News blog, April 28: Candidates clash ahead of second forum, Rawhide up for sale

Max Stainkamph with you on what looks to be an extremely damp Thursday, but it’s not going to dampen our spirits.

After a lot of rain this morning, we’re expecting a top of 23 with a chance of rain until about 4pm.

UPDATE, 4.30: Rawhide for sale

I’ve got to sign off on the blog - it’s been a busy day behind the keyboard for yours truly, but keep an eye out on the website for all the day’s yarns, with more coming tonight.

To sign off, I’ve just put a story in about Shepparton’s only adult entertainment venue going up for sale.

It’s huge news, check it out here, and we’ll be back with you tomorrow for plenty more news.

UPDATE, 2.30pm: Let’s Talk: Body image on social media

Caitlyn Grant and Megan Fisher have again put their heads together in what is rapidly becoming my favourite thing to read each week.

The duo spoke to Brea Dorsett this week for the column about the huge impact social media has had on her life, like any young person.

As a teenager, Brea was not only comparing herself to people on social media, but setting herself a standard near impossible to meet.

Experiencing bullying, a dysfunctional home life and later down the track, youth homelessness, she began to use exercise as a coping mechanism.

Read the full story here.

UPDATE, 1pm: Rural health left behind in election, doctors say

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia says public health needs a complete overhaul, but has expressed disappointment at the “almost total silence” from politicians regarding rural health outcomes.

Medical clinics across Shepparton have struggled to meet patient demand for months because of a shortage of doctors.

Read more about the issue in Gianni Francis’ story here.

UPDATE, 11.50am: Lifetime of adventure: Robert celebrates 100th birthday

Here’s a lovely read to open up in a new tab and have a gander at over lunch.

Living past a century is a rarity for most people and an achievement worth celebrating.

For Robert Jennings, turning 100 was just another day of getting older, but with all the change he’s seen in his lifetime, the feat is not one to be taken lightly.

Nicola Ceccato had a chat to him — read the full story here.

UPDATE, 10.40am: A mother’s exclusion inspires a daughter’s fight for the rights of others to vote

Our new senior journalist Murray Silby has hit the ground running in his first few months, and this yarn from him talking to Jody Barney is a really important one.

Jody is deaf, and is an advocate trying to help ensure everyone has the ability to vote after her mother was unable to due to a brain injury.

Check out the full, touching story here.

UPDATE, 9.45am: Watch the candidates’ forum in full

I’ll keep this short and sweet because there’s been a lot of politics so far today, but if it hasn’t been enough then strap in.

We’ve got the full video of the forum from Tuesday night, all two hours of it.

Check it out here.

UPDATE, 9.15am: Candidates clash, Longwood snares Cam Mooney in draft

Good morning! Heading back, briefly, to Tuesday night’s candidates’ forum to tackle the biggest clash on-stage of the night in my eyes.

After basing much of his campaign on the premise Nicholls hasn’t received its fair share of funding due to being a “safe seat”, Liberal candidate Steve Brooks snapped back a little bit.

He was still respectful, as was everyone on stage on Tuesday, but it was the biggest flare-up on the night. Read my write-up of it here, while I also collated some of the biggest talking points.

Meanwhile, Murray Silby also spoke to voters about what they thought of the night.

But enough of that zany politics rubbish, I hear you cry. We’re sick of the election! Sadly, we’ll hear more about it across the rest of the day (and the coming weeks) but some footy news for now — Cam Mooney is coming to Longwood.

Here’s the story from before the Draft, which sets the scene, and Aydin Payne will have some more deets coming soon.