News blog, April 29: Mansfield appeals star’s six-match ban, Shepparton Hotel reduced to rubble

We’re heading for a top of 24°C in Shepparton today with 40 per cent chance of any rain.

UPDATE, 4.45pm: Shepparton Jazz Orchestra at the Aussie Hotel

Looking for something to do on Sunday?

The Shepparton Jazz Orchestra is taking the stage from 2.30pm to 5pm at the Aussie Hotel and it’s set to be a wonderful afternoon of live music.

Band co-founder Brian Matthews spoke to Shepp News last year about how their performances had been put on hold due to COVID-19, so it’s great to see them back on the live music lineup.

That’s all from us on the news blog today, have a great weekend.

UPDATE, 4pm: Shepparton Search and Rescue looking for volunteers

Be on the lookout for a story from me on Monday or Tuesday next week (today has gotten away from me) about Shepparton Search and Rescue’s search for more volunteers.

I spoke to vice-president Michael D’Elia who hosting several recruitment info nights for anyone thinking of joining.

According to president Nacole Standfield, there’s a position for everyone.

“We have people that solely do administration work,” she said.

“They don’t have to attend a road crash or a land search.”

UPDATE, 2.30pm: What’s on this weekend

Hello everyone! Georgia Rossiter here while Anna ducks off to cover court for the afternoon.

Like everyone, I’m truly looking forward to my weekend beginning in t-minus two-and-a-half hours.

To get me through the afternoon, I’ve been perusing journo Gianni Francis’ usual list of events and activities taking place in the Goulburn Valley this weekend.

I don’t know about you, but I’m very intrigued as to who is playing a secret gig in Shepparton on Saturday night...

UPDATE, 1.40pm: Shepparton resident taking on Ride to Fight Cancer

Shepparton’s Annie Clark is ticking an item off her bucket list and honouring some dear friends at the same time by taking part in the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation’s Ride to Fight Cancer.

During two years of COVID-19 restrictions, Annie lost three friends, Jamie, Shona and Berenice, and it’s in their memory she’s raising money for cancer research.

During 10 days from April 29 to May 8, Annie is challenging herself to ride 200km and has already raised $1360.

UPDATE, 11.35am: Forum hears from Nicholls candidates

Seven of the 11 Nicholls federal election candidates have been pressed on where they stand on social issues such as family violence, Indigenous affairs, poverty, juvenile incarceration and affordable housing during a forum in Shepparton.

The candidates were asked a series of questions on Thursday night by social workers and students during the forum hosted by Shepparton Community Share Agencies and the La Trobe Rural Health School.

Chief executive of Family Care, one of the agencies behind the forum, David Tennant, said it was important to get the views of the candidates on issues that can have strong impacts on some residents in the Goulburn Valley.

“Some of the questions crossed the areas that we do in our day jobs and that are critically important for the clients we work with,” he said.

“There were some things that I was disappointed about, but in the main, having people recognise just how dreadfully difficult it is to live on a low income, particularly if you’re reliant on a benefit income was useful.”

More to come.

UPDATE, 11am: A note from the editor

The daily news blog has been a way for our team to keep you updated hour-by-hour in the middle of a global pandemic.

While the continuing serious nature of the COVID-19 outbreak across the globe is not to be downplayed, the conversation has shifted from what do we do ‘now’ to what do we do ‘next’.

The need for analysis, in-depth coverage and exclusive content outweighs the ‘breaking’ nature of the news cycle, and with that comes the commitment of more resources to the daily blog.

It means that from Wednesday, May 4, this content will return to its place behind our paywall. For full digital access, subscribe to our ‘welcome’ bundle; it’s just $2 per week for 12 weeks Join | Shepparton News

We’ve loved having you along for the ride as we explored a new way to deliver content to you directly – and we hope you will stay with us for the next step on the journey.

Tyler Maher, Shepparton News editor

UPDATE, 10.10am: Mansfield appealing star forward’s ban

Sports reporter Aydin Payne has brought us the latest from the Goulburn Valley League tribunal.

Mansfield has lodged an appeal after senior footballer Cameron Arnold was handed a six-match suspension at last Friday’s tribunal.

Arnold was reported for engaging in rough conduct during Mansfield’s win over Seymour on April 16.

Meanwhile, a Euroa under-18s footballer will spend two months on the sidelines.

UPDATE, 8.50am: In case you missed it

The last of the Shepparton Hotel came crashing to the ground on Wednesday, April 27.

The last of the red brick walls were demolished and all that remains is one small section of bricks with some pipes attached to it.

See the aerial shots of the site and find out what council says will happen next here.

Max Stainkamph had a busy afternoon yesterday, not only with news that Shepparton adult entertainment business Rawhide is for sale, but Labor’s election promise to build one of 50 urgent care clinics in Shepparton should Labor win government.

The clinic, which Labor candidate for Nicholls Bill Lodwick said would be built during the next term, would take pressure off GPs and emergency departments, and help provide relief to people across the region.