Community Billboard

The monthly dance for January was a great success, with 52 dancers from near and far making the trip to Moama Bowling Club to enjoy great teaching of the Coral Bay Waltz from Lyn Harry and dance the night away to the splendid music of Ian Stewart. February’s monthly dance will be on Saturday, February 18.

Our weekly social dancing program will continue each Wednesday in the Parquetry Room at MBC, with lessons from 6.15pm and social dancing from 7.15pm.

Lessons for absolute beginners will commence shortly in February and these will be held on Thursday nights.

Watch out for further details of venue and cost on this page or contact Dave for information on 0419 374 627.

Thunder DrillDance Echuca

*** Fundraiser alert ***

Grab your friends, some popcorn and maybe a nice glass of wine or two and support Thunder DrillDance Echuca in its campaign to get to the Australian Championships being held in April at Sydney.

Magic Mike’s Last Dance, screening Friday, February 10 at 6.30pm.

Tickets $25 — supper included.

We will also have some romance-inspired raffles on the night, with tickets available prior and also on the night.

You may be one of the lucky ones to walk away with a bottle of wine and some chocolates.

Please contact one of the members if you wish to purchase a ticket or two, or contact the Facebook page or call Angela on 0491 242 171.

Echuca-Moama Family History Group

Echuca-Moama Family History Group has moved to a new location at 6 Meninya St in Moama.

This building is part of the old Murray River Council buildings in front of the Sound Shell.

Our research rooms will be open for family history research from Friday, February 3 from 11am to 3pm.

From this date we will be open every Monday and Friday from 11am to 3pm.

The relocation is due to the fact that our previous location at the Old Telegraph Station in Chanter St, Moama was inundated with floodwater last October and the building suffered considerable damage.

Single-use plastics banned from February

From Wednesday, February 1, the Victorian Government is banning the sale and supply of single-use plastics. These include drinking straws, food and drink service items and cotton bud sticks. The ban applies to businesses and organisations including not-for-profits, government, sports clubs, schools and other incorporated bodies.

Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said this was a positive move to reduce the amount of problematic litter.

“Banning single-use plastics means that there will be less harmful material polluting the magnificent natural environment of the shire,” Cr Amos said.

“These types of plastics are either difficult and costly to recycle or cannot be recycled at all, and often end up contaminating other recycling.

“Nowadays, many consumers are environmentally conscious and prefer reusable options or single-use items made from alternative materials.

“In an area like Campaspe, protecting wildlife and waterways is vital. Flora and fauna play a major role in many of our tourist attractions, which are important to the local economy.”

The government has engaged the National Retail Association to assist businesses and organisations understand and prepare for the upcoming ban. The NRA will visit 3000 businesses across Victoria, develop resources, hold information sessions and provide a toll-free hotline and mailbox.

“The National Retail Association is also holding free weekly online Q&A sessions until February 24 for businesses impacted by the ban,” Cr Amos said.

“So, I encourage all those affected by the upcoming ban to attend if they have any questions about their obligations.”

For further information, visit https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste/in-a-business-2/single-use-plastics-ban-centre

The Foundry

The Foundry summer exhibition and shop is open every day from 10am to 4pm and has awesome gifts for you to buy.

During December and January each year, local and regional creative members display their art.

Our Exhibitions and Events team will announce the 2023 program to be launched on Saturday, February 4, with a joint exhibition by local artists.

The Foundry Arts Space is a volunteer-run, community gallery that promotes the arts in our region.

Contact Andrea: phone: 0475 448 452, email: thefoundry@emai.org.au, website: emai.org.au

Echuca Moama Uniting Church Makers’ Markets for 2023

Echuca Moama Uniting Church, corner of Hare and Pakenham Sts, Echuca

MAKERS’ MARKETS FOR 2023

Dates: January 28, March 11, June 10 — Winter Warmers, September 30.

Marketplace Fair — November 4.

For stalls, please phone 0429 801 342.

Cost: $20 — table and chairs supplied — 9am to 1pm.

