The competition invited young people aged 12 to 25 to create a character that reflects the energy, creativity and diversity of Greater Shepparton’s youth community. Council received an impressive range of submissions, showcasing the originality and artistic talent of young people across the region.
Submissions were reviewed by a judging panel who assessed each entry against a set of criteria, including originality, relevance to the local community, and potential for future use in youth campaigns. The winning entry stood out for its strong local ties, charming personality and heart-warming backstory.
Designed by local young artist Genesis Dal, the winning character “Shelby”, the “happy go-lucky Australian Shepherd”, will become the face of youth-led events. Shelby will feature on posters, digital campaigns and promotional materials for future initiatives.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the competition was a great opportunity for young people to take the lead in shaping how youth events are represented across the region.
“We have so many incredibly creative young people across our region, and this competition was a great reminder through the high quality of submissions received,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see the ideas, colour and imagination that came through in the entries. Shelby is a great choice to represent the youth of Greater Shepparton, and I look forward to seeing this design on display at events throughout our region.”
So, who is Shelby?
Shelby Shepparton is a tiny Australian Shepherd with a big heart and even bigger dreams. As the youngest pup in a family of herding dogs, she helps guide Shepparton’s Moooving cows to and from their paddocks, even if she struggles to move a single one. Silly, energetic and endlessly determined, Shelby dreams of one day being recognised as the greatest herding dog of all time.
To read more about Shelby and the winning submission, visit our webpage for this project.
The winning designer will also take part in a fully funded professional digital design training session with an experienced industry artist and receive a $200 gift card to continue building their creative journey.
Council looks forward to introducing Shelby to the community and showcasing her across a range of upcoming youth events, initiatives and campaigns. Shelby is set to become a familiar and fun symbol for youth engagement in the region, proudly representing the creativity and voice of local young people.
