News blog, April 12: Shepparton to host Commonwealth Games events, Cooma church farewelled

UPDATE, 4.45pm: Easter services in the GV

I’ll leave the blog here for today with a comprehensive guide to holy week services in the region.

Gianni Francis and Nicola Ceccato have done all the hard work for you, take a look at the list here.

Keep an eye on the our website for some great yarns making their way shortly, including reactions to the 2026 Commonwealth Games announcement.

UPDATE, 3pm: Good Friday Appeal needs more volunteers

Shepparton’s Good Friday Appeal organisers are calling for volunteers to help collect donations for the Royal Children’s Hospital this weekend.

I caught up with local organiser Anthony Deith and his daughter Sophie yesterday, ahead of the annual fundraiser for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

They’re running short on volunteers this year which could see less donations for the important cause.

Anyone who can help out is encouraged to contact Anthony on 0429 313 709.

UPDATE, 12.30pm: Cooma sends off its Uniting Church

Cooma people farewelled their Uniting Church last Sunday.

About 200 people turned out for the thanksgiving service in the small rural, community about 30 kms west of Shepparton.

The video in Geoff Adams’ article of the 22-member Cooma male choir in full voice is powerful and well worth a watch.

Sad to see another closure in our Goulburn Valley villages.

UPDATE, 10.35am: Shepparton to play role in 2026 Commonwealth Games

Shepparton is set to host sporting and cultural events as part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Victorian Government has announced this morning.

The Games, called Victoria 2026, will be held across multiple regions.

The opening ceremony will be held in Melbourne, but all sporting events will be in regional Victoria.

Four hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athletes’ village and sport program.

The regional hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following an Opening Ceremony at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria.

While Shepparton won’t be a regional hub, the state government says it will host events as part of the Games.

Murray Silby is following the announcement happening now in Ballarat and we’ll have more for you later.

UPDATE, 10.30am: Commonwealth Games announcement imminent

AAP is reporting Victoria has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

We’re expecting Premier Daniel Andrews to make an announcement from Ballarat shortly and will keep you updated.

Hopefully we’ll get some details on whether the Goulburn Valley will play host to any events.

UPDATE, 9.30am: Warrant for burglary and theft offences

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Thomas Morgan, who also goes by the name Thomas Beckhurst.

He is known to frequent the Shepparton area as well as Wagga Wagga, NSW.

Anyone who sights Morgan, or has information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

UPDATE, 9.05am: Get up-to-date with the morning headlines

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is reminding visitors heading to the Murray River for the school holidays to keep an eye on river heights and flows.

Continuing La Niña conditions meant there’s a high degree of uncertainty about flow rates.

The political career of Member for Nicholls Damian Drum has officially ended after the federal election was called by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday.

Not contesting the seat again, Mr Drum said it has been an “absolute honour to do the job”.

Murray Silby spoke to Mr Drum at one of his last official engagements last week.

Shepparton’s Garry Jacobson achieved a career-best finish in the Melbourne 400 at Albert Park at the weekend.

An excellent drive saw him cross the line in sixth spot.