2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE SHOP LOCAL and win
Santa’s magical mailbox
By Jaci Hicken
Santa's helper Phil 'Powds' Powderly has begun collecting letters destined for the North Pole at his Echuca home, with families invited to drop their Christmas wishes into a special mailbox at 8 Lachlan Crescent.
“People can put their letters to Santa in the letterbox, and the letter will then be directly expressed
off to the North Pole,” Powds said.
Chzzildren who include a return address with their letters can expect a personal response from Santa's team.
“If you have left a return address, Santa's team will send a response letter out to whoever posted the letter,” Powds said.
“Because Santa is busy at this time of year, you will generally receive a response within a few
Take your wrapping from ordinary to extra special this Christmas.
weeks of posting your letter.
“The sooner you can get your letters in, the better, as Santa is a very busy person at this time of year.”
The festive tradition started when the Powderly family lived in Melbourne, where they began decorating their home with Christmas lights.
“A couple of years ago, we were living down in Melbourne, and we started doing lights,” Powds said.
Make
“And then, since we moved up here, it sort of took off, a little bit bigger and better each year.”
The Christmas display has become a family affair, with all members contributing to the growing spectacle each year.
Families can also take photos in Santa's sleigh, which is displayed at the front of the property.
“We will have a few interactive things where kids can come and stand
behind and pop their faces through for a photo,” Powds said.
Powds encourages children to make their letters personal and meaningful.
“Give Santa a few ideas of what you have been wanting, why you think you have been good, or if you have been bad, why you have been bad and how you can be good,” he said.
“It is a special time of
the year, and we want to give back and take a moment to forget about things going on in life for a minute.
“To take a moment as a community, to come together and it is an opportunity for us, as a family, to give back to the community.
You can find Santa’s mailbox at 8 Lachlan Crescent, Echuca with the special postal service operating to the North Pole until just before Christmas.
your gifts extra special
Here are some creative ways to wrap your presents, making your gifts extra special.
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
We offer a range of clothing in sizes 6-20. Inspired by my travels in Europe and my Maltese heritage, ‘mara’ means ‘woman’ and ‘stone’ symbolizes strength. At its core, mara+stone is all about celebrating strong women.
Call in and see Tammy and the team today!
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.
The Powderly residents in Echuca is collecting letters for Santa at 8 Lachlan Crescent, to be sent directly to the North Pole. Children including a return address can expect a personal response from Santa’s team within a few weeks. Pictured are Amanda, Noah, Eli and Phil Powderly.
The festive display at the Powderly home is a family effort, with interactive elements like Santa’s sleigh for photos.
2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE SHOP LOCAL and win
Big deals and prizes await
By Jaci Hicken
You are invited to the fifth annual Shop Local night hosted by The Rotary Club of Echuca.
The event is on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with everyone encouraged to support local businesses during the Christmas shopping season.
The evening begins with participants meeting at Bar Lee inside Echuca Distillery at 555 High St from 5pm.
“The Shop Local night started as a Covid recovery event, knowing that a lot of people would be looking to still shop online in 2021,” Rotary Club of Echuca committee member Rob Foran said.
“We are trying to encourage people to get out and about to our local stores and do their Christmas and gift shopping locally.
“Given the success of the first one, we have just kept doing it every year.
get on board the event.
A sample of the offers on the night include specials on wine at the Echuca Chocolate Company, Soap and Co will have 20 per cent off store-wide, as well as samples of local baked treats from Deliah & P Bakes and JACS is offering 10 per cent off store-wide.
Many of the participating stores are offering Shop Local night specials and discounts, that you will only find as part of the event.
Participating businesses include I Want I Need,
“We all meet together at the beginning of the night, and we do a briefing on what the night is about and encourage people, if they are umming and ahing to definitely spend their money in Echuca.” Shopping commences at 6pm across more than 15 participating stores, continuing until 9pm.
