News blog, May 12: Voice for Nicholls shows electorates’ concerns; gun found on residential block

The daily news blog has been a way for our team to keep you updated hour-by-hour in the middle of a global pandemic.

While the continuing serious nature of the COVID-19 outbreak across the globe is not to be downplayed, the conversation has shifted from what do we do ‘now’ to what do we do ‘next’.

The need for analysis, in-depth coverage and exclusive content outweighs the ‘breaking’ nature of the news cycle, and with that comes the commitment of more resources to the daily blog.

It means that from Wednesday, May 4, this content will return to its place behind our paywall. For full digital access, subscribe to our ‘welcome’ bundle; it’s just $2 per week for 12 weeks. Join | Shepparton News

We’ve loved having you along for the ride as we explored a new way to deliver content to you directly – and we hope you will stay with us for the next step on the journey.

Tyler Maher, Shepparton News editor

Gday one, gday all — welcome to the Thursday news blog.

Your trusty pal Max Stainkamph is here with you this dull and dreary Tuesday, and while the clouds are dark and grey we’ll do our best to add some sugar and spice and all things nice to your day.

The boffins at the bureau are forecasting a millimetre or two of rain across the day.

UPDATE, 5.00pm: Senior Nats rally around Birrell after funding re-announcement derailed by cancelled train

I’m drawing up stumps for the day - it’s been busy and chaotic, today - but I’m leaving you with a bit of a funny one and a very important one.

The stage was set for a classic election stunt — three senior Nationals members ready to jump off the train at Shepparton Station alongside Nationals candidate Sam Birrell to show off their ‘track record’ on delivering for regional rail.

However, the plan was derailed when former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack, Senator Bridget McKenzie and current deputy Nationals leader David Littleproud joined Mr Birrell at Mooroopna Station only to find the 12.14pm Shepparton service cancelled.

Read the full yarn here.

UPDATE, 3.30pm: Where DOES the time go? Quick recap

Goodness me, apologies everyone. I’ve been running around like a headless chook this afternoon after politicians of many different striped and neglected this beautiful blog.

Those stories are coming soon, including a bizarre press conference at Shepp train station and a chinwag with UAP’s Craig Kelly.

We’re going to have a quick blitz of some stories here, and first cab off the rank is a Darren Linton yarn about the Voice for Nicholls report on the electorate.

The report covered a series of questions about representation, policy and issues affecting communities.

It’s a fascinating look at the community and its feelings, and it’s especially interesting measuring it up against how the campaign has been playing out. Check it out here.

Meanwhile Murray Silby has written a yarn about a portal which helps people research how at-risk their home is to flooding following the news some 90 per cent of Shepparton and Mooroopna homes may be uninsurable by 2030.

Meanwhile, Banyule City has ended the GV Suns’ Australia Cup run after a 2-1 loss in Melbourne.

Check out James’ Kleeman’s report here.

UPDATE, 12.00pm: Gun found on Shepparton residential block

Police have seized a gun found on a vacant block in a Shepparton residential area and arrested a man nearby.

Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis said police responded to a report of a dispute with an allegation of a man with a gun in McLean Crt at 6.15pm on Wednesday, May 11.

Monique Preston has the full story, as well as several other police and court stories which have gone online in the last hour — including one where a man was lured to a vacant block before he was stabbed.

UPDATE, 11.15am: Oddie is back, new SAM exhibition

He’s been off for a week or so but our beloved Oddie is back, with quips aplenty, feeling sorry for campaigners in the rain as well as solving a mystery surrounding two bikes in Shepparton.

Read his work here.

Meanwhile, there’s a new exhibition at SAM! Liquidarium opens this Saturday, with a wetland landscape inspired by Victoria Park Lake and the Goulburn River.

Check out the full story, as well as a few photos, here.

UPDATE, 10.15am: Winter Night Shelter providing more than beds for those in need

Winter Night Shelter is set to run for the second year in a row to provide beds and warm meals for the most vulnerable in our community.

There are seven locations that host up to 10 guests for one night a week each from June 1 until August 31.

Guests can get a safe, warm night’s sleep and a hot meal during the coldest months of the year without judgement or stigma.

It’s a really important initiative and I’m glad it’s back again - well done everyone involved. Check out the full Gianni Francis story on it here.

UPDATE, 9.30am: Littleproud slams independents, huge KDL clashes await

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud visited Ardmona yesterday, and I popped out to Plunkett’s Orchards for a chinwag with him alongside the ABC’s Warwick Long and a few others.

Mr Littleproud spent a not insignificant amount of time talking up the threat of independents, and I’ll let you read between the lines on what he was saying. The full story of what he said is here, while he also announced funding for apple and pear growers across the country.

Meanwhile, in the world of sport, there’s a huge top-of-the-table clash in the Kyabram District League.

Shepp East and Tallygaroopna will line up in a scintillating clash on Sunday afternoon in the netball.

Both sides are unbeaten, and check out the full preview from Aydin Payne here.