Narelle Capp, Regional director, Ambulance Victoria’s Hume Region
Ambulance Victoria wishes everyone a great festive season and start to 2023.
Enjoy celebrations, but please remember to stay safe and look after each other to avoid being in the back of an ambulance.
At this time of year, paramedics regularly see the devastation of road trauma. When on the road, be patient, be alert and take care – especially in situations around increased traffic.
Paramedics are often called to crashes that might’ve been avoided. Fatigue is a major contributor, but many people underestimate its debilitating effects on their driving ability.
Plan regular breaks, be aware of side effects of any medication and take a 15-minute power nap at the first signs of tiredness.
The roadside is also often a paramedic’s workplace. When you see us stopped on the roadside, please slow to pass at 40km/hr, if safe to do so. Just like you, we want to go home to our loved ones.
Whether on the road, by the water or in the sun this summer, stay cool and safe.
Keep hydrated. Have water regularly throughout the day and drink alcohol responsibly. Check in on others, particularly older people and those living alone.
Take care around water – supervise children, always swim between the flags at the beach and be mindful of swimming behind boats with motors.
Waterways can mask hidden dangers like sticks, submerged tree stumps, rocks, dangerous currents and shallow water, even in parts of lakes and rivers that look safe.
Hot cars can kill. Never leave kids, older people or pets in a parked car.
When hiking or camping, be prepared and have the right equipment. Think carefully about what to pack, carry a phone, keep a map on hand, tell someone where you’re going, watch out for uneven ground and know basic CPR.
Finally, save Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.
Every call for assistance that isn’t an emergency puts significant strain on our crews to reach those who need us the most.
We will be there for you in a medical crisis but consider whether Nurse-On-Call, a GP or another option might be more appropriate for minor issues.
Elizabeth Capp, Head of campus, La Trobe University Shepparton
As we head towards the end of another year, there is much to celebrate – our students whose commitment to their studies is inspiring; our soon to be graduates who have pushed through to the end in the most trying of times; our dedicated staff who move mountains to enable our students to succeed; our local organisations who make field work, placements and professional practice happen; and our wonderful community who continue to show resilience, adaptability and care for each other when the going gets tough.
Best wishes from everyone at La Trobe Shepparton for Christmas and the New Year. We hope your celebrations are happy and safe, whatever form they take, and look forward to welcoming you back to campus in 2023.
Commander Ashley Mills, Fire Rescue Victoria
Fire Rescue Victoria wishes everyone a safe and festive holiday season.
As the year draws to a close it is a timely reminder to be switched on and fire safe as the days and weeks heat up.
Despite the recent heavy rains, it’s important not to become complacent as the threat of summer fires still exists.
Ensure you’ve cleaned around the home, including any overgrown vegetation, and that your home fire plan is up to date. Plan ahead and make this holiday season a safe and joyful one.
For more information of fire safety please visit our website at frv.vic.gov.au.
Bruce Simpson, Inspector Greater Shepparton Police service area, Eastern Police Division 3 Victoria Police
The recent floods are another example of our community working together to keep our community safe. With the weather warming up and the festive season upon us, please continue to look out for each other and stay safe. Some of the risks that you need to be aware of are:
- River/lake conditions – the floods will have changed the underwater conditions so that favourite swimming hole may not be safe.
- The long grass is drying quickly so please ensure your activities don’t start a fire.
- The roads are quite damaged by the floods so please drive carefully.
- This is a high-risk time of the year for road trauma so if you’re driving, don’t get distracted and certainly don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Please enjoy the Christmas and New Year period, be respectful to others and stay safe.
Travis Heeney, CEO, GOTAFE Shepparton
The strength and resilience of the Shepparton community has been inspiring through another year of challenges and disruptions. We were so happy to celebrate with the community at our EMERGE flood recovery event recently. We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect after a challenging year.
I am incredibly proud of the significant achievements GOTAFE students and staff have accomplished this year. We’ve made great strides in modernising our education facilities in Shepparton, giving students access to state-of-the-art spaces that accommodate a variety of learning needs and styles as well as industry standards.
Strengthening partnerships with the community to improve outcomes for young people has also been a priority, and we look forward to more collaborations that will foster student success in the future.
From everyone here at GOTAFE, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming you back next year. Whether you’re just finishing school or considering a career change, we look forward to helping you achieve your goals in 2023. Visit our website and explore your options.
GV Health chief executive Matt Sharp
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent widespread flooding have proven challenging for our community.
Once again, I have been very impressed with our community’s response to COVID-19 and the floods, especially in how the community and GV Health came together to support each other.
On behalf of GV Health, I would like to thank everyone who supported our staff and services; your patience and understanding has made a real difference to us and lets us continue to support the community’s health and wellbeing.
As we continue to live with COVID-19 in our community, it’s still important to stay ahead of COVID-19 by being proactive and wearing face masks, getting your next vaccine dose and checking whether you are eligible for COVID-19 medicines.
This holiday season, I’m encouraging everyone to continue to look after one another; we are a strong community and have stood together before and will continue to do so.
Wishing you safe, healthy, and happy holidays from myself and everyone at GV Health.
Jeremy Rensford Chair, Shepparton Ministers’ Association and Shepparton Foodshare
On behalf of all the local churches I deliver the warmest of Christmas greetings to all here in Greater Shepparton.
What a year it’s been, and we have every right to celebrate and give thanks for the great community we belong to.
