Can you believe how quickly this year has flown by? It feels like we blinked, and suddenly, 2025 is at our doorstep.
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I’m News reporter Khadija Hadjab, ready to take you on a journey through the moments that defined our community this year.
Together, let’s revisit the stories that brought the Shepparton community closer and filled our hearts with hope and pride.
So, settle in — it’s time to relive the highlights of a year that reminded us what makes Shepparton truly special.
A guardian angel’s answer: Adam Kitungano’s story of resilience
Amid the turmoil of the first Congo War, Adam Kitungano lived with his family in a Tanzanian refugee camp, gripped by fear and uncertainty. With war on their doorstep, Adam turned to prayer, pleading for hope.
“It was a difficult time,” Adam said.
“There wasn’t much food, and survival was becoming harder by the day.
“My guardian angel heard my cries.
“And we were given an opportunity that changed our lives.”
In 1996, Adam and his family were resettled in Australia through the Australian Government Pilot Program. They became the first African family to settle in Shepparton, starting a new life far from the chaos they left behind.
“I remember arriving like it was yesterday,” Adam said.
“Many people were waiting to welcome us.
“People had food, clothes, shoes and bikes for the kids.
“It was special, and I will never forget that moment.”
Determined to rebuild, Adam embraced education, earning multiple qualifications, including a master’s degree in special education. Today, he works as a manager at St Paul’s African House, helping African communities in Shepparton transition to their new lives.
“People need the same sense of relief we needed when we arrived,” Adam said.
“I just want to help them.
“Shepparton is a peaceful and welcoming community, we are so grateful to be given the opportunities we have had here.
“Life is a blessing — let’s enjoy it together,” he said.
All we need is love
Tom and Lorraine Sherwood celebrated 60 years of marriage — a journey rooted in love, honesty and togetherness. Married on December 28, 1963, in Croydon, Victoria, they moved to Shepparton in 1974, settling in Toolamba the following year.
Reflecting on their life, Lorraine said, “We’ve had a wonderful 60 years.”
They met when Tom worked with Lorraine’s brother in a shearing shed.
“The rest is history,” Tom said.
Their bond thrives on honesty and always being together.
“We don’t go anywhere without one another,” Lorraine said.
With two daughters, Diana and Carolyn, and four grandchildren, the Sherwoods were surprised with a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla for their milestone anniversary. The couple love travelling in their caravan, with Mildura being a favourite destination for over 50 years.
Despite health challenges, their devotion continues to shine every day.
Holi brings good luck and joy to Ferrari Park
Holi, known as the Festival of Colours, is a vibrant Hindu celebration marking love, the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
Ahead of Australia’s spring, Mooroopna’s Ferrari Park was filled with Holi’s energy and joy on March 24, thanks to the Greater Shepparton Nepalese Community.
About 200 people gathered for the free event, tossing colourful powders to symbolise blessings and good wishes. Locals enjoyed Nepali music, games for children and a community barbecue featuring shared dishes.
Iconic local family donates collector’s item
The Furphy family has donated one of 15 commemorative water tank ends to Greater Shepparton City Council, celebrating 150 years of Furphy Foundry and J. Furphy and Sons.
Each tank end represents a decade of the family’s long-standing contribution to the region.
Last year, one of these pieces raised around $50,000 at an auction held at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution in Kialla. On March 28, the gifted tank end was unveiled at the council’s Welford St customer service centre, where it now stands on display for the community to appreciate.
Inspiring Shepparton fundraiser raises $14,450 for Leukaemia Foundation
Deb and Bruce Lynch were inspired to make a difference after witnessing the incredible support their friend Karen received from the Leukaemia Foundation during her treatment in Melbourne.
Staying at free, fully equipped accommodation provided by the foundation, Karen and her husband, Peter, received essential comfort and care during a difficult seven-month period.
Moved by the foundation’s generosity, Deb and Bruce decided to raise funds through the World’s Greatest Shave, setting April 28 as the big day.
With the Aussie as their venue, friends and family, including an eight-year-old relative, bravely shaved their heads for the cause. The day was filled with excitement and a sense of community, with prize donations, fun competitions and generous contributions coming from all sides.
By the end of the night, an incredible $14,450 had been raised and donated to the Leukaemia Foundation, to support more families in need — far surpassing what Deb and Bruce expected.
For Deb and Bruce, the takeaway was simple: fundraising like this not only offers vital support but also unites communities and makes a meaningful difference.
Dazzling aurora australis lights up Goulburn Valley skies in a rare spectacle
In a rare and breathtaking spectacle, the skies lit up with vibrant hues during a geomagnetic storm on May 10 and 11.
Known as the aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere, this captivating display reached its peak intensity on May 11, and was visible in the Goulburn Valley. The event marked the strongest aurora display in two decades, with solar storm levels hitting G4 on May 10 and escalating to G5 on May 11.