Fashionably High, Arbory Store, Rich Glen, Collins Booksellers, JACS, Mad Hatter Tea Shop, Annabella, Candle Scents, Soap Bar Co, Good Ole Country Gifts, Echuca Camping
and Fishing, Blossom & Co, Echuca Heritage Sweets, Bar Lee, Customs House Gallery, Echuca Chocolate Company and Wake Ski and Surf, with room for more stores to still
“All of our participating stores have generously donated a $30 voucher for the raffle,” Mr Foran said. Lucky door prizes and raffles will be drawn after 8.30pm at Bar Lee, with more than $400 worth of prizes available. Entry tickets cost $5 a person and include entry into the prize draw. ▯ Tickets are available via www.trybooking. com/DGTGJ
Snap a festive photo with the man in red
Looking for a special keepsake this Christmas?
Then why not get a photo with Santa.
These are some of the many places you can have your photo snapped with Santa Echuca
November 19, 20, 22 and 23
Santa is making a special stop at the Port of Echuca. Beloved Santa photos are
always a holiday highlight, and spots fill up faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, so don’t miss out!
For times and bookings go to portofechuca. com.au/whats-on/events/ santa-photos-are-back
November 23
Capture the magic of Christmas with a mini photo session at the Caledonian Hotel. Bookings essential betweenworldsphotography.pixieset.com
November 27
Get your photo taken with Santa at the Echuca Plant Farm from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Bookings online at echucamoamapalntfarm. com.au with 100 per cent of proceeds donated to local hospitals.
November 29
Santa will be at Larder & Co, 178-180 Annesley St, Echuca from 9am to noon, with photo booking available; $5 donation to the
CFA. Photos can be purchased for a fee from BT Photoboths and Events.
Rochester
November 30
Free Santa photos at Rochester Sportspower, 21 Gillies St, Rochester, from 10am to 1pm. A gold coin donation is welcome, with proceeds to the Rochester Fire Brigade.
Smile for the camera Santa.
Shopping will commence at 6pm for the Rotary Club of Echuca Shop Local night on November 27, across more than 15 participating stores, including offers like wine specials at Echuca Chocolate Company and 20 per cent off store-wide at Soap and Co.
2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE SHOP LOCAL and
win
Christmas cake with a twist
Jaci Hicken, our seasoned journalist and trained chef, has been busy in the kitchen preparing easy, lowcost Christmas recipes that you can cook and share as personalised Christmas baked-goods gifts.
Growing up, I have vivid memories of Mum spending weeks making homemade Christmas cakes as gifts for our entire extended family.
The laundry closet was filled with rich, dark coloured Christmas cakes, wrapped in foil, for what seemed like many months in the lead up to Christmas.
I’m not sure if anyone liked them or wanted them, but it is a Christmas memory of mine.
Mum’s lucky because this year she's getting the one I’ve just baked, as I am channelling my inner baked goods Christmas gift-giving gene this year.
Before we dive in, here are some essential tips that will ensure your Christmas cake turns out perfectly every time.
You can use any type of marmalade in step one.
Blood Orange marmalade was used, as it was what was on the shelf in the pantry.
In the video of this cake that you can online, step three was done in two parts, adding the brown sugar and egg, then flour and melted butter, to make it easier to mix together.
If a larger bowl is used, you could have mixed the four ingredients together at the same time.
You would have noticed by now that I use up what is
in the house, so this recipe calls for dark rum (that was what was in the cupboard here), but you could use any dark spirit.
You would likely use brandy, but you could use Whiskey, or, if you want to throw the spirits to the wind, cognac, Cointreau, or bourbon.
At step six, you remove the cake from the oven and cover it with a layer of
baking paper and aluminium foil.
This is to prevent the top of the cake from burning before the cake is cooked all the way through.
Ingredients
1.5 kg of dried fruit
150g glace cherries
250g jar of marmalade
½ cup of dark rum
200g brown sugar
5 eggs
250g butter, melted 250g of self-rising flour
An extra ½ cup of dark rum
Method
1. Combine the dried fruit, glace cherries, marmalade and the first ½ cup of dark rum. Mix well, then cover and leave to soak overnight.
