If 2025 taught Greater Shepparton anything, it’s that this community doesn’t just run events — it owns them.
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From fireworks to Ferraris, drag queens to GT Falcons, pink lunches to candlelit reflection, the region spent the year celebrating community spirit in all its shapes and colours.
Starting the year with a standing ovation
The year began with the 2025 Australia Day Awards, where locals gathered to recognise the achievements of community members who keep Shepparton moving forward.
The prestigious Shepparton Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Shane O’Sullivan, whose dedication and service was recognised in what was the standout moment of the morning — a fitting way to set the tone for the year ahead.
A taste of Italy, right here at home
Then came the Italian Festa — the day Shepparton’s showgrounds transformed into a postcard from Rome.
Ferrari engines purred, espresso flowed and fireworks lit up the night sky.
From cannoli to culture, the festa served up a slice of Italy without anyone needing a passport.
If the secret to happiness really is pasta, then the showgrounds were the happiest place in the Goulburn Valley.
Converge on the Goulburn
Converge on the Goulburn brought colour, rhythm and the aromas of global cuisine to Victoria Park Lake.
The festival once again showcased the region’s cultural diversity, with families sampling food, watching performances and sharing in traditions that make Shepparton proudly multicultural.
Sleeping under the stars (and a surprise soaking)
Under the Same Stars invited more than 100 locals to Deakin Reserve to gain perspective on homelessness by spending the night outdoors.
The evening was mild and calm — until the sprinklers switched on just before midnight, giving participants an unexpectedly authentic experience.
“Unintended consequences of the sprinklers going off gave a greater appreciation of the struggle of the homeless,” organiser Jim Gow said.
The GT Nationals: A million-dollar shine
You didn’t have to be a rev-head to appreciate the sheer spectacle of the GT Nationals at MOVE.
More than 320 pristinely maintained GT Falcons parked proudly in gleaming rows.
Whether you went for nostalgia, engineering, or just a look at what the shiniest paint job on earth looks like, it was impossible not to be impressed.
A quiet night to remember
Amid the excitement of the year, the Community Candlelight Memorial Vigil offered a moment of pause.
Residents gathered by the lake to honour loved ones lost, their candles flickering in gentle unity.
It was a beautiful reminder that even in the busiest of years, the community always finds time to stand together.
Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch
The 2025 Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch delivered a record crowd and a strong message of support for prostate and bowel cancer research.
Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of camaraderie and community — raising 300,000.
Headliner Dave Hughes was unable to appear after breaking five ribs and puncturing a lung in the AFL Legends match the night before — a story that became an unexpected talking point of the day.
Still, the humour of this mishap ensured there were plenty of laughs among the blokes.
The Shepparton Show shines bright
Crowds gathered for a weekend of rides, animals and classic country show entertainment at the Shepparton Show.
With free entry for children, sunshine and a full two-day program, families poured through the gates, with an estimated 10,000 attending on the Saturday night alone.
Tiny tots and baby goats shared the spotlight for “most photographed”, while side-show alley delivered its usual blend of thrills and friendly competition.
Ladies Who Lunch
Eastbank Centre was blushing pink for the annual Ladies Who Lunch, where 668 guests (with a sprinkling of men) gathered for laughs, connection and a whole lot of heart.
Across a three-course meal, the community raised an extraordinary $175,000 — proving once again that when the women of Shepparton unite, big things happen.
Pride takes centre stage
GV Pride Festival filled the city with colour during its week-long celebration of inclusion and identity.
Carnival Day transformed Queen’s Gardens into the Drag Queens’ Gardens, with performances, picnics and community stalls creating a joyful, welcoming atmosphere.
The festival drew strong attendance and left the gardens sparkling in more ways than one.
SpringNats: Engines, energy and plenty of smoke
More than 600 cars descended on the Shepparton Showgrounds for the 2025 Spring Car Nationals.
Burnouts, drifting and show ’n’ shine displays filled three days of action, with smoke drifting so far across the CBD it almost counted as its own weather event.
For car enthusiasts, it was a highlight of the year.
Greater Shepparton once again proved that it doesn’t do events half-hearted — it does them greater.