The Shaping Shepparton exhibition opened at the Shepparton Heritage Centre on Saturday, April 5.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
A new exhibition launched at the weekend showcases the remarkable evolution of the Greater Shepparton region.
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Shaping Shepparton: An Enterprising City is a comprehensive exhibition at the Shepparton Heritage Centre that traces the city’s rich history and transformation from its humble beginnings in 1855, with the first survey by J.G. Wilmott, through to the thriving municipality it is today.
Rita Jenkins, Greater Shepparton deputy mayor Anthony Brophy and Shepparton Heritage centre volunteer Margaret Guppy admire the mayoral chains on display.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
The exhibition captures the pivotal moments, visionary leaders, and defining milestones that have shaped Shepparton’s identity and community spirit.
It traces the area’s progression from its early days as part of the Echuca Roads District, through its establishment as a borough in 1927, to its consolidation into the Greater Shepparton City Council in 1994, highlighting the challenges, innovations, and leadership that have driven the region’s growth along the way.
Patricia Gibson, nee Smith, (OAM) with the robes she wore when she was Town Clerk.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
Key features include major civic developments, pioneering leadership, the evolution of Shepparton’s ward system, and the significance of Mayoral Robes, Chains of Office, maps and symbolic artefacts.
The exhibition highlights Shepparton’s well-developed economy, driven by its strong agricultural and irrigation base, and its culturally diverse population.
Shepparton Heritage Centre steering committee member Peter Ryan with the centre's executive officer, Kristy Rudd, at the exhibition opening.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
Often referred to as the ‘Food Bowl of Australia’ and the most culturally diverse regional city in Victoria, it also has the highest number of First Nations people outside of Melbourne.
Greater Shepparton City Council deputy mayor Cr Anthony Brophy, mayor Cr Shane Sali, chief executive officer Fiona Le Gassick, former town clerk Patricia Gibson (nee Smith) OAM and Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe pose with the town clerk robes worn by Patricia Smith.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
The exhibition looks at the region’s food processing, dairy, manufacturing, education, health care and transport industries, all of which contribute to its prosperity and reputation.
The civic journey pays tribute to the leaders, residents and communities who have contributed to Shepparton’s legacy.
Current Greater Shepparton mayor Cr Shane Sali with some of the mayoral robes on display.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
The exhibition was opened at The Shepparton Heritage Centre, 154 Welsford St, on Saturday, April 5, at 10 am with a morning tea in the History Hub afterwards.
Volunteer Julie Mercer said there was a great attendance at the opening event.
“There was a lot of reminiscing amongst council members, past and current,” Mrs Mercer said.
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