2. The next day, preheat your oven to 160°C or 150°C if fan forced.
3. Add the brown sugar, eggs, flour, and melted butter, and mix until well combined.
4. Line and grease a 25 cm cake tin. Scoop the mixture into the cake tin.
5. Place the cake in the oven for 90 minutes.
6. After 90 minutes, remove the cake from the oven and cover with a sheet of baking paper and aluminium foil. This is to help stop the cake from burning. Then return the cake to the oven for another hour of cooking.
7. Once the cake is cooked, remove from the oven, remove the baking paper and aluminium foil and pour over the extra cup of dark rum. Leave the cake to cool in its tin.
Because you have poured over the dark rum, or whatever dark spirit you have used, the Christmas Cake should keep for a while, at least until you need to leave a piece out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas, Jaci
▯ Do you have a favourite family Christmas recipe? Share your favourite Christmas recipes with Jaci at jaci.hicken@mmg. com.au.
Jaci can cook ... Christmas cake. A few steps are needed to get the mixture prepred for use.
You will need to add half a cup of rum to the mixture.
Step
Be sure to mix brown sugar, eggs, flour and butter together well.
Place cake batter in 25cm cake tin.
After 90 minutes and the cover with baking paper and foil.
After an extra hour of baking, remove from oven, remove the foil, then pour over half a cup of rum
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2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE SHOP
Festive market sparkles
By Jaci Hicken
Immerse yourself in fes-
tive cheer at the Rushworth Christmas art and craft market, a delightful social gathering on November 29 at the Rushworth Shire Hall from 8.30am to 1pm.
This beloved annual market offers an enchanting morning of exploration, perfect for those eager to uncover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted treasures in a warm, inviting setting.
The dedicated Rushworth Kinder group, kindergarten and childcare team will be there, warmly offering a selection of aromatic teas, freshly brewed coffees and mouthwatering refreshments.
Every sip and bite enjoyed by market-goers will contribute directly to their vital fundraising efforts, helping to enhance the learning environment for the children of Rushworth.
At its heart, the
Immerse yourself in festive cheer at the Rushworth Christmas art and craft market, a delightful social gathering on November 29 at the Rushworth Shire Hall from 8.30am to 1pm.
Rushworth Christmas Art and Craft Market is a celebration of the handmade.
While embracing a strong Christmas theme, encouraging the creation of festive and seasonal items, the market also proudly features a broad
spectrum of artisan crafts. From exquisite handcrafted ornaments to cosy festive textiles, you'll discover a treasure trove of items ideal for adding a personal touch to your home or finding that perfect, heartfelt gift for
your nearest and dearest.
The market welcomes a wide array of artistic expressions, including stunning small metal art pieces that add an industrial-chic touch.
Skilled woodworkers will present beautifully crafted
This beloved annual market offers an enchanting morning of exploration, perfect for those eager to uncover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted treasures in a warm, inviting setting.
chopping boards, intricate timber products and other functional art that can be cherished for years.
The market’s strategic placement on the last weekend in November is no coincidence.
This carefully chosen date is designed to encourage local shopping and support the regional economy well before the traditional Christmas rush.
By showcasing an impressive array of locally
crafted goods at this key moment, the market encourages residents to embrace community-focused holiday shopping, nurturing a deep sense of local pride and ensuring your festive purchases directly support our talented artisans and homegrown businesses. It’s the ideal chance to get a head start on your Christmas list while discovering the hidden gems of Rushworth’s creative scene.
Sleigh is now a fire truck
By Jaci Hicken
Santa's sleigh is getting an upgrade as Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade's truck brings Christmas cheer.
The Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade has been nurturing a beloved community tradition, bringing Santa to town on their fire truck for years, resuming after a brief pause in 2023.
In the lead-up to Christmas, Santa will visit your community event, business or community group and raise funds for the brigade.
Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade fundraising volunteer and Santa’s booking agent Deb Watson is stepping up Santa’s availability from November 29, 2025.
