PRISONERS from Dhurringile Prison put their skills to good use recently, making nine of the 50 obstacles that will be part of the upcoming Zaidees Rainbow Foundation Mad Cow Mud Run event.

20 prisoners spent 11 days under supervision constructing obstacles for the event, including a rock climbing wall, ninja steps, a large hurdle, a guillotine jump, tyre hurdle, tyre tunnel, a hand and foot hurdle, spider web maze and a tyre chain swing.

As well as the nine obstacles made by the prisoners, the event will offer challenges such as swimming across the Broken River, a water slide, half pipe and full pipe, a tunnel crawl, cargo nets a-frame, a wooden a-frame, tyre shed, monkey bars, mud pits and a mud crawl to mention a few.

Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation CEO, Allan Turner said, “The prisoners have done a great job and the obstacles have come up so well.

“This year we’re offering a 12km or 6km run for adults and 2km for the kid’s run and there will be many obstacles, so it was fantastic to have the assistance of the prison to help construct some of them.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how participants react to the obstacles…it’s going to be a fun day.”

Dhurringile Prison general manager, Colin Thompson said, “We lent a hand because we are all about giving back to the community and completing tasks such as this helps with the reintegration of the prisoners back into the community.

“The enthusiasm of the prisoners was incredible. This really gave them the chance to utilise skills that they are learning in the prison and even to pick up a few more skills.”

Registrations open at 7am on the day (Saturday, March 3) with first wave runners starting at 7:30am until 10:30am for adults, and kids running from 11am to 1:30pm followed by three and four years old at 2pm. For further information on the event or for register, visit www.madcowmudrun.com.au

THE Liberal Party is confident that they will have a chance to take the seat in Shepparton at the upcoming election, with State Leader for the Liberal Party, Matthew Guy telling The Adviser that there has been enough talk about what Shepparton needs and now is time for action.

While he was in town announcing the opening of the party’s pre-selection nomination process, Mr Guy said that the party’s focus would be on education, health, continuing the work of the Population Taskforce and transport, including the bypass and rail.

Mr Guy said, “The Liberal Party hasn’t stood here (in Shepparton) since 2006 and we will put our best foot forward.

“It will be a hotly contested seat. There will be an Independent, The Labour Party, The Liberal Party and The Nationals, so Shepparton voters will be spoilt for choice.

“Locally, I think there is a keen focus on the railway and the condition and quality of the rail service. From our point of view Shepparton in the same prism that you would view Ballarat and Bendigo, so we view it as a major regional city that needs to have services attached to that. And of course health is another important aspect that we have on our minds.

“We’ve had a Population Taskforce that has been around for two years that has been to Shepparton three times and we now have a local taskforce which has been doing a good job at looking at decentralising Melbourne’s growth to areas in regional Victoria.

“There are also state-wide issues that will be our focus such as crime, law and order and the cost of living. We will have a little bit more to talk about when it comes to electricity in the near future too.

“We are keen to stand. We have changed the way our party campaigns. We’ve done a lot of work locally and put a lot of effort into finding candidates. I am very confident that we will be putting to the people of Shepparton a very good quality candidate for them to choose from. This is a unique time for this city.

“From the bypass to the trains to the schools, there is a lot of interest in what is happening in Shepparton, and this election will provide Shepparton with the chance to put its list of ideas and needs forward.

“There has been a lot of talk about what’s happening, but talk is cheap and people want action,” Mr Guy said.

Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell said, “There was $10M put aside in the last state budget for a little bit of planning for the bypass, but the City of Greater Shepparton have been asking for $20M to complete the planning process so we are looking for a little bit more.

“I have a lot of things that I want to see happen for Shepparton and will be continuing to work hard to make sure they are on the agenda.”

BETTER ways to get use out of fodder on farms in drought affected areas was the main focus of local, Mark Lewis from Alltech Keenan Shepparton and the business’ Bendigo nutritionist, Donal Blackwell and Tennyson engineer, Andrew Mitchel, when the group lent their knowledge and technology to the Burrumbuttock Hay Run appeal.

Beginning in 2013 by organiser, Brendan Farrell, the Burrumbuttock Hay Run is a charitable event organised to supply hay and fodder to drought affected livestock communities in NSW and Queensland.

