News blog, January 19: GV Health drive-through testing site moves temporarily

UPDATE, 4:55 pm: The Splinters pierce the high notes

That’s all for today. I’ll leave you with this happy yarn about a local music group bringing good vibes.

“Every so often, the sounds of brass instruments complete with a guitar, keyboard and some vocals can be heard reverberating from the Shepparton soundshell in Queen’s Gardens,” News reporter Caitlyn Grant writes.

“For the younger crowd, it’s expected the melodies sound sweet yet unknown, but for the more distinguished listener, Shepparton music group The Splinters are feeding the soul.”

Read the full story here.

UPDATE, 4:45 pm: Drive-through testing sites moves temporarily

If you need a COVID-19 test in the next few days there are a few changes to the Goulburn Valley Health sites to note.

The drive-through COVID-19 testing centre at the Shepparton Showgrounds will be closed from tomorrow, January 20, until Tuesday, January 25.

The closure is due to major car event Springnats taking place over the weekend.

A temporary drive-through site will be open at McEwen Reserve on Numurkah Rd during this time, with the following hours:

There are no changes to walk-in testing times at the GV Health Acute Respiratory Clinic, Graham Street, Shepparton which is open seven days, between 8am and 4pm.

RAT collection and PCR testing available at both locations.

The community is encouraged to register for a COVID-19 test here: bit.ly/33z7nsZ

UPDATE, 3.15 pm: Shepparton arts community wins $1.4 million in funding

Here’s some lovely good news for your Wednesday afternoon.

Shepparton’s arts community has secured Victorian Government funding with grants awarded to Kaiela Arts and Shepparton Arts Festival.

Kaiela Arts was awarded a Creative Enterprise Grant of $1 million plus a COVID-19 recovery payment of $44,000, while Shepparton Arts Festival was granted $400,000.

Georgia Rossiter also brings us a feature from Shepparton’s creative community this afternoon.

“From Shepparton, to Disneyland; from Disneyland to Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Nicola Bolton has lived a dancer’s dream, and the show’s not over yet,” Rossiter writes.

Currently recovering from an ACL injury at home, Ms Bolton caught up with The News to reflect on her career so far.

UPDATE, 1:15 pm: Recovering from COVID-19 means addressing stigma around it

Shepparton News editor Tyler Maher is back in action after he and his young family contracted COVID-19.

In his column this week, Maher reflects on what Omicron means for our community.

“We have moved into another scary phase of this pandemic where it seems like we will all be struck down with the virus at some point in the near future, moving the conversation to ‘what do I do when I catch COVID-19?’ rather than ‘how can I avoid it?’,” Maher writes.

“It means we have to be more open about sharing our experiences, if only to help others get through the same circumstances.

“For me it was plenty of rest, fluids and cricket which were the main remedies — along with the recommended doses of Panadol and Nurofen.”

If you’ve contracted the virus and wish to share your personal story, please reach out to tyler.maher@mmg.com.au or give him a call on 5820 3228.

UPDATE, 11:20 am: Vaccine dose interval shortened, Australian Defence Force to help Victorian COVID-19 effort

Effective immediately, the dose interval between a second and third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be reduced to three months in Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews announced this morning.

“That’s on the advice of our public health team, that’s consistent with ATAGI’s broader statement - it’s safe, it’s effective, and it means the total number of people who are eligble increases significantly by about 1.2 million Victorians,” Mr Andrews said.

There are 2.45 million Victorians eligible for a booster and have not yet had their third dose.

The premier also announced Victoria will benefit from the help of the Australian Defence Force as the public hospital system buckles under the weight of the Omicron outbreak.

Twenty ADF personnel will be deployed to Victoria to help drive ambulances.

Another six will help with planning as the state struggles with incredible pressure on hospitals.

And a dozen federal public servants will also continue to help taking 000 calls.

UPDATE, 10:30 am: Prime Minister encourages students, backpackers to come down under

International students and backpackers will have visa application fees rebated by the Department of Home Affairs, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced this morning, in a bid to fill critical workforce shortages.

International students will receive rebates over the next eight weeks from today, and backpackers over the next 12 weeks.

“My message to them is come on down, come on down now,” Mr Morrison said.

“We want you to come to Australia, enjoy a holiday here, move all the way around the country, and at the same time join our workforce and help us in our agriculture sector and our hospitality sector.”

Federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg said 175,000 more students and working holiday makers were invited to come to Australia to take up the opportunity.

This is likely music to the ears of Goulburn Valley producers, who for weeks have been crying out for more hands on deck ahead of the picking season.

UPDATE, 9:40 am: Victorian COVID-19 numbers

Today there are 1173 people in Victorian hospitals with COVID-19, while all metropolitan hospitals and six regional hospitals - including GV Health - work to enact a code brown emergency plan by midday.

Of those in hospital, 125 are in ICUE and 42 of those patients require ventilators.

Victoria’s third dose vaccination rate is creeping up among people aged 18 and over, with 26 per cent now having had a third jab.

Sadly, 18 people died with the virus in the past 24 hours.

There are 20,769 new cases today.

Of the 49,838 PCR tests analysed in the latest reporting period, 10,726 were positive.

Today’s numbers also include more than 10,000 positive rapid antigen test results.

Altogether, there are 253,827 active cases in Victoria.

UPDATE, 9:10 am: Morning headlines

Goulburn Valley Health declares code brown amid major staff shortages: GV Health is operating with up to 16 per cent fewer staff than it would normally, while a code brown will take effect from midday today.

Man caught naked on a roof after 16-day crime spree: A man stole vehicles, $50,000 worth of jewellery, and sex toys over a 16-day spree before being caught after falling through a roof and needing to be rescued while trying to escape from police while naked.

Blackwater slowly disappearing: You’ll be pleased to know Goulburn Valley Water’s blackwater trouble will soon be over. In the meantime, water quality manager Mark Putman has a top tip for those noticing an odd taste.

“One thing we have noticed that can help (get rid of any taste and odour) is to put an open jug of water in the fridge and that allows it to aerate and for the compounds to be released from the water, and also chilling it can help with the taste,” he said.

AFLW export puts on prolific performance: Benalla’s Becky Webster highlighted an exciting weekend of action for the region’s AFLW exports, putting on a prolific performance through the midfield as her Cats fell by 14 points to Carlton at GMHBA Stadium.

Seymour secures former Werribee midfielder Louis Pinnuck: Seymour has continued its golden off-season of recruiting, securing the services of former Werribee utility Louis Pinnuck for 2022.