ISSUE 3 | 2024 CHRISTMAS
SHOP LOCALLY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $4000
COMMUNITY SPIRIT SHINES THROUGH SHIRE
As we edge ever closer to Christmas, I can feel a change in the air of our wonderful Campaspe Shire; not only with the beginning of summer and the warmer weather that has now well and truly arrived on our doorstep, but also a general feeling of expectation and excitement among members of our community at the coming festive season and all it entails.
Speaking of change in the air, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome our new Campaspe Shire councillors to their roles and join with the mayor in wishing all community members a happy and safe holiday season.
If we have young children in our family or friendship circles, the season can be a particularly magical time as we get caught up in their enthusiasm for all things Christmas-themed.
Of course, there is no shortage of festive activities for those lucky enough to live in Campaspe Shire.
If you’re looking to add to the festive magic, why not schedule a visit to Santa’s Cave in Kyabram, which is open from December 14 to 22 between 11 am and 5 pm at Kyabram Town Hall in Allen St; or perhaps the Festival of Christmas Trees from December 14 to 21 between 10 am to 2 pm at Echuca-Moama Uniting Church in Hare St, Echuca.
Younger children and toddlers may enjoy our Christmas-themed Storytime and Rhymetime sessions, which are happening at the Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester, Rushworth and Tongala libraries, and also at a pop-up location at Gunbower Butter Factory.
A couple of fun activities that don’t need to fit into a specific daily timeframe are the Rochester Scavenger Hunt — in which kids can help Santa to find his missing reindeer at six iconic locations in Rochester and be in the running to win weekly prizes — and the Tongala Hay Bale Trail which is active now and right through until January 8.
Let’s not forget our fantastic Illumination Stations in Echuca, Kyabram and Rochester, too, which offer spectacular displays once the sun goes down.
For more details on all these activities and many more around Campaspe Shire — including the always wonderful Christmas carols events, visit Council’s Events page at www.campaspe.vic.gov. au/Recreation-events/Events
Meanwhile, Campaspe Shire Council is sponsoring a shire-wide Christmas Lights Competition, with the winners to receive a slice of $1000 in gift vouchers.
Competition entries closed on November 27, but you can still use the Christmas Lights map to take a tour of the displays and vote for your favourites.
Whatever way you choose to spend the lead-up to Christmas this year, we urge you to take advantage of all our beautiful Campaspe Shire has to offer with your family and friends, helping to make this time of year a true celebration of community spirit and connection.
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.
Christmas decorations in High St, Echuca.
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
ROCHESTER AND DISTRICT CHILDCARE CENTRE
FIZZ IT UP WITH A COCONUT TWIST
THE COMBINATION OF STRAWBERRY, WATERMELON, AND COCONUT MAKES A REFRESHING AND FLAVOURFUL DRINK FOR A HOT SUMMER DAY.
This refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage is perfect for the whole family, offering a nutritious alternative to sugary soft drinks.
The coconut rim adds a merry sparkle to your holiday drinks, guaranteed to delight and impress your guests.
METHOD
1. With this easy trick, you’ll transform your glass into a festive vessel for your mocktail.
2. It’s as easy as placing the lemon juice on one saucer and the desiccated coconut on another.
3. Then, take a stemless wineglass and turn it upside down in the lemon juice so the rim of the glass is coated with juice.
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4. Finally, dip the glass in the coconut. It’s that simple. Set aside until needed.
5. Place one cup of strawberries and the watermelon in a jug suitable for a stick blender. Using a stick blender, puree the strawberries and watermelon together.
6. Divide the puree between four glasses. Top the puree with sparkling coconut water.
7. Crown your creation with a plump, juicy strawberry, adding a pop of colour and freshness to each glass.
SANTA’S CAVE ENCHANTS CHILDREN
The cherished tradition of meeting Santa returns to Kyabram Town Hall, promising to enchant children and create lasting family memories this December.
Kyabram Town Hall will be transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland, inviting young children to embark on a magical journey to Santa’s Cave.
Santa’s Cave, a beloved fixture in Kyabram’s festive calendar, returns this year with all its familiar charm and perhaps a few magical surprises.
The story of Santa’s Cave began in 2015 when dedicated town hall volunteer Vanessa Cross promised local children a special visit from Santa Claus to Kyabram.
Of course, she had to come through on her promises, and so began the planning and tradition of Santa’s Cave.
Since then, local businesses and community leaders have united to bring this magical event to life each year, collaborating to captivate and amaze the children of Campaspe Shire.
Since 2016, Scott Collins from Cantech Engineering, along with his helpful elves, head into the Kyabram Town Hall and transform the art gallery into what we see in Santa’s Cave.
