Hansard debates

Ms SHEED (Shepparton) (09:55:21): The Shepparton district is home to a strong program of grassroots arts offerings, and there are currently a number of excellent events happening across the region. On Friday night it was a great pleasure to attend the Rotary Club of Numurkah art and craft exhibition. This show has been continually growing in the number of exhibits on display, and it attracts artists from across the state to enter the competition. The Growing Rural Arts in Nathalia (G.R.A.I.N.) Store in Nathalia is another wonderful example of the contribution of our smaller towns to the cultural make-up of our broader community. The current Four Picture Makers exhibition is a showcase of the work of four emerging artists from Victoria’s northern country. Until this weekend the G.R.A.I.N. Store is also showing an impressive printmaking exhibition of nine Indigenous artists, inspired by last year’s NAIDOC theme, 'Because of her, we can!’. Our fabulous Shepparton Festival is also underway until the end of the month and is celebrating its 23rd year by capturing and telling stories from Greater Shepparton’s past and present and forecasting the future of what the region may look like. The arts have an intrinsic value that contributes to the cultural depth and diversity of life of all Victorians, but too often regional areas are seen as behind the times when it comes to creative industries. I certainly do not believe you can say that about the Shepparton district. Congratulations to all of those involved in these events. The work you do truly enriches the community we live in.