In my work in the churches and Shepparton Foodshare I’ve witnessed firsthand not only the struggle and suffering, but also the amazing response from our people in getting around one another to see us through yet another crisis. So proud!
As a Christian, it reminds me of the ultimate gift in the struggle – Jesus Christ – the Christmas present that keeps on giving! We Christians believe He was sent by a loving God to save humanity from ourselves, offering the brightest light in the darkest places. He came for the downtrodden, the forgotten, the poor, the rebel and the lowly, that we may find our eternal prospects turned around!
May we all find hope in His message this Christmas, for after all, He is the reason for the season. Christmas blessings to all.
P.S Our local churches are praying for all those who are flood affected, and aware some are still in the struggle. May God comfort and help you at this special time of year.
CR. Shane Sali Mayor, Greater Shepparton City Council
On behalf of Greater Shepparton City Council we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a relaxing festive season.
This year has involved many highs and lows for us all as a community, however you all remained strong, compassionate and resilient.
Despite the region facing devastating floods, the community stuck together, helped each other out and the true Greater Shepparton spirit prevailed. You should all be extremely proud of your efforts.
The holiday season gives us all a chance to spend quality time with family and friends. It is also a chance to celebrate the achievements of the past year and welcome a fresh start in 2023.
Take care and stay safe over the Christmas and New Year period. We look forward to working with the community in 2023 to achieve many more great things for our region. See you all in 2023.
Amy Robinson Executive officer, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project
Our community is a powerful contributor to our work at Lighthouse and we are grateful to our volunteers, donors and supporters have demonstrated their willingness and commitment to ensuring our young people reach their full potential and thrive.
Volunteers have assisted learner drivers in the L2P program, mentored grade six students in the SEAT program and packed over 2,600 food hampers for residents impacted by the floods as part of our GV Cares initiative. Donors include schools, clubs, businesses, and philanthropists who have provided vital funds.
Supporters have enabled the delivery of our Laptops with Love, Pit Stop, Family Haven and Life Links programs. To all our supporters of these programs and more, we say a big thank you for being part of the Lighthouse family.
Merry Christmas to all and we wish everyone happiness and health in 2023.
Sam Birrell, Federal Member for Nicholls
There is tinsel on the trees, crowds in local shops and smiles on kids faces – its Christmas and however you decide to celebrate, it’s a special time of year.
While many families have their own traditions, it is also a time to reflect and be grateful for what we have, spend time with loved ones and look back on the year that has passed.
2022 has had its ups and downs in our region. We continue to rebuild from the pandemic with a strong economy, but recent wet weather and flooding have tested our communities. However, in the good and bad times we see the best come out in our communities and I applaud you all for your generosity, your strength in the face of adversity, and your spirit and willingness to help others in need.
As the new year approaches, I will continue to advocate for the electorate to help build a prosperous and thriving region.
Personally, it has been a momentous year. It is an honour and a privilege to have been elected as the Federal Member for Nicholls and I have tried not to waste a moment or miss an opportunity to engage with the people of Nicholls or to put the case for the support, services and infrastructure communities want.
I hope these holidays are filled with lasting memories and I look forward to meeting with many of you in 2023.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
If you require assistance with federal government matters, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.
Sharon Hensgen-Smith, Goulburn area executive director, Department of Education and Training
Ours is a wonderfully diverse community and that means we will mark the holiday season in many ways. Yet one thing our cultures can all share at this time of year is that spirit of giving selflessly to others – be it our time, our skills and effort, or a gift.
It is often said a good education is among the greatest gifts in life.
So please indulge me in paying tribute to our school Principals and the hundreds of teachers in the Goulburn area in early childhood, primary and secondary education who dedicate their time and effort – day in and day out – to helping our children and young people benefit from this great gift.
Every teacher knows the job has professional challenges, however this act of giving is a tremendous privilege enjoyed by those in education.
On behalf of the Department of Education and Training, I thank our primary and secondary teachers for what they have given their students this year and our early childhood teachers for giving our children their best start in life. You’ve certainly earned your summer break!
To our wider Goulburn community, enjoy the company of your loved ones, stay safe and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Kim O’Keeffe, State Member for Shepparton District
As the year comes to an end it gives us time to reflect on what matters to us all.
For many people in our region, it has been a difficult and heartbreaking end to 2022, as we battled the floods.
It was heartening to see our community come together to support one another.
As our region continues its recovery, I encourage everyone to support local businesses and organisations that support us.
But also, to think about those who are doing it tough this year and how we can help them.
It is a time to come together, celebrate and be thankful for the people we have in our lives, and I hope you get the opportunity to come together with your loved ones.
I would like to wish everyone in the Goulburn Valley and surrounds a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Wendy Lovell, Member for Northern Victoria
Christmas is a special time of the year – a time of joy and peace as we join with family and friends to celebrate the festive season. For many it is a time for exchanging presents, endless amounts of food, cricket in the backyard and an afternoon nap on the couch.
Unfortunately for some, Christmas can be a lonely time of the year and the effects of the recent flood crisis continue to impact on many in our community. During this special time of giving, I ask you to check in on those that may be alone or vulnerable this festive season. The greatest gift you may be able to give someone is the gift of kindness and friendship.
Whichever way you celebrate this Christmas, I hope you enjoy the season of goodwill and happiness in the company of your loved ones and friends.
Together with my staff Jason, Ashe, and Tamara, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy, and prosperous 2023
