Tyge was floored by his award
A 16-year-old Tyge Jeffery took out the Floor Covering Institute of Australia’s First Year Apprentice of the Year award at a gala dinner at The Regent Theatre’s Plaza Ballroom in Melbourne in March.
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He was almost 12 months into his four-year apprenticeship with Carpet Call Shepparton at the time.
Tyge, who didn’t enjoy school, said he preferred doing practical work with his hands over being confined to a classroom, and was loving being in the workforce.
“I didn’t believe it, to be honest, it was a big surprise really,” he said of his award.
Destination diner changes hands
Goulburn Valley born and bred Daryl Hooper had visited the Ross St Diner for coffee every week since he moved from Shepparton to Tatura three years ago.
In June, he and his wife, Jenny, bought the place.
They’d owned plenty of businesses before, but not for a few years.
Daryl said he missed the atmosphere and that he just loved the 1950s vibe in the Tatura diner that former owner Jody Vincitorio had created during his 13-month ownership.
“I just enjoy the buzz of it all,” he said.
“I plan to be here long-term; until I retire.”
Horses for Hope closes, new services emerge
After 21 years of equine-assisted narrative therapy in the Goulburn Valley, Horses for Hope in Mooroopna North ceased operating on May 30.
Founder and board chair Colin Emonson, who had retired months earlier from managing the service, said the closure was both sad and disappointing.
Horses for Hope horse practitioner of 15 years Alison Dohnt was saddened as she faced continuous goodbyes to participants, animals and colleagues.
“I know it works and how valuable it is. How can I just walk away from that without giving it a fight?” she said.
She purchased equipment from her former workplace and established Alison’s Equine Embrace.
Now, as an independent support worker, she offers horse yard work for clients at her five-acre property in Katandra West.
Likewise, Horses for Hope counsellor Jack O’Sullivan went on to open his own practice, Red Gum Reflections, offering mental health services for “country blokes”.
Jack, who works out of his office in Avenel, said: “For me, identifying as a regional, rural man, I know through myself, friends and family, doing things in the bush is different to in metro areas.”
The wait is over — the Barcas are back
When Phil and Tina Barca closed their American smoked barbecue restaurant, Barca.Love, on Wyndham St, locals waited with bated breath to see where they would re-emerge and what plan they had cooked up in between.
In July, they opened B Love Burgers & BBQ Diner in Fryers St, along Shepparton’s golden dining mile.
The diner is 1950s-style, though its food is not fast food in the traditional sense of the phrase; rather, good food, delivered fast.
Phil not only slow cooks the meat used in his dishes, but he makes all his own sauces and pickles, and cuts and marinates all the chicken.
Brewing up a different future
Seven years ago Daina Winch and Matt Milsome brewed up a plan to fill a void in Shepparton’s hospitality offerings.
In April, 2019, they opened Shepparton Brewery.
In September this year, they put it up for sale.
“Shepparton’s always been good to us. It’s as busy on a Thursday night as it is on a Saturday night,” Daina said.
“We’ve taken it to where we can take it; it’s ready for the next level.”
It’s not something you see every day
A new partnership was struck up between Shepparton Foodshare and Everyday Supplies in July.
The local cleaning supplies business pledged to donate necessary cleaning products, bathroom and tea room supplies, small cleaning equipment and stationery in a deal estimated to lower the food relief charity’s annual operating costs by $8000 to $10,000.
“We are so grateful for this valuable support,” Shepparton Foodshare executive officer Dee Healey said.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, bye, bye, bye
Paul and Debbie Tsorbaris bought the iconic Aussie Hotel in Shepparton 12 and a half years ago; before its popular sports bar, Jack’s Bar, existed, before the Outback Bar was a thing.
But in December, 2025, they called it a day after celebrating their final Carols by Barrels weekend as proprietors.
After 47 years in the hospitality industry, Paul said he was ready to “try to retire” and spend his first Christmas at home in as long as he could remember.
“We are just so grateful to Shepparton for helping us make The Aussie what it is today,” he said.