SHOP LOCALLY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $4000
CHRISTMAS MAGIC LIGHTS UP CAMPASPE
IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK, THE FESTIVE SEASON WILLREACH ITS PEAK AS WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY ACROSS CAMPASPE SHIRE.
The lead-up to the big day has been a busy one for me, and I’m sure for many of you, with all the organising and catching up with friends that goes hand-in-hand with a celebration at this time of year.
As a community, we have been lucky to have so many events and experiences to enjoy across the past month, from our amazing Illumination Stations and Christmas-themed displays, to markets, carolsinging and other fun-filled activities that appeal to all ages and foster a real sense of unity.
This year we were also thrilled to sponsor the shirewide Christmas Lights Competition.
Homes and businesses across the region have entered their festive displays for the chance to win a share of $1000 in gift vouchers, and a map offers the locations for all to enjoy.
Why not take an evening tour and vote for the displays you like best?
It’s a great way to experience a little Christmas magic on a warm summer evening.
While we’re talking about getting out and about — our parks and gardens are an absolute picture thanks to our hardworking council staff, who have been doing their very best to ensure community members have flourishing spaces in which to gather with family and friends or perhaps just spend a few moments taking a break from the festive hustle and bustle.
Check out our Campaspe Shire Council website for a full list of parks, gardens and playgrounds and the amenities offered at each as you plan your lastminute Christmas gatherings or look ahead to a little relaxation time in the days and weeks to follow.
It’s the season of giving, and while we always encourage community members to shop local, if you’re in the market for a new pet this summer, Campaspe Animal Shelter has a range of dogs and cats looking for their loving “forever homes”.
For more information or to see what animals are up
It’s a time for collective generosity, kindness, and creating lasting memories that strengthen the bonds within our communities.
The season can also be a challenging one for some, and we encourage you to reach out for help if this time of year is perhaps not such a joyful one for you.
We know there are many in our community who have worked tirelessly to support people and families in need, and we thank them for their selfless efforts.
As we gather to share in the spirit of giving and celebration, I wish you all joy, peace, wonderful times spent with family and friends, and a safe and happy new year.
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 GIFT IDEAS
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.
Georgie would like to wish
Kyabram Illumination Station is alive and welcoming.
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
GOOD OLE COUNTRY GIFTS, A CHRISTMAS-THEMED STORE IN ECHUCA, HAS BEEN SPREADING FESTIVE CHEER FOR A QUARTER-CENTURY THIS MONTH.
Owner Gayle Fuchs has turned her lifelong love for Christmas into a successful year-round business, sharing her passion with the community.
And there is no better person to give us all the tips and hints on creating a memorable Christmas tree that we will love for years to come.
“I’ve always been enamoured with Christmas, even before calling Echuca home,” Gayle said.
“I’ve always relished the tradition of selecting fresh trees wherever we lived, and I’ve amassed quite a collection of decorations over the years.”
Gayle’s tree-trimming expertise has become an invaluable resource for customers seeking to create their perfect Christmas display.
“Many customers seek my advice on tree decoration,” she said.
Beautiful decorations adorn one of Gayle Fuchs’ favourite Christmas Tree.
Gayle emphasises that each tree is unique and can be adorned in myriad ways.
She has a particular fondness for fir trees.
“Fir trees can be quite sparse, with spindly branches and noticeable gaps, but they can look absolutely stunning when decorated properly,” Gayle said.
She recommends using finials — elegant, elongated ornaments that hang beautifully on sparse trees — and strategically placing large, eye-catching baubles in the gaps to create a stunning threedimensional effect.
For those with older artificial trees, Gayle suggests using ‘picks’ — faux flowers on long stems — to fill gaps and refresh the look.
“They’re excellent fillers and an affordable way to revitalise an old tree,” she said.
Gayle said Christmas decoration trends often mirrored homeware trends.
“This year, we’re seeing a predominance of beautiful coppers, bronze, brass and soft pinks. These colours complement each other beautifully,” she said.
