Shepparton, Victoria

From Free net encyclopedia

Image:Shepparton location map in Victoria.PNG Shepparton is a country town located in Victoria, Australia. It is a two-hour drive from Melbourne.

The name Shepparton derives from one of the district's first settlers, Sherbourne Sheppard.

The town developed adjacent to the Goulburn River, at a crossing point for miners travelling from the Bendigo goldfields to the new finds in the Beechworth area. As there was no bridge to link rich pastures on either sides of the Goulburn river, a punt was quickly established and the settlement became known as "MacGuires Punt". The town name evolved to "Sheppardstown" and finally "Shepparton".

The City of Greater Shepparton has a population of about 60,000 people. It is the home of leading fruit packagers SPC Ardmona, and Kidstown; one of the largest outdoor playgrounds in Australia.

The city is also notable for its Mooving Art project, which involves local artists painting fiber-glass cows, which are then displayed in tourist locations throughout the city. The project is an artistic representation of the strong dairy industry prevalent in Shepparton and surrounding townships.

Shepparton has five secondary schools, including Goulburn Valley Grammar School, Shepparton High School and Wanganui Park Secondary College.

[edit]