Christmas Gift Guide Issue 3, 2025 Riverine Herald, Kyabram Free Press, Campaspe News

RIVERINE HERALD

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025 21

ISSUE 3 | 2025

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

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CHRISTMAS G I F T G U I D E

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Hark, hear Colbinabbin Choir sing

By Jaci Hicken

Riverine Herald editor Nikala Dixon and Julie Langdon getting behind the Echuca-Moama Christmas hamper drive with this week’s donations of jam, fruit and Christmas puddings.

Let in light and banish shade

By Jaci Hicken

Local families and individuals are coming together through Echuca Moama Community Projects’ hamper drive with The Riv to bring Christmas joy to community members spending the day alone.

Together, we’re creating 100 thoughtfully packed hampers that will brighten Christmas Day for guests attending the Echuca-Moama Uniting Church Christmas Day lunch.

The response has been heartwarming — Echuca Moama Community Projects and The Riv extend heartfelt thanks to all the generous community members who’ve already contributed green bags and Christmas bonbons.

There is still time for you to help, with The Riv office accepting donations during office hours.

Getting involved is simple — here’s your step-bystep guide: Step one: Each week, purchase this week’s

items from an Echuca-Moama business This week, starting Monday, December 1, you can help create Christmas magic by purchasing a jar of jam, a Christmas pudding and a tin of fruit from local Echuca-Moama businesses.

Don’t worry if you’re just hearing about this — you can still contribute last week’s items including a green, decorative or cooler style bag.

Step two: During weekday office hours, drop the

item into the box at The Riv office at 28 Percy St, Echuca.

Step three: Your item will be added to a hamper.

This is our chance to come together as a community and create lasting Christmas memories for neighbours who need our support most. ▯ Mark your calendars — all donations need to reach The Riv office by Thursday, December 18, to ensure every hamper is ready for Christmas Day.

The Colbinabbin Hotel’s pub choir is spreading Christmas cheer through an innovative QR code carol trail that transforms the small town into a musical wonderland.

Colbinabbin Hotel manager Julie Price, who organises the weekly choir sessions, explained how the unique project began.

“A couple of years ago, we had the thought of recording Christmas songs on our phones,” she said.

“Then someone made up QR codes for them that we could stick on the barrel, the candles and then if people wanted to, they could just walk along and put their phone up, scan the QR code.”

The choir uses repurposed barrels as candle decorations are placed throughout Colbinabbin’s streets.

“We have these barrels that have been made into candles and we put them on the street in Colbinabbin,” Ms Price said.

“You can go up to the barrel and if you are going for a little Christmas, or Christmas Eve stroll or any time in December, you can listen to the pub choir singing Christmas carols.

“We also have some big metal Christmas trees, with cutouts for you to put your face into and have your photo taken with the silos in the background.”

The barrels, which previously contained stewed

Visit Colbinabbin this December, follow the Christmas carol trail and take a Christmas selfie in front of the silo art. apples, are much lighter than traditional 44-gallon drums, which Ms Price gets the local football club to put out.

The pub choir meets every Tuesday night at five o’clock for an hour at the hotel.

“I play the guitar and we have a collection of songs.

I have a big box of printed words that we rotate through,” Ms Price said.

Beyond Christmas carols, the choir tackles diverse musical themes throughout the year, including Father’s Day songs and a Bob Dylan tribute in May. “In November, we are doing a Neil Young tribute because he is 80 years old,” Ms Price said.

The informal sessions are open to anyone, with no fees or sign-ups, though participants purchase their own drinks. ▯ Everyone is invited to wander through Colbinabbin from early December, listen to the Christmas carols, and take their own Christmas selfie in front of the silo art, as well as enjoy a meal at the pub.

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CHRISTMAS G I F T G U I D E

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Mr Hocking with a small portion of his Christmas display.

Ken Hocking sitting atop his Santa Claus throne that was bought in Western Australia.

Photos: Lua Ikenasio

Part of Mr Hocking’s display features train tracks that wind among figurines, miniature landmarks, toys and statues.

Great and mighty wonder Much like Santa himself, Rochester’s “King of Christmas” Ken Hocking works all year round in preparation for the holiday.

In his shed, he has spent 15 years building a Christmas display that could rival some of the best across the nation.

