Here are some community events and highlights to look forward to in the new year.
January
International Dairy Week (Tatura)
Preparations for International Dairy Week 2022 at Tatura promise an exciting line-up of tours, activities and seminars.
IDW 2022 will be held at Tatura Park, 9 Hastie St, Tatura, from January 16 to 20.
For the full program and entry form, visit: https://internationaldairyweek.com.au/
Australia Day celebrations
Australia Day will see celebrations, events and festivities by community organisations and family households.
It’s also the time when the Greater Shepparton Australia Day Committee announces the Australia Day awards.
Individuals, groups and organisations nominate a resident of Greater Shepparton who has made a noteworthy contribution during the current year, given outstanding service to the local community and/or impacted on the local community over a number of years.
Spring Car Nationals
And for the petrol heads, the action is set to return with the 28th celebration of the Shepparton SpringNats on January 21 to 23, 2022 at the fully refurbished Shepparton Showgrounds.
Motor enthusiasts will have a great weekend at their annual pilgrimage to the SpringNats.
February
Summer City Market
Get ready to hit Maude St, Shepparton, for a weekend of summer savings, roving live music and delicious food.
It’s a great weekend outing for young families with lots of activities for the kids such as jumping castles, kids’ trains, clowns and magicians, and petting zoos.
The event is usually held in February, but dates are yet to be advised.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year 2022 will fall on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. The Chinese New Year animal sign will be the tiger.
Celebrations of Chinese New Year traditionally last for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival.
March
Shepparton Festival
The Shepparton Festival offers an exciting array of arts and cultural activities each March that celebrate the people and places of Greater Shepparton.
It is an inclusive and multidisciplinary regional arts program that covers everything from fine art, sculpture, dance, film, writing and music to multi-cultural events and celebrations.
Shepparton Festival unites the Goulburn Valley’s diverse community to celebrate culture, history, art, and the region’s strengths.
It’s on from March 18 to April 3, 2022.
Converge on the Goulburn
Converge is more than just a festival, it brings together food, culture and performances from Greater Shepparton’s First Nations and multicultural people in celebrating the richness of our community.
Residents have the chance to participate in interactive arts and cultural workshops and activities, or enjoy a feast of flavoursome cuisine cooked by some of our many local community members, food trucks and local businesses.
TatFest
A free event for all ages, TatFest is a celebration for the people of Tatura and surrounding districts. There’s entertainment the whole family, food of various cultural types, drinks, ice-cream and more.
There will be demonstrations by the SES and CFA, first-aid training by Ambulance Victoria personnel, and a feature event or activity.
The festival will be held on Sunday, March 6, from 10am to 4pm at Mactier Gardens, Hogan St, Tatura.
Challenge Shepparton
The Challenge Shepparton triathlon on Sunday, March 13, 2022, is renowned for its world class flat and fast course and freshwater lake swim.
Triathletes from not only Victoria, but all around Australia, fly in and compete for prize money in the elite category, so it generates a lot of tourism for the region.
Challenge Shepparton prides itself on offering a friendly, fun festival environment that is suitable for the whole family and anyone who wants to get involved
There will be a “half distance” 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run, along with sprint and Olympic distance triathlons.
April
Ramadan
The Islamic holy month is always held on the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, according to Shepparton Interfaith Network. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk.
When the sun sets, there is a communal meal called “Iftar” where family and friends break their fast.
During Ramadan, the Muslim community is encouraged to abstain from sinful acts and instead do good deeds such as charity. It’s also a month of self-reflection and a way for Muslims to develop positive habits that can be brought forward once Ramadan is over.
Easter
A day of gathering chocolate eggs and religious observance. There will be church services and community event across the Easter weekend.
Anzac Day
Shepparton RSL will hold a dawn service to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
On Sunday, April 24, a statue of Sir Murray William James Bourchier, a distinguished cavalryman during World War I, will be unveiled in Shepparton’s Queen’s Gardens.
People are also invited to gather at Shepparton RSL for a march to the war memorial.
This is the Shepparton service; every town in the area has an Anzac Day service, so keep an ear out for the details of your local one.
May
National Sorry Day
This day gives people the chance to come together and share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities. Stolen Generations refer to First Nations people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.
June
Annual sled dog dash
The Northern Victoria Sled Dog Classic is a unique event held each year during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend at Moira Park, Kialla West.
'Mushers' and their purpose-bred sled dogs come from all over Australia to compete against each other over three days of racing.
The teams with the fastest times over three days of racing win prizes, trophies and points towards the National Championships hosted by the Australian Sled Dog Sports Association.
Dates to be advised.
July
NAIDOC Week
July 3 kicks off the seven days of festivities that celebrate the culture of the First Nations people of Australia. The NAIDOC 2022 theme is yet to be announced.
In 2021 the theme was ‘Heal Country!’. The Yorta Yorta nation in Greater Shepparton called for greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction.
August
Winter City Market
Bring the family and grab yourself a bargain at this year's Winter City Market in Shepparton’s Maude Street Mall.
The Shepparton CBD will host great bargains from local businesses, market stalls, free live and local music, food vendors, free jumping castles and activities for the family.
Usually held in August but dates are yet to be advised.
October
Shepparton Agricultural Show
Running since 1899, the Shepparton Agricultural Show is a family-focused event with animal shows, arts and crafts, horticulture, competitions and more.
The Shepparton Agricultural Show will be held at the Shepparton Showgrounds on October 7 and 8, 2022.
Relay for Life
Relay for Life is a fun and moving overnight experience that raises vital funds for the Cancer Council's research, prevention, information and support services. The relay is a chance for the Shepparton community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, patients and their carers.
Tatura Art Show
Artists have been busy during the COVID-19 lockdown periods producing beautiful artwork that will be displayed and for sale.
Tatura Art Show is usually held in June, but Rotary has decide to defer the event to October or November in the interests of health and safety.
November
OUTintheOPEN Festival
OUTintheOPEN is Shepparton’s festival celebrating LGBTIQA+ pride and community diversity.
There is always art, local music, and plenty of “fun and frivolity” at this celebration.
Other events include a sexual health forum, workplace inclusion sessions, the history of LGBTIQA+ community achievements, and social get-togethers including brunches and an evening meal.
December
Carols by Candlelight
The annual Carols by Candlelight is a beloved community tradition with local musicians performing carols and thousands gathering for a summer evening in a fantastic family atmosphere.
New Year’s Eve Festival
Kicking off with a street parade that leads to a grand NYE celebration, the festival is iconic in the community with events and parties, concerts and festivals, countdowns and fireworks.
Mooroopna Rotary is currently fundraising for the 2022 NYE festival.