River TV postponed to 2024

River TV wishes to advise that the River TV show on Channel 31 Melbourne will be postponed until early 2024, due to a lack of volunteers coming forward, and financial constraints.

At the moment, Michael is finishing another TV project for C31 Melbourne that is taking longer than expected to edit.

This project, called Inline Plus, will air in June/July this year.

By the start of 2024, we expect to be in a better position to start production on River TV, and have it aired around June/July 2024.

Other aspects of River TV, such as live streaming of Moama Cricket Club matches, will continue as planned.

Save used postage stamps

Charitable organisations and places in crisis benefit from used stamps, which are sorted and sold overseas to stamp collectors.

Please save your stamps and give to Beryl Marshall, 2 Burns St, Lockington, or Anne Hutchinson at Lockington Business Centre.

Trim a surround of 3mm around the stamps. Discard stamps that are heavily franked; torn or skinned; biro/pencil cancelled or covered in sticky tape. If you’re not sure, and don’t want to trim, please cut a large margin (perhaps a quarter of the envelope), or give the whole envelope. Volunteers with ‘Sammy Stamp’ in Melbourne will trim them.

Pre-franked envelopes? Please give the whole envelope. Also stamp books are appreciated.

Ulysses Motorcycle Club Echuca branch

If you’re over 40, have a motorcycle licence and are looking for social motorcycle adventures, come along to a Saturday morning coffee at the corner of High and Leslie Sts at 10am and introduce yourself, or phone Terry on 0400 263 932.

Echuca Moama Model Railroaders

The Echuca Moama Model Railroaders is a group of model train enthusiasts who meet on the second Thursday of the month at Rotary Park at 7.30pm.

For more information, phone Bruce on 0409 520 116 or email emmrtrain@gmail.com

Kyabram Croquet Club

Playing times up to March:

• Tuesday, 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

• Friday, 8.30am for a 9am start.

Two Men in a Boat at Echuca Historical Society

What is Two Men in a Boat?

It’s an exhibition of stereograph photos of Murray River scenes taken in 1862.

It is currently on display until February 28 at Echuca Historical Society Museum and will be open daily from 10am to 2pm.

Two photographers visiting Echuca from the Victorian Goldfields exchanged their wagon for a boat of river red gum planks and rowed from Echuca to Goolwa in 1862, taking photos of the many properties along the way.

They spent four months on the river and rowed 1700km.

One of the photographers was Edward W. Cole, who founded Cole’s Book Arcade in Melbourne, and his colleague George Burnell was also a photographer.

Alton Gallery

The Alton Gallery is showcasing an exhibition with the theme ... Of Drought and Flooding Rains.

It is an exhibition of paintings inspired by Dorothea Mackellar’s poem My Country.

The exhibition will be on show until January 28. The Alton Gallery is at 111 Hare St, Echuca. Gallery hours are Friday from 10am to 2pm, Saturday from 10am to 1pm, or by appointment.

All paintings are for sale. Entry is free. All are welcome.

For more information, phone 0439 460 690.

Echuca Wool and Craft Group

The Echuca Wool and Craft Group meets every first and third Wednesday of the month at Alton Gallery at 10am.

Members enjoy sharing skills and knowledge related to wool crafts, including spinning, weaving, knitting and crochet.

We also hold dyeing days, attend local wool shows and donate items to various charities.

If you have a passion for wool craft, phone Wendy on 0427 320 062 or Irene on 0419 844 088 for more information.

Support your community radio station

EMFM 104.7 has a new home at the Echuca East community precinct in Sutton St, Echuca.

EMFM broadcasts to Echuca, Moama, Mathoura, Torrumbarry, Lockington, Elmore and Kyabram.

It is on air 24/7 and is run by a team of dedicated volunteers.

You can purchase a membership at: https://radioemfm.org.au/membership

Moama Bowling Club indoor bias bowls

Indoor bias bowls are held each Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm at Moama Bowling Club.

Members and visitors welcome. Names to be in by 6pm.

St Vincent de Paul Conference, Echuca

St Vincent de Paul Conference, Echuca, has been offering welfare assistance to people in this area for many years.