“It is our main fundraiser for the year,” Mrs Watson said.
“Our rural location presents unique fundraising challenges, but we've turned it into an opportunity to bring joy directly to our community.
“And trying to get volunteers to man the sausages somewhere is hard.
“The captain drives the truck to get Santa where he needs to be.
“We put the lights and sirens on as we head up to the venue with Santa in the back of the truck.”
In past years, Santa has visited schools, pre-schools, disability services and aged care.
“And the look on the kids' faces is just magical, some of them running up to the truck to meet Santa,” Mrs Watson said.
So far, Santa hasn’t been called to any emergency, as the Bamawm Extension second truck is on stand-by when Santa is out and about, checking names off his list.
Santa is available from the end of November through December and wants to try his best to visit everyone.
To arrange a magical visit from Santa and the
Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade truck for your school, community group, or business, please contact Santa’s booking agent, DebWatson.
▯ Call or text 0422 382 668 or email debdavenicjosh@outlook.
com to secure your spot and support our local fire brigade.
Step into a world of imagination with a FREE, family friendly sand sculpture trail re-imagining Lewis Carroll's classic tale Alice in Wonderland.
Follow Alice from the Riverboat Dock, through the Port of Echuca and Aquatic Reserve, to a magical finale at the Moama Soundshell.
The initiative serves as the main fundraiser for the year for the Bamawm Extension Fire Brigade, located in a rural area where traditional fundraising methods are challenging. Santa’s helper is David Watson.
FOSTERVILLE
2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Explore library’s top book
For those looking for a good book to read over the summer, Campaspe Library has all the latest bestsellers and newest releases, including the following recommendations.
Echuca library’s Claire Smith recommends ‘The invisible life of Addie LaRue’ by VE Schwab and ‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig.
The invisible life of Addie LaRue begins in France, 1714, when in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever— and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets, creating a haunting tale of love and loss.
Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how
far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.
In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with a decision, faced the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, and realising her dreams of becoming a glaciologist.
She must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.
Echuca library’s Carley Threlfall recommends ‘The Bronze Horseman’ by Paullina Simons Mesmerising from the very first page to the
final, breathtaking end, The Bronze Horseman brings alive the story of two indomitable, heroic spirits and their great love that triumphs over the
devastation of a country at war.
Set in Leningrad in 1941, when the white nights of summer illuminate a city of fallen grandeur whose
beautiful palaces and stately avenues speak of a different age, when Leningrad was known as St Petersburg.
Echuca library’s Jenny Mustey recommends three books: ‘Tenderfoot’ by Toni Jordan, ‘The Hollow Girl’ by Lyn Yeowart and ‘Borrowed Life of Frederick Fyfe’ by Anna Johnston
With luminous, aching prose, Tenderfoot will move you like no other story this year.
Set in Brisbane, in 1975, Andie Tanner's world is small but whole.
Her mum is complicated, but she adores her dad and the kennel of racing greyhounds that live under their house.
Andie is a serious girl with plans: finish school with her friends, then apprentice to her father until she can become a greyhound trainer, with dogs of her very own.
But real life rarely goes
to plan, and the world is bigger and more complicated than Andie could imagine.
When she loses everything she cares about - her family, her friends, the dogs - it's up to Andie to reclaim her future.
She will need all her wits to survive this new reality of secrets and half-truths, addictions and crime.
The Hollow Girl is set in 1973 and Detective Sergeant Eleanor Smith is finally assigned her first homicide case.
A woman’s body has been discovered at Harrowford Hall, a home for unmarried mothers deep in the Victorian countryside.
Led by the formidable Mrs Montague, Harrowford has for decades sold itself as a refuge for ‘girls in crisis’ - like fourteenyear-old Jane McEvoy, who has no idea of how she got pregnant.
And Marilyn Pollard,
Echuca library’s Jenny Mustey with some of the great summer reading choices.
2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
picks for summer reading
a scared, angry teenager desperate to escape.
