Shepparton Italian FESTA

19/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1005629035476713

10/05/2026

08/05/2026

https://www.sheppnews.com.au/news/italian-community-disappointed-by-councils-path-forward-for-club-building/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook =1778218482

Shepparton’s Italian community doubtful about council’s plan to restore building.

02/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B8eSzL928/

Italian Social Club… 🇮🇹

The Italian Social Club building was built in the 1950’s by the first wave of non-British immigrants to arrive in Shepparton. Italians came for the fruit industry and left an indelible mark on our collective identity. This building is the backbone of our Italian migration story and represents strong partnerships between the Italians and previous Councils. Up until recently, the Italian Social Club believed they owned the building 💛

Fast forward to last Tuesday …it’s a very different story.

Due to considerable flood damage and limited insurance, Council resolved to demolish the building if certain conditions can’t be met. One of those conditions is that the Italian Social Club cover the cost of reinstatement, over and above Councils meagre contribution of $500K (which includes the cost of permits and design). Considering the estimated cost of reinstatement is around $1.3mil, this will not be an easy task 💛

Council is framing this direction as a benevolent ‘choice’ for the club …It is not.

Previously, Council had resolved to use the Italian Social Club insurance money for the new Princess Park pavilion, so it could be above flood level. Regardless of insurance, Councillors had the opportunity to fully fund reinstatement with my foreshadowed motion at Tuesdays briefing. Instead, Councillors opted for what appears to be a $500K golden-handshake to force them out 💛

Cost shifting almost $1mil back onto a community group is not charitable, or kind. Justification stemmed from the club not wanting to co-locate with sporting clubs, or move the Connection at Kidstown. These are completely inappropriate options that still included demolition of their building 💛

A compassionate Council would explore every feasible option to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes for Italians and the broader community …but here we are.

The Italian Social Club want to occupy the building past generations built with their bare hands, and It breaks my heart this may not be possible. Rather than see potential, Council instead supports demolition of an historically significant, structurally sound, million dollar building, that overlooks a premier sporting ground 💛

18/03/2026

Some Highlights from the 5th Shepparton Italian Festa – What an EPIC Day! 🇮🇹❤️
RECORD-BREAKING turnout filled the venue from start to finish! Families, friends, and generations coming together under the Italian flags, enjoying authentic food, live music, dancing, and pure community joy. The energy was electric, the smiles were everywhere, and the atmosphere felt like a little piece of Italy right here in Shepparton.
From the packed tables and buzzing stalls to the main stage lighting up with incredible performances – moments like these make every bit of hard work worth it.
Mille grazie to every single person who came out, to our amazing entertainers, stallholders, football clubs, volunteers, committee, sponsors, and everyone behind the scenes. You made the 5th Festa our biggest and best yet!
We’re already dreaming of 2027… Ci vediamo presto! 🎉🍕🎶
Official Photographer:

18/03/2026

A Massive GRAZIE MILLE to the Terra di Calabria Band! 🇮🇹🔥🎶
What an absolute powerhouse you were on the Shepparton Italian Festa main stage last Saturday!
From the moment you hit the stage, the energy was electric – that authentic Calabrian fire, the incredible musicianship, the traditional flair mixed with rock vibes, the stunning vocals, and the whole band moving as one. You had the crowd dancing, clapping, singing along, and completely swept up in the magic. Your set was dynamic, passionate, professional, and pure joy – one of the true highlights that people are still raving about!
You embodied the spirit of Calabria and made our Festa feel like a real Italian festa in the heart of Shepparton.
Thank you for bringing your heart, your talent, and your unbeatable stage presence. You made memories for hundreds of families, and we’re so proud to have had you as part of our 5th Festa!
Mille grazie, Terra di Calabria Band – you were phenomenal! 🙌❤️
We can’t wait to see you rock another stage soon.

Official Photographer:
Terra di Calabria Band

18/03/2026

A HUGE Shoutout & Grazie Mille to Lucy Gale & The LG Project! 🇮🇹🎤🔥
Lucy, you absolutely lit up the Shepparton Italian Festa stage.
Your powerful voice, incredible energy, and that magnetic stage presence had the whole crowd dancing, singing along, and completely captivated during your set. The chemistry with your band was electric – those harmonies, the grooves, the passion – it was pure magic and one of the standout highlights of the day!
Thank you for bringing such heart, joy, and professionalism to our 5th Festa. You made it unforgettable for everyone there, and we’re already hearing from people saying your performance was the one they can’t stop talking about!
Mille grazie, Lucy Gale & The LG Project – you were phenomenal! 🙌❤️
Official Photographer:

17/03/2026

https://ebx.sh/tCQ8jH

Members of Shepparton’s Italian community were out in force to celebrate their culture.