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Whats On

All aboard, the long weekend is here

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A heritage Steamrail Victoria train hauled by a K190 steam locomotive will be one of two K-Class engines in Shepparton for the organisation’s Steam Weekend in June. Photo: Flickr/Andrew Cockroft Photo by Supplied

Friday

Shepparton Steam Weekend

Get ready for Shepparton’s Steam Weekend. For the first time since 2019, Steamrail Victoria is bringing two heritage K-Class steam locomotives to the Goulburn Valley. A trip to Shepparton from Melbourne (and stops in between) on Friday and back again on Monday will be available. There will also be steam engines, a K153 and a K190, which will haul the train on Saturday and Sunday and run north of Shepparton to Congupna and Tallygaroopna for 50-minute return trips. The train will include a licensed kiosk car with snacks, drinks and souvenirs for sale. Plus, all one-way trips align with regular V/Line services for flexible returns.

For more info and tickets, visit www.trybooking.com/CQZGQ

When: June 7 to June 10

Where: Shepparton Railway Station (check website for departure times and locations)

Cost: Shuttles from $14 and transfers from $31

Contact: info@steamrail.com.au

Tatura Rotary Community Art Show

The Tatura Rotary Community Art Show is back once again to showcase talented artists’ breathtaking work. All the artwork, from watercolours and oils to acrylics and mixed media, is available for purchase. The opening night gala on Friday is the perfect opportunity to get in first and snap up the art that tickles your fancy. Plus, with delicious hot savoury snacks included in the entrance package, this notable event on the Greater Shepparton art calendar is not to be missed.

When: Gala opening, 7pm to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm, and Monday, 10am to 3pm

Where: Victory Hall, Hogan St, Tatura

Cost: $20 for the gala opening, $5 entry for the rest of the weekend

Contact: 0418 181 295 or info@taturarotary.org.au

The Rotary Club of Tatura Art Show has been running at Victory Hall since 2006. Photo by Laura Briggs

The Physicists

Brace yourselves for a plunge into the unknown with the Shepparton Theatre Arts Group’s production of The Physicists by Friedrich Dürrenmatt. However, approach with caution! This isn’t merely a performance, it’s an invitation to explore the depths of the human psyche. Helmed by Bella Walker, this production promises to stretch the boundaries of your imagination and provoke plenty of thought long after the final curtain falls. Don’t miss out, this is the last weekend to see the show.

Grab your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/bp5xanar

When: 7.30pm, Saturday shows at 2pm and 7.30pm

Where: Bakehouse Blackbox Theatre, 17 Wheeler St, Shepparton

Cost: $30

Contact: Gemma Marchant at info@stagtheatre.com

Saturday

Violet Town Community Market

Whether flying solo or with friends, enjoy a wide range of food, delicious coffee, good music, great shopping and a friendly and relaxing atmosphere at the community market. It’s on the second Saturday of each month, so head down and help support the community and stallholders.

When: 8.30am to 1pm

Where: Tulip St, Violet Town

Contact: 0416 233 584

The Violet Town Community Market is a great opportunity to support local producers. Photo by Julie Mercer

Softball Victoria Masters Championships

Calling all softball lovers! The Mooroopna Recreation Reserve is the place to be this weekend, where the 26th edition of the Softball Victoria Masters Championships will be in full swing. Hundreds of softball fanatics and 42 teams from all over the country will reunite for the championships, not for the win or the fame but for the love of the game.

When: 8.30am to 5pm, Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Where: Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, Midland Hwy, Mooroopna

Cost: Free

Contact: Softball Victoria on 9415 1745 or info@softball.org.au

Amigos’ Katie Davenport hits high and true during the 2023 edition of Softball Victoria’s Masters Championships at Mooroopna. Photo by Megan Fisher

Mark Vincent - The Best So Far

Immerse yourself in an afternoon of musical splendour with Mark Vincent, Australia’s classical crossover tenor. Mr Vincent won Australia’s Got Talent when he was 15, in 2009, and ever since his soulful voice has captivated audiences worldwide. His remarkable talent and magnetic stage presence promise a truly enchanting performance. Don’t miss out on an afternoon filled with soul-stirring melodies and vocal mastery.

Grab your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/4te7jfd9

When: 2pm

Where: Riverlinks Eastbank, 70 Welsford St, Shepparton

Cost: From $71.50

Contact: Riverlinks box office on 5832 9511

Glow Roller Disco

All ages and skill levels are welcome at the Glow Roller Disco. The fun-filled event is back with bigger, longer, three-hour sessions, which means you’ve got more time to skate, enjoy the atmosphere and make new friends. Spectators are welcome, prizes are to be won, and food vans will be there for a tasty lunch or dinner break. With an optional 45-minute skate lesson before the three-hour session for those who need it, there’s no excuse not to join in the fun!

When: 2.30pm to 5.30pm and 7pm to 10pm

Where: Shepparton Showgrounds, High St, Shepparton

Cost: Participants from $20 and spectators $5

Contact: Damien Stevens-Todd on 0418 511 562 or damien@gvpride.org

Northern Victoria Sled Dog Championships

It’s time for mushers from all over Australia to gather for one of Australia’s largest dry-land sledding events, the Northern Victoria Sled Dog Championships. This annual event takes place over the June long weekend, and is organised by not-for-profit group, the Northern Victorian Sled Dog Club Inc. Mushers will drive dog teams, ranging from one-dog up to eight-dog teams, via push-bikes, scooters, running and carts. The club hosts dry-land dog sledding events in northern Victoria, offering training and racing opportunities for both beginners and experienced mushers in a fun and welcoming environment.

When: 7am on Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Where: Moira Park Scout Camp, Kialla West

Contact: E’vette Burrows info@nvsdc.org.au

Sled dogs from around the country come together to compete across three days on the forest trails for the annual Northern Victoria Sled Dog Championships. Photo by Megan Fisher

Sunday

Solar City Country Music Rock Day

The Solar City Country Music Rock Day will feature guest artist Johnny Doyle, with walk-ups welcomed and backed by house band The Night Owls. A barbecue lunch including hot dogs will be available for purchase, and complimentary tea and coffee will be available. There will also be raffles and a ‘nifty-fifty’.

When: Noon to 5pm

Where: Shepparton Harness Racing Club, 7580B Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla

Cost: Members $8, and non-members $10

Contact: Heather on 0437 418 594

Tallygaroopna Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Centenary

Celebrate history this weekend as the Tallygaroopna Soldiers’ Memorial Hall turns 100. Attend the Centenary Celebration Ball on Saturday night or the Commemorative Luncheon on Sunday. Better yet, why not both? The two events will also host the launch of the Tallygaroopna Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Commemorative History Book, written by Beverly Moss and filled with 135 full-colour pages packed with photos, newspaper articles, local stories and memorabilia.

When: Saturday celebration ball, 7pm to 11pm and Sunday luncheon from 11.30am

Where: Tallygaroopna Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, 21 Victoria St, Tallygaroopna

Cost: Saturday from $10 and Sunday from $15

Contact: Trish Moss on 0427 298 288, Lyn Hoffman on 0438 577 040

This weekend, the Tallygaroopna Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Commemorative History Book will be launched. Photo by Taylah Baker