By Natasha Fujimoto
Throughout 2025, The Adviser reported on a region experiencing steady growth, major investment and strong community spirit. While challenges remained, the year reflected a community continuing to move forward with confidence and purpose. Here is a snippet of what was reported in the weekly edition.
January
Coffee capital recognition
The year began with national recognition for Shepparton’s café scene. A study by global financial provider Remitly named Shepparton Australia’s fifth Coffee Capital, ranking it ahead of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. With more than 100 cafés and strong customer ratings, the result highlighted the strength of local small businesses and set a positive tone for the year.
February
Investment in education and culture
La Trobe University officially opened its $20 million Shepparton redevelopment. The upgraded campus delivered new learning spaces, the expanded Indigenous Ngarrapna unit and improved nursing simulation facilities, reinforcing Shepparton’s role as a regional education centre. The month also marked the opening of Tank’s Art Gallery, adding to the city’s growing arts offering.
March
Community events and local pride
MOVE hosted the Ford Falcon GT Nationals, attracting more than 4,000 visitors and hundreds of vehicles from across the country. Banmira Specialist School opened its new junior campus at the former Wanganui Park secondary college site, expanding inclusive education options. Shepparton also celebrated the launch of its own MONOPOLY board, showcasing local landmarks and the region’s agricultural identity.
April
Infrastructure and sporting success
After more than two decades of planning, construction officially began on Stage 1 of the $24.8 million GV Link Enterprise Park at Mooroopna. The project marked a major step forward for freight and industry in the region. Local pride also grew as Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri, who has strong family ties to Shepparton, claimed major race victories and led the world championship.
May
Politics and community support
The federal election delivered a comfortable win for Sam Birrell in the seat of Nicholls, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a second term. On the community front, Shepparton Foodshare opened its new purpose-built facility in Mooroopna, strengthening food relief services at a time of rising living costs.
June
Facilities and enforcement
Work began on the demolition of the Princess Park Pavilion to make way for a new $4.9 million flood resilient community facility due for completion in 2026. In a separate development, authorities seized a large illegal tobacco crop near Shepparton following a community tip off.
July
Arts and city changes
Shepparton Art Museum opened Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio, the only Victorian stop on the national tour. The exhibition attracted strong crowds and many first-time visitors. Council also introduced a Touch n Go parking trial in the CBD, offering a new digital payment option for drivers.
August
Inclusion and leadership
GV Pride celebrated 20 years of supporting LGBTIQA+ communities across the Goulburn Valley. The Governor of Victoria also visited Greater Shepparton, touring agricultural businesses, cultural organisations, arts venues and flood recovery projects while meeting with local leaders and residents.
September
Growth and recognition
Greater Shepparton was named one of Australia’s fastest growing regional centres, recording a sharp rise in people moving from capital cities. Two local women, Vicki Scott and Lutfiye Kavci, were inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in recognition of their leadership and community work.
October
Challenges and creativity
New crime statistics showed a continued rise in reported incidents across Greater Shepparton, renewing calls for stronger support services and infrastructure investment. At the same time, the community embraced creativity and inclusion through Creating Drama’s production of Frozen at Riverlinks, performed by adults with disabilities.
November
Economic inclusion
The penultimate month of the year saw the launch of Greater Shepparton’s first public First Nations Business Directory. The initiative aims to strengthen local procurement, support Indigenous owned businesses and build stronger economic partnerships across the region.
Victorians led the nation with the Victoria’s Statewide Treaty Bill becoming law on November 13, 2025, after receiving Royal Assent, making Victoria the first Australian state to create a treaty framework with First Nations peoples. The law sets up processes for a First Peoples’ voice, truth-telling and a permanent representative body.
December
Farewells and medical advancement
Head of Campus at La Trobe University Shepparton Campus, Elizabeth Capp farewelled the university following seven years of leadership. During her tenure, Elizabeth oversaw a $20M redevelopment delivering new teaching spaces, clinical labs and courtyard cafe and community spaces. During her tenure, navigating the pandemic and subsequent cultural shift, Elizabeth’s time as Head of Campus ushered in a transformative change, repositioning the local campus as a world class educational facility.
Great Grandmother, Sue Kleinert became the region’s first cochlear implant recipient at GV Health, thanks to a new partnership between the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and GV Health. Marking a significant step forward in improving hearing health access for regional Victorians.