But when Detective Smith arrives at the oncegrand gothic mansion, she finds it all but deserted.
What’s more, the home’s overgrown graveyard suggests the apparent poisoning of Nurse Chapman is not Harrowford’s first suspicious death.
Bittersweet and remarkably perceptive, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a hilarious, feel-good, clever novel about grief, forgiveness, redemption, and finding family.
Frederick Fife was born with an extra helping of kindness in his heart. If he borrowed your car, he’d return it washed with a full tank of gas.
The problem is, at age eighty-two, there’s nobody left in Fred’s life to borrow from, and he's broke and on the brink of eviction.
But Fred’s luck changes when he's mistaken for
Bernard Greer, a missing resident at the local nursing home, and takes his place. Now Fred has warm meals in his belly and a roof over his head – as long as his look-alike Bernard never turns up.
Denise Simms is stuck breathing the same disappointing air again and again.
A middle-aged mum and caregiver at Bernard's facility, her crumbling marriage and daughter's health concerns are suffocating her joy for life.
Wounded by her twofaced husband, she vows never to let a man deceive her again.
As Fred walks in Bernard’s shoes, he leaves a trail of kindness behind him, fuelling Denise's suspicions about his true identity.
When unexpected truths are revealed, Fred and Denise rediscover their sense of purpose and learn how to return a broken life to mint condition.
Kyabram library’s Wendy West Recommends ‘Tupelo
Grove Mystery Series’ by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, as well as ‘The Christmas Hummingbird’ by T Davis Bunn
The Tupelo Grove Mystery Series is full of family secrets, historical wrongs and the truths that refuse to stay buried, set at Tupelo Grove University.
The Christmas Hummingbird is the ultimate Christmas comfort read by internationally bestselling author Davis Bunn, returning to the kindhearted coastal town of Miramar
Bay for a moving story of second chances, Christmas blessings, and the beauty of nature, as a single mom and her extraordinary son open their hearts to a newcomer who’s lost everything in a nearby wildfire.
Echuca library’s Nerida Dye recommends The Night Agent by Matthew Quirk.
At night Agent, to find a Russian mole in the White House, an FBI agent must question everything. . . and trust no-one
To save United States from a catastrophic
betrayal, an idealistic young FBI agent must stop a Russian mole in the White House in this exhilarating political thriller.
no-one was more surprised than FBI Agent Peter Sutherland when he’s tapped to work in the White House Situation Room.
From his earliest days as a surveillance specialist, Peter has scrupulously done everything by the book, hoping his record will help him escape the taint of his past.
When Peter was a boy, his father, a section chief in FBI counterintelligence, was suspected of selling secrets to the Russians—a catastrophic breach that had cost him his career, his reputation, and eventually, his life.
Staffing the night action desk, his job is monitoring an emergency line for a call that has not — and might never — come. Until tonight.
The Invisble Life of Addie LaRue Tenderfoot
The Hollow Girl
The Borrowed Life of Frederick File
Redefining style for women
By Jaci Hicken
Tammy Gunn moved from Melbourne to the area and noticed a gap in the local fashion market while working casually in Echuca. She observed that women were frequently driving to Melbourne or shopping online for special occasions.
“From my own experience, there seemed to be a handful of high-end boutiques in the area, lots of majors (chain stores), and quite a few of them are geared towards the younger market,” Mrs Gunn said.
“Where were the women my age and older shopping for their clothing?”
This observation led to the creation of Mara + Stone.
The name reflects Mrs Gunn's Maltese heritage, with 'mara' meaning 'woman' in Maltese, and ‘stone’ symbolising strong women.
“We are a team of very experienced fashion retailers who go above
and beyond the normal standard of customer service expectations,” Mrs Gunn said.
“From greeting every customer in-store to styling for an occasion or to refresh your wardrobe, we offer it all.”
The store stocks everything from jeans and casual
coordinates to formal afterfive wear.
“I love how a nice outfit makes you feel,” Mrs Gunn said.
