Greater Shepparton has wrapped up an exceptional March, with a packed calendar of major sporting, cultural and community events drawing around 38,500 attendees and delivering a $4.2 million boost to the region's economy.
Throughout the month of March, Greater Shepparton hosted an impressive line‑up of events, including the AusCycling BMX State Series Round 4 which brought more than 1,500 visitors to the region, the 30th annual Shepparton Arts Festival, and Basketball Victoria Junior Country Championships.
Greater Shepparton also played host to the HOG (Harley Owners Group) Rally, which saw over 1,000 visitors enjoying the best of our region over the Labour Day long weekend, with over 650 Harleys bringing plenty of noise and action to Greater Shepparton's streets. This event was followed by a record-breaking Rotary Club of Shepparton Motor Show, with the biggest crowd recorded in recent years.
Community members and visitors also had plenty of opportunities to enjoy a taste of our region's culture, food and traditions with Converge on the Goulburn, Shepparton Italian Festa and the Shepparton Albanian Harvest Festival seeing thousands of people enjoying the best of Greater Shepparton's multicultural community.
Together, these events showcased the diversity, creativity and community spirit of the region, attracting visitors from across Victoria and interstate, filling local accommodation, supporting cafes, restaurants and retailers, and generating significant flow‑on economic activity.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the month of March highlighted Greater Shepparton's growing reputation as a destination for major events, with local venues, volunteers and organisations once again delivering first class experiences.
"Greater Shepparton do events better than anyone, and our massive line up in March proves just that. Events like these bring our community together and celebrate everything that makes Greater Shepparton special," he said.
"From large‑scale sporting championships to cultural festivals and grassroots community events, the month of March demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of our region."
Following on from the success of March, the Easter long weekend will see the return of the Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club's 102nd Easter Tournament, with the region set to welcome hundreds of players for four days of tennis.
Heading into April, the Shepparton Rodeo returns on Friday 10 April, followed by the Australian Ultimate Championships Division II which will see more than 750 frisbee players descend on Shepparton Sports City. Wrapping up the month will be the 2026 GWM BMX Racing National Championships which will bring Australia's top BMX racers to the region, with the event shaping up to be the largest BMX Nationals in history. An estimated 5,000 visitors will come to Greater Shepparton for an impressive nine days of BMX action and activities.
"These upcoming events cap off a busy and successful start to the year. Our events calendar is jam-packed and the flow on from this is felt right across our region with visitor attractions, accommodation, hospitality and retail providers all benefiting from the positive economic boost which these major events bring," Cr Sali said.
"Council continues to work alongside event organisers, sporting bodies and community groups to support the delivery of high‑quality events that benefit residents, businesses and visitors. We will continue to position Greater Shepparton as a hub for events that drive tourism, strengthen our local economy and enrich our community."