It is at 11 Nish St, Echuca, next door to the Vinnies Shop, and provides food and household items to anyone in need, especially those affected by recent floods.

It is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm (except public holidays). The answering machine is always on to receive messages outside opening times.

Leave a message and you will be contacted on Tuesday or Thursday.

For more information, phone 5480 7621 or email echuca.conference@svdp-vic.org.au

Campaspe Murray Probus Club

Do you enjoy meeting people in a happy and safe place?

Why not give Campaspe Murray Probus Club a try? You will be made welcome.

We enjoy many varied activities, including bus and caravan trips for the adventurers, coffee mornings, walks, cards and lunches.

It’s all about fun, friendship and fellowship for active retirees. We meet on the second Monday of the month at 10am at Rich River Golf Club.

For more information, phone Michael on 0490 772 562.

Breast cancer support group

The Wild Orchids Breast Cancer Support Group meets on the last Thursday of the month at 10am at the Caledonian Hotel in Hare St, Echuca.

For more information, phone Jeanette on 0417 317 893.

Wild Orchids Walking Group

WOW meets at the Echuca Visitor Information Centre at 2 Heygarth St, Echuca, at 10am every Monday.

For more information, phone Maryann on 0438 812 339.

Indoor bias bowls

Indoor bias bowls are held at Echuca Senior Citizens Centre on Friday from 9.30am to noon and Saturday from 1.30pm to 4pm.

New players are welcome. Names to be in by 9am on 5482 4179.

Echuca Moama Stroke Support Group

The Echuca Moama Stroke Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the ERH Education Centre from 10am to 11am.

It is an opportunity for stroke survivors, carers and family members to attend for light-hearted chat and a get-together.

For further information, phone Dave on 0475 388 986.

Campaspe Quilters

The Campaspe Quilters group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Echuca Library meeting room at 7pm.

For more information, phone Deb on 0409 527 463 or Kris on 0407 029 895.

Echuca Bridge Club

Echuca Bridge Club has weekly duplicate tournaments on Wednesday and Thursday starting at 4pm, with hand records always available.

The club uses BridgePads, so scores are available within a few seconds of the end of each session and are then emailed to all participants and uploaded to the website.

The club plays at the senior citizens’ centre in Landsborough St, Echuca.

For more information or to request a partner, phone Chris Turner on 0409 008 612.

Echuca Moama Twin Rivers Probus Club

Have you wondered what Probus is all about?

Put simply, it is a gathering of retired people wishing to make new friends and join with them on organised social outings.

We offer many activities in our club, including indoor bowls, cards, garden lovers, dining, coffee mornings, day trips to local attractions and short-break caravan/cabin trips.

You don’t have to join in with them all, just whatever takes your interest.

Does this sound like what you have been looking for?

We meet on the first Monday of each month at the Echuca Workers Club at 10am.

Phone Bruce Haines on 0428 862 217 for more information.

Mr Perfect

Join us to meet people from your own community. It is a great chance to get out of the house and into the sun.

Family, friends, men, women and children are all welcome. Mental health discussion is purely optional.

Free monthly barbecue is held on the first Sunday of every month from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Apex Park in High St, Echuca.

Free monthly coffee meet-up is held on the third Friday of every month from 1pm at Beechworth Bakery in High St, Echuca.

For more information, phone Andy Rogers on 0467 094 061.

Al-Anon meeting

A meeting for the relatives and friends of problem drinkers is held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10.30am to noon in the foyer of St Aloysius Catholic Church in Francis St, Moama.

For more information, visit: www.al-anon.org.au

Echuca TOWN Club

Echuca TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets every Monday at 5.30pm at the Echuca Senior Citizens Hall at 39 Landsborough St, Echuca.

For more information, phone Judi on 0477 120 158.

Bella A’Capella

Bella A’Capella is a small choir of enthusiastic singers who meet every Monday night at the Uniting Church Hall on the corner of Hare and Pakenham Sts, Echuca.

The harmonies produced are usually in four parts, without musical accompaniment.

Newcomers are most welcome, any Monday at 7pm.