The team from Keenan joined the hay convoy at Darlington Point on the evening of Thursday, January 26, which had departed with over 160 loads of hay, arriving at the showgrounds in Cunnamulla, south west Queensland that evening before dark.

Mark, Donal and Andrew said, “Brendan asked us along with the Keenan mixer wagon technology because he appreciates that farmers need to be adding value solutions and be educated about new technologies that add value and make better use of their fodder on-farm.

“Keenan mixers are unique in that they can process forage in a format that minimises sorting of different feeds and also allows stock to be maintained with less feed intake, meaning farmers can get more from less when resources are tight.

“The convoy (up to 10km long) passed through Griffith, Hillston, Cobar, Bourke and onto Cunnamulla.

“Being Australia Day many locals on the route came out to greet and cheer on the group with a large crowd of over 1,000 people (some travelling hundreds of kilometres) to meet the convoy at Cunnamulla.

“One could see the effects of protracted drought in the region with just dust to be seen in many livestock paddocks where hay was being supplemented.

“On Saturday we provided the facility to mix feeds (hay and straw) and talked with farmers in the region about drought feeding strategies.

“They were so friendly and appreciative to have had us there.”

The collision occurred at the intersection of Verney Road and Nightingale Way just after 9pm.

Investigators believe that a vehicle travelling on Nightingale Way turned right onto Verney Road and collided with a Toyota utility.

The driver of the utility, the 37-year-old Kialla man, was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital but unfortunately died on arrival.

The female driver of the other vehicle was conveyed to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The loss brings the total number of lives lost on our roads to 29, two up from the same time last year.

HUNDREDS gathered together on Monday to pay respect to and farewell a pillar of the local business community, Stewart Lynas who sadly passed away last week.

Many know Stewart through his years at Purdeys Jewellers. Please see next week’s edition of The Adviser for more on Stewart’s life and involvement in the local community.

During the AGM the committee saw two board members retire from their positions, Rebecca Wolstencroft and Peter Gray and Rob Priestly was re-elected as chair, Lesley Hart was elected deputy chair, and there was the election of two new board members, Jane Macey from Spiire and former director of the Kelly Communications Group, Scott Kelly.

C4GS CEO, Sam Birrell said, “During the AGM Dinner, over 90 members and some leaders in the education sector in Shepparton attended. We had Minister for Education, James Merlino speak on the Education Plan for Shepparton and the Super School plan.

“The minister spoke about his commitment to the plan and was very pleased to receive the recommendation from the advisory committee and is keen to work towards making it a reality. He also discussed the possibility of a new Tech School in Shepparton and how important STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) is for the future of the Goulburn Valley region and the business that are here.

“We’re strong advocates for the Education Plan.

“Afterward Minister Merlino spoke, the committee’s chair, Rob Priestly outlined the business confidence in Shepparton, the fact that we are an export town and that with government investment in infrastructure to help us along, we can continue to provide Victoria with solid export earnings.”

The groups will assist with the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District Asset 25-Year Strategy and the Tariff and Pricing Strategy, both of which are major projects arising from GMW’s Strategic Plan, released in September last year. The outcomes of this work will feed into the Essential Services Commission review of GMW price structure from 2020.

Members include representatives from catchment management authorities, other water organisations that are urban water customers, ‘retail’ customers, environmental water holder customers and community members from across the region. Members of some of GMW’s Water Services Committees have joined the working groups as well.

GMW managing director, Pat Lennon said the next pricing submission is due in August 2019, and the new ESC requirements and previous submissions had shown the importance of early, transparent and genuine engagement with customers.

“We are delivering on a theme that was touched on a number of times during the lead-up to our updated Strategic Plan – that was the commitment to inviting our customer base to the table to have a genuine opportunity to have input and influence on important decisions,” Pat said.

“My thanks to each of the members of our working groups for being so committed to GMW’s outcomes, and more importantly, outcomes for all of our customers.”

THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH is holding an inaugural meeting at the Masonic Centre on Welsford Street, Shepparton from 10am on Wednesday, February 28. The speaker will be revered, Ian Davey. All interested people are welcome. For further information, phone Chris on 0414 906 617.

