SHOP LOCALLY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $4000
CAMPASPE’S FESTIVE SPACES POP
WE ARE SPOILT FOR CHOICE IN THE ECHUCA REGION WHEN IT COMES TO ACTIVITIES, MEETING SPACES, RETAIL, MARKETS AND DINING OPTIONS OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD.
As we start planning and preparing our Christmas celebrations, many of the region’s markets will provide plenty of Christmas inspiration with everything from food and cooking ideas to gifts and decorations — catering for every budget.
A great place to start is the very popular Echuca Farmers’ Market which will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 8 am to 12.30 pm at the Aquatic Reserve in Echuca.
I love wandering through the market, taking in the colour and enjoying the wonderful produce on offer. For the traditionalists, Christmas carols are popping up all over the shire, with Christmas by Candlelight being celebrated on Sunday, December 8 at Echuca Moama Uniting Church in Hare St, starting at 7 pm.
Also on Sunday, the Echuca Moama Lions Carols are being held at the Kerrabee Soundshell in Moama from 6.30 pm.
The magic of Christmas in story form will be celebrated at the Gunbower Christmas Story Pop Up on Saturday, December 7 from 9.30 am to 11.30 am. Held at the Gunbower Butter Factory, this is a beautiful way to entertain the children and widen their magical Christmas experience.
Mind you, adults will love it just as much.
We’re starting to see Christmas lights gracing many of our towns, well worthy of a drive once the sun settles. Don’t forget the Christmas Lights competition, with more details on pages 14 and 15.
The warmer weather complements the work our parks and gardens teams have been undertaking in order to get recreational spaces in tip-top shape, with some truly beautiful areas to spend time with family and friends.
There is a full list of playgrounds on the Campaspe Shire Council website, outlining amenities at
each — visit the listings to organise your get-togethers leading up to Christmas and over the summer months.
We love seeing families and friends enjoying these spaces, especially over the summer months.
Warm regards
Pauline Gordon Campaspe Shire Council CEO
DONATIONS GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED
ECHUCA MOAMA COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND THE ECHUCA MOAMA UNITING CHURCH HAVE MANY WAYS YOU CAN HELP SPREAD FESTIVE CHEER AND GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THIS CHRISTMAS.
If you would like to volunteer or donate this Christmas, this is where you can:
CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL
Echuca Moama Community Projects and the Echuca Moama Uniting Church Christmas Toy appeal runs until December 19.
You can drop off new, unwrapped toys at these convenient locations:
• Echuca Moama Uniting Church, 115–117 Hare St, Echuca
• Riverine Herald, 28 Percy St, Echuca
• EMWAC, corner of High and Service St, Echuca
• Bendigo Bank, 222 Pakenham St, Echuca
• Moama Village and Meninya St, Pharmacies, Moama
• Echuca Library, 310 Hare St, Echuca
• Twin Rivers Specialist School, 66 Wilkinson Dve, Echuca
• Echuca Regional Health (Echuca Hospital), 266 Service St, Echuca
The toys will be distributed on December 12, 16 and 19.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Join us for a heartwarming community gathering on Christmas Day at the Echuca Moama Uniting Church Hall from 11 am to 3.30 pm.
Bookings are essential. To reserve a seat, phone Julie on 0475 707 412.
Supported by the Echuca Moama Community Projects, Echuca Workers, Riverine Herald and Rich River Golf Club Croquet Club.
CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL HOLIDAY HOURS
AS THE FESTIVE SEASON DRAWS NEAR, CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL IS GEARING UP FOR ITS YEARLY CHRISTMAS HIATUS.
Campaspe Shire Christmas opening hours are:
CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES
Closing at 3 pm on Tuesday, December 24 and reopening at 8.30 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Additionally, on December 12, 2024, the customer service centres will close earlier than normal.
Echuca customer service centre will close at 11.45 am on December 12, 2024; all other customer service centres will close at 11 am (Kyabram, Tongala, Rochester, and Rushworth) on that day.
LIBRARIES
Echuca Library will close at 3 pm on Tuesday, December 24 and reopen at 10 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Kyabram, Rochester, Tongala and Rushworth libraries will close at 3 pm Tuesday, December 24 and re-open at 8.30 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
All online services and after-hours return chutes will still be available.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
Services will be operating for first home visits and essential appointments only. To discuss your options, contact the MCH booking line at 1300 644 964.