Model trains, Santa Claus statues, dolls, Christmas trees, miniature homes, Lego builds and other treasures line the walls and fill every corner, with Mr Hocking continuously

adding to the collection.

Throughout the year, he scours stores far and wide to find the perfect pieces to add to his display, even travelling 14,000km to Western Australia to buy a Santa Claus chair.

Mr Hocking said the regulars who visited every year in December were always on the lookout for any changes to his display.

“I never stop. Every time I go into a shop ... don’t matter what shop it is, it could be any shop, you’ve got no idea where you’re going to find the next thing,” he said. “(Visitors) are always

looking for new stuff, that’s why there’s new stuff coming in here all the time. There’s about five or six new things in here every year.

“That’s probably how it grows more because (there’s) more happening and I was thinking to myself, when is this going to stop? But it never does.”

After retiring from his job in 2010, Mr Hocking received a golden handshake from his employers worth $43,000 which he used to build the shed, in hopes of creating something for the community to enjoy during Christmas.

Today, half of the shed is dedicated to an intricate network of train tracks which wind around miniatures of global landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, the London Bridge, Big Ben and more.

The display also features various figurines, statues, toys and popular characters, nestled among the train tracks.

Over the years, the community has added its own touches to the display, such as a miniature SES bus from Rochester SES and antiques from local residents.

Packed with rare finds, collectors’ pieces and

toys that haven’t been produced in decades, the display is believed to be worth close to $500,000.

Mr Hocking said he did it all just to see the joy on visitors’ faces, especially those that return year after year.

“This is what the enjoyment is — Seeing the crowds here, the street just lined up, fairy floss, all the cars in the streets coming and people walking down,” he said.

“I got people coming here now that have their own kids. It’s amazing.

They were coming here when they were kids and

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“There’s people from all around the world that come here because they’re seeing family members, or they’re travelling ...

I’ve had Japan, Germany, France, UK, America — there’s people from all around the world that have been here.” ▯ This year, Mr Hocking’s Christmas display opened to the public on Monday, December 1 and will continue until Wednesday, December 31 with free fairy floss from Friday, December 19.

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24 RIVERINE HERALD

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Christmas cookie magic 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 bakedgoods gifts.

Are you looking for a simple recipe that the kids can bake and gift this holiday season?

Here is a simple cookie recipe, with a bit of (my non) artistic flair, that can become Christmas cookies.

Ingredients

150 grams of plain flour 150 grams of self-raising flour 125 grams of butter 125 grams of sugar Zest of one lemon 1 egg

Sift flours together

Knead together to a smooth dough

Combine butter, sugar and lemon zest

Roll out to 5mm thickness and cut out Christmas shapes

Add egg and mix well

Repeat until you have used all the dough

Add flour and mix together

Make three colours and flavours of Christmas icing

Add lemon juice

Pipe over icing in a random pattern

Method

Jaci enjoys her Christmas cookies.

8. Once cooled, icing with Christmas icing.

Christmas icing recipe

This is a general cookie icing recipe and as you can see from the photos, icing is not my strong point.

You can simply decorate your cookies, which may impress everyone.

Ingredients

150 grams of sifted icing sugar * 3 A capful of vanilla, strawberry flavouring and peppermint flavouring A squirt of red and green food colour Added water.

Method

9. Place each measure of icing sugar in a bowl 10. Add the flavouring 11. To the strawberry, add the red food colouring, to the peppermint, the green 12. To each bowl of icing sugar, add a little water and mix to form a runny paste.

13. Place each different colour of icing in an individual piping bag.

14. Pipe over the cooled cookies.

15. Allow the icing to set, before plating up and serving to guests Once the icing on the cookies is set, you could bag them up, with a bit

Photos: Jaci Hicken

of Christmas ribbon and give them to that expecting friend (the kids’ teacher might be ideal) as a homemade Christmas gift.

I’m handing them out to everyone in the newsroom.

Now, I did go a bit overboard with the food colouring and icing, but there was no turning back once the colouring was in the bowl!

Merry Christmas, – Jaci ▯ Do you have a favourite family Christmas recipe? Share your favourite Christmas recipes with Jaci at jaci. hicken@mmg.com.au

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1. Preheat your oven to 160°C or 150°C (fan forced).

2. Sift the flours together.

3. Cream together butter, sugar and lemon zest.

Add egg and mix well.

