Greater Shepparton City Council has launched the next phase of its State Budget advocacy ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Budget, placing community voices and lived experience at the centre of the conversation.
Through stories shared by local carers, workers, families and businesses, the campaign highlights how gaps in essential services are affecting daily life in Greater Shepparton, from accessing healthcare and getting to work, to staying safe on busy roads.
For local carer, Leanne Johansson, access to healthcare comes with a direct financial cost.
"To get cancer treatment, my mum has to travel to Melbourne. I'm a casual worker, so every appointment means a day off without pay,"
— Leanne Johansson
Greater Shepparton is a growing regional service centre supporting communities across northern Victoria, but residents are increasingly feeling the effects of services struggling to keep pace with population growth.
Local GP Dr Chik Sing Chua said transport gaps are creating barriers to care, particularly for vulnerable patients.
"Limited public transport makes it harder for elderly and vulnerable patients to access healthcare. Improved bus services would make a real difference to health outcomes and overall community wellbeing,"
— Dr Chik Sing Chua, Local GP
The community led campaign focuses on four priority areas where challenges are being felt most strongly:
- Shepparton Sports and Events Centre
- Hospital services and access to care
- Public transport and workforce participation
- Major intersections and road safety
Local employers say transport access directly affects workforce participation. CEO of Gouge Linen and Garment Services, John Calleja, said limited bus services are restricting who can get to work.
"Hundreds of people want to work, but limited bus services make it unsafe or impossible for them to get to the job, especially for shift workers,"
— John Calleja, CEO of Gouge Linen and Garment Services
Road safety is also a growing concern for businesses and commuters. Operations Manager at Cleaves Earthmoving, Paul Cooney, highlighted the daily risk at the Wanganui Road and Goulburn Valley Highway intersection.
"The Wanganui Road intersection is used by heavy vehicles, commuters and local businesses every day. Safety and congestion here affect how people get to work safely,"
— Paul Cooney, Operations Manager, Cleaves Earthmoving
Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said the stories being shared reflect what many locals already experience.
"What we're hearing from our community is consistent - these issues are affecting everyday life, safety and access to essential services right now," he said.
"Whether it's getting to healthcare, getting to work, or getting home safely, these gaps have real impacts on people and families across Greater Shepparton."
Mayor Sali said investing early in essential services benefits the whole community and the wider state.
"When regional communities are properly supported, it improves outcomes locally and across Victoria," he said.
"Timely investment now helps avoid greater costs and pressure down the track."
The community voices campaign will run in the lead up to the State Budget, using local stories, earned media and digital content to reinforce a clear message: Budget decisions have consequences for people's daily lives, and investing in essential services is critical for Greater Shepparton's future.
