Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Monday, 18 December, 2023. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Monday 18th of December, 2023,
Greater Shepparton holds a strong community pride for sport, which has allowed the region to build a reputation as a leading sporting and events destination in regional Australia.
Besides inspiring young athletes and promoting a healthy lifestyle within residents, the economic benefits which sporting events bring are significant. These include injecting millions into retail, entertainment and hospitality businesses across Shepparton and Goulburn Valley.
Over the past six months alone, Greater Shepparton has hosted a number of new prestigious visitor events, such as a knockout fixture of the Australia Cup involving the GV Suns, Hockey Australia Country Championships, AFL V/Line Cup, AusCycling Masters and Junior Road National Championships, and the AusCycling BMX Racing National Championships, bringing approximately 7,000 athletes from all over the country to the region.
In addition to the athletes, a significant amount of additional support crew, family and friends helped activate local businesses, boosting the visitor economy.
These new events have been supported by many of the region’s annual sporting favourites, including the return of the Shepparton Running Festival, one of Australia’s largest soccer tournaments the Australian Football Skool Shepparton Cup, the 30 year celebrations of Spring Car Nationals and the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association Junior Basketball Championships which was hosted recently.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, highlighted the importance of the sports industry in the region and emphasised the economic benefits of investing in this sector.
“Sporting events are a great opportunity to activate local businesses and showcase our world class facilities such as the BMX track, our main soccer pitch which has hosted international football, and some of our sporting facilities in small towns such as Mooroopna, Tallygaroopna and Dookie,” he said.
“Investing in infrastructure enables us to bring the very best events to the region, stimulating the economy throughout the whole year.”
Cr Sali said these events were also the perfect occasion to generate tourism opportunities outside the regular holiday seasons, encouraging athletes, staff and spectators to explore the wonderful towns in the municipality.
“By Council bidding and securing many new state and national sporting events over the last six months, we have been able to inject $10 million into the region, supporting a variety of industry sectors across accommodation, visitor attractions, hospitality, entertainment and retail,” he said.
“This has helped support jobs and growth and keep Greater Shepparton’s economy strong.”
More News from Greater Shepparton
Thursday 11th of December,
Council reminds residents to keep pets safe during summer
Greater Shepparton City Council is encouraging residents to take extra care of their pets as temperatures rise, with a reminder of the vital role responsible pet ownership plays in keeping animals healthy and comfortable throughout the summer months. Read more
Thursday 11th of December,
Council services over Christmas and New Year
With the jingle of Christmas just around the corner and a new year fast approaching, it’s time to take note of Council’s festive season hours. Read more
Thursday 11th of December,
Upcoming traffic management works in Shepparton
Greater Shepparton City Council wishes to advise that Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) works are programmed for multiple streets and roads throughout Shepparton, from January to June 2026. Read more
Wednesday 10th of December,
Funding secured for Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program
Greater Shepparton City Council has secured $469,000 in Victorian Government funding for the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Program, to continue vital efforts in managing Queensland Fruit Fly across the region. Read more
Wednesday 10th of December,
Greater Shepparton City Council wins Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence
Greater Shepparton City Council has been recognised for its commitment to multicultural inclusion, winning the Local Government Award at the 2025 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. Read more
Monday 8th of December,
Greater Shepparton to host Victory A-League Women’s match and community programs next year
Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to welcome Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets to the region for a high-level Ninja A-League Women fixture that will bring elite football close to home for local fans and young players. Read more
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More Events in Greater Shepparton
Tuesday 16th of December,
Riverlinks and Promac Productions present REJOICE AND BE MERRY... IT'S CHRISTMAS ' 25 -- AN AFTERNOON DELIGHT
To wind up a fantastic year of Afternoon shows at Riverlinks Eastbank, Promac Productions, Australia’s leading morning show company , bring their sparkling and highly acclaimed Christmas production to… View on Riverlinks
Monday 15th of December,
Santa on the Move: Dookie Primary School
Santa and his elves will be visiting various locations across Greater Shepparton this December. Take your own family photos with Santa, enjoy festive games, craft activities and face painting all for… Read more
Tuesday 23rd of December,
Santa on the Move: Shepparton CBD
Santa and his elves will be visiting various locations across Greater Shepparton this December. Take your own family photos with Santa, enjoy festive games, craft activities and face painting all for… Read more
Friday 19th of December,
IGNITE Victoria
What is IGNITE? Set on the courtyard stage at The Peppermill Hotel (thanks Todd!), those taking to the stage can expect to experience a real gig from start to finish, working alongside our team of passionate… Read more
Sunday 21st of December,
Mooroopna Market
Enjoy the Last Sunday morning of each month out at Mooroopna Market. Read more
Friday 19th of December,
Puff Walk
Fresh air, easy pace, good company – that’s what our Puff Walks are all about. Read more
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