For those starting their Christmas decoration journey, Gayle strongly recommends investing in a high-quality tree as a long-lasting foundation for festive displays.
“Invest in a good tree, and it will serve you for years to come,” she said.
Gayle Fuchs’ Christmas tree has a unique style.
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
REFRESHING RASPBERRY SOUR MOCKTAIL
HERE’S A MOCKTAIL THAT TASTES LIKE A COCKTAIL
Indulge in this spirit-free mocktail that perfectly mimics the taste and appearance of a cocktail.
This delightful drink combines the sweet freshness of raspberries with the tanginess of lime, creating a
RASPBERRY SOUR MOCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS
Lemon juice
Sugar
375 ml of probiotic-rich raspberry kombucha
60 ml of lime cordial
½ a cup of raspberries — which can be frozen or fresh
METHOD
refreshing, invigorating mocktail you will want to savour again and again.
For a festive touch, create a magical frosted rim on your martini glass with a sprinkle of sugar.
1. Elevate your mocktail presentation with this quick and easy glass-rimming technique.
It’s as easy as placing the lemon juice on one saucer and the sugar on another. Then, turn a martini glass upside down in the lemon juice so the rim of the glass is coated with juice. Finally, dip the glass in the sugar. It’s that simple. Set aside until needed.
2. Divide the raspberries between four martini glasses.
3. Top the raspberries with 15 ml of lime cordial.
4. Gently pour the raspberry kombucha over the top to complete your refreshing mocktail.
DECK THE OUTDOORS WITH COLOUR
CREATIVE CHRISTMAS TABLE DECOR IDEAS FOR A FESTIVE AUSSIE SUMMER.
Embrace the joy of the holiday season and the beauty of the great outdoors with our festive outdoor Christmas table decor ideas.
Celebrate the warmth of an Aussie summer by transforming your al fresco dining space into a vibrant and inviting gathering spot, perfect for sharing good food and cherished moments with loved ones.
Natural elements: Use native Australian flowers, like banksias or eucalyptus, as centrepieces. Incorporate greenery, such as ferns, to create a lush look.
Festive tableware: Choose vibrant tablecloths and napkins in traditional Christmas colours — reds, greens and golds.
Fairy lights: String fairy lights or lanterns above the table for a warm, twinkling ambience as the sun sets.
Outdoor candles: Use candles in hurricane lanterns to create a cosy atmosphere. Citronella candles can also help keep bugs away.
Pine cones and baubles: Incorporate pine cones, ornaments, or baubles as table decorations. You can place them in bowls or scatter them across the table.
Seasonal fruits: Use bowls of seasonal fruits, like cherries, mangoes, or stone fruits, as both decoration and a refreshing snack.
Personalised place settings: Create personalised
name cards or small gifts for guests at each place setting to add a special touch.
DIY decorations: Get crafty with homemade decorations, such as painted rocks or natural wreaths.
Cool drink station: Set up a festive drink station with holiday-themed cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages, adding to the overall décor.
Wishing all our loyal customers a very merry Christmas and thank you for your support in
Trading hours over Christmas: Closed: Monday 23rd December
Monday 6th January
Monday 6th January
COUNCIL SHARES RECYCLING TIPS
THE HOLIDAY SEASON SEES A SPIKE IN HOUSEHOLD WASTE AS FAMILIES COME TOGETHER FOR FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of this waste often ends up in incorrect bins, impacting recycling efforts.
Campaspe Shire Council environmental projects education officer Sheri Doyle stresses the importance of proper waste sorting during Christmas.
“Our best approach is to recycle as much as possible and utilise the green bin for all food scapes and garden waste,” she said.
“Ham bones and prawn tails, typically uncommon during the year, can all go into the green bin.”
In Campaspe, green bins accept all food scraps, including large bones and seafood waste.
This waste is processed at Biomix and transformed into soil-enhancing compost products.
