News blog, May 2: Coalition announces $25m for sports stadium; Kylie Jones to compete in Ultraman

UPDATE, 4.15pm: Shepparton experiences a wet April

April’s weather wrap is in and it seems as if Shepparton has had a lot more rain than normal.

Journalist Monique Preston had a look at previous years, and the 78.2mm that fell on Shepparton this month is more than twice the average from the past 26 years (35.4mm).

And remember that really rainy day we had recently? That 40.8mm accounted for a lot of April’s total rainfall.

UPDATE, 3.40pm: Coalition announces $25 million investment into sports stadium

A re-elected coalition government will invest $25 million dollars into transforming the Shepparton Sports Stadium into the Shepparton Sports and Events Centre.

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Bridget McKenzie was in Shepparton earlier today to announce the funding.

“The new Shepparton Sports and Events Centre will create a regionally and nationally significant sporting, entertainment and events centre for a broad community,” Minister McKenzie said.

“Upgrading the centre will create around 235 local jobs during construction and generate an additional 24,000 visitors annually, which is part of our government’s plan for a strong economy and stronger future.”

Darren Linton will have more on this soon.

UPDATE, 3pm: ‘Ultra’ challenge for Mother’s Day Classic ambassador

Mother’s Day Classic Shepparton ambassador and three-time breast cancer survivor Kylie Jones is feeling bittersweet about missing the annual event this year – instead she’ll be attempting her biggest ever endurance event, the Ultraman, writes journalist Anna McGuinness.

The three-day event in Noosa involves a 10km swim and 140km ride on day one, a 281.1km ride on day two and finishes with an 84.3km run on day three.

Kylie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, aged 32, and when it returned about five years later, she underwent a double mastectomy.

While she can’t be there herself this year, she encouraged locals to support the event in its 10th year in Shepparton.

“About 55 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every day and nine Australians die every day from it – those statistics are still fairly startling,” she said.

UPDATE, 2.15pm: Local cannabis study to determine efficacy of CBD oil.

The News’ health correspondent Lachlan Durling writes that it is hoped a Shepparton research project will unearth answers on the effects of cannabis oils in cannabis users.

The 12-week project is seeking anonymous participants to determine the efficacy of Cannabidiol oil for mood and sleep issues in cannabis users.

The study, led by Shepparton-based Professor Edward Ogden, will include 33 participants who will meet with a researcher monthly to record results.

UPDATE, 1pm: Higher demand for ambulances but slower response

Code one calls for ambulances in the City of Greater Shepparton increased by 16 per cent to since December last year, but response times were slower, as more paramedics join local branches.

Ambulance Victoria Hume acting regional director Narelle Capp said to help respond to the increase in demand, Ambulance Victoria recruited 700 new paramedics.

Of 57 new graduate paramedics that started on May 2, 10 joined branches in the Hume Region, including Mooroopna, Shepparton, Seymour, Benalla, Alexandra, Wallan, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

UPDATE, 11.45am: Have you seen Lailah?

Police are asking for help to find missing girl Lailah.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said the 12-year-old was last seen at a Dookie address at about 1pm on Sunday, May 1.

Police have released a photo of Lailah to help locate her.

UPDATE, 11am: Energy bonuses announced

The Victorian Government has announced ahead of tomorrow’s budget, that all households will get what it is variously calling a “$250 bill busting bonus” or “Power Saving Bonus” – take your pick which bonus you prefer.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said to qualify for the bonus households only need to visit Victoria’s Energy Compare website to find out if they can get a better energy deal than they’re already receiving.

Ms D’Ambrosio said people without access to the internet can call the Victorian Energy Compare helpline or seek support from a community outreach organisation.

UPDATE, 10.10am: JobSeeker rate hot topic for candidates seeking job in Nicholls

One of the agencies behind a candidates’ forum in the seat of Nicholls has expressed disappointment with the lack of commitment from the major parties to raise the JobSeeker rate, writes journalist Murray Silby.

Family Care chief executive David Tennant welcomed the opportunity to hear the views of the candidates on issues that strongly impacted many 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,” Mr Tennant 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.”

Read the full story.

UPDATE, 9am: What you missed at the weekend

A coronial inquest into the death of First Nations woman Veronica Nelson has begun.

The 37-year-old died in a cell at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre early on January 2, 2020, from an undiagnosed medical condition after screaming in pain and calling for help nine times.

Darren Linton has the latest.

Deputy Leader of the Victorian Nationals Steph Ryan claims additional high speed services on the Shepparton line will remain a far-off dream if the Victorian budget on Tuesday, May 3, fails to invest in the rolling stock required to deliver them.

“Incredibly, Labor has been promising additional services on regional lines without even ordering the required rolling stock,” Ms Ryan said.

“The 2022-23 state budget must guarantee this order goes ahead as soon as possible so these trains can come on line without further frustrating delays.”

Lots of sport going on across the region over the weekend as well. AFLW Carlton star Grace Egan boosted the Shepparton Swans netball team on Saturday, Chris Nield ran the show in Mooroopna’s win over Seymour, and much more, which you can find in the Sports section on our website.

A note from our 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 (sheppnews.com.au/join)

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