4. Add flours and mix to form a firm dough. Add the juice of the lemon if you need a little moisture.

5. Roll out to a thickness of 5mm and cut out your Christmas shapes.

6. You will have leftover dough that can be kneaded back together, re-rolled and cut into more shapes.

You can re-roll and shape until you have no dough left.

7. Bake at 160°C for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

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Ding dong merrily on high

By Jaci Hicken A traditional Christmas carols service will return to Echuca this December, offering the community an evening of festive music and community singing.

Christmas by Candlelight will be held at Echuca Moama Uniting Church on Sunday, December 14, at 7pm.

The event will feature performances by Echuca Bellas Choir and River Voices, as well as the Echuca Federation Band.

This year, the choirs will be accompanied by David McNicol, an experienced organist and pianist with local connections who grew up in Echuca.

Mr McNicol, who has been playing piano and organ for more than 60 years, said the evening would showcase beloved Christmas favourites.

“We will see a lot of Christmas carols, a lot of the traditional carols that

Christmas by Candlelight will return to Echuca on December 14 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. most people will know, like O Come, All Ye Faithful, The First Noel, Silent Night, those types of traditional carols,” he said.

“Some will be performed on the organ, or

could be piano, or it could be the band and the organ joining together.

“The choir will be there, they will sing their own things, but there will be a lot of community singing,

where everyone gets to sing the hymns as well.”

Mr McNicol emphasised the traditional nature of the event.

“It will be a very traditional type of carolling,

which I think a lot of people like at Christmas,” he said.

“The sound in the church is magnificent.

“It should be a really good night.”

The accomplished musician has deep roots in the local area, having attended Echuca Primary School and begun piano lessons at St Joseph’s College in Echuca.

“I first started playing the church organ when I was 13 in Melbourne,” Mr McNicol said.

“I grew up in Echuca, then we moved down to Melbourne and my parents were very involved with various music societies and organisations.”

His musical career has included work with Opera Australia as a pianist in Sydney.

Entry to Christmas by Candlelight is free, though donations to community outreach work would be appreciated. ▯ For bookings or further information about the event, contact the Echuca Moama Uniting Church, 115-117 Hare St, Echuca.

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Welcome to wonderland

By Ryan Bellingham

Campaspe Shire Council is bringing festive joy to the region this December, with Christmas decorations and activities to light up towns.

This year’s ‘Illumination Stations’ include Twinklehoof, a giant reindeer to be installed in Rochester, Jolly Santa and his patriotic sleigh in Echuca, and a large Christmas tree in Kyabram.

The council rolls out the stations to promote a merry atmosphere, which it says makes for fantastic family photo opportunities.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to share their festive snaps using the #ChristmasInCampaspe

and #IlluminationStation hashtags to be shared on the council’s social media.

Alongside the stations, towns across the shire are hosting a variety of seasonal events, including carols, craft markets, story time sessions and art installations.

“There’s something festive happening in every corner of Campaspe,” Mayor Daniel Mackrell said.

“Every town has added its own flavour to the season, and it’s well worth taking the time to explore and enjoy the atmosphere.”

Cr Mackrell highlighted the Christmas sound walk in Girgarre, the decorated bell tower in Rushworth, Santa’s sleigh in Lockington, and the Colbo

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Pub Choir carol trail in Colbinabbin.

There are over 50 Christmas-themed events planned throughout the shire, which Cr Mackrell thanked the community for organising.

“Our towns feel alive this time of year, and that’s thanks to the passionate locals who put in the hard yards behind the scenes,” he said.

“It’s all helping to build a festive atmosphere and giving families, especially those visiting for the holidays, a chance to make some really special memories together.” ▯ For a full list of events, visit campaspe.vic.gov. au/eventsdirectory or pick up a copy of the council’s Christmas in Campaspe booklet.

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Christmas Opening Times & Bin Collection Christmas Operations at Council

Some Council services have reduced or different hours of operation during the Christmas period. The following changes to opening hours will occur between Wednesday, 24 December and 8:30am on Monday, 5 January 2026.

Council services: Service Centres & Libraries Echuca: Closes 3pm, Wednesday 24 December Service Centre reopens 8.30am Monday 5 January 2026 Library reopens 10am, Monday 5 January 2026 Kyabram: Closes 3pm, Wednesday 24 December Reopens 8.30am, Monday 5 January 2026 Rochester: Closes 3pm, Wednesday 24 December Reopens 8.30am, Tuesday 6 January 2026 Rushworth: Closes 4.30pm, Tuesday 23 December Reopens 8.30am, Monday 5 January 2026 Tongala: Closes 4.30pm, Tuesday 23 December Reopens 8.30am, Monday 5 January 2026 Online library services and after-hours return chutes will remain available.

