News blog, May 4: Report claims Shepparton homes may be uninsurable by 2030; first stage of Maude Street Mall opening

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 (sheppnews.com.au)

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

Hello,

Happy humpday! Caitlyn Grant back at it again to wind you through this wonderful Wednesday.

Today we’re looking at a top of 19 degrees, with the day staying mostly sunny.

UPDATE, 5 pm: Headlines to end the day

Gee, it has been a Wednesday. We’ve had journos in and out all day, picking up the latest scoops, finding the best pets in town and creating some good yarns ‒ as below.

The Climate Council’s latest research has painted a dire future for Shepparton, it claims more than 91 per cent of homes are at risk of riverine flooding by 2030 even when based on a low emissions scenario.

Senior journalist Murray Silby has delved into what this means from a range of perspectives ‒ including Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce’s criticism of the report and Climate Council research director Dr Simon Bradshaw’s consequent dismissal of said criticism. It makes for an incredibly interesting read, have a go here.

In lighter news, this week’s pet page star is good girl Ivy the frenchy. She is cheeky, clever AND fun. Triple threat.

Anyway, that’s enough from me. I have been told I have to sign off with May the fourth be with you, I don’t want to, but there it is.

Have a good night!

UPDATE, 4 pm: Congraduations!!!

In big news, one of our own belatedly graduated yesterday ‒ journo Georgia Rossiter is now an official double degree holder!

Although the ceremony came at least a year late due to COVID-19, we are very proud of her down here at the office. Woooo!

UPDATE, 2.30 pm: First stage of Maude Street Mall open, with new playground

It’s happening ‒ the first stage of the Maude Street redevelopment is opening on Saturday.

While this news alone is exciting, hold tight.

With it comes the unveiling of the new Fraser Street playground, which I may say, is literally massive.

The opening on Saturday is set to be an affair of fun for all ages, with everything from live music to free kids’ activities. Have a look-see here.

UPDATE, 1 pm: The Run Down

Not sure if you’ve heard, but there’s a new podcast in town gracing the McPherson Media Group airwaves ‒ The Run Down.

The middays warriors (aka. the sports reporters) launched The Run Down last week, taking the audience through what’s hot and what’s not in the sporting world.

Senior sports journalist Aydin Payne tells me this week’s ep just dropped and it doesn’t fall short of being an absolute ripper.

Featuring star guests of AFLW’s Grace Egan and AFL champion Cam Mooney, it wouldn’t be The Run Down without a bit of solid sports banter.

Check it out, it’s genuinely a solid listen. I’ve requested next week explains how cricket works.

UPDATE, 11 am: Man charged with stalking women

Making police and court news, a man accused of following two women in his car as they left a Seymour gym in separate incidents has been refused bail.

Anthony Vanderdonk, 43, from Rushworth, unsuccessfully applied for bail in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court.

Leading Sen Constable Boote said Mr Vanderdonk told police in an interview that he was “just going for a drive” and that he didn’t think the women would be scared that he was following them.

She also said Mr Vanderdonk was on a community corrections order for stalking when these charges of stalking were laid.

UPDATE, 10 am: Treaty for change

After hours of hard work and dedication, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria officially opened the doors to its Shepparton office on Friday, April 29.

Reporter Nicola Ceccato was on the scene of the opening, meeting the recently elected north-east region representative, Travis Morgan.

Mr Morgan will be working with the Shepparton office, keeping the region involved in Treaty.

“My priority has been influenced by the region and the community of north-east,’’ he said.

“This isn’t about me having my agenda, it’s about taking the region’s agenda to the assembly and making sure the north-east has a strong voice in how they see Treaty.”

UPDATE, 8.45 am: Headlines to begin your day

If you hadn’t heard, Triple J will not only be taking the airwaves of the Goulburn Valley from May 16 to May 20, but the town itself — bringing with it some free stellar events.

Shepparton has received critical funding in the Victorian budget. On top of the $196 million for the full replacement and expansion of the mental health unit at Goulburn Valley Health, there’s additional money for health, rail and roads.

Still on budget chat, Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has attacked the Victorian budget as an example of the “ineffectiveness of independent members” and the Victorian Government’s history of timeline blowouts and failure to invest in new priority projects in the Shepparton electorate.

In lighter news, a bunch of little superheroes in the making adorned their costumes to raise awareness of muscular dystrophy in children. Have a look at the pics here, god they’re cute.

Making national news, Northern NSW residents affected by the devastating floods earlier in the year have blamed authorities for their slow response.