Local shoppers get lucky

By Lua Ikenasio and Emily Donohoe

Dec 24, 2024

Kevin Lowrie won the week three top prize of $500. Photo: Aidan Briggs. Photo by Aidan Briggs

In partnership with the Campaspe Shire Council, the Riverine Herald has been running the Shop Local and Win draws throughout December.

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The shop local initiative encouraged community members to shop at local businesses for a chance to win gift cards worth $500, $300 and $200.

Participants were able to shop at more than 30 local businesses to enter the drawer.

Santa came early for week three’s top winner Kevin Lowrie after spending a few dollars at the Moama Bowling Club.

Mr Lowrie said he would spend his winnings on his seven daughters when they visit him for the holidays.

“It’s lovely to win, but most unexpected,” he said.

“I’ve won three lots of $500 over at the bowling club already, so when my daughters come to see me, I’ll take them to the Junction for a night out.”

Other week three winners included P. Huggett, who took home the $300 gift card, and Jennifer Fanning, who claimed the $200 prize.

During week two, Leshea Westwood was the $500 winner, with Brie Kerr and Amber Reddie taking second and third place prizes.

Allan Mathers kicked off the Shop Local initiative as the first to win the $500 prize during week one, while Nicole Cavallaro claimed the $300 gift card and Lynda Mitchell bagged the $200 prize.

The fourth and final week of Shop Local and Win was announced by Campaspe Shire Council chief executive Pauline Gordon on Monday, December 23.

Phil Healy shopped at The Pear Tree and won the first prize of $500.

The $200 was taken home by Annie Pankhurst, who supported Switched on Electronics.

The third prize was won by Rosie Holmes, who paid a visit to Moama Bowling Club.

Plenty of cheer in the Christmas Lights Competition

34 Sugar Gums Dve, Moama, took out the top gong for the Christmas Lights Competition. Photo: Supplied.

Also announced on Monday, December 23, were the winners of the Christmas Lights Competition, sponsored by Campaspe Shire Council.

First place went to 34 Sugar Gums Dve, Moama clocking more than 150 votes.

Winner Kate was thrilled to receive the honour. She has been decorating her home every festive season for more than a decade.

This year, she went with an animal and Grinch-inspired theme.

“I’m happy to bring joy to other people’s lives and the neighbourhood to get into the spirit of Christmas,” she said.

“It’s just about giving back to the community and a bit of fun along the way.”

Kate's home is decked out year-in, year-out, as well as on Halloween. Photo: Supplied.

The traffic on Sugar Gums Dve caused by Kate’s first place-winning display can be credited to not only the lights, but to the pop-up bar in her front yard.

“Everyone stops and is really social,” she said.

“I actually set up a bar out the front so people call in for a drink.

“They’re walking their dogs, or they’re coming past in their car, or the kids get out and chase the bubbles around.”