Year in review: Shepparton back to business in 2024

The Victorian Government’s decision raised issues around economic and social impacts, particularly for staff, nearby businesses and the small Dhurringile community.

The prison’s decommissioning led to significant job losses and affected local industries that relied on the facility’s presence.

Many believed the decision was abrupt and lacked transparency. A series of community meetings, surveys and advocacy efforts sought to give residents a voice in shaping the site’s future.

There was strong demand for repurposing the site in a way that benefited the local economy and preserved its heritage, including the historic Dhurringile Mansion, which held cultural significance.

An open day was held on November 29 to allow the public to see inside the mansion for the first time.

Suggestions for its use included tourism ventures, community spaces or agricultural projects. Politicians and residents continued to push for clarity on plans and for meaningful community consultation.

While the prison’s closure was seen as a loss of identity for some, others viewed it as an opportunity for redevelopment, provided the government listened to local input and prioritised community needs.

Merger announced for SPC

Shepparton-based SPC Global announced it would return to public ownership through a merger with dairy company Nature One and The Original Juice Company.

The move marked a key step in SPC’s global strategy, which had guided the company since its separation from Coca-Cola Amatil.

Hussein Rifai, SPC Global chairman and chair of the merged entity, emphasised the alignment with SPC’s long-term vision of becoming a global leader in food and beverage production.

The merger aimed to solidify SPC’s position as a domestic market leader before pursuing growth opportunities in international markets, particularly Asia.

The new entity, which will operate under the SPG prefix on the Australian Stock Exchange, will include three divisions: SPC, The Original Juice Company and Nature One Dairy.

Former Asahi Beverages Group chief executive Robert Iervasi was appointed managing director of the merged business.

The company will leverage SPC’s iconic food brands, such as Ardmona and Goulburn Valley, alongside The Original Juice Company’s premium juice products and Nature One’s infant formula and milk powders.

The merger is subject to shareholder approval in November. SPC described the partnership as an opportunity to create a leading food and beverage platform with strong domestic and global potential.

Top awards snagged for local businesses

Shepparton isn’t just the hot spot for the best vanilla slices in Australia.

Many businesses across town have been crowned for their tasty treats and unique flavours this past year.

North End Bakehouse is not just the home of the best vanilla slice, now its hot cross buns have been named Australia’s best at the Baking Association of Australia’s Victorian Baking Show.

Baking Dough Bakery achieved its own pie-in-the-sky goal, taking home one gold, nine silver and six bronze medals at Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition, with its gold-winning entry for its spiced roo and chunky vegetable pie.

Brad Wootton worked some magic to score the title of best traditional beef sausage in the state. It’s the highest award Brad’s Magic Meats has gotten, and he couldn’t be prouder.

Final ride for Balfours Airport Direct

Having helped Greater Shepparton community members make their flights on time for the past 11 years, Balfours Airport Direct took its final ride on October 30.

The family business was run by Leonard Balfour, alongside his wife, Leonie, and daughter Mia, and made trips to Melbourne Airport twice a day, seven days a week.

Following Leonard’s passing in August, Leonie and Mia made the difficult decision to close the service, choosing to focus on their other services.

“It was Leonard’s dream, he did it for the community,” Leonie said.

Leonie and Mia thanked the community for their support during this transitional period.

Tatura IGA wins top award

Ritchies IGA Fine Food and Wine Tatura received national recognition at the 2024 National IGA Awards of Excellence on July 15, winning the National Large Transformation and Innovation Award.

The award celebrated the store’s recent expansion, transformation and premium product offerings.

National marketing manager Chris Jonker praised the Tatura team, highlighting the achievement as a testament to regional excellence.

At the state level, the store also won the Innovation and Transformation Award and Large Victorian Store of the Year.

With strong community support, the team is already focused on defending its state titles at next year’s awards.

Shock closure of childcare centre

The sudden closure of Kialla’s Small Friends Childcare and Education on November 27 caused significant disruption for families and staff. Landlord Michael Awad, who owns the premises on Sanctuary Dve, apologised for the inconvenience but claimed the tenant had not paid rent for several months, owing about $220,000.

Mr Awad said he issued four final notices and locked the premises on November 27 after the debt remained unpaid. On the night of the closure, he was confronted by trespassers attempting to dismantle fencing around the property. Mr Awad said he defended himself with a stick before police arrived and arrested him, though he was later released without charges.