A FASHION SHOW will be held at The Salvation Army Shepparton on the corner of Nixon and Orr Street at 2pm on Saturday, March 3. $7 admission per person with all proceeds going to supporting people experiencing homelessness in Australia. Includes afternoon tea. See or contact 5821 2666 for more information.

ONGOING

GRANDPARENTS SUPPORT GROUP meet on the first Thursday of each month from 10am to 12 noon at the Shepparton Family Relationship Centre, 68 Wyndham Street in Shepparton. For information, phone 5820 0444.

THE PROBUS CLUB OF SHEPPARTON INC. meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30am at the African House, 54 Poplar Avenue. For ladies and men, retired or semi-retired. Add zest to your lifestyle. For enquiries, phone Kevin on 5822 2673 or Marie on 5831 5256.

PFLAG SHEPPARTON we are a group of parents, family and friends of gay, lesbian and bisexual people who meet regularly to offer support and friendship to families and particularly parents. For more information, phone Glenys 0409 626 647 or email info@pflagshepparton.org.au

SING AUSTRALIA GROUPS Shepparton meets Tuesdays from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Baptist church Shepparton (except school holidays). To participate in singing (no auditions needed), contact Meryl on 5831 2202 or 0418 578 369. Also on the Sing Australia website www.singaustralia.com.au

GROW GROUP; Struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, relationship troubles or coping with everyday life? Know someone who is? Grow groups meet weekly to offer peer support and use a proven program for mental wellness. All welcome, no cost. Shepparton – Wednesdays 1pm at 11 Service Street, South Shepparton. Cobram – Thursdays 7pm at Moira Education Centre, O’Dwyer Avenue. Benalla – Mondays 10:30am at Waminda Community House, 19 Ballintine Street. For further information, contact Lindy on 0448 052 769.

MOOROOPNA CROQUET CLUB (behind the bowls club) will host Golf Croquet. We play a fun game of Golf Croquet on Thursday afternoons at 1:30pm. First afternoon free. Free lessons on how to play the game. Flat closed in shoes. Equipment provided. Come on Saturday afternoon at 1:30pm for a more challenging game of Association Croquet. Beginners are always welcome. For further information, phone 5825 4541.

GV CHRONIC PAIN Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 1pm to 2:30pm at Primary Care Connect, 399 Wyndham Street, Shepparton. Come along and share in support. For more information, email gvcpsg@gmail.com or phone 0458 510 416 between 10am and 4pm.

FREE BREAKFAST FOR EVERYONE at St Georges Road Post Office and Milkbar, 102 St Georges Road, Shepparton from Monday to Friday from 7am to 9am.

SHEPPARTON CHESS CLUB Inc. meet at Shepparton Access, 227 Wyndham Street Shepparton every Saturday at 1pm. Entry only through back door. New members are welcome. Adults $3 per day, juniors $1.50. Tea and coffee is provided.

GET ACTIVE SHEPPARTON provides free exercise classes for all ages and levels of fitness every Sunday morning at the hill next to Aquamoves at 8:30am to 9:30am. Contact David on 0419 332 422 or visit the Facebook page “Get Active Shepparton” for more details.

SHEPPARTON TOASTMASTER is a public speaking and leadership development club that builds self-confidence. Meet at Shepparton Access, 227 Wyndham Street, Shepparton on the first and third Tuesday every month. For more information, see 

MOOROOPNA PROBUS CLUB meets on the first Monday of each month from 10am to 12 noon followed by lunch at a selected venue. We have guest speakers at our meetings, and during the month we have outings such as a walk, breakfast at McDonalds, visits to interesting places and a lunch at a local venue. For further information, contact secretary, George Vearing on 5825 3193 or president, Margaret Campbell on 0439 118 842.

MOOROOPNA CROQUET CLUB will host golf croquet on Thursday afternoons at 1:30pm. First afternoon is free. Flat closed-in shoes are required and equipment is provided. Come on Saturday afternoon at 1:30pm for a more challenging game of association croquet. Beginners are always welcome. For further information, phone 5825 4541.

