13 minute read
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Festival is a musical feast
THE RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL STARTED MORE THAN A DECADE AGO. IT WAS CREATED FOR MUSIC LOVERS BY MUSIC LOVERS, WITH A GOAL TO PUT PATRONS’ EXPERIENCE AT THE FOREFRONT.
That goal has been realised, with the Riverboats Music Festival becoming a must for any die-hard Australian music fan. “We put more time and effort into ensuring the festival has a perfect visitor experience than any other festival out there,” festival director David Frazer said. “Every single choice, no matter how small, gets scrutinised to ensure it’s perfect for our festival-goers. “Our food trucks have an application process, and we curate all our food vendors so that there is a wide range to choose from for our patrons.
“In the 11 years of the festival, we’ve gone through six different toilet companies, because even a decision as small as that had to perfect for the patrons.” But it isn’t just the food and toilets that the Riverboats Music Festival team stresses over — they also spend an entire year putting together the best line-up of performers possible. In years gone by, famous Australian acts such as Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Missy Higgins, The Cat Empire and Australia’s own Eurovision star, Kate Miller-Heidke, have performed at the Riverboats Music Festival. “We try and focus on Australian artists,” David said. “We’re so fortunate in Australia, that we have so many incredible artists, in so many differing genres. “Diversity is so important with our line-up, so we try and get artists from so many different genres so there is something for everyone. “Americana, country, blues, hip hop, indie — the list goes on of the genres you’ll find at the festival.” Last year, the festival was headlined by Indigenous artist Baker Boy, who also performed at the 2021 AFL Grand Final. Although this year’s line-up hasn’t been announced, David said fans would be extremely happy with it. “We’re putting the final touches to the line-up at the moment, but we are really, really excited by it,” he said. “It is looking really diverse and is looking really strong so we’re keen to see what our fans think of it.” Because of the many genres that are on show, the festival is a targeted at all ages. “We’re very similar to the Meredith festival, in that our age range is so great,” David said. “We have young people, families, middle-aged — the spread of fans is so fantastic. “We want to make sure it is as accessible for everyone, and that is where our almost obsessive care for the experience comes in.”
The festival will be held from February 17 to 19. For more information and venue details, head to: www.riverboatsmusic.com.au
A perfect place to paddle
IT’S NOT OFTEN YOU GET TO EXPERIENCE GORGEOUS BUSHLAND, STUNNING WILDLIFE AND THE BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC ECHUCA FORESHORE ALL IN ONE GO.
But that’s what’s on offer when you hire a paddleboard from Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle. Founded in 2015, Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle offers guests the opportunity to experience the power and might of the Murray River as they paddle downstream to the Port of Echuca. “It’s the most beautiful to way to see Echuca-Moama and the incredible nature that surrounds it,” Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle founder Jess Snelson said. “Seeing this part of the town by paddle, instead of by paddle-steamers, allows you to truly take in the area and appreciate the beauty of the place. “It really is the best way to experience it.” The tour lasts for two hours, with all participants being given a tutorial on how to paddle beforehand. Participants will begin at Chinaman’s Bend, before paddling downstream 4 km to Victoria Park, taking just over an hour. “We meet at Vic Park and then shuttle everyone upstream to Chinaman’s Bend so that they can paddle downstream,” Jess said. “It’s so much fun and can be enjoyed by people who are five years old or 105 years old. “Your little ones can sit on the front of the paddleboard, and children eight or over can probably even go solo. “There is honestly nothing better than watching the sunrise while paddling on the Murray, or watching it set. “It’s just so beautiful.”
Echuca Moama Stand Up Paddle offer tours seven days a week, with prices starting at $50 per person. For bookings, text your preferred time and date to 0428 300 417.
Celebrate Echuca’s finest
AUSTRALIA DAY IS A TIME TO CELEBRATE WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN AUSTRALIAN, AND THE 2023 AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN ECHUCA WILL BE NO DIFFERENT.