CAMPASPE ANIMAL SHELTER
Closed on Sundays and Christmas Day. It is open by appointment only from 10 am to noon on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
All other days are open by appointment as per usual operating hours. Appointments can be made by calling 5480 3005.
ECHUCA WAR MEMORIAL AQUATIC CENTRE
Closed on Christmas Day.
OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS
Closed on Christmas Day.
CAMPASPE COMMUNITY CHILDREN’S CENTRE
Closed from 5.45 pm on Monday, December 23, 2024, and reopen Monday, January 6, 2025.
Your usual collection day versus your Christmas collection day
Closed from 6 pm on Monday, December 23, 2024, and reopening on Monday, January 6, 2025.
COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
The volunteer-based community transport will conclude on Friday, December 20 and reopen for bookings from Tuesday, January 14. Service requests lodged during council’s office closure period will be attended to upon reopening of council offices.
ON-CALL RANGER SERVICES
Operating throughout the holiday period for emergencies only.
For urgent requests, call 1300 666 535 and follow the prompts.
KERBSIDE BIN COLLECTIONS
Kerbside waste collections over Christmas are likely to be one hour earlier on some days, so you must be prepared.
Kerbside collections will not be impacted on New Year’s Day. They will return to normal on Monday, December 30 and onwards.
Collection dates across the municipality will change as follows:
Wednesday, December 25 – Thursday, December 26
Thursday, December 26 – Friday, December 27
Friday, December 27 — Saturday, December 28
If a collection is missed, residents can take their rubbish to any of Campaspe’s Resource Recovery Centres in Colbinabbin, Echuca, Gunbower, Lockington, Mount Scobie, Rochester, Rushworth and Toolleen for a fee.
All Resource Recovery Centres now have EFTPOS facilities. Recycling (items you normally put in your yellow lid bin) can be taken to any transfer station at no charge.
All eight Resource Recovery Centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Services will operate as usual on all other dates.
The quarries will be closed for sales from Friday, December 20 and reopen on Monday, January 6, 2025.
For up-to-date Campaspe Shire Council Christmas New Year period closures, go to www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/Home
CHRISTMAS PARFAIT
A PARFAIT IS A REFINED FRENCH FROZEN DESSERT CRAFTED WITH EGGS, CREAM AND FRUIT, OFFERING A LUXURIOUS ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL ICE-CREAM. THIS ELEGANT DESSERT IS PERFECT FOR THE HECTIC CHRISTMAS SEASON.
By preparing this dessert days in advance, you can free up precious time to savour the festive moments with your loved ones during the busy Christmas season.
For a truly festive touch, infuse your Christmas parfait with the rich flavours of brandy-soaked mince fruits and vibrant glacé cherries, bringing the
spirit of the season to your dessert.
For a show-stopping holiday dessert, generously drizzle your Christmas Parfait with creamy white chocolate, artfully arrange mint leave lollies, and crown it with glistening cherries, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
INGREDIENTS
200 g of Christmas dried fruit
150 g of glacé cherries
2 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp almond extract
60 ml of brandy
125 g of sugar
60 g water
Four egg yolks
600 ml of whipping cream
Optional: White chocolate melts, mint leaves, extra glace cherries.
To make this Christmas Parfait, you will need a 10 cm by 20 cm loaf tin, kitchen oil spray, glad wrap, a mix master with a metal bowl and a cooking thermometer.
METHOD:
1. Combine the Christmas dried fruit, glacé cherries, mixed spice, almond extract and brandy in a bowl. Mix well. Leave for at least four hours, if possible, overnight, for the flavours to meld.
2. Spray the loaf tin with kitchen oil and line it with glad wrap. The glad wrap should overhang at least enough to cover the top of the finished parfait.
3. Place the egg yolks in a metal bowl of a mix master. Whip until you reach ribbon consistency.
4. Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Using the cooking thermometer, heat them to 118°C.
5. With the mix master running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl onto the egg yolks. Whip for three minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Place the yolk mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until the custard thickens. At this point, you will need to clean the mix master bowl.
7. Place the custard in the clean mix master bowl and whip until cooled. Set aside until needed. You may need to remove it from the mix master bowl.
8. Whip the cream to stiff peaks, then fold in the cooled custard, followed by the soaked fruits.
9. Pour into the glad-wrapped lined loaf tin and cover with the overhanging wrap.
10. Place in the freezer overnight.
You can either serve the Christmas Parfait as it is or decorate it as we have with melted white chocolate, mint leaves and extra glacé cherries for that luxurious festive touch.
