This week, I had a chat with Cr Rod Schubert about a number of serious topics — interrupted by a fair amount of laughter.
I think it is okay to say that we had some fun.
I needed to know if this Schubert was, in any way, connected to Franz — but no.
Rod was far more interested in Max Schubert who, apparently, created Grange Hermitage — but wasn’t an ancestor either.
Perhaps this was an inheritance he’d have welcomed?
History
Tatura people will know of Rod’s history because he has lived there for the past 25 years.
However, to the rest of us, it is new info.
He was born in Benalla and educated in Wodonga.
He joined the navy before he was 17 and had six trips to Vietnam; after which he completed a Bachelor of Business Management/Human Resources and is just a little short of an MBA.
He has been employed in the corporate world, chiefly in managerial roles, for more than 42 years.
And his commitment to the local community is proven; he has held board positions at GV Health, GOTAFE, FoodShare, The Apprentice Factory and is currently the president of the Tatura Australia Day Committee and the Tatura RSL.
He is also a member of the Tatura Rotary Club.
A hint
I imagine there are many of you who know why Rod joined the navy; if not, please do ask him the next time you see him.
He won’t let me write about it — but it’s worth the trouble, so go out of your way.
My husband is still laughing — and I told him yesterday.
The councillor
Rod made it clear to me that he is determined to be the best councillor he can possibly be.
He twice told me that he loves where he lives, with his partner.
He told me that council is Shepp-centric and I, without any knowledge of the breakdown of revenue to expenditure, disagreed.
I just kept thinking how difficult it is to keep everyone happy.
There are times, though, when I think expenditure in Shepparton has the possibility of paying for itself, of bringing people to the city and, with this in mind, I asked about KidsTown (because you guys — our readers — keep asking me, and I don’t have the answers).
Rod told me that council is well aware of the community’s past involvement and present concern.
The councillors all went on an inspection tour and a plan is being drawn up.
Okay, so the wheels turn slowly, but we don’t want hasty decisions being made.
We want a plan — a good plan.
There are some particular issues that Rod highlighted, during our discussion.
These issues are currently affecting Midland Ward communities: town planning and industrial development, roads, pedestrian crossings and the lack of public transport.
When he is not working, Rod enjoys caravanning, fishing, scuba diving and gardening.
He has supported Melbourne Football Club since 1964, when the Demons defeated Collingwood in the grand final by four points.
He has seen just one premiership since (2021).
He also has a substantial, sea-faring boat, which can be towed to the sea.
Once a sailor, always a sailor, I guess.
His family is spread far and wide, with a daughter in Western Australia and another in Queensland.
My turn
There is absolutely no question about Rod’s ‘get up and go’.
He is totally committed to the people who elected him — and fair-minded with his decision-making.
He will listen and act on any concerns raised with him, and I have a list of 13 commitments he has made to Midland Ward.
Rod is aware of his strengths and knows how to use them to the benefit of others; something that should be common, but isn’t.
We are all very lucky to have him.
Next week ‘From Glasgow to Shepparton 1910’
By the way, I had a phone call to point out that the pic the Victorian Government used on the front page of its brochure was actually former psychiatric clinic Ambermere.
Of course, it is! I had it on my desk for 10 days, trying to work out where I’d seen it.
When I mentioned it to one of my correspondents, he said, “That’s where they would have ended up, after working out what they got themselves into with that offer.”
May it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. The News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Text or call 0409 317 187.
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