“What we do from the get-go is to assess your body type and colour scheme without you even realising, so by the time you make it to the fitting rooms, we're
helping you to make great outfit choices.”
Here is a sample of the summer range, available now in store at Mara + Stone at 127 Hare St, Echuca, open Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 10am-2pm. ▯ Follow them onInstagram @mara.and.stone.
Rebecca Keating-Murrell is wearing the latest style in soft, light weight stretch 3/4 barrel jeans. Complimented perfectly for transseasonal weather with a linen jacket and stretch-cotton singlet.
Rebecca Keating-Murrell is wearing a tailored cream and chocolate short set. Not too short and so comfortable in a lyocel fabric.
Rebecca Keating-Murrell is wearing a dusty pink stretch sequin formal dress. Great length and available up to a size 20. A great range of after-five dresses on offer in store.
Rebecca Keating-Murrell is wearing orange floral dress with lace detail, princess cut and fully lined. Dress it up with heels, wedges or play it casual by teaming a denim jacket and white runners.
Light up and win prizes
By Jaci Hicken
Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester has launched its 2025 Christmas Light Competition, encouraging residents across the three towns to illuminate their homes with festive displays.
The competition offers $500 worth of local prizes in each town, with special consideration given to displays that capture community spirit.
Lockmore Financial Services executive officer Lauren Ross said the initiative is a fun and meaningful way to bring the community together after a busy year.
“This competition is all about celebrating the people who make our towns such wonderful places to live,” Ms Ross said.
“It's great to see our streets lit up and families out enjoying the displays together - it really captures the spirit of what community is all about.”
The competition also supports local businesses during the crucial Christmas period.
“With all prizes purchased locally,
it's also a fantastic way to inject cash back into our communities at Christmas time,” Ms Ross said.
“It’s great to be celebrating local creativity while supporting our local traders.”
Entry is free, and locals can register their displays by completing a form at Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester, Lockington Neighbourhood House or Rochester Community House.
Prizes include Elmore IGA vouchers, Locky Dollars and Rochester Business Network gift cards.
Please ensure to include a photo of your light display with your entry.
Entries close Friday, December 12, with judging occurring mid-December and winners announced before Christmas.
Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester has launched the 2025 Christmas Light Competition, urging residents to decorate their homes with festive lights. The competition offers $500 worth of local prizes in each town, with a focus on displays that showcase community spirit.
FEEL THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
Bowl into the festive season
By Jaci Hicken
Celebrate Christmas with your business team at the Moama Bowling Club's shared festive party.
Moama Bowling Club is hosting a shared Christmas party on Friday, December 12 from 7pm to 11pm, designed for small and medium-sized businesses with 5-50 employees to enjoy festive celebrations together.
Moama Bowling Club functions and events manager Penny Stratford said the event caters to businesses that might not normally meet minimum catering numbers.
“It is a shared Christmas party and it is designed for small and medium-sized businesses who might not normally make minimum catering numbers to be able to come along and enjoy a Christmas buffet feast,” she said.
For just $55 per person, enjoy live entertainment by Jefferson
Moama Bowling Club is hosting a shared Christmas party on December 12 from 7pm to 11pm, perfect for small to mediumsized businesses with 5-50 employees.
Smith, barefoot bowling, and a traditional Christmas buffet.
“We have entertainment by Jefferson Smith and of course, barefoot bowls. It is a fun, fun night,” Ms Stratford said.
Each group enjoys private bowling lanes and tables whilst sharing a delicious buffet featuring roast turkey, glazed ham,
traditional Christmas pudding and gourmet mini desserts.
Bar arrangements can be tailored with tabs or cash options.
▯ Bookings are essential on 1800 806 777 or functions@ moamabowlingclub.com.
au, as Ms Stratford warns, “this event always sells out quickly”.
Bon bon jokes
Making your own bon bons this year? Here’s a few jokes you can add to your package.
What’s a reindeer’s favourite type of music in Australia?
“Wrap” music.
Why did the koala refuse to open his Christmas present?
Because he was too sleepy to “unwrap” it.
