Welcome.
Those of you who have been reading Town Talk for a while will be aware that I frequently mention our community, which I think is wonderful — and Greater Shepparton’s greatest asset.
I think of it as one whole, made up of dozens of smaller communities that are also welcoming and inclusive. This means that if a new family arrives and the father is looking for some mates, the mother wants to volunteer somewhere and the boys want to play soccer, there are phone calls they can make — and they will be welcomed.
This week, I got to know one of those smaller communities; however, this one is offering dozens of options, to meet the needs of everyone. And I mean everyone!
Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre offers so many things to do, and I’m going to list just a few:
Do you want to paint, sing, or play the ukulele? Do you want a basic cooking class or some French conversation? Perhaps you want to learn how to take better photos or line dance? Does your computer drive you crazy, and would a lesson help? Do you need exercise and don’t know how to go about it? Do you know an adult who needs help with literacy? Are you interested in meditation or guided imagery? Would you like to test your writing skills? How about table tennis?
Tai chi, yoga, first aid and food-handling courses are available. And support groups for Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are also on offer. There are dance groups, spiritual groups, a railway group, a philatelic club and a group for Indigenous women. If you are grieving or have suffered trauma, there is support for you.
Some of these courses are free of charge, some require a gold coin donation and some a small fee.
How this all happens
Jan Phillips manages this organisation with the help of 50 people, most of whom volunteer. If Jan’s name seems familiar, perhaps it’s because you see it every Friday in this newspaper, along with her husband, Paul Phillips. They visit restaurants each week to keep readers informed about particularly tasty meals available to us. Jan says that all their friends want their job! Paul is the proprietor of Phillips Cellars in Corio St, and to a section of our community, Paul is known as Tall Paul.
Ageing in the community
Back to MEAC, Jan makes particular mention of ageing in the community, and I quote her because this is something we all deal with (if we are fortunate) — and her wisdom is worth repeating.
“Ageing is a natural part of life, and celebrating it well means embracing the journey with positivity, health and connection. MEAC is dedicated to supporting everyone’s aging journey in a positive and committed way. We provide a platform that caters to the local needs of community members as they grow older, ensuring they can age well with dignity and support. MEAC encourages the following seven tips:
- Stay physically active: Engage in activities such as yoga, tai chi, strength training, walking or swimming to maintain health and vitality.
- Maintain mental sharpness: Keep your mind active through lifelong learning, puzzles, games, reading and writing.
- Foster social connections: Build strong social networks by participating in community events and social programs, and spending time with family and friends.
- Focus on nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods, stay hydrated and limit processed foods.
- Prioritise mental and emotional wellbeing: Practise mindfulness, seek counselling if needed and pursue passions that bring joy.
- Regular health check-ups: Stay proactive with routine medical check-ups, and follow medical advice.
- Embrace positivity: Cultivate gratitude, set achievable goals and adapt to life’s changes.”
Perhaps because I’ve been on this planet for some time now, I think Jan’s advice is particularly good. I’m aware that I don’t get enough exercise, and I have postponed doctor’s appointments several times. I have excuses, but they don’t really hold up. However, cultivating gratitude is a big one for me. It’s as simple as this — if you are grateful for the people and things you have, you feel happy. If you are continually dissatisfied, you feel sad.
I was blown away by the work Jan and her volunteers do and what the centre is offering to all of us. Her newest project is a repair café. This will be an opportunity to bring in something that is broken or needs mending. Perhaps you know someone who can fix a bike or an appliance? And, perhaps they are retired but want to be useful — and are prepared to offer Jan a couple of hours? Think of the landfill — and money — this could save.
I recently saw a short documentary about a repair café in the UK. People were offered a cuppa while their item was being repaired. Sometimes, they were told that they would need to take their radiator, or whatever, elsewhere. And sometimes, they were told it could not be repaired anywhere — but many times, the people went happily away with a usable item.
This is the community at work, and if you can give Jan a hand in any way at all, please give MEAC a call on 58251774. Or drop in to the centre at 23 Alexander St (which runs parallel to the main street). If you are coming from Shepp, turn right at Bill and Beat’s café, and you’ll find it on the next corner on the left. If you are coming from Tat, turn left at Bill and Beat’s (but you worked that out for yourself, didn’t you?).
Bring on the state election
I am not often outraged — neither is our community as a whole. We have quietly dealt with the situation in our state, with the price rises, the incredible waste of money for Melbourne’s infrastructure, the shortage of housing and the wait for an ambulance. There is much more, but we are a patient and tolerant community. We wait and hope that things will improve.
Well, I don’t know about you, but — for me — the price rises to bury our dead are the last straw. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has decided to increase the cost of a burial in our cemetery to $3391. It was $565.
I’m sure you read the details in this newspaper on Friday – but, to my way of thinking, this is simply awful. As if the pain of losing a child, or any member of a family, is not enough. Even people who have planned carefully will be thrown into turmoil! Many elderly people have saved to ensure they are not a cost to their family — and, now, they have to find an additional $2826 each, and they don’t know how long they have to save it. There will be many worried and distressed pensioners. What are they expected to do? It is heartbreaking!
Our state government has got itself into trouble, but it is not our fault. And this is a nasty way to improve their financial situation. Compassion is completely lacking, and I’m still struggling to believe what I’ve read.
Is there anything we can do? I’m going to write to Ms Thomas immediately, but unless there are a thousand letters, that won’t help. I keep thinking about our generosity; of all the towns in Australia, Shepparton comes in the top 10 for donating to ‘Fund you’ pages. I think we were seventh. This may be impossible (because I’m a bit of a dreamer, as you all know!), but could we start a community fund that is properly administered? If we donated just a small amount each month, we could help a few people. Or can you think of something better?
Next week
I have recently had a chat with Greater Shepparton City Council chief executive Fiona Le Gassick — and what a pleasure that was! Next week, I’ll tell you what Fiona feels about our community.
I’d like to leave you with a smile, but I’m struggling — try these!
If money doesn’t grow on trees, why do banks have branches? An apple a day keeps the doctor away if you throw it hard enough. ‘Stressed’ is just ‘desserts’ spelt backwards. Excuse my naivety; I was born at a very early age.
Not working for you? I’m not surprised, but I do hope you grateful for what you have, that always makes us feel better.
Even if we’ve never met, I love you for putting up with me — and may it be easy, my friends.
Marnie.
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. The News. PO Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Send a text to 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back if you wish.)