Even adults would be forgiven for thinking they were transported to the North Pole when walking through the doors of the Kyabram Town Hall.
From the moment families enter the magical tunnel, adorned with twinkling fairy lights, soft sound of jingling bells, and the smell of eucalyptus, young ones can sense the excitement building as they approach a very special someone waiting at the end.
What awaits patient children at the end of the tunnel are masses of toys, decorated trees and, of course, the big man himself — Santa Claus.
The elves at Kyabram Town Hall will be out in full force creating the magical atmosphere through face painting, lucky dips and other novelty surprises from the moment Santa’s Cave opens.
Santa’s Cave welcomes visitors at the Kyabram Town Hall from Saturday, December 14 to Sunday, December 22, operating daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Tickets cost $5 per person or $15 per family.
Santa’s Cave at Kyabram Town Hall is returning in December
Open House owner Bron Vick and LUCA Solutions owner Michelle Sing are getting some selfie practice in before Santa makes his appearance later this month.
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
SUMMER GARDENING TIPS
IT’S CHRISTMAS AND THE RELLIES ARE COMING OVER FOR THAT ONCE-A-YEAR FAMILY CATCH-UP.
To create a festive and flourishing summer garden perfect for Christmas celebrations, we’ve gathered expert advice from the Campaspe Shire Council Parks and Gardens team.
This week, the Parks and Gardens team will discuss the best way to care for your lawn and plants.
In next week’s Christmas lift-out, they will highlight caring for your trees, pruning and pests.
LAWNS
As summer approaches, it’s time to prepare your lawn for the warmer months ahead. Here are some essential tips to ensure your lawn stays lush and green all summer long.
Aerate your lawn: Aeration helps to relieve soil compaction and allows water, air, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. Use a garden fork or an aerator to create small holes in the soil.
Fertilise appropriately: Apply a balanced fertiliser to provide essential nutrients. Opt for a slow-release formula to ensure steady growth throughout the season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Water wisely: Water your lawn deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning is the best time to water, as it reduces
evaporation and allows the grass to dry before evening, preventing disease.
Mow correctly: Set your mower blades to a higher setting to keep the grass longer. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing water loss and preventing weed growth. Remember to keep your mower blades sharp for a clean cut.
Control weeds: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating. For existing weeds, use a post-emergent herbicide or hand-pull them to keep your lawn weed-free.
Overseed bare patches: If you have thin or bare spots, overseed with a suitable grass seed mix. This will help to thicken your lawn and improve its overall appearance.
PLANTS
As summer approaches, here are some top tips for choosing the best plants to ensure a vibrant and resilient garden.
Native plants: Opt for native species such as kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos), bottlebrush (Callistemon) and Grevillea. These plants are well-adapted to the local climate and require minimal water once established.
Drought-tolerant perennials: Consider perennials like lavender, rosemary and echinacea. These
Bottlebrush is well-adopted to summer heat.
plants withstand dry conditions and add colour and fragrance to your garden.
Succulents and cacti: Succulents like agave, Aloe vera and Sedum are excellent choices for hot climates. They store water in their leaves, making them highly drought-resistant.
Mulching: Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation. Organic mulches like bark chips or straw can also improve soil health over wtime.
Efficient watering: Implement drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the roots, minimising waste. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening can also reduce evaporation. By selecting the right plants and employing waterefficient practices, you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden that thrives even in the hottest months.
FUN CHRISTMAS FACTS
GET READY TO SPREAD SOME HOLIDAY CHEER WITH THESE SURPRISING AND FUN CHRISTMAS FACTS.
Christmas is full of interesting history and quirky traditions.
These fun facts just scratch the surface of Christmas history, but hopefully, they add a little extra holiday cheer to your celebrations.
THE ORIGIN OF “XMAS”
Many people wonder why “Xmas” is used instead of “Christmas.”
The “X” comes from the Greek letter “Chi,” which is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ (Χριστός).
So, “Xmas” is actually an abbreviation, not an abbreviation of “Christ” or anything disrespectful.
CHRISTMAS TREES
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees originated in Germany in the 16th century.
The first tree decorated with candles is often credited to Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, who added candles to a tree to replicate the stars shining through the trees on a winter night.
TINSEL WAS ONCE MADE OF REAL SILVER
Tinsel, the shiny decoration that drapes over Christmas trees, was originally made from real silver in the 1600s in Germany.
Silver was used to create the glittering effect, but it was later replaced by aluminium to make it more affordable and practical.
THE CHRISTMAS PICKLE
In Germany, there’s a tradition of hiding a glass pickle ornament on the Christmas tree.