• Campaspe Animal Services will close at 3pm on Wednesday, 24 December, and be closed on Christmas Day. Open via appointment, 10am to 12 noon, on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Open other days by appointment as per usual operating hours; phone 5480 3005.

• On-call ranger services operate throughout the holiday period for emergencies only. For urgent requests, call 1300 666 535 and follow the prompts.

• Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre — closed Christmas Day. • Outdoor swimming pools — closed Christmas Day. • Maternal and Child Health service operates for first home visits and essential appointments only. An online booking form is available on Council’s website, or phone the MCH booking line on 1300 644 964 for appointment options.

• Campaspe Community Children’s Centre closes 5:45pm on Tuesday, 23 December and reopens on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.

• Rochester Early Learning closes 6pm on Tuesday, 23 December and reopens Wednesday, 7 January 2026.

• The volunteer-based community transport will conclude on Thursday, 18 December and will reopen for bookings on Tuesday, 20 January. Trips will start again on Wednesday, 21 January.

• Service requests lodged during Council’s office closure period will be attended to upon reopening of the Council offices.

• Resource Recovery Centres are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Kerbside bin collections:

Kerbside waste collection dates will change as follows during Christmas week, with collections to commence from 5am: Usual collection day Christmas week collection day Thursday, 25 December Friday, 26 December Friday, 26 December Saturday, 27 December Collections will return to normal on Monday, 29 December 2025 and onwards.

18 December – Customer Service Centre closures:

The following applies for Customer Service Centres and Libraries on Thursday, 18 December: Echuca Customer Service Centre and Library will close at 11.45am.

Kyabram, Tongala, Rochester, and Rushworth Customer Service Centres and Libraries will close at 11am.

Services resume as usual Friday, 19 December.

Please refer to the Campaspe Shire Council website for more detailed information www.campaspe.vic.gov.au Campaspe Shire Council wishes everyone a safe and joyful Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

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Carols, fun and fireworks

By Jaci Hicken

The Kyabram Christmas carols will return to Memorial Gardens in Allen St on December 18, offering families a full evening of entertainment and traditional festive celebration.

Community Church of Kyabram minister David Lloyd said the event was organised by local churches working together.

“The Kyabram Christmas carols are put on by a collective of churches in Kyabram,” he said.

“The Kyabram churches have a ministers fellowship and we oversee the running of the carols.”

The evening begins at 5pm with family activities including a petting zoo, obstacle course for children, sensory area and craft activities for younger participants.

“We have a petting zoo, which is always a hit,” Mr Lloyd said.

“We are going to have an

Dancing to the Christmas jams in front of the stage. obstacle course for kids and a sensory area and a craft area for the smaller children or quieter children.”

Food trucks, coffee vans and gelato vendors will provide refreshments throughout the evening.

The carol program runs from 7.45pm to 9.15pm, featuring two bands including the Rushworth Brass Band and a group formed by church members.

“We have some lovely local talent, some younger

people representing some of the schools, that is always a really fun thing to see,” Mr Lloyd said.

The evening concludes with fireworks on the oval at 9.30pm.

Mr Lloyd said attendance had grown steadily, with many non-church families participating.

“Our aim of the night is to present the Christmas story through carols and the story of Jesus’s birth in a real and fun way the

Kyabram P-12 College primary student choir sang a few Christmas carol classics with assistance from the Rushworth & District concert band last year. community can enjoy,” he said.

“Around that, we want families to really enjoy being there, that the kids are well entertained and that the families can sit

and enjoy the evening as well as learn a bit more about the real meaning of Christmas.

“I think there is a genuine interest in discovering the kind of traditional

truth and people just want genuine, grassroots, real community events.

“People are enjoying that opportunity to be out and about, do something more local.”

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2025

Festive foods can be fatal

By Jaci Hicken

and they eat grapes all the time, then suddenly, one day, something changes and they end up with kidney failure and they pass away,” he said.

“No grapes, sultanas, raisins, which means no fruit cake or puddings, because if you are unlucky, it only takes one.”

