Shepparton Branch

These notes have been prepared as embelishment of the events forming the foundation of Blue Ribbon Foundation in Shepparton

In 2003 BRF Shepparton Branch President Jason McConkey asked me to coordinate the Police Remembrance day service for Shepparton. This was held at the Police Station in Welsford Street on the 29^th September ( Blue Ribbon Day) and it was usually held in the foyer.

The Shepparton Police chaplain Monsignor Peter Jeffrey was contacted and a small number of local dignitaries were invited. Some press releases were prepared and the service proceeded on the day.

There were too many people for the foyer so the service was moved upstairs to the meeting/conference room. After the service we shared a cup of tea and chatted to people about what the ceremony signified for them.

In 2004 we extended the list of invitees and made more public announcements. Remembrance day the conference room was so full we could not fit all the attendees into the room. The Monsignor had requested me to speak about my Dad on this day and again the local community came to honor those who had given their lives for their communities. It was at this time that the idea for the Emergency Department dedication to Damian Eyre was being discussed.

In 2005 we moved the service to St Brendan’s Church and developed it into a very moving remembrance service with over 60 people attending. A service program was developed and we were able to access pre printed covers from BRF Vic branch.

With readings, hymns and a speech from Greg Pullen GV Health CEO we remembered those who had lost their lives and celebrated the announcement that the BRF Victorian Branch had pledged to match $ for $ the local Shepparton branch, to raise $250,00 for the GV Health Emergency Department. A living memorial for the police who had paid the ultimate price.

The service has continued to grow with over 100 attendees coming to pay  respect and remember friends, family, and colleagues.

It is always held on Police Remembrance day 29^th September, and there are many services held throughout Victoria on this day including the Melbourne ceremony at the St Kilda Road Police Memorial Wall.

Carmel now continues

I cannot remember whether we had a memorial service before 2003  so Stacey may have this  in her notes

My contribution is that Stacey and I were at the Police Station  about  eleven years ago to meet Bill Noonan who had come to Shepparton to get a group of people together to form the branch. Some of our early functions were the  successful concerts we held at Eastbank with the Police bands..these were held in November …we also had several sausage sizzles at the netball…we attended breakfasts in Melbourne…we were  at Football matches, sold raffle tickets in the Mall and the Marketplace…and I will have to go back to Stacey’s notes for the rest!!

The 2010 Hot Rod Show

2010 will see the Hot Rod Show move to the Shepparton Show Grounds High Street Shepparton.  The event will take place on the 27^th & 28^th of February from 11.00am until 5.00pm. Entertainment on Saturday this year will include:

-           A Display from the Navy Squirrel Pairs
-           Numerous Victoria Police displays
-           Hot Rod Show and Shine
-           Top Ten Judging as well as Polices Choice Award
-           3 Live Bands, 

    Billly O’Neil & The Headliners,

    Straight 8s and

    Flyin Saucers

-           Trade Stalls
-           Raffles
-           Jumping Castle
-           Kids Rides
-           Food & Drink Vans
-          

With vehicles coming from all over the State last year, this year’s show is expected to be the biggest show yet. Please get your entries in early as numbers are limited. Entry for Hot Rod show will be $15 per vehicle, including driver and passenger entry. Go to entry form Tab to download entry form. Entry for spectators and visitors will be $2 Gold Coin Donation.  100% off all proceeds are going back into the community through Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Projects.  
The day is planned to be a great family fun Hot Rod show with something for everyone.

The All New Sunday Pura Milk Mystery Rod Run

Sunday will now see the inclusion of a Free Mystery Rod Run for any Vehicle Entered in the Saturday Show & Shine. The run will leave the Shepparton show grounds at 9.30am on Sunday the 28^th for a mystery 4 stop run and will end with a free sausage sizzle and some great rock and roll music.

 
Following the Hot Rod show on Saturday don’t forget to come and enjoy the evening Rock and Roll Dance.
Please check the rest of the website for more information on the 2010 Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Shepparton Branch, Rock & Rod Show and hope to see you all there.