We meet all year except for a six-week break in the middle of winter.

Follow the choir on Facebook or phone 0458 916 910.

Rich River TOWN Club

Rich River TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets at the Apex Park room in Echuca on Wednesday at 9.30am.

For more information, phone Helen Murray on 0409 333 366.

River Voices Choir

River Voices Choir is a community choir with a wide selection of chorale music, singing in four-part harmonies.

The choir meets weekly on a Sunday afternoon during school terms at the Uniting Church chapel in Hare St, Echuca.

It is professionally led and has performed in concerts, Anzac Day services, aged care homes and its annual Christmas carols in December.

Choir members come from all around the district including Deniliquin, Tongala, Kyabram, Gunbower and Echuca-Moama.

The choir is seeking new members.

For information, phone Glenys on 0438 871 438 or email rivervoicesechuca@gmail.com

Echuca Moama and District Probus Club

Echuca Moama and District Probus Club is the founding club of four Probus clubs in the area and is looking to expand its membership.

The club meets on the last Monday of the month at Rich River Golf Club at 10am, with the exception of December.

It meets for morning tea on the first Monday of the month at various venues as it tries to support all businesses in the area.

It meets for lunch on the Monday before the meeting, again at a venue around town.

If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the club, phone Val Cosway on 0409 416 078 to find out where that month’s venues are.

Bendigo Gem Club

The Bendigo Gem Club will host its annual fundraising Expo 2023 at the Bendigo Exhibition Building, Holmes Rd, Bendigo.

It is a family-friendly event featuring a wide variety of quality stallholders, with rocks, minerals, fossils and hand-crafted jewellery.

See displays and demonstrations, glowing rocks, gem sifting and rock identification for children.

Speak with members about joining the club and learning to cut and polish your own stones, facet gemstones and how to hand fabricate sterling silver into original jewellery items.

Barbecue and refreshments are available.

Saturday, February 25, from 10am to 5pm; Sunday, February 26, from 10am to 4pm. Adults $8, under-12s free.

Echuca Moama parkrun

Echuca Moama parkrun is a free, fun and friendly 5km community event.

You can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate — it is up to you.

Echuca Moama parkrun takes place each Saturday at 8am from Lions Park (corner of Ogilvie Ave and Campaspe Esplanade), Echuca.

Each week members grab a post-parkrun coffee at a local café.

For more information, you can visit parkrun.com.au/echucamoama or email echucamoama@parkrun.com

Echuca and District Historical Vehicle Club Inc swap meet 2023

The car club is holding its annual swap meet on Saturday, April 22.

Although this has been an annual event since its inception in 2014, the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years has meant it hasn’t been held.

A total of 200 sites are available, although some have been booked by sellers since the very beginning.

It will be at Rotary Park and there are food vans, coffee, lots of car parts and collectables.

There will even be entertainment, with a band performing on the tray of a truck.

Any large or heavy purchases can be delivered to your car or trailer.

There is a ‘show and shine’ for your special car, with a separate section for lady drivers, with trophies for the best cars.

Gates open at 5am for sellers and 7am for buyers, and entry is $5.

Children under 15 will be admitted free.

If you are interested in a site, cost is $20 — phone 0456 010 665 or email echucaswap@outlook.com

Echuca Moama Artists

Echuca Moama Artists meet on the first Thursday of the Month, at 1pm in the Alton Gallery, 111 Hare St, Echuca.

The next meeting, on February 2, will be the annual general meeting.

For more information, phone Barb on 0429 380 032.

Echuca Moama Uniting Church

All welcome to Community Lunch on Tuesdays — gold coin donation.

Good company and a nice meal served in the hall (noon to 12.30pm).

Please use the Pakenham St entrance.

Marketplace Craft Shop opens again on Monday, February 6.

Local craft run by volunteers, 10am to 2pm each day.

Church Service on Sunday at 10am. All welcome.

Church is accessible with a lift and ramp.

You can be a part of Community Billboard

If you are a community group or organisation then let us know about who you are and what you do.

Email your news, photos and information to editorial@riverineherald.com.au