For cat owners, Dr Wheatly highlighted the danger of lilies and similar flowers commonly displayed during Christmas.

“Lilies are toxic to cats, and things like peace lilies are common for people to have in the home, especially around Christmas time,” he said.

“When cats eat those, they get the same thing as dogs do with grapes: they get kidney failure and they can really quickly die.”

Both cats and dogs face risks from wrapping materials.

“You have to be careful about wrappings, strings

Pet owners are being warned to keep a close eye on their animals during the Christmas holidays, with veterinarians expecting a surge in emergency cases from festive foods, decorations and outdoor activities.

Echuca Moama Veterinary Clinic head veterinarian Mark Wheatly said the clinic typically saw increased cases involving presents, decorations and food during the Christmas period.

“You are thinking about the risk of chocolate poisoning, and any poisoning that pets can get from foods they should avoid,” he said.

Dr Wheatly warned against feeding dogs fatty foods, onions or nuts.

He said grapes, sultanas and raisins posed particular dangers.

“You hear about dogs who live on vineyards

Pet owners are warned to be vigilant during the Christmas holidays to prevent emergency cases related to festive foods, decorations and outdoor activities.

Christmas.

Photo: Megan Fisher and foils that can cause obstructions,” Dr Wheatly said.

With increased visitors to the Echuca area during holidays, fishing-related injuries are common.

“You have bait dangling,

and your dog decides it wants it,” Dr Wheatly said.

“Fishhooks get stuck in the lip or the tongue of the dog, which requires a vet visit, whatever time of the day or night, because you have got to sedate them to

get the hook out.”

Camping pets face additional risks from overheating, spoiled food and snake bites.

“When people go camping, they are often coming from other places,

generally the city, and what we find is dogs are not used to the running around and they overdo it in the heat,” Dr Wheatly said.

“The typical dog that might do that is a Staffy, because that is how they are wired.”

If you suspect or see a snake bite your pet, you need to get the dog or cat checked out straight away, because time is of the essence.

If any animal, a dog in particular, has been bitten by a snake, it is best to keep them calm, keep them cool and not to stress and have an accident on the way to the vets.

“Ring the clinic number, we have a 24-hour nurse triage service, who will answer the call and organise for a vet to come in within five to 10 minutes.” ▯ For emergencies, pet owners should call the Echuca Moama Veterinary Clinic on 5483 5999, 332 High St, Echuca.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025

RIVERINE HERALD

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32 RIVERINE HERALD

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025

CHRISTMAS G I F T G U I D E

2025

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Lend an ear, hear verse

By Jaci Hicken The Kyabram and District Bush Verse Group is celebrating its Christmas party on Sunday, December 14, at Kyvalley Hall at 534 Scobie Rd Kyvalley.

The event starts at noon with tickets priced at $30 a person, including lunch and entertainment featuring bush verse, yarns and poetry from group members and visiting performers.

Kyabram and District Bush Verse Group founding member and bush poet Mick Coventry clarifies what constitutes bush poetry in modern times.

“Bush poetry does not mean that it is about the bush,” he said.

“Probably the best way to describe it is, some people call it bush verse, is Australian rhyming poetry.

“So it is written by an Australian about

SANTA CLAUS IS BUSY Santa Claus is busy, and so are all the elves, packing up the presents and emptying the shelves.

Children gently sleeping, dream time in their heads.

Pillow slips and stockings hanging at the foot of beds.

Fairy lights and tinsel adorn a Christmas tree.

Australia, that is what bush poetry is.

“All it has to do is tell a story and have rhythm and rhyme.”

The group has evolved since its inception, with membership fluctuating over the years.

“When we first started the Kyabram Bush Verse group, we had 35 members and when we first started, I was the youngest,” Mick said.

“We have about 18 members and there are still a few poetry groups around.”

A midnight choir of carols are singing way off key.

A turkey with the trimming.

Some eggnog and some beer.

A little sprig of wattle for some extra Aussie cheer.

Families will gather, each in their own way, to celebrate the season and the joy of Christmas Day. Mick Coventry

The Christmas event typically attracts a strong audience.

“Our Christmas event, we usually have 70 or 80 people come along, which is quite good for a small club,” Mick said.

“At our Christmas party, we will have 10 or 12 different performances that will get up and do something.”

Membership is open to all skill levels and interests.

