News

Goulburn Valley teaching community celebrates launch of Specially Educated

By Ashley Darling

Apr 2, 2026

Daughter and father authors Jacqui Matthews and Peter Matthews. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Teachers, parents and community members gathered at Banmira Specialist School on Friday, March 27 to celebrate the launch of Specially Educated by father-daughter duo Peter and Jacqui Matthews.

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The book covers the history of special education in the Goulburn Valley from the 1930s and ’40s, when children were hidden away, to the modern day campuses of Banmira.

“It captures the history for the future; we were privy to information that was important to preserve,” Mr Matthews said.

The former principal of Peranbin Primary Collage has produced multiple local history books with historian Geoff Allemand, but this was his first time working with his daughter, Jacqui, and he said “she does good quality work, it was a nice opportunity”.

The book features contributions from many people involved with special education in the Goulburn Valley and makes historical photos available to the public.

Attendees at the launch included City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, Cr Anthony Brophy, state Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell and former state Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed.

Guests were treated to hot food that had been prepared by Banmira students from the senior campus and a generous charcuterie board.

Specially Educated is available from the Banmira junior campus reception, 1-19 Parkside Dve, Shepparton, for $30.