STEPS to re-open
STEPS Drop-in Centre and Therapies re-opens on Wednesday, July 19 at an interim venue, the Uniting Church chapel, entry from Hare St.
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Hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 12.30pm.
The new phone contact for inquiries or to make therapy appointments is 0491 697 262.
Come in to a warm welcome, hot drink and snack and opportunities to make therapy appointments (chiropractic, Bowen, foot nurse).
Tech help for seniors
• With your phone, tablet or laptop? (BYO device and charging cords.)
• Online forms and applications?
• How to stay safe online?
• How to access tutorials with Be Connected and fact sheets from eSafety Commissioner?
Book a time to discuss your needs one-on-one. We will help you to the best of our abilities, but we are not technical experts on everything.
Where: Echuca Library, 310 Hare St, Echuca.
When: Every Monday, 10am to 5pm.
Cost: Free.
Bookings preferred.
Phone: 5481 2400.
Email: libraries@campaspe.vic.gov.au
Website: www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/library
English conversation circle
Join our informal weekly session to practise conversational English in a relaxed setting helped by volunteer tutors.
For those over 18 who speak English as a second language.
Where: Echuca Library, 310 Hare St, Echuca.
When: Every Tuesday at 2pm (during term).
Cost: Free.
Afternoon tea.
No bookings, just come along.
All welcome.
Kyabram Theatre Group
Kyabram Theatre Group is holding its major fundraiser on Friday, July 28 at Hurley’s Bar and Bistro from 7pm.
Organisers are holding a trivia night with plenty of fun, games, prizes, raffles and silent auctions also on the agenda.
The event is to raise funds to put on future productions.
Ten dollars per person and up to 10 people per team.
To book your place for what promises to be a terrific evening, contact Jodee Shead on 0419 575 037.
Kyabram Theatre Group is also looking forward to Clue, the stage production, which will take place at the Kyabram P-12 College Hall on August 11 and 12.
To book tickets for the production, visit trybooking.com/events/landing/1047034
Cost is $20 a ticket.
Friends of Old Moama
We are a dedicated group to preserve our heritage. It was formed in 2003 by residents of Echuca-Moama to preserve the Old Telegraph Station at 60 Chanter St, Moama.
We have since taken on the River Captains Cottage, also in Chanter St.
If you are interested in preserving our history for future generations, come and join the group. We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am at the family history rooms at 6 Meninya St, Moama.
Or you can contact Mary Ledwidge on 5480 7878, or email Sue Shaw at shawsue949@gmail.com
Echuca Dance Group
Do you want to warm up this winter?
Come to our dance on Saturday, July 15, at Moama Bowling Club (Parquetry Room) from 7pm to 11pm. Entry is $10.
The weekly social dancing program resumes on Wednesday, July 19, in the Parquetry Room with the improvers’ group lesson at 6.15pm, followed by a full social dancing program from 7pm. Entry $5.
Further details available from Dave on 0419 374 627.
Repair Café
Do you need a small repair on a garment, a tool sharpened, or advice on what can be done to repair a loved item?
The Uniting Church and St Mary’s Parish Care for Creation group are offering you an alternative to sending items to landfill.
Bring your items to the Repair Café and consult our volunteer repairers.
Venue: Uniting Church Hall, Cnr Pakenham and Hare Sts, Echuca.
Dates: August 12, September 9.
Hours open: 10am to noon.
For more information, or to offer to volunteer, contact Cecilia Merrigan on 0400 863 190.
Amateur radio training and assessments — expressions of interest
The Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club training and assessment team will soon be scheduling training sessions for the Foundation Amateur Radio licence, and assessments for those ready to sit the standard and advanced licence levels.
Training will be conducted via video conferencing and face to face.
Amateur radio is an interesting and educational pursuit that can also be used for alternative communications when other networks fail.
Expressions of interest are being sought from those interested in joining the club, or those wishing to upgrade their existing qualification.
To register your interest, email media@barec.net.au, or phone 0417 389 357.
Echuca Bridge Club
Echuca Bridge Club has weekly duplicate tournaments on Wednesdays and Thursdays starting at 4pm, with hand records always available.