“You don’t have to be a reciter, you don’t have to be a writer,” Mick said.

“Some of our members don’t write or recite, they just love listening.”

Mick brings extensive experience to the group as president of the Henry Lawson Society in Melbourne.

“It is an organisation that has been going since 12 months after Henry passed away, so it is the longest serving society in the country,” he said.

The group performs regularly throughout the year at various venues for groups such as Probus and U3A, with Mick

Kyabram Bush Verse Group founding member and bush poet Mick Coventry. attending and performing at various festivals.

Mick has been a regular performer at major festivals including The Man from Snowy River festival at Corryong and the Port Fairy Festival.

He also contributes weekly to local media, writing for the Ky Free Press since 1998.

“I write a little anecdote for the Ky Free Press, each week,” he said.

“Gus Underwood asked

me if I could come up with a little story for Around the Traps page each week and I have been doing that since 1998.

“I’ve done about 1700, 1800 of them and they are just little things that you might hear; it might be a joke, it might be an anecdote.” ▯ Bookings for the Christmas party can be made by phoning Paula on 58 522 281, Greg on 0418 599 924 or Mick on 0427 522 097.

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CHRISTMAS G I F T G U I D E

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A LITTLE BOY’S LETTER TO SANTA

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And one day, I thought I’d be real helpful.

I’d start the mower, but that mower has got a mind of its own.

And Mum’s prize winning roses got shorn.

And speaking of things with a mind of their own, Dad’s ute was like that as well.

I accidentally started it in gear and it shot through like a bat out of hell and wiped out the garage and the outhouse, then up the tank stand it started to climb.

And Dad got really upset because he was in the outhouse at the time.

So things haven’t gone too well for me I’ve had a very unfortunate year, but I know that you will forgive me and still bring me some Christmas cheer.

So, please come to my house, Santa, although you might not recognise the place.

Because I accidentally burned it down last, and Dad’s got a strange look on his face.

But, I know he will cheer up if you bring heaps of presents really quick, and have a happy Christmas yourself, Santa.

From your bestest favourite little boy, Mick Mick Coventry

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Dear Santa, God bless ya. You know, you're my bestest mate, and I send this letter to you to try and set the record straight.

See, I’ve been really good all year, and I’ve tried so very hard, and I always help me mum and dad with little jobs around the yard.

But, sometimes accidents happen, and it’s always me what gets the blame.

So, Santa, you must believe me, as I need to clear my name.

It wasn’t me who burnt the haystack down, though they found matches in my pocket.

Then the hay shed caught on fire to the machinery shed, Dad’s tractor blew up like a rocket.

And it cost him heaps for renewal because the insurance company didn’t pay.

They said we were a bad risk after I burned the dairy down last May. And because I burned the dairy down, Dad had nowhere to keep the cow, so I let her walk on the road by herself.

She’s probably in North Queensland by now.

And Dad used to let me pick up the mail from the mailbox at the end of the lane, but after I lost his wool check, he said I’m never allowed to go there again.

34 RIVERINE HERALD

2025

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025

SHOP LOCAL and win

CHRISTMAS G I F T G U I D E

Lighting up nights, hearts

By Kelly Lucas-Carmody Nothing says Christmas quite like a home that sparkles from the street.

Decorating your outdoors is a wonderful way to spread festive cheer and make your home feel inviting for guests and neighbours.

Whether you prefer a simple string of twinkling fairy lights or a full-blown festive display, outdoor decorations can bring a little magic to every corner — from your front porch to the garden gate.

Festive decorating tips Choose a theme Decide on a colour palette or style before you start — classic red and green, elegant gold and white, or a fun candy-cane theme can help keep everything looking cohesive.

Light it up safely Use outdoor-rated lights and extension

Christmas lights displays will start popping up around the region for all to enjoy. cords, and always check for damaged bulbs or frayed wires before hanging. Solar and LED lights are great energy-saving options.

Highlight key areas Frame your front door, windows, or roofline with lights or garlands. A simple wreath on the door can make a big impact.

Add natural touches Use pine cones, holly, or eucalyptus branches in pots and wreaths to create a festive yet earthy feel.

Create a warm welcome Lanterns, pathway lights, and a doormat with a Christmas message can instantly lift your entryway’s holiday spirit.

Get creative and help spread some festive cheer.

