Health Innovation in the Goulburn Valley

Whether it’s advanced surgery, new ways to deliver care in the community, or the breakthroughs emerging from the Goulburn Valley’s food and dairy sector, the message is clear: health innovation in the Goulburn Valley is leading the way at home and abroad according to the Committee for Greater Shepparton’s (C4GS) first major event for 2026.

The event brought together leaders from across the Goulburn Valley to highlight how innovation in health, food manufacturing and digital technology is reshaping care in the region.

C4GS Chair Leigh Findlay said the event was designed to put a spotlight on local talent and new ideas.

“We wanted to demonstrate that some of the most exciting developments in health are happening right here – in our hospitals, clinics, factories and tech networks,” Leigh said.

The event featured two panel discussions and a line‑up of speakers representing hospitals, primary care, education, digital infrastructure, food and grocery manufacturing, and specialist clinical services:

• Matt Sharp – Chief Executive, Goulburn Valley Health

• Neelu Kaur – Chief Information Officer, Hume Rural Health Alliance

• Jacque Phillips – Chief Operations Officer, Murray Primary Health Network

• Dr Kim Houghton – Regional Wellbeing Project, University of Canberra

• Michelle Cobb – Regional Development and Engagement Manager, nbn Local

• Janine Waller – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Dairy Products Federation

• Noel Mitchell – Northern Victorian Orthotics and Prosthetics (NVOPs)

• Dr Duncan Craig – Director, Nutrition and Regulation, Australian Food and Grocery Council

• Tom Davey – Podiatrist and Director, GV Sportscare, Physio, Podiatry & Myotherapy

The evening opened with a video message from Dr Sandro Demaio, Director and Head of the World Health Organisation Asia‑Pacific Centre for Environment and Health, who has strong family links to Shepparton and spoke about the importance of regional leadership in health and wellbeing.

The first panel explored how better use of data, connectivity and digital tools is transforming the way services are planned and delivered, while the second panel focused on practical examples of innovation being led by local clinicians, manufacturers and allied health professionals.

“These conversations showed how technology, research and industry partnerships are giving people more options for treatment and recovery without leaving the region,” Leigh said.

Janine Waller and Dr Duncan Craig described a “protein arms race” driven by changing diets and medicines such as Ozempic, with global demand surging for high quality, high‑ protein foods and specialty ingredients.

Local dairy processors are investing in sophisticated processes to capture more value from every litre of milk – from everyday yoghurts and drinks through to premium lactoferrin sought after in global markets.

Innovations and technology that are making day-to-day‑ life easier were also on show.

From accessible packaging and NVOP’s Bluetooth enabled‑ prosthetic devices that switch seamlessly from holding a steering wheel to typing on a keyboard, to a new local initiative focused on healthy feet for babies and young children, which helps parents choose better footwear and encourages good movement habits from the earliest years.

“Each of our guests has a story of innovation that’s happening in our region and driven by their desire to improve the lives of our community and communities around the world,” Leigh said.

Education and data driven planning were strong themes.

The audience heard how students can now complete an entire Doctor of Medicine qualification in Shepparton, giving local students – and those who move here to study – a clear pathway without leaving the region.

Dr Kim Houghton outlined how Shepparton’s participation in the national Regional Wellbeing Survey and associated framework is giving local leaders a deeper understanding of what drives wellbeing in the community, helping to target investment and design services that respond to real local needs.

Students from Greater Shepparton Secondary College were among the audience, hearing first‑hand about the careers, study pathways and local opportunities.

“We want to thank you to the students and team at GSSC for their involvement – it’s something we want to continue at future events,” Leigh said.

Leigh said the discussions reinforced the importance of ongoing investment in facilities, skills and partnerships, including the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health and the broader health and tertiary precinct.

“Our region’s intersection of food and health innovation doesn’t exist at this scale and diversity anywhere else – it’s a unique platform for careers, research and business growth that we want to encourage and celebrate,” he said.

The following day, C4GS CEO Linda Nieuwenhuizen and Australian Food and Grocery Council representatives toured Noumi and J Furphy and Son’s.

“We were able to showcase the high-tech processes in dairy processing and engineering design and manufacturing that underpin this region’s global reputation for innovation and quality,” Linda said.