Families gathered outside the centre late into the night after a Facebook post about the closure circulated. On Thursday morning, the centre informed parents of the closure via a notice, blaming the situation on a landlord-tenant dispute over shared use of the premises.

Mr Awad said parents, staff and students could access the building to collect belongings and estimated a three-week closure before reopening under new management. The childcare provider did not respond to requests for comment. Police did not confirm details of the incident on the night of November 27.

More coffee in town

At the start of the year, 7 Beans opened in Shepparton.

It is the fourth store to be owned by Kyle and Sarah-Jane Bartlett, with their other locations in Echuca, Kyabram and Rochester.

Mr Bartlett contributed their success to their partnership with the Campos coffee brand.

“They’re one of Australia’s best coffees, and we really love what they do,” he said.

Busy Bean also debuted a new location in June.

The popular drive-through coffee spot now has two locations, with the new spot opening on Numurkah Rd, Shepparton North.

“It took six months in the making, back and forth planning and checkout out various locations,” Busy Bean manager Dylan Bree said.

While the store was initially opening through Monday to Friday, it now operates on weekends.

New ownership at The Collective

Aline Davies, the new owner of The Collective in Shepparton, is bringing her lifelong passion for food, wine and hospitality to the multi-venue business, which includes Teller Restaurant, Fryers St Food Store and The Vault.

Originally from Strasbourg in France’s Alsace wine region, Mrs Davies has over a decade of experience in hospitality, focusing on management rather than the pressures of commercial kitchens.

Having lived in Australia for 14 years, Mrs Davies settled in Shepparton after meeting her husband, a local builder.

The couple, now parents of five, also manage a farm growing sunflowers and Christmas trees in Shepparton East.

Her varied career includes managing Swan Hill’s Spoons Riverside and overseeing restaurant and event operations at Mitchelton Winery.

She also co-founded the In Your Closet used clothing markets and operated an antiques store before returning to her true calling in hospitality.

Now at The Collective, Mrs Davies is focused on revitalising the venues and is recruiting staff for a new concept planned for spring.

With 25 staff already employed, she aims to create an exciting and dynamic hospitality experience catering to everything from casual lunches to large events.

New owner for Wellsprings

Carly Wood has taken over as the new owner of Wellsprings Day Spa in Shepparton, fulfilling a lifelong passion for beauty and wellness.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Mrs Wood first worked at Wellsprings when it opened, making her return a significant milestone.

Her career began at 19 when she secured a role in beauty therapy, eventually leading her to launch her own business, Luxe Beauty and Makeup Co., which catered to flexible schedules and focused on beauty treatments such as makeup and nails.

After years of building a loyal clientele, she was approached by former owner Kylie Trevaskis about taking over the spa.

The transition began in February, culminating in the ownership change in July.

Mrs Wood aims to preserve Wellsprings’ reputation as a premier relaxation destination, combining clinical treatments with soothing spa rituals.

While she plans to keep the core offerings intact, she sees potential for growth and evolution within the space.

Her vision includes maintaining the unique spa experience Wellsprings is known for, offering treatments that rejuvenate clients from head to toe.

Mrs Wood looks forward to enhancing the legacy of Wellsprings while providing a tranquil, luxurious escape for Shepparton’s community.

All’s Wells for Little Lipari

Sophia and Olivia Wells are back in hospitality as the new owners of Little Lipari, an authentic Italian café in Shepparton.

Known for their time at Tatura Hot Bread, the mother-daughter duo have brought fresh energy and passion to their latest venture, inspired by a year-long break and an overseas trip.

After selling their bakery, Sophia took a much-needed rest, while Olivia, a qualified baker and pastry chef, explored other skills, earning a real estate licence and teaching degree.

Sophia and her husband George’s travels included a visit to Italy, where Sophia reconnected with her heritage, gaining inspiration for Little Lipari’s menu and ambience.

Now, in partnership with Olivia and her fiancé, Kyle Griffiths, the team are putting their stamp on the café while maintaining its Italian charm.

Sophia oversees management and functions, trusting the kitchen to skilled chefs, including Italian head chef Kyron Grasso.

Olivia, often front of house, plans to introduce a cake fridge featuring her baked sweets.

Little Lipari offers a seasonal menu of traditional Italian dishes and is open for breakfast, lunch and functions.

With a shared vision, Sophia and Olivia are bringing their expertise and love for Italian cuisine to Shepparton’s dining scene.