THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Bringing art to the community

VOLUNTEER-RUN GALLERY THE FOUNDRY ARTS SPACE IS THE HOME FOR ART IN THE ECHUCA-MOAMA REGION.

Exhibiting everything from professional artists to community members with a good photographic eye, the space has a large rotation of artworks for visitors and locals to take a closer look at. It’s run by the Echuca Moama Arts Initiative, a committee focused on increasing the profile of art in Echuca-Moama and surrounds. Committee member Tim Smallwood said the gallery had grown significantly since it first opened, and some visitors had even been known to mistake it for a commercial gallery. “We’re volunteer-run, and I think we actually have a strong reputation,” Tim said. He said the gallery welcomed about 12,000 visitors a year, which was “pretty good for a gallery of any sort”. The Foundry rotates exhibitions every month, providing art critics and enthusiasts alike with new pieces to appraise. The Foundry also invites recognised artists regularly to display their work and run workshops for locals. “That’s part of the process of bringing art back to the community,” Tim said. To round out the end of 2021, the Foundry is displaying a range of local painting from the community and local artists. The committee also has some exciting plans up its sleeve, including talks of hosting ‘progressive gallery evenings’ in collaboration with other art spaces in the area. “Three or four galleries will be opening so people can go to one after the other,” Tim said. For more information about upcoming exhibitions and events, follow The Foundry Arts Space on social media.

The 2021 foundry arts space exhibition program

RICH RIVER QUILTERS: (Community exhibition) August 27 until September 12

POLAR OPPOSITES: September 17 until October 10 Leanne Cuffe, Kristen Dyer, Michelle Goodden, Judi Palmer, Joan Stevens & Kathleen Watson

THE ROADS AND THE RIVER: October 15 until November 7 Denise K. Dalton, Meg Doller, Kathryn Lehar, Robyn Maclean, Nerida Murray, Judi Palmer

THE ART OF SURVIVAL Lily O’Connell: November 12 until November 28

SOPHLETTA Sophie Wilson: November 12 until November 28

MEMBERS’ GALLERY SHOP: (Community exhibition) December 3 until January 30, 2022

Pour a drink and enjoy the music

ECHUCA-MOAMA’S OWN POP AND POUR FESTIVAL IS COMING IN HOT ON NOVEMBER 27.

After the cancellation of last year’s event, the progressive festival is up and ready to celebrate local musicians, award winning wineries, brewers and distillers. The line-up for the day includes seven hit venues, closed to the general public to give patrons an authentic, live experience. Shuttle services will be running from 11 am to 7 pm. Each venue will host two musical acts, and featured on the agenda is Echuca-based artist Amelia May along with Daine Runnells, and acoustic duo Gone Rogue. For a day of vibrant fun, packed full of entertainment and good people, festival director Jacqui Wegener says this year’s is one not to be missed. “It’s such a fun, happy, spirited event,” she said. “We’re just excited to be able to offer the festival experience again.” With the option of ‘hopping on and off’ along the tour of the Perricoota wine region, attendees can take in the full extent of the vineyard surrounds and all the local goods on offer. “Everything we do is about involving local; we’re featuring local produce, entertainment, art and wine, even ticketing,” Jacqui said. “The festival is 100 per cent locally grown and locally developed.” Ticket sales will be announced in the coming months. Keep up to date on Pop and Pour’s Facebook page.

27TH NOV 21

Big rigs heading back to Echuca

THE ECHUCA TRUCK DISPLAY, HOSTED BY THE AMERICAN TRUCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY, IS BACK FOR ANOTHER BIG YEAR.

Running for more than 10 years, the annual event is once again bringing in the big rigs with more than 200 trucks on display. American Truck Historical Society’s Australian chapter secretary Tony Murphy said there would be a large cross-section of trucks on offer. All makes and models are welcome, and expected in the convoy will be Diamond T trucks, Western Stars and the occasional Dodge. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the flashest truck or an older model, everyone’s welcome,” Tony said. Fun for the whole family doesn’t begin to cover the range of activities on offer. The weekend will feature local foods, club merchandise to purchase, live music and with COVID-19 restrictions permitting, a jumping castle for the kids. Tony said it would be very enjoyable for kids of all ages. “It gives them a chance to see the trucks up close and personal when they usually wouldn’t be able to; they even can have a go sitting in one.” Running from 9 am to 4 pm on September 11 and 12 at Echuca’s Rotary Park, the event is expected to bring in a whopping 500 attendees. Tickets will be available for purchase on the days, and will cost $10 per day or $15 for the weekend, with free entry for kids.

Dance, magic and music take to the stage

IRISH DANCE IS COMING TO PARAMOUNT THEATRE, ECHUCA THIS OCTOBER WITH THE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAGICAL STAGE SHOW CELTIC ILLUSION.

