Opinion Piece

There are very few occasions where I have reflected on Australia Day and what it represents. Growing up on a farm, few public holidays had any impact on the daily routine, and if they fell during school holidays – with no day off school – they barely registered in our thinking. The 1990s was the…

So as we mark the end of another school year – it has me wondering if a few old dogs need to learn some new tricks or maybe unlearn some old ones! In December 1992 unemployment rates peaked at 11.2%, and youth unemployment hit 20.1% – the highest rates of unemployment in the past 50…

Our city has just experienced a 1 in 100-year flood with thousands in our community displaced and concerned for their loved ones, homes, and uncertain about what happens next. Before the flood waters had even receded, there are media articles and coverage speculating on our willingness and ability to understand and respond to the challenges…

Greater Shepparton’s greatest strengths is its intersections. Let’s start with the obvious. Shepparton is one of the busiest intersections on the national freight network that runs like a spine through Australia’s primary production heartland linking Brisbane to the Port of Melbourne. At Shepparton, local and national freight moves to and from domestic markets and export…

We are less than 100 days from the Victorian election. In distilling our election priorities, its clear that we are not just looking for investment and infrastructure. We need our incoming upper and lower house representatives to use their position to deliver strong, intelligent leadership to influence Victorian Government policy, as well as federal government…

Shepparton is one of the busiest intersections on Australia’s national freight network that links Brisbane to the Port of Melbourne. This link is the spine that runs through Australia’s primary production heartland, from the Darling Downs to Dubbo and onto Derrimut (Dookie is a short detour from the main route). This spine is essential to…

If COVID has been a catalyst for changing where and how we work, does it also mean we need to rethink how we provide work experience for secondary students? According to the Department of Education, work experience is designed to provide students with the valuable opportunity to develop employability skills, explore possible career options, understand…

As the dust settles on the federal election, we know we have a new Labour government, but we don’t know if it will govern as a majority. We knew going into this election that the Murray Darling Basin Plan would conclude in 2024, but we don’t know whether the new water minister will have the…

A very wise colleague often stated that the key ingredients for successful regional economies are reliable water, energy, and connectivity. The Goulburn Valley has enjoyed all three and it’s reflected in the scale, variety and success of our local business, communities and economy. Looking forward there are challenges including water security, freight network investment and…

I never expected to begin my first column with an apology to Mr Spock and the legions of Star Trek fans – all of whom will know this line was never actually spoken in the series – but here we are. In my first few weeks of connecting and reconnecting with many new and familiar…