The first person to find it gets an extra present or a year of good luck.
Although, this tradition is often more popular in the US than in Germany itself.
CHRISTMAS WAS ONCE BANNED IN ENGLAND
Christmas was actually banned in England for a time during the 17th century.
In 1647, the Puritans under Oliver Cromwell took over and prohibited Christmas celebrations, citing them as “pagan.”
The ban was lifted in 1660, and Christmas returned to being widely celebrated.
THE WORLD’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS STOCKING
The largest Christmas stocking ever made was over 106 feet long!
It was made in Italy in 2011, and it could fit an entire family’s worth of presents.
MISTLETOE HAS A MYSTERIOUS PAST
Mistletoe has a long history as a symbol of fertility and good fortune.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe was popularised in 18th-century England.
Originally, anyone standing under the mistletoe had to kiss, but the practice eventually evolved into the more romantic custom we know today.
LEFTOVER CHRISTMAS CAKE? MAKE TRUFFLES
IS CHRISTMAS CAKE AND PLUM PUDDING A FAVOURITE AT YOUR PLACE?
Or a dish you make (or, heaven forbid, pick up at the supermarket) once a year because Great Aunt Hilda thinks it can’t be Christmas without it?
So, somehow, you end up with half a pudding or cake that no-one will ever eat.
We’ve been there too.
That’s why we’ve created this festive and fun recipe for Christmas chocolate truffles. It’s a delightful way
to repurpose those leftovers and bring some extra holiday magic to your kitchen.
Before you begin, here’s a little tip: make sure to stock up on two packets of 290 g milk chocolate melts.
You might need the second one to dip all of your truffles, and let’s be honest, we can we never have too much chocolate in the house.
MBC Functions Section
METHOD
1. Half fill a saucepan with water. Place a heat-resistant bowl on top of the saucepan, not touching the water, to make a bain-marie.
2. Add the 70 per cent dark chocolate and cream to the bowl. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and smooth. Mix well to ensure they’re fully combined.
CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES INGREDIENTS
180 g of 70 per cent dark chocolate
80 ml cream
250 g leftover Christmas cake or pudding
290 g milk chocolate melts
150 g of white chocolate melts
Mint leave lollies — each cut into four pieces
Mini M&Ms — just the red and green ones
3. Stir in the leftover Christmas cake or pudding and mix well.
4. Place in the fridge for one hour to firm up.
5. Remove the mixture from the fridge. Using your hands, take a spoonful and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on a baking paper-lined tray. This recipe should yield 25 balls.
6. Place the tray in the freezer for one hour.
7. Melt the milk chocolate. Remove the balls from the freezer and dip each one in the milk chocolate. Allow to set.
8. Melt the white chocolate and place it in a small piping bag. Pipe a little white chocolate over the top of each of the truffles. Working quickly, before the white chocolate sets, place two pieces of mint lollies and a red and green M&M on each truffle.
9. Keep in the fridge until needed. They should last five days in the fridge.
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GIVE THE GIFT OF A FOREVER HOME
With Christmas fast approaching, Campaspe Animal Shelter is urging locals to consider adopting a pet this festive season.
Every year thousands of animals in Australia are taken in by animal shelters, with many animals sadly being surrendered during the festive season as families set off on holidays.
The shelter’s team leader Angela Bavich said there were many benefits to choosing to adopt a pet from an animal shelter.
“They’re all desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, flea treated, wormed and behaviour and health assessed, and it ends up cheaper in the long run,” she said.
“It’s also good to save a life as well, and it’s very rewarding. It’s always nice to adopt from a shelter.”
The adoption process is very easy and can be done within a single day by appointment.
If people have other pets at home, they are encouraged to bring them to the appointment to check if they will get along with the adoptee.
Once adopted, the new pets must be registered with the council by April 9 of each year.
The shelter’s Home for the Holidays Adoption Drive will run from December 4 to January 15, offering significant discounts on the cost of pet adoption; more details will be available from council’s website.
Angela said it was important that people were adopting for the right reasons and were prepared to take on a pet for the long term.
“Just make sure that you’re in a situation to be able to adopt a dog or a cat. Especially with dogs, make sure you have a good backyard — and time,” she said.
“We have a few puppies and kittens coming through at this time, so make sure that you are adopting them for life and not just when they’re cute and small.”
The shelter currently has 21 dogs and 12 cats that are looking for new homes.
There are plenty of pets to choose from at Campaspe Animal Shelter, such as the delightfully playful Brogan, a staghound cross kelpie who has been a long-time resident at the shelter.