In homage to its decade of dance, Celtic Illusion launched its largest Australian tour yet in July — which will feature 56 shows across five states. A creation of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance former principal dancer Anthony Street, Celtic Illusion amalgamates Anthony’s love of Irish river dancing, magic and Broadway. “There’s something in there for everyone,” he said. “There’s dance, there’s magic, there’s live music. “It’s a very fast-paced show and there’s a constant element of surprise.” Much like the rest of the arts industry, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the river dance troupe — with the show having to cancel performances in the past year-and-a-half thanks to COVID-19. Anthony insisted the show would go on, the COVID-safe show that is, with Anthony casting new performers after the most recent coronavirus outbreak in Sydney. “Most of our cast is from Sydney,” he said. “I’m flying in performers from New Zealand, Melbourne and Tasmania to pull together a cast.” Book now to see Celtic Illusion Reimagined on October 24 at the Paramount Theatre, Echuca. Visit celticillusion.com for more information.

bush nippers

LIFE SAVI N G VICTORIA

Learn To Swim

Enrolments are now open

Memberships with an extra splash! As part of your membership – Swim anytime during centre opening hours. Lessons are NOW available for all ages and swimming levels. Join today www.campaspeaquatics.com.au or call us 03 5483 9698

Cnr Service & High St. Echuca | 03 5483 9698

Coming this Spring 2021

For Adults

Shang Chi & The Legends of the Ten Rings Venom:

Let there be carnage

Eternals Top Gun Maverick 007: No Time to Die For Kids Hotel Transylvania:

Transformania Ron’s Gone Wrong Boss Baby 2

And many more! Go to www.echucaparamount.com for further information and screening times.

392 High St, Echuca Phone: 03 5482 3399 Website: www.echucaparamount.com

Rich in heritage and abundant in local produce, Junction is a gathering place celebrating the region’s finest.

Junction is a restaurant and bar located on the stunning Murray River in the picturesque Echuca Moama tourist district. It's the ultimate escape – the perfect spot to enjoy sensational food, wine, cocktails and craft beer that showcases everything the region has to offer in a single, sophisticated setting.

6 SHAW STREET, MOAMA NSW Tel. 1800 806 777

EMAIL. info@junctionmoama.com.au Junction is an over venue at all times

OPENING TIMES T u - ri | from 5pm Saturday | from 12pm Sunday | 12pm - 5pm

Blooming marvelous natives on show

THE ANNUAL ECHUCA-MOAMA AUSTRALIAN PLANT SOCIETY NATIVE FLOWER SHOWCASE IS BACK AGAIN, HOPING TO INSPIRE GREEN THUMBS AND NOVICE GARDENERS ALIKE TO PLANT MORE NATIVES.

The flower showcase displays the array of native blooms that can be found in the gardens of Australian Plant Society members, according to society president Sue Robertson. There will also be four nurseries with plants available for purchase, and information sessions with experts about growing and caring for native plants. An in-house florist will create bouquets on the day using natives, and a bush tucker talk session is set to return for a second year. “The main purpose of the flower show is to get people interested and involved with growing native plants,” Sue said. The society’s last showcase in 2019 attracted garden enthusiasts from across Victoria and southern NSW. “They come from everywhere,” Sue said. “Hopefully it’ll grow bigger and bigger each year.” This year will be the society’s ninth native flower showcase, and will display specimens like emu bush wattle, and bottlebrush labelled with their scientific names (eremophila acacia and callistemon, respectively). The APS Native Flower Showcase is scheduled for October 8 and 9 at Echuca Masonic Lodge. Entry is $5 and includes tea or coffee.

Go on - treat yo' self!

Located inside Moama Bowling Club 6 aw treet Moama frinklemoama.com.au

UPCOMING SPRING RACES

Saturday September 11th | Monday October 11th Friday October 22nd | Tuesday November 2nd Race Day – TAB Facilities, Café/Kiosk, Bar – Race Day Packages available Race Day Info via the ERC Facebook Page MELBOURNE CUP DAY TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2ND

Get in Early and Book your Marquee or Umbrella package Contact the Racing Club for more information

ECHUCA RACING CLUB – Scott Road Echuca, turn off the Murray Valley Highway – (03) 5482 2487

echraces@countryracing.com.au www.country.racing.com/echuca

Race day to stop Echuca-Moama once again

POLISH UP THOSE RM WILLIAMS AND DUST OFF YOUR FASCINATORS, THE MOAMA BOWLING CLUB MELBOURNE CUP DAY RACES WILL RETURN AND RUN “AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE” THIS NOVEMBER, ACCORDING TO ECHUCA RACING CLUB GENERAL MANAGER GARRY ARMSTRONG.

He said the club was hoping to hold a COVIDsafe race day that lives up to the community’s expectations, after a spectator-free event last year. “We’re certainly planning to have crowds back,” Garry said. “We’ve already been approved for the event, which is good. That’s the first tick.” Beginning 30 years ago, the cup day race has been the club’s biggest day of the year for a decade, with Echuca-Moama locals champing at the bit to take advantage of the public holiday and congregate trackside for the race that stops the nation. “It’s really a day for the locals,” Garry said. “It’s a happy, friendly country atmosphere.” Live music, fashion competitions and activities for the kids are all in the works for Tuesday, November 2. Garry promised they would find alternative ideas for the kids if the more traditional hits don’t comply with COVID-19 restrictions. “It’s a pretty important part of the day to have something there for the kids,” he said.