Why don’t Christmas presents play hide and seek?
Because they always get unwrapped.
What do elves learn in school?
The elf-abet.
Why did the reindeer wear sunglasses?
Because it was a bright Christmas.
What do snowmen say to each
other in summer?
“I’m melting for you.”
Why did the Christmas cookie go to school?
Because it wanted to be a smart cookie.
What do you call Santa when he takes a nap?
Santa pause.
What is Santa’s favourite type of potato chip?
Crisp Kringles.
Why did the reindeer cross the road?
To get to the “Christmas” side.
How do you scare a snowman?
Wave a hairdryer at him.
What do you call a snowman with a six-pack?
An abdominal snowman.
2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
Lighting up the main street
By Lua Ikenasio
Since acquiring Iddles
Lane Emporium, shop
owner Alana Saunders has dreamed of creating a Christmas display for Rochester locals and visitors to marvel at.
Although Christmas was still weeks away, when November rolled around, Mrs Saunders wasted no time setting up her display in the store-front window.
Mrs Saunders said when she took over the emporium four months ago, she had immediately envisioned a Christmas display.
“When we first bought the shop, my big thing was I wanted to have a big Christmas window,” she said.
“I wanted to make it something sort of special that people come past and see, and then come back next year to see what it looks like.”
Mrs Saunders’ father spent 25 years as a shopping centre Santa, naturally making Christmas a cherished tradition in their family.
around the clock, adding to the atmosphere, especially at night.
Inside the store, the festive cheer continues with even more decorations, including a Christmas treeshaped shelf handcrafted by her husband.
is that everyone loves it,” she said.
Her very first Christmas display is hard to miss,
Since his passing six years ago, Mrs Saunders has carried on his legacy and is now sharing her love for the holiday with the Rochester community.
featuring Santa’s sleigh, a full-sized Christmas tree, Santa Claus and his busy elves hard at work.
Christmas lights lining the window frame, tree and backboard stay illuminated
Mrs Saunders said despite her doubts, the display has been well received by the community.
“I was a little bit nervous about putting so much up so early... but the response
“I do purposely walk around the block when I leave the store, the kids (are) banging on the glass and pointing out Santa and getting all excited about the elves, and it's beautiful to see.
“I love this time of year for the way that it makes everybody a little bit nicer to each other and a little bit kinder, and I think that's kind of special.”
Alana Saunders, owner of Iddles Lane Emporium.
The Iddles Lane Emporium Christmas display.
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Deck the table with colour
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.
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.
Outdoor candles: Use candles in hurricane lanterns to create a cosy atmosphere. Citronella candles can also help keep bugs away.
Christmas Lights COMPETITION
Do you have the most dazzling display on your street? Think your festive lights could light up the whole town? Submit your home or business to our Christmas Lights Competition and share your shining holiday spirit. 1st $550 gift voucher, 2nd $350, 3rd $100 to spend locally in participating businesses. WINNERS
Scan the QR CODE to register your address. Your location will be included in the Christmas Lights map which will be distributed in the Christmas Guide in The RIV, Kyabram Free Press and Campaspe News Don’t miss out. Entries to be included on the map. Entries close on November 28, 2025. Spread the cheer and get ready for a season of sparkle!
2025 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE SHOP LOCAL and win
Surprising Christmas facts
By Kelly Carmody
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.
Get ready to spread some Christmas cheer with these surprising and fun facts.
CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON
DISCOVER WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS EVENTS HAPPENING ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY, PERFECT FOR CREATING CHERISHED MEMORIES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHILE CELEBRATING THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON TOGETHER.
CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS
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.
DECEMBER — SANTA’S GROTTO
Starting early in December, you can visit Santa’s grotto at the Rushworth Band Stand on the Village Green, with community-built Christmas trees and a special Christmas memorial tree.
DECEMBER 1 TO JANUARY 15 – WONDERLAND YARN BOMBING
Explore the Christmas yarn bombing throughout Allan St, Kyabram.