SHEPPARTON CROQUET CLUB invites everyone interested in learning to play Association or Golf Croquet, to come along and enjoy and learn this fun game for all ages. All equipment is supplied. Please wear flat soled shoes. Golf Croquet Saturday afternoons: please arrive at 12:45pm for a 1pm start. Other options are Tuesday morning – Association and Golf Croquet. Friday morning – Golf Croquet only. Saturday morning – Association Croquet only – All the above morning games please arrive at 9am for a 9:30am start. For more information, phone Margaret Gleeson on 5821 4416 regarding Golf Croquet and Gwen Denison on 5821 5446 regarding Association Croquet.

SHEPPARTON ACTIVITIES run throughout the week. There is cards from 1pm to 3pm on Mondays, over 55s activities from 9:30am to 11am on Tuesdays, a concert from 1:30pm to 3:15pm on the last Thursday of the month and cards from 1pm to 3pm on Friday. New members are welcome. For further information, phone 5821 4384.

FREE OPEN HOUSE CAFÉ will be held at the Uniting Church, Mooroopna, corner of Alexandra and O’Brien Streets, every Wednesday during school terms. All welcome. For further information phone Jeanette on 0421 809 939.

KYABRAM AL-ANON FAMILY group meetings are held Tuesdays from 4:30pm to 6:15pm at the Kyabram Community and Learning Centre, Lake Road, Kyabram. Enquiries are welcome for the Alateen Group. For further information, phone 1300 252 666 or 0407 522 496.

SHEPPARTON VIEW CLUB is part of the Smith Family and is a friendship club that meets on the first Friday of each month from 11:30am to 12 noon at the Terminus Hotel in Shepparton. There are guest speakers and activities on offer. For further information, phone Helen on 5821 7503.

THE SALVATION ARMY THRIFT SHOP is now open between 9:30am and 4:30pm every Saturday. Come in and see us for a friendly chat and find yourself some bargains at 3 Mill Street, Mooroopna.

MENTAL WELLBEING: DEPRESSED? ANXIOUS? ISOLATED? SUFFERING GRIEF OR LOSS? KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS? The Shepparton Grow group meets weekly to offer peer support and use a proven program for mental wellbeing on Wednesdays from 1pm at 11 Service Street, Shepparton. All welcome. For further information, contact Lindy on 0448 052 769.

ARE YOU A SINGLE OR STAY AT HOME DAD? Would you like to meet new people and build close friendships for you and your children? Do you enjoy a beer and barbeque with the boys? If yes, show your interest by emailing Shepp stay at home dads at sheppshd@gmail.com

BARGAINS FOUND AT THE SALVATION ARMY THRIFT SHOP, 3 Mill Street, Mooroopna. Open weekdays from 10am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 12:30pm. All funds raised from sales stay in the Goulburn Valley to directly support the work of The Salvation Army.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at The Salvation Army Thrift Shop, 3 Mill Street, Mooroopna. Weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from 9:30am to 1pm. Register your interest by visiting the shop or contact us on 5825 4308.

ORCHARD DAY CLUB meets on second and fourth Thursday of each month from 10:30am to 2:30pm at Shepparton RSL for friendly company, gentle exercises, mind games, cards, guest speakers, bus tours and a delicious lunch. All ages and gender welcome. For further information, phone Judy on 5823 5941 or Betty on 5821 3838.

ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT RETIREES meets on the third Monday of each month at 9:45am at the Overlander Hotel, Benalla Road in Shepparton. Share group meets at 9am. For further information, phone Bill on 5821 1854.

VIEW CLUB is a ladies friendship group who help to support the Smith Family and meet on the first Friday of the month at the Terminus Hotel for lunch at 11:30am. For further information, phone Helen on 5821 7503.

NAGAMBIE LAKES COMMUNITY MARKET runs on the first Saturday of every month (except January) from 9am to 1pm. Lots of locally grown and made items, live music, food and drinks. Located in the main street of Nagambie on the banks of Lake Nagambie. Disabled access friendly. For further information, phone 0475 885 047.

SHEPPARTON MS PEER SUPPORT GROUP would like to welcome back all its members for the year, and also any new members who wish to join. Meetings and outings are held on the third Tuesday of the month from approximately 10am to 12:30pm. For further information, contact Ken Morelli on 0427 919 116 or Barry Flemming on 0411 468 489.

