Governor-General visits Greater Shepparton
By Deanne Jeffers
AUSTRALIAN Governor-General David Hurley and his wife, Linda, visited Greater Shepparton last week to thank volunteers and emergency service workers for their determined work throughout the flood emergency.
Their Excellencies were briefed by Greater Shepparton City Council mayor, Cr Shane Sali, before visiting and spending time with community members.
“The Governor-General and his wife came to Mooroopna and he was very keen on the work we’d done and the clean-up efforts,” said Bill Dowling, president of the Mooroopna Football and Netball Club, which was damaged by floodwaters.
“It was lovely to meet someone with so much authority,” said Paul Jerome, owner of Talisman Menswear. “I told him honestly that Covid felt like being kicked, and to now be experiencing this feels like being kicked by a boot with spikes.”
“We only lost six flannelette shirts, which in a shop with thousands of dollars in stock is incredible.”
“But if the floods have taught me one thing, it is that we need a bypass. It is vital that the bypass is funded for emergencies and so the community and transport can move freely,” said Paul.
“25 years, six changes of Parliament and still no bypass. The land has been purchased and they need to get on with it.”
He resounded praise for Cr Sali and Council, expressing that in his opinion, he has never seen Council working so prominently amongst the community.
“I told the Governor-General that he is going to have a hard time picking the next Australian of the Year with Shane Sali or Bill Dowling working so hard in the community.”
Bill and the Mooroopna FNC led a huge post-flood recovery “working bee” of over 200 volunteers across more than 30 teams assisting residents and businesses.
“Shane and Bill have shone through, and it is tremendous to see. They are only two people though, there have been countless others helping one another. After the flood I had people knocking on my shop asking if they could help with anything, it really makes me so happy to see these true examples of community spirit.”
While in Shepparton, their Excellencies also visited Shepparton Emergency Relief to meet and thank staff and volunteers.
Talisman Menswear hopes to reopen on November 8, while Mooroopna FNC are making alternative arrangements for netball trials. Follow their Facebook pages to stay up to date.
