News blog, April 22: Let’s Talk: Neha Samar making waves; Ballot drawn for Nicholls

What a fine Friday we have ahead of us, Caitlyn Grant here to lead you through the day.

Today is looking to stay gloomy and glum with a top of 20 degrees, while the weekend is hoping to see a slither of sun with highs of 22 and 23.

But to that I say c'est la vie, it’s Fri-yay!

UPDATE, 5 pm: Farewell

As Friday rolls to a close, I’ll leave you to enjoy your weekend and for some, a long weekend.

For those staying around for Monday, we’ve popped together the Anzac Day service times and places across the region.

Our great journo Nicola Ceccato has also sussed out all the latest businesses and services popping up.

Plus, there’s a whole lot going on this weekend, so if you’re sticking around town make sure to have a geeze here. If your friends have packed up for the weekend, remember as our lord and saviour has said, there’s no shame to go without a date.

UPDATE, 4.05 pm: Nicholls ballot drawn

As previously discussed, the ballot order was drawn this morning.

Max Stainkamph has given some more detail on the whole affair, including that there will be 11 lower-house candidates in the seat of Nicholls for the 2022 federal election.

The ballot was drawn at Oke’s Warehouse which will also be set up as a voting station, Max kindly pointed out the former kingdom of toys still bears the giant dog decoration it had in its former life as Oke’s Toy Warehouse.

As a Shepp local who has spent many an hour wandering those aisles as a child, this feels oddly full-circle and somewhat, may I say, a bit sad? I’m not sure. Don’t quote me on that. (Please vote though.)

Also, side note, the picture makes it look so much like the draw took place in a spaceship. Try un-see that one.

UPDATE, 3.50 pm: Let’s Talk: The Flamingo Project

In the latest in Let’s Talk, a column by yours truly and our wonderful photographer, Megan Fisher, we had a chat with Neha Samar.

Neha has had an incredible life journey.

At 16, she narrowly missed being a part of the Mumbai train bombings and ever since, has been using her life to help others.

After having her own difficulties in finding work in the region, she founded the women’s mentorship program, The Flamingo Project with one main objective, connection.

A year on, the program has eight graduates.

“The circle of life came in a way that the woman who helped to get me a job, eight years ago, she was the first person to graduate from The Flamingo Project.”

Pick up a copy of today’s paper to have a proper look at the column, it has been masterfully put together by our creative team!

UPDATE, 12.50 pm: Sports break!!!

As my loyal fans would know, I don’t understand all the sports terminology in the world but I sure do know when a ripper weekend is ahead.

Two premiership fancies of Mooroopna and Shepparton United are going head to head on Sunday, in what is deemed to be “four quarters of pulsating netball”.

In some big ol’ golfing news, the Shepparton Golf Club has become the first official club in Australia to sign the R&A Women in Golf Charter. Slay!

“It’s vitally important that opportunities are there for women and girls in golf and that they’re treated equally. No matter your gender or ability, golf is a game for everyone.”

This superb yarn covers some huge ground, much like the golf club.

Last but not least, a mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash between Tatura and Shepparton South headlines the return of the Central Victorian League this weekend.

Tatura coach Tristan Zito said he did not think the game would be season-defining, I guess we will have to wait and see.

UPDATE, 12.25 pm: Ballot draw for Nicholls

Senior reporter Max Stainkamph has been on the scene for the ballot draw of candidates for Nicholls.

This will be the order candidates will appear on your ballot paper, he has kindly taken a picture, as per below.

UPDATE, 11.15 am: At 92, Dot McCoy still love the RSL

In honour of Anzac Day coming up, journo Georgia Rossiter sat down with the legend that is Dorothy (Dot) McCoy to chat about her lively history with the Shepparton RSL.

It all started in 1972 when Dot and about 13 other ladies decided to open a women’s auxiliary branch, much to the dismay of the then Shepparton RSL sub-branch president.

“He wasn’t keen on ladies to have anything to do with the club,” Dot said.

Among hosting fashion parades, ladies’ nights and picnics to raise money for the RSL club, every Anzac Day, they helped bake 100 loaves of bread at 5am, ready for breakfast after the dawn service.

Fifteen years later, Dot was recognised for her service to the RSL Women’s Auxiliary by the Victorian RSL Auxiliary president.

Now 92, Dot still goes to the RSL every Friday night.

UPDATE, 9.30 am: Gas leak on Nixon Street

Two Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) vehicles are responding to a gas leak on Nixon Street, Shepparton this morning.

According to VicEmergency, the incident opposite the Shepparton Library is now under control.

Perhaps still try to avoid the area until all is cleared, FRV said it should take about an hour.

UPDATE, 9 am: Headlines to start the day

In huge news, former Carlton and Adelaide superstar Eddie Betts will don the blue, red and yellow to play for Rumbalara on Saturday.

Gianni Francis has reported on the gaming machine losses in Greater Shepparton. Losses have climbed steadily to above pre-pandemic levels, with $5.9 million lost on the pokies in January and February alone.

After two years of online fundraisers, The Salvation Army will return to in-person fundraising for 2022. Keep an eye out for the Salvos spread across several Shepp locations.

In court news, a man accused of strangling his partner with a piece of rope has been granted bail. Read more here.

Also, if you’re on the hunt for a new friend, why not get two? Best friends Charlie and Benji are looking for a new home, have a look-see here. They are good, good boys.