his late friend Brendon Warburton, known as KB.
Despite suffering an Achilles heel tear on day four, Mr Gemmill persevered, running through Shepparton, Nathalia, Wangaratta, Euroa and Melbourne.
He stopped at the Shepparton police station and St Luke’s Catholic Primary School for support.
With donations from sponsors, a successful Sportsman’s Night, and a Gala at Crown Casino, he exceeded his $100,000 fundraising goal.
Celebrating big milestones in Shepparton
The 150th anniversary of Furphy’s culminated in a remarkable auction, with a Corowa couple securing a commemorative Furphy Tank end for $50,000.
The Furphy Foundry’s managing director Adam Furphy expressed delight at the enthusiastic response from collectors, with all proceeds from the auction going to support the Lift Off Education Scholarship program in Shepparton.
The celebration also included a public exhibition featuring demonstrations, showcasing re-barrelling techniques and traditional blacksmith skills.
The event drew hundreds of attendees, celebrating the company’s heritage and strong ties to Shepparton.
Meanwhile, the 50th anniversary of the Georgy Awards marked a significant milestone in celebrating local theatre excellence.
Originating in the Goulburn Valley, the awards, named after theatre enthusiast George Puller, commended amateur theatre groups across central and north-eastern Victoria.
The event at Riverlinks Eastbank honoured outstanding talent from the 2022-23 season, recognising technical skills, performances and production artistry.
Shepparton bakery home of the best vanilla slice
Shepparton’s North End Bakehouse was crowned the winner at the prestigious Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph in Merbein.
Owner Matt Aylett expressed relief and joy, highlighting their long-standing dedication to claiming the top spot.
“We’ve been chipping away at it for a while and trying to get up to first, and we managed to get it this year,” he said.
Mr Aylett attributed their success to an unwavering commitment to perfection, emphasising meticulousness in every step of their process.
Following their triumph, North End Bakehouse experienced an overwhelming surge in demand, swiftly selling out their famed vanilla slices.
Mr Aylett revealed staggering sales of over 1000 slices daily, prompting the bakery to continuously increase production to meet the soaring interest.
Celebrating love
Four enduring love stories saw milestones this year.
Gordon and Dorothy Calley marked their 70th anniversary, cherishing their bond despite health battles and travels, at Kialla Gardens.
Lorraine and Peter Stein celebrated 60 years, founded on faith and respect, and recognised by King Charles III.
Rushworth’s Ron and Heather Hawking reflected on 70 years, highlighting community service and multi-generational joy.
John and Loretta Thomas credited their 65 years to love, hard work, shared goals, navigating football, entrepreneurship and travels, emphasising commitment amidst life’s challenges.