COMMUNITY SPREADS KINDNESS
FOR OVER A DECADE, JULIE LANGDON HAS BEEN THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND A HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS LUNCH INITIATIVE FOR THE ECHUCA MOAMA COMMUNITY.
As the co-ordinator of Echuca Moama Community Projects, Julie’s vision was born from a simple realisation that there was a gap in Christmas Day lunch services in the area.
“This came about 12 or 13 years ago when I was working at St Luke’s Anglicare,” Julie said.
The project quickly gained traction, with businesses and volunteers rallying to support the cause.
“We approached the Uniting Church and they were happy to auspice us to use their hall, which can cater for 120 people,” she said.
The lunch targets those who might otherwise spend Christmas alone — be it singles, single parents with children, or elderly couples whose families are far away.
But the festive cheer doesn’t stop at lunch.
Attendees also receive Christmas hampers to take home.
“We decided to include Christmas hampers, packed with traditional goodies and a small gift, for people to enjoy later,” Julie said.
The initiative has since expanded to include a toy drive, supporting families in need during the holiday season.
“We welcome anyone with a genuine need to come and select a toy for their children,” she said.
Last year, the drive brought joy to 267 children.
Julie emphasised that community support is the backbone of these projects.
“The backing from businesses and volunteers has always been my backstop,” she said.
“It’s grown too big for me to manage alone.”
The success of this initiative highlights the power of community spirit in Echuca Moama, bringing warmth and joy to those who need it most during the festive season.
MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL
EVERYONE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO A HOLIDAY, INCLUDING YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL.
Murray River Council Christmas closure information for the Christmas/New Year period is as follows:
Customer service centres, libraries and depots will be closed for the Christmas/New Year period from 4 pm Thursday, December 19, 2024 and will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Murray River Council waste facilities will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
At the time of printing, the Murray River Council had yet to confirm the kerbside collection days and times.
For up-to-date Murray River Council Christmas/ New Year period closures, go to www.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/Home
MUST-READS THIS SUMMER
CAMPASPE LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER JENNY MUSTEY HAS YOUR SUMMER READING RECOMMENDATIONS.
GO AS A RIVER - SHELLEY READ
Go as a River is set in 1940s Colorado where teenage Victoria Nash is the only woman in a family of troubled men.
When she meets Wilson Moon, a young drifter with a mysterious past, on a street corner, their connection is immediate. And dangerous.
When tragedy strikes, Victoria is forced to leave her home and face a decision that will change her life forever.
“Published in 2023, this debut novel has proven a big hit with readers already with rave reviews, and due to that, it has been added to Campaspe Library’s extensive book club collection,” Jenny said.
“If you are a fan of Where the Crawdad’s Sing, this is another heart-wrenching coming-of-age story.”
THERE ARE RIVERS IN THE SKY - ELIF SHAFAK
“This was recommended to me, and it has blown me away, it is a fantastic book,” Jenny said.
Award-winning British-Turkish writer Elif Shafak has written 11 novels and There are Rivers in the Sky is her latest release.
A beautifully written novel that takes us back to the ruins of Nineveh and poem of Epic of Gilgamesh and then weaves a story through the eyes of three characters who are all entwined by a single drop of water.
Sound interesting?
Jenny recommends you give it a try, as she believes this will be one of the most popular books of 2024.
BONE LANDS - PIP FIORETTI
“Australian fiction, particularly crime noir, is one of the most popular sections in the library,” Jenny said. If you’re a fan of Chris Hammer, Christian White, Jane Harper or Margaret Hickey, here is another author making her debut in this genre.
“A terrific page-turner for those days by the river, beach or pool.”
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is absolutely delightful,” Jenny said.
“It is a bit similar to A Man Called Ove. People loved that novel, which was also adapted into two successful films.
“Anna Johnston has written this very clever novel which has a large dash of humour and a whole lot of kindness – the perfect novel to relax and unwind with over the Christmas break.”
CRAFT A FESTIVE STAR
COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION ECHUCA MURRAY AND ECHUCA GROUP SECRETARY DELIA CURRIE, A 40-YEAR CWA MEMBER, HAS BEEN CRAFTING CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS WITH FRIENDS SINCE HER SCHOOL DAYS.
Here’s Delia’s pattern for a Christmas Star for your tree. WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Two 15 cm squares of a plain colour fabric.
One 10 cm square of Christmas-themed fabric
A red or green button Christmas coloured thread. You should pick a colour that will contrast to the plain coloured fabric.
20 cm of thin ribbon in a Christmas colour.