HEARTBEAT VICTORIA GOULBURN VALLEY meet on the first Monday of the month at the GV Health dining room from 6pm for a meal. Meeting and guest speaker starts at 7pm. For further information, contact Ian Powell on 0418 575 141.

EXTENDED HOURS at The Salvation Army Thrift Shop. Now open 9:30am to 4:30pm every Saturday. Come and see us for a friendly chat and find yourself some bargains at 3 Mill Street, Mooroopna.

COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION Congupna branch meetings are held at the Congupna Hall on the third Wednesday of the month from 11am. Everyone is welcome. For further information, contact Carmine Kelly on 5823 1237.

SHEPPARTON CENTRAL PROBUS would like to welcome new members who are of retirement age. We enjoy active social life with dine outs lunch and dinner and interesting bus trips throughout the year. We meet at The Overlander on the fourth Friday each month at 10am. For information, contact Thurlie Pearce on 5831 4305.

ORCHARD DAY CLUB meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 10:30am to 2:30pm at the Shepparton RSL for friendly company, gentle exercises, mind games, cards, guest speakers, bus tours and a delicious lunch. All ages and genders are welcome. Phone Judy on 5823 5941 or Betty on 5821 3838.

GOULBURN VALLEY TYPE ONE Peer Support Group Shepparton provides support for people living with Type 1 diabetes and meets on the first Monday of every month from 7:30pm at GV Health Community Therapy Room, Graham Street in Shepparton. Enquiries, email gvtopsgroup@gmail.com or phone 5832 2674.

THE BIBLE JESUS: If you are seeking understanding, clarification and answers to the many bible based questions and contradictions you see in today’s traditional Christian church teaching and preaching. Join us by visiting www.thebiblejesus.org or phone 0409 953 107.

CAMPASPE REGIONAL LIBRARY is seeking interest for a proposed Computer Group to meet at Echuca Library on the 1st Saturday of each month from 10:30am. For more information, call David 0408 101 846, leave your name with library staff, or come along on the day.

SHEPPARTON SUNSET CWA meets on the second Monday of each month at the Shepparton RSL, Wyndham Street, Shepparton at 7pm. New members are welcome. For further information, please phone Maree Agius on 0408 150 266.

SHEPPARTON BRIDGE CLUB meets from 7pm Monday at U3A Hall Esson Street. Members are required to join Goulburn Valley U3A. For more information, phone Derek Poulton 5825 4112 or John Moore 0438 455 741 or refer to the website www.wix.com/sheppartonbridgeclub/2013

SHEPPARTON TOASTMASTERS Want to learn how to communicate more effectively and improve your public speaking and leadership skills? Shepparton Toastmasters meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month, 7pm to 9pm, The Mechanics Institute Hall, 277 Wyndham Street, Shepparton. Phone 0428 388 743.

FREE SOUP KITCHEN Available Mon to Fri 5pm-6pm at Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton, next to Skate Park, and Wednesdays 5pm-6pm at North Community House, Parkside Drive, Shepparton; Opportunity Shop, 4 Mill Street, Mooroopna; Numurkah Park, Melville Street, Numurkah; Hogan Street, Tatura; and in Nathalia and Kyabram.

IS SOMEONE’S DRINKING CAUSING YOU CONCERN? Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Groups for adults and Alateen groups for children offer anonymous help and emotional support to those affected. For information, contact Al-Anon Family Groups 1300 252 666.

ESHCOL DAYLIGHT LODGE meets from 10:30am on the fourth Monday of every month. New and unaffiliated members are welcome to join and partners are welcome for lunch. For further information or enquiries, phone 5824 1274 or 5825 2142.

SHEPPARTON SOROPTIMIST CLUB meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Peppermill Inn, GV Highway in Kialla from 6pm for a 6:30pm dinner meeting with guest speakers. If you are interested in joining a service club, helping the community and making new friends, contact Jeanette 5823 1985.

HOLISTIC WELLBEING HUB is open from 9:30am to 12 noon at Primary Care Connect, 399 Wyndham Street, Shepparton. Drop in and join us to enjoy a relaxed morning with other women in the community. Listen to conversations provided to guide you on your life journey. Guest speakers attend between 10am and 11am. Morning tea and activities available.  For further information, phone 5823 3200 or follow them on Facebook.

