As we move toward the end of 2025, it’s a wonderful moment to pause and recognise the strength, resilience, and innovation that defines our Greater Shepparton business community. Over the past month, we’ve celebrated outstanding achievements, welcomed new members, hosted valuable networking opportunities, and continued to support local businesses.
We are getting closer to the holiday period, and this is a good time to encourage everyone to look local first as your source of supply. We are all customers of one another, and when we choose to support local, we are investing in local jobs, strengthening our economy, and helping sustain the Greater Shepparton region. In a time of digital connectivity and online convenience, we should not overlook the capability right here in our own backyard.
Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN) embodies this philosophy. Our Board Members are volunteers – local business operators just like you – who understand the daily realities, challenges, and pressures of running a business. We know firsthand that investing in skills development and training is vital for growth in an ever-changing global economy. Yet we also know how daunting it can be to carve out the time and resources needed for professional development. That is why GSBN continues to focus on offering opportunities, support, and connections that make business easier, stronger, and more sustainable.
In this edition of our monthly newsletter, you’ll find highlights from our incredible Gala Dinner, updates on new regulations, valuable training offers, upcoming events, community initiatives, and a warm welcome to newly joined and renewing members. Thank you for being part of GSBN – together, we continue to champion and strengthen the remarkable businesses that power our region.
Stephen Schneider
GSBN President
On Friday 24 October, the Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN) proudly hosted the 2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner – a night dedicated to recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements, innovation, resilience, and excellence of businesses and individuals across our region.
Held at Riverlinks Eastbank in Shepparton, and with the support of Awards Naming Rights Sponsor SPC, Media Sponsors and Award Category Sponsors, the event brought together 500 guests representing all corners of the Greater Shepparton business community. The atmosphere was one of connection, celebration, and pride, as local businesses gathered to honour the people and organisations driving progress in our region.
The evening featured exceptional entertainment by Paul Lines, a delicious three-course meal by The Woolshed at Emerald Bank, the personality and entertainment of MC Col Cameron, and an inspiring showcase of finalists whose dedication continues to shape our community.
We extend our warmest congratulations to this year’s award winners:
🏆 Apprentice / Trainee of the Year (sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia): Tarsha Brown from Zest Hairstylists
🏆 Best Marketing / Advertising Campaign (sponsored by WIN Network, HIT FM, The Shepparton Adviser): Industrial World Shepparton
🏆 Emerging & Micro Business of the Year (sponsored by Greater Shepparton Business Centre): Shepparton Cleaning Service
🏆 Excellence in Business – Professional Services (sponsored by Shepparton BMW): Wyndham Early Learning
🏆 Excellence in Business – Retail Services (sponsored by Harvey Norman Shepparton): Total Tools Shepparton
🏆 Excellence in Business – Trade Services (sponsored by GMCU): Watters Electrical
🏆 Excellence in Customer Service – Professional Services (sponsored by are-able): Fastsec Security
🏆 Excellence in Customer Service – Retail / Hospitality Services (sponsored by Shepparton Club): The Eye Shop
🏆 Excellence in Customer Service – Trade Services (sponsored by MB+M): 5S5 Barbershop
🏆 Excellence in Export Market Development (sponsored by Greater Shepparton Business Network): Noumi
🏆 Excellence in Food & Agribusiness (sponsored by Noumi): Provincial Food Group
🏆 Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Greater Shepparton Business Network): JMB Modular Buildings
🏆 Visitor Experience of the Year (sponsored by Shepparton & Goulburn Valley): Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)
🏆 Young Professional of the Year (sponsored by La Trobe University): Alex Liacos from Goulburn Valley Health
🏆 Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee (sponsored by Greater Shepparton Business Network) The Bertoli Group
Congratulations once again to all of our finalists and winners – and thank you to everyone who attended the Gala Dinner and made the night such a memorable celebration of local excellence.
The success of the 2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our Business Award Sponsors, whose commitment to the Greater Shepparton business community makes this event – and the recognition it brings – a reality each year.
We extend our deepest appreciation to the following sponsors for their invaluable contributions:
Awards Naming Rights Sponsor: SPC
Media Sponsors: WIN Network, HIT FM, The Shepparton Adviser
Apprentice / Trainee of the Year: Apprenticeship Support Australia
Best Marketing / Advertising Campaign: WIN Network, HIT FM, The Shepparton Adviser
Emerging & Micro Business of the Year: Greater Shepparton Business Centre
Excellence in Business – Professional Services: Shepparton BMW
Excellence in Business – Retail Services: Harvey Norman Shepparton
Excellence in Business – Trade Services: GMCU
Excellence in Customer Service – Professional Services: are-able
Excellence in Customer Service – Retail / Hospitality Services: Shepparton Club
Excellence in Customer Service – Trade Services: MB+M
Excellence in Export Market Development: Greater Shepparton Business Network Excellence in Food & Agribusiness: Noumi
Excellence in Innovation: Greater Shepparton Business Network
Visitor Experience of the Year: Shepparton & Goulburn Valley
Young Professional of the Year: La Trobe University
The ongoing support of all sponsors helps us continue to celebrate the people and businesses who are making an impact in our region, inspiring others to grow, innovate, and achieve. To each of our 2025 Business Award Sponsors – thank you for your partnership, generosity, and belief in the power of our local business community.
