All about the kids

By Owen Sinclair

Mar 17, 2025

Cars lined the streets from Cobram’s Civic Centre to Mookarii St on Saturday, March 15, as crowds descended on St Joseph’s Primary School for its annual fête.

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With the weather forecast to soar to 40°C by mid-afternoon, attendees were spoilt for choice by a suite of culinary goods sure to tantalise the taste buds.

A seat on the famous St Joseph’s school train promised a ride for those looking for a cruise, while guests enjoyed fruit fresh from local orchards and iced drinks at the refreshments tent.

Principal Sarah Iddles said she was happy beyond words with how wonderfully the event ran.

“The fête committee has worked 12 months in advance to make this event happen, and it is just a pure joy to come here today and see everyone enjoying what we have on offer,” she said.

“It’s for the kids. I mean, the kids are up on the back of the truck every half an hour, and they really love that.”

Mrs Iddles said the local Italian community had played a big part in the fête across its many years by developing the popular continental stall.

This year, the quality of home-cooked goods on offer there was again of the highest standard.

Lasagne might be the jewel of the stall’s crown, but guests could also munch down on chicken schnitzel and peperonata rolls, ricotta and spinach cannelloni, rice croquettes and pasta with homemade Napoli sauce.

Tiramasu and cannoli comprised the desserts on offer for those with a sweet tooth.

Principal Sarah Iddles and deputy principal Stephanie Arundel. Photo by Owen Sinclair

Mrs Iddles said the fête couldn’t happen without the support of the local community.

“It couldn’t happen without the parent volunteers, the school teachers, the board,” she said.

Mary Hyde was one of the many volunteers this year who ensured things ran smoothly behind the scenes.

For the past 20 years, since she joined the school’s teaching staff, Mrs Hyde has been a mainstay of the fête’s iced drinks tent.

Mary Hyde at the iced drinks station. Photo by Owen Sinclair

A great believer in volunteering, Mrs Hyde said one simple reason kept her coming back each year.

“We’re here for the children,” she said.

“[The fête] is part of the school community. I love being a part of it, and there’s so many people here who are volunteering.

“It’s just a beautiful environment to be a part of.

“If everyone chips in, even for one or two hours, it all works.”

Across the grassy lawn, Andrew Wilson has provided his petting zoo for the past 15 years.

The dairy farmer said he kept returning each year because of the enjoyment the kids got out of interacting with his animals.

“Every fête, it’s just something I do to give back to the community,” he said.

Andrew Wilson is a 15-year veteran of the event. Photo by Owen Sinclair

Even after his youngest child graduated from St Joseph’s five years ago, Mr Wilson said he still enjoyed the chance to connect a bit of the country to the town.

“Kids just love baby animals,” he said.

“By bringing a host of various animals, you can educate them about them.”

Andrew has no plans to change how things run.

“Who knows?” he said.

“One day, my grandkids may be coming here, and I might still be here then.”