Echuca Rotary Club will again hold its annual celebrations on January 26, honouring the amazing work done by the residents of Echuca. Awards for Citizen of the Year, Young Person of the Year and Community Group of the Year will be handed out on the day, with speeches from the Campaspe Shire mayor and an Australia Day ambassador. “The day is about celebrating what it means to be a citizen, and our awards celebrate what it means to be an Australian citizen and a resident of Echuca,” Echuca Rotary Club past-president Mike Stansbury said. In previous years, the Australia Day celebrations have taken place in partnership with Moama, but in 2023 there will be two separate events. “We decided to split our celebrations and do it by councils, so ours will be for the Campaspe Council,” Mike said. “It’s going to be more intimate than previous years, but it will be more concentrated on celebrating the people of Echuca.” The Australia Day celebrations will be held at Hopwood Gardens in Echuca, with free entry. The presentation of awards will begin at 7.45 am, with entertainment and a breakfast barbecue following the formalities. “I encourage anyone who is thinking of coming, to come,” Mike said. “It’s an opportunity to join with others to express joy in the citizenship of Australia, as in, what it means to be a citizen.” Echuca Rotary Club will also hold a dinner on Australia Day eve. “The Australia Day eve celebrations will be more of a social occasion,” Mike said. “We will have live music and entertainment, a great dinner and more interaction between members of the community.”
Tickets for the Australia Day eve dinner are available to purchase through the Echuca Rotary Club’s website.
Make a big splash
THERE IS NOTHING MORE ICONICALLY AUSTRALIAN THAN SPENDING SCORCHING HOT SUMMER DAYS IN THE WATER, AND IN ECHUCA-MOAMA IT’S NO DIFFERENT.
Ever since the Aqua Island water park opened, it has been a hit with locals and visitors, providing much-needed relief during the hottest of days. Aqua Island is back again this year, and it’s better than ever. “We’re back, and we’re ready for a big season,“ Waterfront Moama and Aqua Island owner Jayne Bares said. “We’ve got lots of new and exciting obstacles to challenge everyone.” Aqua Island features a series of inflated obstacles, connected to provide maximum fun for all who want to make a splash. The water park features a giant slide, blast bags, a huge jungle gym, trampolines, balance beams and so much more. “You can try to conquer all the obstacles, or you can try and wipe them out,” Jayne said. “There’s a great variety of shapes, sizes and functions that make the activities exciting and entertaining for everyone.” Aqua Island is suitable for all ages, with children as young as three being able to join in the fun, making it a true family affair. Entry to the park starts at $25 per session, with each session lasting about three hours. Life jackets are provided, and qualified lifeguards are on duty to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time. Group bookings are available, with Aqua Island being the perfect choice for birthday parties or Christmas break-up parties, with endless fun guaranteed. “Aqua Island is the best fun you will have this summer,” Jayne said.
Aqua Island is due to open for the summer from the end of November. It is at 1725 Perricoota Rd, Moama.
The Melbourne Cup of waterskiing
EVERY YEAR, THOUSANDS OF WATERSKI LOVERS CONVERGE ON THE MURRAY RIVER AT ECHUCA-MOAMA TO WATCH THE SOUTHERN 80.
Regarded as the most prestigious waterski race in the world, hundreds of competitors try their luck at the 80-kilometre course. It’s held on the Sunday of the second weekend in February, with a qualifying time trial being held the day before. “Just as Bathurst is synonymous with V8s, the Southern 80 is with waterskiing,” Moama Water Sports Club president Steve Shipp said. “You could go anywhere in Australia, and mention Echuca-Moama, and they will know about the Southern 80.” “It really is the Melbourne Cup of skiing, it’s the most iconic race in the sport.” The course, which runs along the Murray River from Torrumbarry to Echuca, features more than 120 turns, with skiers reaching speeds in excess of 190 km/h. “The record for the race is under 30 minutes, so that gives you an idea of how fast these boats and skiers are going,” Steve said. The race is open to all ages, with a range of age and skill brackets, with competitors from Europe and North America travelling down under to compete. “We have racers who are under 10 who reach speeds of 60 miles an hour, all the way to our experts who are the best in the world,” Steve said. “We don’t like having boats pass each other, and so that’s the reason for why we started doing the qualifiers the day before so the fastest boats and skiers could go first.” The Saturday before the race, all the competitors will race in a ‘blitz’ race, with the top 40 times having a shoot-out for pole position. “The qualifying shoot-out has only recently been added to the weekend, but it allows all competitors to get the best chance to win,” Steve said. “Each competitor starts one minute after the other, so this shoot-out means the top teams have enough of a gap to make sure they don’t have to pass unless there is a fall or error made ahead.”
