A new report out this week has assessed the ‘health’ of places to live across the country, and Shepparton is among those that have been ranked.
The SGS Cities and Regions Wellbeing Index — released on May 7 — markets itself as capturing the “socio-economic wellbeing of communities across Australia” and demonstrating “how people’s quality of life is influenced by their location”.
Assessing categories including Economy, Income and Wealth, Employment, Knowledge and Skills, Housing, Health, Environment and Equality, Community and Work-life Balance, the index aims to look further than “GDP-centric narratives” to paint a clearer picture of communities as a whole.
So where does our region sit?
Greater Shepparton ranks 324th out of 518 local government areas with a population of more than 500 across the country.
The standout category by far is Economy, where Shepparton sits 79th, while its 461st ranking for housing sees it slide down the overall table.
Neighbouring LGAs Moira (348th), Campaspe (370th), Strathbogie (373rd) and Benalla (385th) all rank below Greater Shepparton, while further south, Mitchell Shire is 165th on the scale.
The Northern Beaches of NSW ranked number one overall.
The power of a bargain compels you
There aren’t many deals around these days that will get customers lining up at the door before dawn.
But the middle aisle of ALDI remains a stampede-inducer.
The store’s snow gear special buys are back next week, on Saturday, May 18 — so let this serve as your pre-warning to set your alarm.
Familiar face steps in
A municipal monitor has been appointed to Buloke Shire Council.
Victorian Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne announced that former Greater Shepparton City Council chief executive Peter Harriott would fill the role for the remainder of 2024.
“Through his extensive knowledge of local government, Mr Harriott will support Buloke Shire Council to improve its governance and better meet the needs of the community it serves,” she said.