Tune into the Shepparton News blog to keep up with the headlines across the region.
A note from our editor
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
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
Hey Sheppartonians,
It’s Friday eve, it’s cold, and boy, are we counting down the days to the weekend.
It’s Georgia Rossiter steering the blog today, hoping everyone has rugged up enough - it’s only going to get to a top of 15 degrees today.
UPDATE, 5.30pm: Signing off
That’s me done for the day. Happy Friday eve all!
UPDATE, 4pm: Uncle Jack Charles Makes History
Uncle Jack Charles made history on Tuesday, April 26, opening the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s public hearings, or wurrek tyerrang.
Uncle Jack, 78, was the first to share his story and the consequent effects of being a part of the Stolen Generation.
Now a respected Elder, advocate and actor, his story features harrowing accounts of violence, 22 incarcerations and extensive drug abuse, stemming from a foundation of systemic oppression.
He was taken from his mother at Daish’s Paddock, the First Nations camp between Shepparton and Mooroopna, at only four months old.
“I was whitewashed by the system,” he told the inquiry.
Yoorrook is Australia’s first and only formal truth-telling process.
UPDATE, 2pm: Candidates share their views on social welfare issues
In case you missed the Nicholl’s candidates’ forum about social welfare issues, Murray Silby has a summarised version of what went down.
Seven of the 11 candidates answered questions about domestic violence, Closing the Gap, social security, and other issues.
It’s a continuation of a series of forums being held around the seat of Nicholls in the lead-up to the federal election.
UPDATE, 12.40am: Department silent on Japanese encephalitis exposure sites
Victoria’s Department of Health has been unable to say at what sites control measures have been put in place for Japanese encephalitis-carrying mosquitoes in northern Victoria, or even what measures have been taken.
Reporter Murray Silby wrote that at least a dozen confirmed or probably cases of JE were reported in Victoria over summer.
“Some mosquitos trapped in northern Victoria have returned positive results for JE virus, with control measures increased where potential exposure sites are identified and where mosquito numbers have increased,” a Department of Health statement said.
Despite numerous requests, the department has not revealed where discoveries of JE positive mosquitoes were located, what control measures were used or what degree the mosquito numbers had increased by.
UPDATE, 11 am: Pauline Hanson visits the region
On the campaign trail, One Nation’s Pauline Hanson has hit Katandra West Community Rooms this morning with Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, the One Nation Candidate for Nicholls.
This is Hanson’s second trip as part of her campaign tour in Victoria, previously visiting Bendigo.
Reporter Youssef Saudie is on the ground, Hanson has told the crowd several times she won’t put the COVID-19 vaccine in her body. More to come.
UPDATE, 10.15am: Mortgage and rent pressure ramps up in Nicholls
Over a third of households in Nicholls are under mortgage and rental stress, according to new figures from April this year.
The data from the independent think tank showed 35.3 per cent of households in the electorate are under stress when it comes to home ownership and renting, but that it wasn’t the worst in the country.
You can read more about their findings in this article from Gianni Francis.
UPDATE, 9.15am: Mother’s Day Classic to celebrate 10 years, and other headlines
Organiser Kathy Fuller said the important thing was for everyone to “think pink and have fun”.
The event starts at 9am with formalities before the 2km and 4km walk, and 8km run, start.
Monique Preston will be back in court today covering a committal hearing for a woman charged with one count of murder, after her partner was allegedly fatally stabbed at their Heyson Ave home on June 2 last year.
In day one of the hearing yesterday, the couple’s two teenage daughters, the girls’ boyfriends at the time, and the forensic pathologist who completed the autopsy were heard.
And in sport, Shepparton’s Garry Jacobson competed at the Perth Supersprint, and raced admirably, according to sports reporter James Kleeman.
Jacobson said his focus is now on the Winton Supersprint on May 21 and 22.
Shepparton News journalist