Welcome everyone.
There is a fair amount of chaos in our household; the pre-Christmas turmoil is apparent and no matter how many lists I write, they don’t seem to get any shorter.
What presents do I still need to buy?
And the menu for Christmas dinner is still somewhat fluid.
I guess I’ll get there; I have in the past.
A message from our councillors
As the festive season is closing in, we would like to share our heartfelt wishes with you and your families.
Looking back on 2024, it is clear this has been a remarkable year for our region.
A year filled with achievements and moments that truly highlight what makes Greater Shepparton such a special place to call home.
From the events that brought us together to the projects that improved the safety of our community, this year has been an opportunity to celebrate our identity as a thriving region.
As councillors, we are proud to represent such a passionate and hardworking community.
This year has also marked the start of a new chapter for Greater Shepparton City Council and for us personally.
We are really looking forward to working as a united group, and will remain dedicated to achieving great outcomes for our region.
Our shared goal is to continue building on the things that make Greater Shepparton such an incredible place to live, work and enjoy life.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless contributions of so many people across our region.
To the volunteers, local businesses, community groups and individuals who go above and beyond, you are what makes Greater Shepparton strong.
Your dedication, whether through big or small efforts, has a lasting impact — and for that we want to sincerely thank you.
As we turn our attention to 2025, we are excited by what lies ahead.
There will be challenges as always, but we are optimistic about the opportunities to make a real difference.
This Christmas we hope you can take time to relax, connect with loved ones and reflect on the year that has been.
Whether you are spending the holidays close to home or welcoming visitors to the region, this is a time to celebrate everything we have achieved together and look forward to the possibilities of a new year.
On behalf of Greater Shepparton City Council, we wish you a merry Christmas and a safe and joyful holiday season.
Here’s to a happy 2025, filled with new opportunities and success for all in our community.
Warm regards,
Greater Shepparton City Councillors.
Perhaps you can help
Recently the television news told me that there are approximately 3.3 million Australians without sufficient food — and that more than 700,000 of them are children.
I receive regular information from Foodbank Victoria but found its recent message particularly heart-wrenching; I thought you might too.
So, I contacted the organisation for permission to share this.
I had a warm and informative conversation with marketing manager Megan Sloley — talk about the right person in the right job!
So, here is what brought me to tears — and I’ve also included the contact details of our local FoodShare and the Salvos.
Hi Marnie,
What a night, what a city ... what a time we’re living through.
Last night in a quiet suburban car park, hundreds of people were queued up for our free fresh food.
Families holding their kids close, older people slowly moving forward, and people patiently making space for one another.
So much kindness, but THIS is not right.
THIS is Melbourne, and for every person here THIS is their Christmas shopping.
The food they picked up last night needs to last them through to Christmas.
No-one should be facing that.
Emotions were running high. Everyone felt it.
A little boy shopping with his dad spotted a crate full of apples, and he yelled out “Dad, Dad! There are apples!” We saw his brothers rush over and Dad lost a bit of that tired look.
A young mum and her son were full of smiles as they collected broccoli, potatoes and a Christmas pudding.
When we helped carry their bags to the car, the mum broke down in tears. She hugged us and tried to thank us.
Marnie, it’s a lot for people.
We’re asking for your help to continue being there to relieve the stress, the strain and the sense of loneliness right now — if you can. Any amount will make a difference. $10 is 20 meals.
As one of our volunteers so beautifully summed it up last night...
“It’s not food. THIS is love.”
Please, my friends, if you can share even a little, it is needed. Remember that where there is love, there is life. Here is a link: support.foodbankvictoria.org.au/christmas-24
Or you can contact our local food (and love) providers:
Shepparton FoodShare, 45 Toolamba Rd, Mooroopna, 0432 517 329 or The Salvos at 99 Nixon St, Shepparton, 5821 266.
Next week — as previously threatened
Yes, I am going to write about Rome. There is a fair amount of self-indulgence involved with this particular Town Talk – mixed with a small dollop of hope – that those of you interested in history will put it aside until the Christmas period is behind us.
SORRY PETER
This week I was taken to task by one of my sons. He said ‘When you wrote that GMCU’s TV commercial was the best local effort in 20 or so years, did you forget about ‘Great things happen here’.
Yes! I did – ‘Great things’ was a fantastic campaign for our city and less than 20 years ago. I sincerely apologise to Peter Sutherland and everyone else involved.
I was wrong – I am sorry – my memory failed me! Will that suffice?
That’s all for now.
May it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Text or call 0409 317 187.