THE COBRAM SPIRITUAL CENTRE meets the first Sunday of the month at the Koonoomoo Recreation Reserve at 2pm. All welcome. Any enquiries can be made by calling Irene on 0438 135 188.

ORCHARD DAY CLUB meets on second and fourth Thursday of each month from 10:30am to 2:30pm at Shepparton RSL for friendly company, gentle exercises, mind games, cards, guest speakers, bus tours and a delicious lunch. All ages and genders welcome. Phone Judy on 5823 5941 or Betty on 5821 3838.

CWA OF VIC INC. invites fellow craft lovers to Shepparton East Football Club clubrooms on Central Avenue in Shepparton East for craft and friendship with no obligations. Meetings are held on the first Monday of month at 10am. Learn new crafts, update your knowledge or just sit and work on your craft. Refreshment facilities available. BYO lunch. $3 donation to cover costs. Phone Gwenda 0409 182 451 for further information.

THE LEUKAEMIA FOUNDATION Hume office provides information, assistance and support for people living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS and MPN. Contact Lani Shiels, support services coordinator on 5821 0033. For volunteering or fundraising opportunities with the foundation, please ask for Kristin Paton on 0481 009 754.

ORCHARD DAY CLUB meets on second and fourth Thursday of each month,

10:30am to 2:30pm at Shepparton RSL for friendly company, gentle exercises, mind games, cards, guest speakers, bus tours and a delicious lunch. All ages and genders welcome. Phone Judy on 5823 5941 or Betty on 5821 3838.

CONNECT MEDITATION GROUP is inviting the community to enjoy the benefits of meditation. One hour sessions are held every Monday at 6pm, Tuesday mornings at 10am and Thursday night from 7:30pm at Harmony Place, 9a Edward Street in Shepparton and admission is $8. For further information, contact Lisa 0419 562 790 or Roger 0427 541 611.

ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT RETIREES meets on the third Monday of each month at 9:45am at the Overlander Hotel, Benalla Road, Shepparton. Share group meeting will be at 9am. For further information, phone Bill on 5821 1854.

SOCIAL BADMINTON players meet at the Shepparton Stadium every Wednesday from 9:30am to 11am. New players, beginners to advanced are welcome. Enjoy a coffee and a chat after the game. Phone Julie on 0407 717 265.

ENABLING WOMEN GROUP meets once a month at Rights Information and Advocacy Centre, 190 Benalla Road, Shepparton. For further information, phone Sharon on 0429 621 843.

TRANSPORT TO CEMETERIES on the third Saturday of each month Goulburn Community Transport provides transport to the cemetery to visit loved ones. For more information, contact Vilma Ondrus 5831 3607 or Goulburn Community Transport 5831 8515. Shepparton visits are $3 and Pine Lodge visit $4.

MAINLY MUSIC program is held every Wednesday from 10am to 11:30am at All Saints Hall, 20 Francis Street in Tatura. Cost is $3 a child or $5 a family. For more information, contact Iola Ibrhaim on 5854 8265 or 0401 511 919.

KIALLA SCOUTS Do you have a child aged 7-14, boy or girl, who’d like to join cubs or scouts? Kialla Cubs meet 5:30pm Mondays and scouts 7pm Tuesdays in the Scout Hall at Kialla Recreation Reserve. For enquiries, contact David at david.brown@travelmanagers.com.au or phone 0419 315 665.

MOOROOPNA CWA meets on the last Thursday of each month at the Royal Hotel, Mooroopna. Social time with a meal from 6:30pm and meeting follows from 7:30pm. New members are welcome. Further information, contact Barbara Carter 5825 1728 or 0448 852 666.

GROW PEER-SUPPORT GROUP Feeling depressed? Anxious? Isolated? Grow offers hope. The Shepparton group meets on Wednesdays from 1pm at the South Shepparton Community Centre, 11 Service Street. For more information, call Lindy on 0448 052 769 or visit www.grow.org.au

INVERGORDON HISTORY HALL Community Reserve, Centre Road Invergordon. Open to the public on third Sunday of November, 1:30pm until 3:30pm, or open by appointment. Contact Dot on 5862 3689, Vin on 5862 3448 or Rosemary on 5862 1707.