This November, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has launched its 25 for ’25 training offer – giving businesses a fantastic opportunity to save 25% off workforce training delivered by VCCI.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
– Group bookings provide a discounted price per person compared to individual training and individual course fees.
– VCCI can come to you anywhere in Victoria, deliver online, or host your team at their modern training rooms in Melbourne CBD.
– Training your workforce delivers many benefits, including new opportunities for your employees, fostering a culture of learning and curiosity, boosting staff retention, and future-proofing your business with the necessary and crucial skills for a modern workforce.
HOW TO REDEEM THE OFFER
1. Submit an enquiry to VCCI between 17 – 21 November 2025 to receive a custom quote, starting your message with “25 for ’25”. The VCCI team will then get in touch with you to discuss details.
2. Finalise your booking with VCCI by 24 December 2025. Training delivery dates are available through to 31 March 2026.
From 1 December 2025, Victorian businesses must comply with the new Occupational Health and Safety (Psychosocial Health) Regulations 2025 and the accompanying Psychological Health Compliance Code.
These laws elevate psychosocial hazards – such as bullying, excessive job demands, fatigue and harassment – to the same priority as physical safety risks. Employers must now actively identity, assess, and control these hazards, then monitor and review their controls when changes occur, all while consulting with workers and Health & Safety Representatives.
Here’s what you should be doing in the coming weeks:
– Assign someone responsible for psychosocial risk management in your business.
– Conduct a rapid scan of hazards.
– Prioritise the controls that will make the most difference (such as adjusting workloads, clarifying roles, or improving complaint handling).
After 1 December, your focus should shift to ongoing monitoring, consultation with staff and keeping records of your actions. For small businesses, a simple documented hazard register and control plan will be sufficient; for medium to large organisations, more formal systems will be required.
If you’re a GSBN Member, you also have access to support via our partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
Greater Shepparton City Council (GSCC) invites the community to an inspiring and important evening dedicated to men’s mental health and resilience in regional Australia. Join GSCC on Wednesday 26 November 2025 for a free community screening of When the Dust Settles – an award-winning documentary by director Stuart McKay that shines a light on men’s mental health, vulnerability, and strength through honest, lived experiences.
The evening will also feature short films created by local young people through the Frame the Future initiative, showcasing the creativity and perspectives of our region’s youth. Following the screenings, attendees will hear from guest speakers including Warren Davies – The Unbreakable Farmer, who will share his personal journey of resilience and mental wellbeing in an agricultural setting, and Aaron Schultz, founder of The Outback Mind Foundation, followed by a Q&A session.
Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
Time: 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Location: Village Cinemas, Shepparton
Cost: Free (bookings essential)
This powerful event offers a chance to reflect, connect, and continue the conversation about mental health and wellbeing within our community.
Recommend for ages 15+. Parental supervision is encouraged.
Last week, we had the pleasure of joining headspace Shepparton for our November Business Breakfast Networking Event – and what a meaningful and energising morning it was.
Thank you to the incredible headspace team for not only hosting us, but for leading an insightful discussion on youth mental health, community wellbeing, and the important role local businesses can play in supporting young people in our region. Your openness, expertise, and passion truly set the tone for a powerful and inspiring event.
To all our attendees – thank you for showing up bright and early, connecting with fellow members, and contributing to an atmosphere filled with collaboration, curiosity, and genuine support.
headspace Shepparton provides free and confidential support for young people aged 12 to 25. The experienced and friendly team offers help with mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug concerns, and work and study support all in a safe and welcoming environment. You don’t need a referral to get started. Simply call headspace Shepparton during business hours on (03) 5823 8800 or drop into the centre to chat with the team and find the support that’s right for you.
Greater Shepparton City Council offer a range of Grants and Funding opportunities each year to local residents, businesses, and community groups.
To view available funding, click here.
We would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to the following new local businesses to join the Greater Shepparton Business Network this last month.
Additionally, we would like to extend our gratitude to the many businesses that have renewed their memberships with us.
Platinum Members
General Members
Cheerpack Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
Commodore Australia
Leather Club Australia
Parklake Hotel
Your Strategy Partner
Please visit our website at www.gsbn.net.au to learn more about: Membership, Events, Training and the 2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards.
We have a range of membership options to suit your business, and our events provide networking opportunities for you and your business.
A membership can be obtained for as little as $363.00 per year, join us today!
