2 September, 2025
Staying hydrated during the September finals series just got a lot easier for Goulburn Valley League fans, after Goulburn Valley Water installed its latest hydration station at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton.
Football and netball supporters - along with the general public - will be able to access water from the drinking fountain, which is located at the western end of the ground.
The partnership between Goulburn Valley Water and Greater Shepparton City Council to increase community access to drinking water started back in 2014 and has now extended the number of drinking fountains in the local government area to 33.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said recreation reserves were often hubs for physical activity and the availability of water while exercising or competing was important for the community.
“We now have hydration stations in every town with a drinking water supply in our region, which includes 10 towns in the Greater Shepparton area.
“Our aim is to continue working with councils to help people make the best choice – to Choose Tap,” Dr Capewell said.
Goulburn Valley Water has a strong connection to AFL Goulburn Murray and the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association through ongoing sponsorship. This year the umpires association and Goulburn Valley Water are celebrating 10 years of working together.
The Umpires Association offers pathway programs for junior umpires and a recent graduate from that program was Meaghan Mitchell, who umpired her first senior game of football in the Kyabram District League.
Goulburn Valley Water also supports AFL Goulburn Murray’s netball umpires.
Alongside the Deakin Reserve installation, a fourth hydration station is now available to Shepparton Sports Precinct users.
The new Shepparton installations brings Goulburn Valley Water closer to its goal of having a permanent hydration station available at every major regional recreation reserve in its service area.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the hydration station was a welcome addition to Deakin Reserve.
“It is perfect timing as we head into the Goulburn Valley League finales, with community members and visitors able to utilise the new hydration station at Deakin Reserve,” Cr Sali said.
“The Deakin Reserve facility is utilised year-round, so we hope people take advantage of the improved amenities and the ability to access fresh water and stay hydrated while being active outdoors.”
For more information about Goulburn Valley Water sponsorship and details of where to find hydration stations visit Choose Tap.
Deakin Reserve is a hive of activity at this time of year and celebrating both the arrival of finals time and the new Goulburn Valley Hydration Station (in the centre of the photo) are Shepparton Bears co-coach Xavier Stevenson, Greater Shepparton City Council Manager Parks, Sport and Recreation Janelle Bunfield, Shepparton United A grade netballer Olivia Kirby, Goulburn Valley Water sponsorship co-ordinator Karen Ranson and Goulburn Valley League board chair Peter Foott.