Description

As our cities and regions grow, how can we address the challenges ahead while ensuring Shepparton's unique character and qualities are maintained? How do we develop responsibly and meet the housing needs of the population? How can we better deliver equitable access to community infrastructure like libraries, parks, and public services? And, how can we create a more sustainable city?

Have your say and help shape the future of Victoria! Engage with a series of exciting activations to share your ideas for the Department of Transport and Planning's Plan for Victoria. Visit Engage Victoria to find out more.

What's On

Join our speakers at the Shepparton Art Museum as they share what they love about Shepparton, unpack the challenges that the town and region faces and discuss their visions for Shepparton's future.

Speakers:
— Talina Edwards, Director, Envirotecture
— Carmel Johnson, Development Manager, Shepparton Art Museum
— Geraldine Christou, Director Sustainable Development at Greater Shepparton City Council
— Tania Davidge (Moderator), Executive Director + Chief Curator at Open House Melbourne

In Collaboration With:

• 

  Carmel Johnson, Head of Development, Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)

  Carmel Johnson has been living and working in the Goulburn Valley (and more specifically Shepparton) for more than 40 plus years. During this time, Carmel has predominantly worked in philanthropic, fundraising, community relations and engagement roles. With her special education qualifications, Carmel served as the inaugural Principal of Verney Road Special School and later as the Manager of Connect GV. Carmel's current role is Development Manager at Shepparton Art Museum (SAM). Prior to joining SAM in mid-2021, Carmel led the GV Health Foundation for 30 years. Carmel has served on several community and corporate boards and continues to do so.

• 

  Talina Edwards, Director at Envirotecture/Talina Edwards Architecture and Passivhaus

  Talina Edwards is a Director of Envirotecture, and is passionate about creating healthy, beautiful, functional, comfortable and sustainable architecture which combines building-science and biophilic-design. Talina feels a deep connection to country, and she creates nature-aligned architecture for a more regenerative future by integrating her expertise with Passivhaus and Living Building Challenge. With over 25 years experience, Talina has received many awards for sustainable architecture advocacy and leadership.

• 

  Geraldine Christou, Director Sustainable Development at Greater Shepparton City Council

  Geraldine is the Director Sustainable Development of Greater Shepparton City Council. The Sustainable Development portfolio includes Economic Development, Building, Planning and Compliance and Sustainability and Environment.
  
  Geraldine has strong links to the Greater Shepparton community, representing Council on a number of boards and committees including the La Trobe University Regional Advisory Board, Tertiary and Skills Governance Group and the Regional Development Australia Hume Committee.
  
  Geraldine has been a strong advocate on a number of key regional issues including passenger, high speed and inland rail, Goulburn Valley Highway (Shepparton) Bypass, Affordable Housing provision, CBD revitalisation, water security and is a member of the Shepparton Central Rotary Club. Geraldine is also a graduate of the Williamson Leadership Program.
  
  Geraldine is working hard to ensure that the level of infrastructure and services for our community supports sustainable growth of the municipality and allows capitalisation of our many unique attributes.