The two-year-old canine thrives on affection and enjoys ear scratches and will return the love his new owners show him with lots of cuddles and happy playtime hours.
There are also some newer and smaller additions at the shelter, such as Rocky, a male staffy cross, who enjoys a cuddle in your lap when he’s not trailing around behind you to keep an eye on what’s happening.
To take a look at all the animals currently at the shelter, visit www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/Business/ Council-businesses/Campaspe-Animal-Shelter/ Adopt-an-animal
To book an appointment with the animal shelter or to inquire about adoption, contact 5480 3005.
Dana Boyle and Angela Bavich from Campaspe Animal Shelter are hoping to find homes this festive season for cats and dogs such as Brogan.
Young Rocky is a playful staffy cross.
Kerry Veevers copy.pdf
Open: 8am - 5:30pm (Mon - Fri) 9am - 1pm (Saturday) T. (03) 5482 6651 M. 0408 994 028 E.
KRIS KRINGLE GIFTS: $30 AND UNDER
LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE OFFERING A VARIETY OF AFFORDABLE GIFT OPTIONS PRICED AT $30 OR UNDER, PERFECT FOR THOSE SEEKING BUDGET-FRIENDLY PRESENTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
1. Get them outdoors fishing with a fishing reel. Blue Sky Outdoor Experts, 104 Northern Hwy, Echuca.
2. Aroma botanical wax candle with many varieties available. Healthy Tummies Pantry, 210 Allan St, Kyabram.
3. A metal can cooler kit is a must-have for the summer. Autobarn Echuca, 182 Annesley St, Echuca.
4. Keep your feet cool while hiking in wool bamboo socks. Echuca Camping, 592 High St, Echuca.
5. Tilley gift boxes have beautiful scents for many tastes. My Perfect Home, Moama Marketplace Shopping Centre, 2 Perricoota Rd, Moama.
6. A book bag is great for carrying your books around. Collins Booksellers, Shop 2/519 High St, Echuca.
7. Milano china mugs are a beautiful set to give a friend. Amcal Pharmacy Echuca, 192 Hare St, Echuca.
BLUEY AND BINGO ARE BACK
The event, which burst onto the scene in 2020 with a charming Bluey and Bingo installation crafted by a local farming family, has flourished into a beloved annual attraction for Tongala.
Tongala Development Group treasurer Kellie Brennan shared how the initial installation sparked such interest that it was relocated from the family farm into town.
This move sparked a community-wide creative surge, with the group and local volunteers collaborating to bring 19 additional heartwarming installations to life for the 2024 festive season.
“The initial trail was promoted as a COVID-safe event, as all installations could be viewed from your car,” Kellie said.
The trail’s runaway success, drawing thousands of eager visitors from across the state, solidified its status as a must-see annual event.
The 2024 Christmas Hay Bale Trail will kick off on December 5, 2024, with a launch event at Potts Village Green, running until January 8, 2025.
The trail thrives on local support, with businesses and the innovative ‘Adopt a Bale’ program enabling community members to make their mark by sponsoring a bale and receiving personal recognition for their contribution.
This year’s trail will feature guest artist Zowie Crump from The Art of Zowie.
Zowie’s vibrant designs will take centre stage in Potts Village Green along the main street.
Visitors can get a sneak peek of her work on ‘The Art of Zowie’ Facebook page.
“Bluey and Bingo were an overwhelming hit in our initial year and with their absence noticed by many last year, the Tongala Development Group have decided they will be a regular installation each Christmas,” Kellie said.
Kristen Gordon, the original Bluey and Bingo artist from 2020, has rejoined the artist group to recreate these beloved characters for 2024.
In previous years, the trail has drawn an astounding 10,000+ visitors to Tongala, injecting a remarkable economic boost into the heart of this charming small town.
The Tongala Development Group eagerly anticipates welcoming visitors during the holiday period.
Maps and additional information will be available on the ‘Visit Tongala’ Facebook page and Instagram @tongala_hay_bale_trail.
Maps of the Tongala Hay Bale Trail Christmas 2024 can be picked up at many Tongala businesses.
$4000 IN GIFT CARDS
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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 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 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.
DECEMBER 27 TO JANUARY 27
Get ready for a special cinematic summer at the Port of Echuca. From December 27 until January 27, every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night enjoy movie magic under the stars. For more details, visit www.portofechuca.org.au or follow Port Of Echuca social media.
DECEMBER 28 TO JANUARY 26
Enjoy live music at Echuca Wharf from 1pm to 4pm on select Saturdays and Sundays from December 28 to January 26. Enjoy a variety of performances and make the most of your weekends by the river. For more details, visit www.portofechuca.org.au or follow Port Of Echuca social media.