Hi there, and welcome back.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Last Wednesday I received a letter from the News office, which sent me searching for three ladies. The letter was written by Jennifer, in Glen Waverley, and addressed to Pat, Town Talk. It also gave details of a lady called Jean.
As the correspondence, to a large degree, was directed to Pat, I called Pat Gibson (née Smith) first but was unable to contact her. I then began a search for Jennifer, from the details I had in the letter. It took some time — but, eventually, the retirement village (my fourth try) called me back with Jennifer’s mobile number.
Of course, it was worth it. Jennifer went to school at Ky Primary and started her nursing studies at Mooroopna Base; she is cousin to Peg Curtis (now deceased) — we had a great chat. And I didn’t know that Town Talk had an enthusiastic reader in Glen Waverley. Did she want the letter forwarded to Pat — or published? She didn’t mind either way — whatever Pat wanted. So, after a nice chat with Jennifer, I tried Pat once again.
She said she’d leave it to my discretion, but that didn’t feel quite right to me, so I read the letter to her. (No email available.) We both felt that, as Jennifer still has several friends in the area, it could be published.
Then I tried to find contact details for Jean; I had thought that would be the easy one. However, I failed dismally — and my man was getting his ‘hungry look’ and asking what was for dinner. I tried again for Jean’s phone number the next day and eventually decided to edit that part of Jennifer’s letter, which, by the way, with all necessary permissions, is later in this page.
Our city’s growth
When not chatting with readers, I’ve been thinking about last week’s column and the activities brought about by Suzanna Sheed’s time in state parliament. Where are we at with this building program? What has happened and what is yet to eventuate? I thought you might be interested too, so I made a couple of phone calls.
Progress so far
When I was talking with Suzanna, a couple of weeks ago, she made it clear that her campaign objectives weren’t her ideas alone; they were obvious needs for Shepparton, and others — including the Committee for Greater Shepparton and the hospital board — had been working towards the same objectives. Her campaign goals were education, train services, hospital redevelopment and SAM (which had yet to be built).
Railway services
I have been studying the V/Line schedule — and bear in mind that a glance won’t tell you anything. Monday to Thursday we have nine scheduled services to Melbourne, four of which are coach to Seymour. On Friday, there is an additional service, which is coach to Seymour.
Saturday and Sunday we have five scheduled trips, two with coach to Seymour.
Coming home there are nine services Monday to Friday, with four coach from Seymour. On Saturday and Sunday there are four scheduled services, one of which is coach from Seymour.
This is a better service than we’ve ever had — but not what we want, which is nine train services to Melbourne each weekday. The Victorian Government has told us this will be happening.
We do not have enough VLocity trains as yet — but I’ve been assured that the remainder will be here within six months. A large shed (near Grahamvale Rd) is waiting for them.
And (this is a guess on my part) I think we’ll find that, when all the trains are here, the puzzling traffic lights at SAM will be set to suit the final schedule — and will be turned on. If this fails to happen, feel free to send me ‘what do you know?’ emails!
Education
We are all aware that Greater Shepparton Secondary College opened in 2022 — and my personal reports, from grandchildren, are positive, particularly about the facilities. When I spoke with executive principal Barbara O’Brien (some time ago now), she was positive about the future. She felt the system guaranteed every student had a teacher who knew them well and that no-one would be left behind. When I got my head around how the school worked, I was hopeful about its success. The powers that be say it takes eight years to properly ‘bed down’ a new school. I don’t think we’ll have to wait that long.
The Mooroopna Children and Families Centre also opened last year. It is situated on the grounds of Mooroopna Primary School and offers the little ones health, wellbeing and educational services — while preparing them for primary school. A paediatrician is also available. The location of this centre makes it possible for time-poor parents to drop off their primary and kindergarten children at one stop, which must be an additional blessing for many.
The Verney Rd School is being relocated to the former Wanganui Secondary College. This is in progress and will allow this important school to offer its services to its senior students first and then all levels. Relief is in sight for those on a long waiting list.
Health
Stage one of the redevelopment of Goulburn Valley Health included doubling the capacity of the emergency department, a new women’s and children’s precinct, an expanded dialysis unit, 64 inpatient beds and 10 intensive care unit beds.
An early parenting centre has been funded and land is now being sought. It is felt that this centre, where a parent can stay with a baby, will be more effective if it is centrally positioned. Mothers might wish to take their babe for a walk to have a coffee, or meet friends. This will be a wonderful facility for first-time mums and dads or for those who aren’t coping with an additional child. I believe Shepparton has been the only regional centre without an early parenting centre.
The mental health facility is the first step of stage two of the hospital’s redevelopment program and will be built on hospital land. It will replace and expand the outdated facility now available. This important and necessary centre will be ‘the first cab off the rank’; however, it is accepted that additional funding will be required for stage two.
It will be a big build and include a cancer centre with wellbeing services, oncology and bunkers for radiation therapy. Funding will be required in future state government budgets and there is no available information as to when this will happen.
The Munarra Centre
Funding was granted for the construction of an educational, sporting, cultural and community centre for Indigenous people — in 2018. The sod was turned just recently, on land near our sporting complex. It is the next chapter for Rumbalara Football Netball Club.
In this year’s state budget, the only additional funding for our region was $55 million for Numurkah Aged Care — which is desperately needed, and welcomed, and was a Labor Government election commitment last year.
Jennifer’s letter
Dear Pat,
Please excuse my forwardness but that seems to be the modern way. Anyway, we have met, albeit a long time ago now.
The occasion was my late father’s 90th birthday party, Ashenden St, Shepparton. His name was Victor Cruse and I am Jennifer, his only daughter.
We had an open house and the place was packed — out of need, you and Norman Starritt became masters of ceremonies.
Dad had a wonderful time but when I was packing up to return back to Melbourne he stated (out of the blue) that he was coming with me and never lived at Ashenden St ever again.
My school friend, Jean, sends me snippets and cuttings from the Shepparton News, which I enjoy.
Needless to say, she sent me the article dated May 9, 2023, with the gorgeous photo of you — have to say. You don’t look any different to when that event took place about 36 years ago.
Dad died in his 93rd year and my two younger brothers are also deceased. After my husband, Tom, died, I moved to a village in Glen Waverley, and at the age of 82, keep myself entertained and genuinely enjoy life.
My daughter Fiona is a registered nurse at Epworth Hospital in Richmond. She remains single and of course works hard and is very good to me.
I do agree with you about the coronation. I am a royalist, of course! Congratulations on your career — ahead of your time, really.
With fond memories and respect, Jennifer Shepherd (Cruse).
As Pat didn’t mention the coronation, I feel that Jennifer’s comment was in regard to Town Talk of May 23 where I discussed the republic issue. However, the congratulations are definitely for Pat — ahead of her time, she certainly is.
Health again — mine this time
Everybody, I have encountered and caught an (as yet) unnamed virus that I didn’t know existed. A news broadcast calls it “a potentially dangerous respiratory virus” and about 70,000 people have had it so far. It might have taken me three years to get the COVID-19 thing — but, this time, I’m a part of an early uptake. It’s not fun, if you enjoy breathing!
May it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Send a text on 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back, if you wish.)
Town Talk