When I first arrived in Shepparton 18 years ago, the region was in the middle of the Millennium Drought, confidence was low, and so were expectations.
Successive governments had found higher priorities elsewhere and basic infrastructure was ageing, failing, or lacking altogether.
Back then, the Commonwealth and Victorian governments could have built the full-scale, full-length Shepparton Bypass for the same dollars being touted now to build just the first stage.
We are still waiting.
Rail services were also big news.
The nostalgia of riding in a red rattler would appeal to some enthusiasts, but not regular travellers who wanted a modern, efficient service. Perhaps not as flash or fast as those servicing other cities, but at least a step forward from the 1950s.
Rail is rapidly catching up and by the end of next year we will have fast, frequent services.
We were a growing regional city that still had a base hospital and too often treatment meant being transferred to Melbourne.
GV Health has transformed over time and the investment will deliver a health service befitting a major regional city.
Our education too has transformed, but there is more work to be done to address the needs of students and employers. A full-scale technical school is a must.
Educational outcomes have historically been well below the state average, but thanks to a concerted community effort and government investment, we are making some headway.
The community vision is for children to be supported from cradle to adulthood.
Economically, the city has gone ahead in leaps and bounds. There have been hiccups along the way, but we have invested in diversification of the economy.
Our service sector, education, tourism, arts and culture are all vibrant.
Agriculture (and the food processing that flows from it) still underpins our economy, and despite the fluctuating fortunes of the sector and the added pain of water reform, the region is well placed for the future.
The biggest threat to that is the unnecessary removal of additional productive water from the system.
Water has been the biggest issue of all over time, and it remains so.
What hasn’t changed over time is the community.
We have grown in number but remain a generous mob, with a capability to pitch in and make good or important things happen. The people, and the sense of community, are the region’s greatest assets.
So why so reflective? After 18 years, this is my last day at The News before I take up a policy role with Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell.
Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way, and allowed me to tell thousands of stories, and especially to the McPherson family for their friendship and support.
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