When reflecting on life in 2021, something we’ll never forget is how COVID-19 continued to impact our lives with lockdowns and restrictions.
It was a year of extreme challenges.
It was the year we were separated from our families and friends – when babies were born but grandparents were unable to celebrate the special moment in person; and when devastated families farewelled loved ones via live-streaming.
The year students’ education was disrupted, and businesses were pushed to the brink.
It was also the year Greater Shepparton revealed its resilience and community spirit.
In August – when thousands of families in our community were required to isolate for 14 days, and the only reason to leave home was to get tested for coronavirus – we showed the nation what our community is really made of.
We showed how strong we are, when our residents followed the Victorian health orders to do what was right for themselves and the community – they stayed home.
But they couldn’t have done that if it wasn’t for GV Cares and all the volunteers who came from all walks of life to deliver food, necessities and medications.
We did it – we got through that period because we banded together.
And we need to continue to pull together, as together we can build a strong, economically-healthy community.
The easiest way we can help our community grow is to buy locally.
In Shepparton and surrounding towns we are spoilt for retail choice – there’s hardly a gift you can’t buy locally.
Why not make your Christmas shopping an enjoyable experience – invite a friend along for a local shopping day? Wander the streets, stop for lunch, shop some more and finish with a well-deserved beverage at the end of the day.
To help you with your Christmas list and which shops to visit, The News has compiled a 16-page feature filled with Christmas gift ideas for people of all ages.
Happy shopping and merry Christmas
From the News team.
10°C