A small handful of pillow stuffing
Scissors, sewing needle, sewing pins
MBC Functions Section
Book your Christmas party with us and enjoy a
Whether you
planning
or
HERE IS HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS STAR:
STEP 1: Cut out the two star templates provided
STEP 2: Place the larger star template on the 15 cm squares of fabric and cut out the shape from both pieces of fabric.
STEP 3: Place the smaller star on the 10 cm square of fabric and cut out the shape
STEP 4: Place the smaller fabric star in the centre of one of the larger fabric stars. Using the needle and thread, sew the smaller star into place. Delia suggests using a running stitch or back stitch.
You may need to Google ‘running’ or ‘back’ stitch for instructions.
STEP 5: Sew the button into the middle of the smaller star.
STEP 6: On the second larger star, pin the ribbon to make a loop at the top of the star, as pictured. This will allow you to sew the two halves together with the pin in place and secure the ribbon simultaneously.
STEP 7: Place the larger star with the smaller star and button on the larger star with the ribbon. The ribbon ends should be in the middle of the two pieces of fabric.
STEP 8: Sew the two larger stars using a running or back stitch, leaving a small gap. Do not cut the needle and thread away yet.
STEP 9: Stuff the star with a small handful of pillow stuffing and continue to sew it up with the needle and thread.
STEP 10: You should be able to remove the pin holding the ribbon in place, as the ribbon should have been secured when the star was sewn together.
You are ready to decorate your tree with a Christmas decoration you have made yourself.
Because you made the Christmas Star yourself, they are ideal to be given as a gift.
FRENCH 75 SPARKLES
WE ALL LIKE A BIT OF SPARKLE WITH OUR CHRISTMAS SPREAD, AND WHAT WE DRINK WITH CHRISTMAS SHOULD BE NO DIFFERENT.
The Riverbank Moama is one of the district’s favourite places for a glass of sparkle, on the deck, under the river red gums.
With its acclaimed cocktail menu, it is
METHOD
the perfect spot to unwind and savour endless summer afternoons.
The French 75, a zesty and effervescent gin-based cocktail, embodies the spirit of Christmas celebrations.
INGREDIENTS
30 ml gin
20 ml lemon juice
10 ml simple syrup (see note)
Australian sparkling wine or champagne Lemon peel, to serve
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously.
Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute, top with Australian sparkling wine, and garnish with a twist of lemon peel before serving.
Note: For homemade simple syrup, gently simmer equal parts water and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool to room temperature before use. This year we have Christmas all wrapped up.
Avoid missing out - book early. Christmas Lunch or Christmas Party?
The Moama Bowling Club’s renowned Christmas Day Lunch - Wednesday December 25th, 2024 12.00pm OR 1.00pm
The Greens Bowls and Beaut Bu et - Friday December 13th 2024 - 7.00pm till 11.00pm (December 6th BOOKED OUT)
6 Shaw St. Moama NSW FreeCall 1800 806 777
To secure your booking FreeCall 1800 806 777 or email: functions@moamabowlingclub.com.au
KRIS KRINGLE GIFTS: $20 AND UNDER
LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE KRIS KRINGLE GIFTS OR STOCKING FILLERS?
WE HAVE YOU COVERED WITH A RANGE OF OPTIONS PRICED AT $20 OR UNDER FROM OUR FAVOURITE LOCAL BUSINESSES.
WRAPPED WITH LOVE
LOOKING TO ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH TO YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT-GIVING? HERE ARE SOME UNIQUE AND CREATIVE WAYS PEOPLE ARE WRAPPING PRESENTS THIS CHRISTMAS, TRANSFORMING ORDINARY GIFTS INTO MEMORABLE TREASURES!
Fabric wraps: Using reusable fabric, such as scarves or tea towels, for an eco-friendly and stylish presentation.
Brown paper packages: Decorating simple brown paper with stamps, drawings for a rustic look.
Old maps or newspapers: Wrapping gifts in vintage maps or newspaper pages for a creative and nostalgic touch.
Gift baskets: Arranging smaller items in a basket and wrapping it with cellophane and a festive bow for a beautiful display.
Boxing with style: Using decorative boxes that can be reused, adorned with ribbons and tags for a modern look.
Nature inspired: Incorporating natural elements like pine cones, twigs, or dried orange slices as decorations on the wrapping.
Personalised wrapping: Using custom printed wrapping paper featuring family photos or messages for a personal touch.
