Governor gives Shepparton royal treatment

“I enjoy talking with people to get a better sense of what is happening in regions — what people are saying, thinking and hoping for,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity to both see what’s happening and to listen.”

The governor remarked on the region’s mix of sporting excellence, cultural depth and agricultural strength — industries she described as not only vital to the area, but, in the case of agriculture, to the entire nation’s food security.

“It’s fascinating, not just the growing of it, but the packing and distribution, this region is constantly innovating — it’s really impressive,” she said.

At the Shepparton Albanian Mosque, Prof Gardner met with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, who reflected on his family’s four decades of connection to the site through his uncle, Sam Sali.

Last year, the mosque received a $250,000 Victorian Government grant to construct an outdoor covered shelter, allowing the growing congregation to host larger community events.

Shepparton Albanian Moslem Society secretary Safet Kutrolli said the visit was a moment of pride.

“It was a great opportunity for the governor to see what the Victorian Government has done for us — that their money has been spent well, and we’re maintaining it,” Mr Kutrolli said.

Prof Gardner’s itinerary for the day took her from the rich heritage of the Shepparton Albanian Mosque, to the creative vibrancy of Kaiela Arts, the sweeping exhibitions of Shepparton Art Museum and finally the innovation of the Museum of Vehicle Evolution in Kialla.