Keep it weatherproof Secure decorations well and choose materials that can handle rain, wind and sun to keep your display looking great all season long. ▯ 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. 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.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025 35

CHRISTMAS G I F T G U I D E

SHOP LOCAL and win

Add a Twist to celebrating In the lead-up to Christmas, your local zero-waste refillery and eco-store Twist and Sprout owner Emma Solomano offers advice on eco-friendly, local, organic, vegan and zero-waste options for the pantry, kitchen, home, body and more.

Christmas can be a stressful time for some, even before we consider its impact on the wider world.

But we can make the ‘silly season’ a little less silly and live more lightly on the Earth at the same time.

Reducing waste, especially food waste, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make Christmas gentler on the planet.

Agriculture uses huge amounts of land, water and energy, yet by the time food reaches our mouths, around 40 per cent has

disappeared into landfills and compost heaps.

In Australia specifically, most of that waste comes at the end of the process, under the control of supermarkets and the eaters themselves.

And every year, food waste spikes dramatically at Christmas time.

When food ends up in landfill, it decays anaerobically.

This releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

But if we compost our food scraps, they can be used again.

Eating and appreciating the food in the first place is even kinder to the planet and our wallets.

Storing your party leftovers is a perfect way to ensure you have more delicious food for the day after Christmas celebrations.

Like I discuss with my customers, reducing waste goes far beyond packaging; it’s about valuing the

Twist and Sprout, Rochester is helping to reducing waste, particularly food waste, which is crucial in making Christmas more sustainable and gentle on the planet. resources that produced the items to begin with.

Giving fewer, better quality and more sustainable gifts is another way to simplify the season.

Homemade treats, consumables and thoughtful second-hand gifts can be meaningful and loved items.

Choosing recycled options or those made from renewable materials like timber or paper helps reduce the environmental impact as well.

Another great option is to give experiences, like a museum voucher or a pass to an adventure park.

These can create

memories without adding clutter.

In Australia, we use more than 150,000km of wrapping paper every Christmas.

A lot of this won’t be recycled, partly because lots of styles of wrapping paper have a layer of plastic to make

them glossy or glittery.

If choosing to use single-use wrapping paper, ensure it is plastic-free and ready for the recycling bin.

You can also try fabric or other reusable wrapping.

It can even become a new family tradition.

Treating the planet well includes choosing things that will be used, loved and appreciated, rather than forgotten or wasted.

Most of all, we can make Christmas less about the objects we get, and more about spending time together, enjoying each other’s company.

A simpler Christmas doesn’t take anything away from the celebration.

If anything, it brings us closer to what the season is meant to be about, which is joy and gratitude. ▯ Twist and Sprout can be found at 62 Mackay St, Rochester, open Monday to Saturday.

36 RIVERINE HERALD

2025

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025

SHOP LOCAL and win

CHRISTMAS G I F T G U I D E

There’s no Parson this shop

By Jaci Hicken

Parsons Rochester has been operating for more than nine years under the ownership of Belinda Gordon and her husband Justin, who took over the store in September 2016.

Photos: Jordan Townrow Metcalf, for eight years before purchasing the store.

“When she retired 10 years ago, we approached her about buying it, but before she retired, she divided the store into two smaller ones, which meant that I could manage it on my own,” she said.

The store now focuses primarily on fashion and accessories.

“We concentrate mainly on ladies’ and men’s wear,” Mrs Gordon said.

“We do school uniforms. We have Manchester, we have wool and a very small amount of haberdashery. Ladies’ wear and accessories are

Parsons Rochester has evolved to focus primarily on fashion and accessories, including ladies’ and men’s wear, school uniforms, Manchester, wool and a small amount of haberdashery. probably our biggest selling items.”

Summer merchandise features vibrant colours and natural fabrics.

“Summer is always very colourful. Lots of natural fibres, cottons, linens, rayons and viscose is a nice fabric as

well,” Mrs Gordon said.

“Dresses are huge this summer, we have lots and lots of summer dresses in varying shapes and sizes.”

The business draws customers from across the region.

“I get a lot of locals

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Parsons Rochester has been serving the community for more than nine years under the ownership of Belinda Gordon and her husband Justin.

“We took over ownership of Parsons Rochester in September 2016, so we have clocked over nine years now,” Mrs Gordon said.

“We are the third owner of the store.”

The business has evolved significantly since its origins.