Puzzle wrap: Wrapping a gift in multiple layers and making the recipient solve a puzzle or riddle to get to the actual gift.
$4000 IN GIFT CARDS
FESTIVE FUN FOR ALL
CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL AND MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL COME ALIVE WITH CHRISTMAS JOY FOR EVERYONE.
HERE IS A LIST OF CHRISTMAS EVENTS SO EVERYONE CAN GET INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT AND SHARE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS AND THE SEASON OF GIVING.
CHRISTMAS DISLAYS
DECEMBER 2 TO 30
The Campaspe Shire comes alive with illumination stations spread throughout the district.
In Echuca at Hopwood Gardens, Kyabram at Memorial Park and Rochester at Rotunda Park.
Community-led Christmas displays of decorations, lights, community Christmas trees and selfie spots can be found in Colbinabbin, Girgarre, Gunbower, Lockington, Nanneella, Rushworth, Stanhope and Tongala.
#illuminationstation #christmasincampaspe
DECEMBER 5 TO JANUARY 8TONGALA HAY BALE TRAIL
Volunteer artists paint Christmas-themed hay bales and put them on display throughout the town.
Maps can be downloaded from the Visit Tongala Facebook page or picked up at Tongala businesses.
DECEMBER 6 TO 21 - ROCHESTER CHRISTMAS TREES DISPLAY
Rochester Shire Hall, 45 Mackay St, Rochester
DECEMBER 14 TO 21 - FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS TREES
Echuca Moama Uniting Church’s annual display of Christmas trees created by the community.
DECEMBER 14 TO 22 - SANTA’S CAVE
Step into Santa’s Cave at the Kyabram Town Hall and immerse yourself and your family in a world of wonder and joy.
Kyabram Town Hall, Allan St, Kyabram, from 11am to 5pm.
COLBO PUB CHOIR CHRISTMAS CAROL TRAIL - COLBINABBIN
Explore the Christmas candles around town and scan the QR code to listen to carols sung by the Colbo Pub Choir.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
DECEMBER 8 - CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Lions Club of Moama traditional Carols by Candlelight in conjunction with Dellmac Entertainment.
You will sing all your favourite songs: Jingle Bells, Silent Night, White Christmas, and It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas.
Remember to bring a blanket and chairs, as well as mozzie repellent.
Ice-cream and coffee vans will help feed the crowd, along with the always-loved Lions Club barbecue, hot chips and cold drinks.
Kerrabee Sound Shell, Moama, with food starting at 5.30pm and carols from 6pm.
DECEMBER 8 - ECHUCA CAROLS
Christmas by candlelight carols at the Echuca Moama Uniting Church at 7pm.
DECEMBER 8 - MATHOURA
Community Carols by Candlelight, Memorial Park, Mathoura
DECEMBER 13 - STANHOPE CAROLS
Family Christmas carols in Stanhope on Birdwood Ave at 6pm.
DECEMBER 14 - TONGALA CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Tongala community Christmas carols by candlelight at the Tongala Sound Shell in Mangan St, Tongala at 6pm.
DECEMBER 19 - KYABRAM CAROLS
Kyabram churches Christmas carols in the Memorial Gardens, Allan St, Kyabram from 5pm to 10pm.
DECEMBER 24 - ROCHESTER CAROLS
Christmas @ the silos carols service at the Rochester Silos, Ramsay St, Rochester.
EVENTS
DECEMBER 7 - GUNBOWER CHRISTMAS STORY TIME
Share Christmas stories at the Gunbower Butter Factory from 9.30am to 11.30am.
DECEMBER 7 - RUSHWORTH CHRISTMAS ART AND CRAFT MARKET
Find a handmade gift for that someone special from 8.30am to 1pm at the Rushworth Shire Hall.
DECEMBER 8 - BUSH VERSE GROUP
Bush verse, yarns and poetry featuring the Kyabram Bush Verse Group. Kyvalley Hall, 534 Scobis Rd, Kyvalley at noon.
DECEMBER 21 - SANTA’S GROTTO
Visit Santa in his grotto at the Rushworth Band Stand from 10am to noon.
KYABRAM - 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS
Starting in mid-December and running up to just before Christmas, the Kyabram Chamber of Commerce hosts a 12 Days of Christmas promotion in conjunction with a sponsoring business.
Designed to kick-start your Christmas shopping, the idea is that you purchase at participating Kyabram stores to enter the draw to win giveaways and Kyabram shopping vouchers.
Participating stores will display a 12 Days of Christmas poster on their windows in the lead-up to the event.