Social media buzzed with stunning photos as people captured and shared the awe-inspiring light show. For many, including those chasing the aurora, it was a special and unforgettable night beneath a sky painted with vibrant colours.
The News received several stunning snapshots from readers across the Goulburn Valley.
National Volunteer Week
Greater Shepparton came together on May 20 to celebrate its dedicated volunteers at the 2024 Volunteer Recognition Awards, filling Riverlinks Eastbank with over 360 attendees and hundreds of virtual viewers.
The event kicked off National Volunteer Week with the theme ‘Something for Everyone’. This year saw the highest number of nominations recorded in the award’s history, with 45 volunteers receiving a nomination.
In a special first, the Greater Shepparton Women’s Charter Award went to Chelsea Sofra, celebrated for her work in championing equity and inclusivity at the Goulburn Valley Centre Against Sexual Assault.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali praised all nominees and winners, highlighting their remarkable contributions that make our community shine brighter.
Age should never define what we do: The Milo Rose case
At just eight years old, Milo Rose from Murchison has already left a lasting impression on the local art scene. From holding his first solo art exhibition at the age of six to winning the 2024 Furphy Junior Poetry award alongside his brother Errol, Milo’s talent is nothing short of extraordinary.
His artistic range spans large-scale paintings and poetry, drawing inspiration from literary and musical greats such as Sylvia Plath, Bob Dylan and Adrianne Lenker.
Milo’s creative process is rooted in his love for reading, nature and self-expression. He often takes pen and paper on bike rides, and enjoys sitting under his favourite tree, which he calls “Ghost Gum”.
Whether crafting poetry or creating artwork, Milo constantly explores new ideas, drawing from his rich imagination and his family’s unwavering support.
Despite his accomplishments, he remains grounded, offering advice to other young artists to “make lots of art and write lots of poems” and never shy away from creating something “wacky or crazy”.
With a bright future ahead, Milo’s journey is just beginning.
Kylie and Dean Adams fight to feed their community
As living costs continue to rise, community support becomes increasingly vital. Kylie and Dean Adams’ dedication to helping their Barmah community began when they volunteered with food distribution in Echuca, inspiring Kylie’s mission to help others. When the 2022 floods isolated Barmah, Kylie, Dean and their son Jake turned their home into a lifeline, transforming their front porch into a makeshift supermarket and organising groceries to be delivered by trucks and boats to isolated families.
Though the ‘Community Grab’ initiative ended post-floods, Kylie’s commitment continues, helping 300 families every fortnight through a community pantry. The Adamses organised for a shack to be built to store goods, even funding parts of it themselves.
Amid supply challenges, the Adamses continue to support families with help from local businesses and donors. Their work has grown into a community-driven effort, and they are now seeking additional support, such as food donations or an industrial fridge, to keep up with rising demand.
Kylie’s selfless determination exemplifies the power of grassroots community care.
To support this beautiful community project click here: Fundraiser by Kylie Adams : Barmah Food Shack funds (gofundme.com)
Orange Sky arrives in the Goulburn Valley
Orange Sky Australia, the world’s first free mobile laundry service, has expanded into Greater Shepparton, bringing its mission of connection and dignity to the Goulburn Valley.
Launched at Family Haven in Mooroopna on October 15, the service offers more than clean laundry — it creates safe spaces for meaningful conversations and support.
At every volunteer shift, six orange chairs are set out, inviting people using the service to connect with volunteers in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Since its inception in Brisbane in 2014, Orange Sky has grown to 38 locations across Australia, including 14 in remote areas.
The free laundry service in Mooroopna operates four days a week: Mondays from 9am to 11am, and Tuesdays to Thursdays from 9am to noon.
With no bookings required, the program runs on a first-come, first-served basis, embodying Orange Sky’s mission to offer practical help and foster human connection.
Shepparton’s annual festival brought the world to St George’s Rd
The flavours, colours and community spirit of Shepparton lit up this year’s St George’s Rd Food Festival.
Held on November 16, the festival transformed the St George’s Rd Shopping Precinct into a lively hub of culinary delights, cultural performances and family fun.
For one day, Shepparton became a global village, offering 16 different cuisines and showcasing vibrant performances from 12 cultural groups, drawing an estimated 4000 visitors who enjoyed a world tour without leaving town.
From 4pm to 8pm, locals and visitors alike savoured a diverse range of dishes from food trucks, stalls and local eateries, all while enjoying live music and dance.
Activities in the Park brought additional excitement for children, with an inflatable soccer arena and soccer darts at Victory Park oval.
This annual celebration once again brought the community together, highlighting the rich diversity that Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley have to offer.
Cadet journalist