The Southern 80 attracts visitors from all over the country, who line the riverbank to watch as the boats and skiers fly by. Last year, the event generated about $13 million for the local economy, with more than 30,000 people attending the race. “If you haven’t been before, you really are missing out,” Steve said. “The atmosphere, the excitement, the competition — you don’t find this at many other places. “It’s something that everyone should experience once in their life. “It’s just an iconic event.”
The 2023 Southern 80 will be held from February 10 to 12.
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Priceline Pharmacy Echuca Square
Priceline Pharmacy Echuca Square147–149 Annesley Street, Echuca 147-149 Annesley Street, Echuca Ph: 5482 3777 Ph: 5482 3777 priceline@echucapharmacies.com.au
Priceline Pharmacy Echuca Square
147-149 Annesley Street, Echuca Ph: 5482 3777
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Rock and roll the night away
WARM UP YOUR HIPS AND VOCAL CORDS BECAUSE THE KING AND THE BIG O ARE COMING TO ECHUCA.
Dungala Event Centre is bringing Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison to town for a dinner and dance that is not to be missed. The Kings of Rock and Roll will be bringing their biggest hits to the show, including Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, Suspicious Minds, Oh Pretty Woman and You Got It for fans to dance and sing along to. Paul Fenech and his son Anthony will be performing as Elvis for the two shows, while Orbison will be played by Aaron Mansfi eld, who is Australia’s number one Roy Orbison tribute act. “When we were interested in holding events like these, Fenech and Mansfi eld were the fi rst and best performers that came to mind,” Dungala Event Centre marketing and events co-ordinator Wendy Love said. “I used to work with Paul Fenech when I did cruises on the Sydney Harbour and his performances were always so great, and the crowd always loved them, so I’m sure those who come to our events will love it just as much.” The shows will be held on Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28, with the tickets including a three-course meal and beer, wine or soft drinks. “The performance isn’t the only thing to look forward to, the menu for the evening is going to be delicious,” Wendy said. “We have a grazing platter for entrée, and then have two delicious options for mains, as well as two options for dessert.” Tickets for the not-to-be-missed event are $125 each, with a proceed from all ticket sales going to Echuca Neighbourhood House.
For more information, call the Dungala Event Centre on 0434 423 219 or head to www.eventbrite.com.au
Community unites for carols
AS CHRISTMAS FAST APPROACHES, SO DOES THE 2022 CHRISTMAS SOUNDS OF THE SOUL.
Echuca Moama Uniting Church will host its annual Christmas by Candlelight once again, with local singers performing. “We’ve been holding this event since 2015 and it is always such a hit with the community,” Uniting Church member Anne Peace said. “It gives members of the community an opportunity to come and sing their favourite carols, no matter what experience they have.” This year, the River Voices Community Choir and Friends will perform, with residents of EchucaMoama encouraged to join in and perform. “We have people who come every year to sing with us. They don’t sing in a choir, but they love to join in with our carols each year,” Anne said. “We will have all the classic carols sung, with some readings dispersed in between the songs. “It’s such a beautiful night.” The carols kicks off a week of Christmas festivities at the Uniting Church, with its famous Christmas tree display returning this year. “Each year, we set up the hall with a display of Christmas trees,” Anne said. “Community groups get to donate a tree and decorate it however they like, and we display it. “In years gone by, the local Irish dancing group decorated a tree, as well as the local women’s craft club, the Scouts and the school. “It’s always so wonderful to see each group’s diff erent design.”