KONNEXIONS singles social activities every weekend. Meet new friends and widen your social network. Age group 45-65. Phone Karen 5825 3484, Jeanette 0408 056 448, Irene 0407 920 104, Roger 0427 541 611 or email konnexions-singles@hotmail.com

SOUTHERN CROSS PROBUS CLUB invites all 60 years+ to join our club. This is for all active retirees. Here are five reasons to become a member, fellowship, new interests, stay healthy, travel and to stay in the loop of life. The club meets at the Terminus Hotel on High Street in Shepparton. For further information phone Greta 5822 1846.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 2017 HOMEWORK CLUB, which runs on Tuesdays from 3:50pm to 5pm or can be in-school mentoring. We are looking for volunteers who have a background in education (any level) to mentor Aboriginal children of all ages. In-school mentoring can be arranged according to your availability. On receiving your expression of interest, an application form will be forwarded together with other necessary information. Training days will be offered. You will be asked to commit one session per week. Expression of interest can be made to Mercy Access at ma@mercy.org.au by phoning 0428 996 975.

MOOROOPNA CROQUET CLUB TWILIGHT GOLF CROQUET will operate on Thursday evenings at 6.30pm behind the Bowls Club in Mooroopna. The first night is free. Flat closed in shoes. Equipment is provided. Come on Saturday mornings at 9.30am for a more challenging game of Association Croquet. Beginners are always welcome, for more information, phone 5825 4541.

TWILIGHT GOLF CROQUET HAS STARTED AT MOOROOPNA CROQUET CLUB (behind the bowls club. Echuca Road) and will run on Thursday evenings for 6:15pm start. Come along for a great fun social evening. Wear flat soled closed in footwear. All equipment is provided. For more information, ring Helen on 5825 4541.

MERCY ACCESS: Mentoring children of all ages with Mercy Access, reading opens doors. Do you have an educational background any level? Join us volunteering in a multi-cultural setting. On receiving your expression of interest, an application form will be forwarded with necessary details. Contact us on 04 2899 6975 or ma@mercy.org.au

INVERGORDON HISTORY HALL at the Community Reserve, Centre Road, Invergordon is open to the public by appointment. Contact either Helen on 5865 5482, Vin on 5862 3448, Rosemary on 5862 1707 or David on 0413 338 783.

ORCHARD DAY CLUB meets on second and fourth Thursday of each month, from 10:30am to 2:30pm at Shepparton RSL for friendly company, gentle exercises, mind games, cards, guest speakers, bus tours and a delicious lunch. All ages and gender welcome. For further information, phone Judy on 5823 5941 or Betty on 5821 3838.

FAMILY DRUG SUPPORT GROUP meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 6pm to 8pm at Primary Care Connect. The support group is for carers who have a loved one with alcohol or drug addiction. All welcome. For further information, contact Tina on 5823 3205.

HOLISTIC WELLBEING HUB: Drop in and join us every Thursday morning and enjoy a relaxed morning with other women in the community. Open from 9:30am to 12 noon. Listen to conversations provided to guide you on your life journey. Guest speakers attend between 10am and 11am. Morning tea and activities available. Held at Primary Care Connect, 399 Wyndham Street, Shepparton. For more, phone 5823 3200 or follow the Holistic Wellbeing Hub on Facebook.

CWA POTTERS: Are you new to the area, or looking for a group who can fill your creative arts and crafts needs and make new friends? We meet on the first Monday of each month at the Shepparton Library from 10am until 2pm.

For more information, phone Jenny on 0412 913 313.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meetings will be held in Mooroopna and Numurkah on Mondays, Mooroopna and Shepparton on Tuesdays, Mooroopna on Wednesdays, Shepparton on Thursdays, Shepparton and Tongala on Fridays, Mooroopna on Saturdays and Tongala and Shepparton on Sundays. For times or further information, phone 1300 222 222.