DECEMBER 1 TO 19 — ROCHESTER CHRISTMAS TREES DISPLAY
The Christmas tree display of over 40 trees runs from 9am to noon daily at the Rochester Shire Hall, 43-45 Mackay St, Rochester, with group appointments, outside of these times, available by calling Rochester Community House on 03 5484 3600.
DECEMBER 2 TO 30 – CHRISTMAS ILLUMINATION
Campaspe Shire comes alive, with illumination stations spread throughout the district.
They are 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, Lockington, Nanneella, Rushworth and Stanhope.
#illuminationstation #christmasincampaspe
DECEMBER 13 TO 21 – SANTA’S CAVE
Visit the annual Santa’s Cave at the Kyabram Town Hall Gallery from 11am to 5pm.
DECEMBER 21 TO 24 – ILLAWARRA
DRIVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Discover the magic of Illawarra’s Christmas lights. Join the community event and support local charities this festive season.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
DECEMBER 7 — MATHOURA
Join for a festive evening with music, community spirit, and a visit from Santa at Mathoura’s Christmas Carols, at 6pm Soldiers Memorial Park, Mathoura.
DECEMBER 7 – MOAMA
This year the Lions Club of Moama, Moama Christmas Carols have move to a spacious new venue, promising more room and enhanced safety for all attendees. With creative support from Dillmac Entertainment at the Moama Recreation Reserve, from 6.30pm.
DECEMBER 12 — STANHOPE CAROLS
Family Christmas carols in Stanhope on Birdwood Ave at 6pm.
DECEMBER 13 — TONGALA CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Community Christmas Carols by Candlelight at the Tongala Sound Shell in Mangan St, Tongala at 6pm.
DECEMBER 14 – ECHUCA
Christmas By Candlelight at 7pm at Echuca Moama Uniting Church. Featuring performances by Echuca Bellas Choir, River Voices, and Echuca Federation Band accompanied by organist and pianist David McNicol.
DECEMBER 18 – KYABRAM
Memorial Park, Allen St, Kyabram with free kids activities from 5pm, Christmas carols at 7.45pm and fireworks at 9.30pm
DECEMBER 18 – LOCKINGTON
An evening of community Christmas carols at Lockington Lions Park, Lockington.
DECEMBER 21 — ROCHESTER
Community Christmas carols at the Junior Football Club rooms, Reserve St, Rochester, from 5.30pm.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
KYABRAM — 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS
The Kyabram Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 12 Days of Christmas promotion.
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.
NOVEMBER 29 – RUSHWORTH CHRISTMAS MARKET
Immerse yourself in festive cheer at the Rushworth Christmas art and craft market, a delightful social gathering at the Rushworth Shire Hall from 8.30am to 1pm.
DECEMBER 4 – KYABRAM BOCCE CLUB PASTA NIGHT
Join the Kyabram Bocce Club for a festive Italian feast with fresh, home-cooked meals and Ra a Bocce fun.
CONTACT US
If you would like your public Christmas event to be included, including any Christmas Day community events or church services, email your notice to us at editorial@riverineherald.com.au with Christmas 2025 in the subject line by COB Wednesday, December 5, 2025.
DECEMBER 5 – ROCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET
An evening Christmas market from 5pm to 8pm on Gillies and Mackay Sts, Rochester.
DECEMBER 6 - GIRGARRE CHRISTMAS FETE
A community fete to celebrate everything Christmas from 5.30pm at Progress Park, Station St, Girgarre
DECEMBER 7 — BUSH VERSE GROUP
Bush verse, yarns and poetry featuring the Kyabram Bush Verse Group. Kyvalley Hall, 534 Scobie Rd, Kyvalley at noon.
DECEMBER 7 – STANHOPE COMMUNITY MARKET
A Christmas market from 8.30am to 1pm along Birdwood Ave, Stanhope.
DECEMBER 18 – LOCKINGTON CHRISTMAS MARKET
A celebration Christmas market from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Lockington Lions Park, Lockington.