When it comes to gift wrapping, Sheri warns against using glossy or plastic-coated materials.
“These items must go in the red bin as they can’t be recycled,” she said.
She encourages creative gift-wrapping solutions, such as using recyclable brown craft paper with festive ribbons or repurposing household items like tea towels.
Campaspe Shire Council offers various recycling options for larger items.
Expanded polystyrene, the large blocks that come with things like a new TV, can be recycled for free at the Echuca and Mt Scobie Resource Recovery Centres.
All eight centres accept cardboard and co-mingled recyclables for free, and the Echuca and Mt Scobie Resource Recovery Centres can accept some soft or flexible plastic, including shrink wrap, plastic wrappers, plastic bags and clingfilm.
Please ensure that all packaging is separated from cardboard to allow for proper recycling of each of these materials.
E-waste, which is anything with a cord or battery, including festive fairy lights, is accepted free of charge at all Resource Recovery Centres. Sheri emphasises the importance of proper battery disposal.
“Batteries shouldn’t go in any bin. They do cause fires in our waste trucks,” she said.
Both real and artificial trees can be taken to Resource Recovery Centres, though charges apply both for landfilling the artificial tree and mulching costs for the real tree.
If you are camping throughout the festive season, please take camping waste through to a nearby Recourse Recovery Centre for free disposal.
Additionally, the council will provide four skip bins for campers’ waste at Torrumbarry Roadhouse, Echuca East Boat Ramp, Gunbower Recreation Reserve and Vic Park Recreation Reserve over the Christmas period.
The skip bins are solely for campers’ waste and will be monitored.
If the bins are full please take the campers waste to the Resource Recovery Centres, campers waste will be accepted free of charge.
Campaspe Shire Council Resource Recovery Centres will be closed on Christmas Day but open as usual on all other days, including public holidays.
For more information on waste and recycling services, residents can visit the council’s website, www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Wasterecycling
Looking for something fun to do during the Christmas break?
SUNSHINE AND SMILES ALL ROUND
OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN IDEAS THIS CHRISTMAS.
As Christmas approaches, Australians are gearing up for a festive season filled with sunshine, laughter and family moments.
This year, why not take the celebrations outdoors?
From backyard cricket to water balloon tosses, discover exciting games that will keep the whole family entertained while soaking up the summer rays.
Join us as we explore the best outdoor activities to make your holiday unforgettable.
Backyard cricket: A classic Aussie game, backyard cricket is perfect for the whole family. Just grab a bat and ball, and set up teams.
Water balloon toss: Great for cooling off, have family members pair up and toss water balloons back and forth, stepping further apart with each toss.
Giant Jenga: Build a giant Jenga tower using large wooden
blocks. It’s an exciting game for families of all ages.
Frisbee golf: Set up targets around your yard or a park, and use frisbees to try and hit each target in as few throws as possible.
Kite flying: With warm breezes, it’s a perfect time to fly kites. This can be a fun activity for all ages.
Obstacle course: Set up a backyard obstacle course using whatever you have—cones, ropes, hula-hoops, etc. Time each other for added competition!
Capture the flag: A classic outdoor game that’s fun for larger groups. Set up boundaries and divide into teams.
Aussie rules footy: A casual game of footy can be a great way to engage the family and enjoy some friendly competition.
Picnic scavenger hunt: Create a list of items for families to find in a park or backyard. The first to find the most items wins.
Kids Torchlight Tour
Experience the Port of Echuca on this fun and engaging twilight tour. Catered to the whole family, our tour guides tell the story of Echuca’s historical gures. Tours will run every Monday and Wednesday during the school holidays.
KRIS KRINGLE GIFTS: $50 AND UNDER
BUSINESSES ARE OFFERING A VARIETY OF GIFT OPTIONS PRICED AT $50 OR UNDER, PERFECT FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY SEASON.