GOULBURN VALLEY U3A LEARNING FOR PLEASURE IN RETIREMENT COURSES are held each day of the week at the Goulburn Valley U3A Hall, Esson Street, Shepparton. Membership is open to anyone over 50, who is retired from full-time work. For further information, phone 5821 3333.

Tell us about your ‘not for profit’ community events, fax 5832 8920 or email classifieds@sheppartonadviser.com.au (information is required at least 2 weeks before an event)

Dear Editor,

Over the weekend, I witnessed one of the most disheartening displays of human behaviour I have ever seen. I had just finished shopping at a local supermarket and was returning the trolley to the bay. I had noticed a homeless person sitting out the front on my way in who was sitting right beside the trolley bay. Before I had the chance to return the trolley, a young man approached the homeless man and bent down to snatch his bag of money that he had obviously spent all day collecting.

I am not normally one to interfere with such circumstances, but as I was standing so close I reached over and grabbed the young man’s arm, telling him to drop the bag. The homeless man was in shock and before we could do anything further the young man flung the bag into the air, scattering the homeless man’s coins.

The young man then took off, turning around and calling the homeless man a scab…and it was at that point I noticed the young man had a brown paper bag in his hand containing a bottle of alcohol.

Seeing such behaviour on its own was terrible, but then seeing that this young man walking the streets of Shepparton drinking without a care for others made it even worse.

While I was pleased that I was able to help the homeless man, I hope to never see such disgusting acts ever again.

Yours sincerely,

David James

Shepparton

WE NEED TO RESTORE SOME PRIDE TO OUR TOWN

Dear Editor,

I would like to follow up the comments made by I Hay in a Letter to the Editor in The Adviser’s February 7 edition “We need to work on making our town better.”

I wonder what our council is doing with regard to enforcing its own bylaws?

The town does look shabby and it won’t improve while people are allowed to treat our roads and streets as a rubbish tip.

There are unregistered and burned-out wrecks on nearly every road and street in the town.

There seems to be a ‘pop up’ wrecking yard, on every entrance to our town.

This also includes Doyles Road, Archer Street, Mitchell Street, Campbell Street and Vaughan Street.

These yards have so many vehicles that they can’t store them on the premises, but need to use the roads and surrounding council land to keep them, and to pull them apart, and to dump their car parts.

Aside from this council allows storage of cars both registered and unregistered on the nature strips all over Shepparton.

If we can’t take the time to tidy these streets up and restore some pride in our town, we will continue to spiral downward and nobody will want to visit Shepparton. Our real estate will continue to be underpriced and no one will want to purchase a home to live or to work here.

Yours sincerely,

B Phillips

Shepparton

WAS IT PLANNED?

Dear Editor,

My question to Minister Barnaby Joyce would be was it a planned pregnancy?

If the answer was yes then leave the man alone. He is very little, if any different to most of the politicians and we can’t crucify them all.

But, if the answer was no, then we as a nation are far deeper in the mine than I would have believed.

So lets hope for all our sakes that it was planned.

Incidentally, using the front page of the paper I was reading, I was able to swat an annoying fly, so maybe all is not lost.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Bell

Mooroopna

SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THE WEEDS

Dear Editor,

It’s hardly surprising to see Terry Court (The Adviser on January 24 edition) warning that Caltrop (bindii) is again out of control.

The dried, spikey seeds easily puncture tyres on bikes, baby’s prams and disability scooters, and are extremely hard on animal paws. It is likely they cause infection in paws of many soft pawed native animals. Not only has bindii invaded the nature strips in most local towns it is rapidly invading our national parks, weeds have taken over our public lands since the city centric Labour and Coalition Governments abandoned the ‘Lands Department’ in the 1980s and it seems neither of these governments have much interest in country Victoria.

Councils and other government authorities don’t seem to be taking enough responsibility to eradicating weeds. There is a thick carpet of bindii along the Sandridge track near Buck Sandhill in Barmah National Park. It seems the managers of Barmah National Park have no problem allowing this intrusive, noxious weed to invade this significant Bangerang burial site.

Parks Victoria’s plan a few years ago seemed to be to spray weeds a few yards each side of the main tracks to keep weeds away from the public’s eye, but unfortunately it seems they now have abandoned even that meagre effort.

Yours sincerely,

Graeme Barwick

Numurkah

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