“It started with the Parsons family and it was originally a draper’s and grocer’s,” Mrs Gordon said.

“Then over the years, it has certainly developed and grown more and little things have dropped off and other things have become stronger.”

Mrs Gordon worked for the previous owner, Gail

and what I call my district locals that come to shop with us,” Mrs Gordon said.

“I get a lot of Echuca people, a lot of Kyabram, people out of Stanhope, Tatura, Bendigo, Shepparton.

“I had a couple in from Geelong who stopped here before, on their way up to Echuca.

“The husband’s words specifically were ‘My wife said, we have to get to that shop in Rochester between lunchtime and five, because I need to have time to have a good wander in there and shop.’

“The excuse was for her to shop, but he also went home with a bag full.” ▯ Parsons Rochester is located at 41 Moore St, open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm and Saturday from 9.30am to noon, phone 5484 1699.

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C E L E B R AT E T H E F E S T I V E S E A S O N 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.

C H R I S T M A S D I S P L AY S COL B O P U B C H OI R C H R I S T M A S C A R OL T R A I L — COL B I N A BBIN

CHRISTMAS CAROLS DEC E M B ER 7 — MATHOURA

Explore the Christmas candles around town and scan the QR code to listen to carols sung by the Colbo Pub Choir.

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.

D EC EMB ER — S A N TA’ S G R OT TO

DEC E MBER 7 – MOAMA

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.

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.

D EC EMB ER 1 TO JA N UA RY 15 – WON D ER L A N D YA R N B OMBIN G Explore the Christmas yarn bombing throughout Allan St, Kyabram.

D EC EMB ER 1 TO 19 — R OC HE S T E R C H R I S T MA S T R EES D I S P L AY 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.

D ECE M BER 2 TO 3 0 – C H R I S T MA S ILLUM IN AT ION 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 D EC EMB ER 13 TO 2 1 – S A N TA’S C AV E Visit the annual Santa’s Cave at the Kyabram Town Hall Gallery from 11am to 5pm.

DEC E M BE R 12 — STANHOPE CAROLS Family Christmas carols in Stanhope on Birdwood Ave at 6pm.

DEC E M BE R 13 — TONGAL A CHRISTMAS CAROLS Community Christmas Carols by Candlelight at the Tongala Sound Shell in Mangan St, Tongala at 6pm.

DEC E MBER 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.

DEC E MBER 1 8 – KYABRAM Memorial Park, Allen St, Kyabram with free kids activities from 5pm, Christmas carols at 7.45pm and fireworks at 9.30pm DEC E M BER 1 8 – LOCKINGTON An evening of community Christmas carols at Lockington Lions Park, Lockington.

DEC E M B ER 21 — ROCHESTER Community Christmas carols at the Junior Football Club rooms, Reserve St, Rochester, from 5.30pm.

D EC EMB ER 2 1 TO 24 – I L L AWA RRA D R I V E C H R I S T MA S L I G H T S Discover the magic of Illawarra’s Christmas lights. Join the community event and support local charities this festive season.

TON G A L A G I N G ER B R EA D H OUS E The Lions Club of Tongala life size gingerbread house display at the Tongala Kiosk.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS K YABRA M — 12 DAY S OF C H R I S T MAS G IV E AWAY S

DEC E M BE R 6 - GIRGARRE CHRISTMAS F ETE

The Kyabram Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 12 Days of Christmas promotion.

A community fete to celebrate everything Christmas from 5.30pm at Progress Park, Station St, Girgarre

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.

DEC E M BE R 7 — BUSH VERSE GROUP Bush verse, yarns and poetry featuring the Kyabram Bush Verse Group. Kyvalley Hall, 534 Scobie Rd, Kyvalley at noon.

Participating stores will display a 12 Days of Christmas poster on their windows in the lead-up to the event.

DEC E M BE R 7 – S TANHOPE COMMUNIT Y MARKET

D ECE M BER 5 – R OC H ES T ER C H R I S TM A S M A RKE T

A Christmas market from 8.30am to 1pm along Birdwood Ave, Stanhope.

An evening Christmas market from 5pm to 8pm on Gillies and Mackay Sts, Rochester.

DEC E M BE R 18 – LOCKINGTON CHRISTMAS MARKET A celebration Christmas market from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Lockington Lions Park, Lockington.

CON TACT U S 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.