News blog, May 9: Members of the public threatened with machete; Shannon is missing

The daily News blog has been a way for our team to keep you updated hour-by-hour in the middle of a global pandemic.

While the continuing serious nature of the COVID-19 outbreak across the globe is not to be downplayed, the conversation has shifted from what do we do ‘now’ to what do we do ‘next’.

The need for analysis, in-depth coverage and exclusive content outweighs the ‘breaking’ nature of the news cycle, and with that comes the commitment of more resources to the daily blog.

It means that from Wednesday, May 4, this content will return to its place behind our paywall. For full digital access, subscribe to our ‘welcome’ bundle; it’s just $2 per week for 12 weeks Join | Shepparton News (sheppnews.com.au)

We’ve loved having you along for the ride as we explored a new way to deliver content to you directly – and we hope you will stay with us for the next step on the journey.

Tyler Maher, Shepparton News editor

Gday Shepparton!

Max Stainkamph back with you after a week off featuring zero information about the election (I even ignored the flyers shoved in my letterbox last week) and we are officially off and running on early voting.

Stay tuned across the day for all your news, election and otherwise, on this mostly sunny Monday, which the boffins at the bureau tell me will hit 18 degrees with no rain in sight.

UPDATE, 4.30pm: Candidates challenged, Lizzie’s legacy honoured

A group of women from diverse backgrounds is planning to question candidates in the seat of Nicholls on their stance on eight issues, or matters that count.

The Women’s Collective, along with the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District and the Victorian Women’s Trust, have combined to host the Matters That Count event on Wednesday, May 18, in Shepparton.

Murray Silby has the full story, which you can read here, while Youssef Saudie attended a touching exhibition launch in Murchison over the weekend.

The exhibition Lizzie’s Legacy, showcasing the late Liz Ewart’s art, opened on Saturday, May 7.

Her sister, and presenter of ABC’s Back Roads, Heather Ewart grew up with Liz on a farm five minutes from Murchison and witnessed her passion for art at a young age.

Mrs Ewart introduced her sister’s work at Murchison Heritage Centre.

“She was sort of a larger-than-life character really, in a very kind, modest sort of way,” she said.

Read the full story, which is a really lovely one, here.

I’m also signing off on the blog for the arvo - it’s been a pleasure, and we’ll be back tomorrow for more.

UPDATE, 2.50pm: White Night date locked in

Very exciting news for Shepp has just landed in my inbox - the confirmed date of White Night.

We’re locked in for Saturday, June 25 for the city’s inaugural White Night, which acts and artists from previous regional White Nights to join forces with people from the Goulburn Valley.

White Night Shepparton Artistic Director Andrew Walsh said he was excited for the night.

“White Night Shepperton will be surprising, delightful and exciting. On a cold night in June, rug up and venture into a world of the unexpected,” he said.

UPDATE, 2.30pm: New playground! Woo-hoo!

Saturday marked the first day the new playground at the Maude St Mall opened up, with play nets and slides the main attractions.

I kinda want to drop everything and go give it a try, but sadly I have to sit at my desk and do work.

Read the full story from Youssef Saudie and check out his photos here.

UPDATE, 2pm: Members of the public threatened with machete

This just in from Georgia Rossiter, which is a bit full-on. Thinking of anyone who had to deal with this, rather rude, mean, and illegal to be doing this sort of thing.

Two men have been arrested after allegedly threatening members of the public with a machete early on Sunday morning.

Shepparton Senior Constable Jessica Steviano said two men allegedly parked outside the Australian Hotel, Shepparton, at about 12.30am.

The pair then allegedly threatened members of the public with a machete, before driving away, she said.

No one was injured.

Police arrested two 19-year-old men from Shepparton in relation to the incident, Sen Constable Steviano said.

UPDATE, 1pm: Have you seen Shannon?

Twenty-four-year-old Shannon was last seen on Hayes Street in Shepparton around 6.30pm on 6 May.

Police and family have concerns for Shannon’s welfare as she has a medical condition which requires medication.

Anyone with information about Shannon’s whereabouts should contact Shepparton Police Station on (03) 5820 5777.

UPDATE, 11am: Driver refused to accompany police for a drug test three times

A man who refused to accompany police to the police station for a drug test three times and was driving without a licence four times has been placed on a community corrections order which includes 120 hours of community work.

Read the full story from Monique Preston here.

UPDATE, 9.45am: Early voting is open

Voting is open for pre-polling, which means if you’re working on election day or unable to get to a polling place in your electorate you can vote before May 21.

Here’s the full wrap of what you need to know.

UPDATE, 9am: Mother’s Day classic brings a crowd, robocalls turn campaign sour

Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake was a sea of pink on Sunday, May 8, as nearly 300 people attended the 10th celebration of the Mother’s Day Classic.

Raising awareness and donations for breast cancer research, people of all ages — from young children in prams to elderly citizens — took part, running or walking 2km, 4km or 8km at the event.

Read the full Youssef Saudie wrap-up and check out the full Megan Fisher array of photos in the yarn here.

And in election news, residents across Nicholls have been hit with automated calls, authorised by the Nationals, attacking independent candidate Rob Priestly.

In the message a female voice asks what we really know about independent candidate Rob Priestly and his stand on “issues that matter” including the defence of Australia, our relationship with China, border protection and whether he supports higher taxes.

Darren Linton has the full story which you can read here.