1. A trailer chain and hook set is perfect to ensure your trailer doesn’t go anywhere. K2 Industrial Supplies, 55 Cornelia Creek Rd, Echuca.
2. Jigsaw puzzles for hours of family fun. Collins Booksellers, Shop 2/519 High St, Echuca.
3. Bring your home alive with a diffuser in many different scents. Healthy Tummies Pantry, 210 Allan St, Kyabram.
4. A Yeti bottle is perfect for keeping your drinks cold. Blue Sky Outdoor Experts, 104 Northern Hwy, Echuca.
5. Spoil that someone special with a necklace. My Perfect Home, Moama Marketplace Shopping Centre, 2 Perricoota Rd, Moama.
6. Can’t go wrong with a car care kit. Autobarn Echuca, 182 Annesley St, Echuca.
7. Soy candles are a popular gift with many varieties available. Healthy Tummies Pantry, 210 Allan St, Kyabram.
8. MOR Marshmallow Bouquet decadent hand and body wash with hand and nail cream. Amcal Pharmacy Echuca, 192 Hare St, Echuca.
9. A kid’s camping chair is great for the holidays. Echuca Camping, 592 High St, Echuca
SUMMER HAVENS CREATED
WE ALL LOVE SITTING IN THE SHADE OF A BIG OLD TREE, ENJOYING CHRISTMAS AND THE SUMMER.
Discover expert tips for nurturing shade-giving trees and creating a cooler summer oasis, as we consult the Campaspe Shire Council Parks and Gardens team on tree care, pruning and managing garden issues.
TREES
Mulching: Spread an even ring of mulch around the base of your tree to the dripline if possible. But not against the trunk. Mulching offers many benefits. It retains moisture, suppresses weed growth, protects the roots from extreme temperatures and helps feed the tree nutrients as the mulch breaks down.
Pruning: With our street trees we prune to the 1/3 and 2/3 theory. Trim off the bottom 1/3 of branches leaving the tree to send its energy to the top 2/3 of its canopy. This will help you achieve a fuller healthier tree.
Remove any damaged or diseased branches.
Watering: Give a light water regularly or a heavy water less often. This can be tricky depending on your soil. Most of our soil is a heavy clay that retains water, so you can easily over water your plants. Lighter soil or free draining soil will need a more regular water.
To check if your tree requires water, you can buy a moisture metre from a garden centre, but the easy way is just scrape away the mulch around the drip line of the tree. If it is dry it needs water.
PRUNING
Roses: Prune spent blooms and dead wood to encourage a second flush of flowers. Cut back to an outward-facing bud to promote an open structure.
Lavender: Trim back the flower spikes once they have faded, but avoid cutting into old wood as it may not regrow.
Hydrangeas: Remove spent flowers and thin out old stems to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
Fuchsias: Cut back leggy growth to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushier growth.
Citrus trees: Lightly prune to remove any dead or crossing branches, which helps improve sunlight penetration and air circulation.
BEST TECHNIQUES:
Use sharp tools: Ensure your pruning shears and loppers are sharp to make clean cuts, reducing the risk of disease.
Cut at an angle: Make cuts at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from sitting on the cut surface, which can lead to rot.
Disinfect tools: Clean your tools between plants to prevent the spread of disease.
Prune early in the day: Pruning in the cooler part of the day helps reduce stress on the plants.
INFESTATIONS
Gardening presents challenges, especially when it comes to dealing with bug and mould infestations. Here are some tips to help you keep your garden healthy and productive.
Identify pests and moulds: Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Moulds such as powdery mildew and downy mildew are also prevalent due to the region’s climate.
Natural remedies: Eco Oil is a versatile solution that works well against many pests and can help control mould. A homemade spray of water and dish soap can effectively deter aphids and whiteflies. For mould, a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied to affected plants.
Attract beneficial insects: Encourage natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory beetles by planting flowers such as marigolds, daisies, and alyssum. These insects help keep pest populations in check.
Pruning roses encourages more growth.
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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 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 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.