The club uses BridgePads, so scores are available within a few seconds of the end of each session and are then emailed to all participants and uploaded.
We will have beginner lessons starting from Tuesday, August 22.
Beginner lessons are $5 per lesson.
For more details, phone Chris Turner on 0409 008 612.
Echuca Moama Photography Club
Echuca-Moama Photography Club meets twice a month (on Wednesdays) at the Echuca Library, 7pm to 9.30pm.
Everyone is welcome — beginners through to the most experienced of photographers.
This month’s activities:
• Wednesday, July 19 (workshop — focus stacking)
For more details, email echucamoamapc@outlook.com
Echuca Moama Uniting Church
Sunday Sounds — we welcome you to Reverie on Sunday, July 16 at 2pm.
Enjoy Katie Kim playing flute and Adam Przewlocki on our grand piano as they include Bach, Debussy and Rhapsody in Blue in their program.
Community lunch — Tuesday at noon in the hall. Good food and company. Gold coin donation.
Marketplace Craft Shop open each day from 10am to 2pm. Come and browse.
All welcome to our church service on Sunday at 10am.
Echuca Bowls Club
Echuca Bowls Club, a club run by volunteers, offers the following events, open to the community.
Monday — social bowls, 12.30pm;
Tuesday — scroungers, 9.30am;
Thursday — men’s pairs, noon;
Saturday — social bowls, 12.30pm.
New bowlers and non-bowlers are welcome.
For more information, contact June on 0409 306 778.
Alton Gallery exhibition extended
A Brush with the Past at the Alton Gallery has been extended.
The artists in this exhibition have recreated masterpieces from the past, by emulating the skills of the original artists.
They have learnt much about their colour palettes, composition, techniques and mediums — knowledge they will bring to their own works in the future.
This is a must-see exhibition for appreciators and students of art.
The exhibition will be open until Saturday, July 29, at 111 Hare St, Echuca.
Gallery hours are Fridays, 10am to 2pm, Saturdays, 10am to 1pm, or by appointment.
Entry is free and all paintings are for sale.
Inquiries: 0439 460 690.
Cuddle and connect
For parents-to-be or parents with babies up to three months.
Reading gives you the perfect chance to cuddle and connect with your baby. Reading to your unborn baby is also a great way to bond. Reading aloud makes a connection between the things your baby loves the most — your voice and closeness — and books.
Cuddle up with your little one, and join us for our special storytime for gentle rhymes, songs, lullabies and stories.
Please enjoy the company of fellow parents and parents-to-be, before and after our storytime session.
Each Wednesday at 2pm, at Echuca Library (during school term only).
All are welcome.
Economic Development and Tourism Summit
Join with fellow business and tourism operators from across Campaspe Shire to contribute to the next five-year Economic Development and Tourism Strategy for Campaspe.
Engage in constructive, forward-looking discussion on a range of topics, including how we better leverage our shire’s competitive advantages, strengthen local economies and drive greater long-term prosperity for all.
Renowned demographer Simon Kuestenmacher will delve into the latest demographic and global trends shaping Australia and the implications of these forces for our shire and region, now and into the future.
Date: Friday, July 21.
When: 7.30am to noon.
Where: Moama Bowling Club, 6 Shaw St, Moama.
A buffet breakfast will be available from 7.30am.
To reserve a place, please contact Anne Henshall on 0417 418 088 or email ecodev@campaspe.vic.gov.au
EMFM community radio on the airwaves
Radio EMFM 104.7 can be found at the Echuca East Community Precinct in Sutton St, Echuca.
EMFM 104.7 broadcasts across the Echuca-Moama district.
It’s your community radio station on air 24/7 and is run by a team of dedicated volunteers.
For more information or to purchase a membership, see www.radioemfm.org.au/membership
The Foundry Arts Space
The Foundry Arts Space is a volunteer-run community gallery, which aims to promote the arts in our region.
The gallery is located in the original old Freemans Foundry building beside the arts precinct and the Murray River in the historic port area of Echuca.
Echuca Moama Arts Initiative was established in 2011. The foundry is located at 13-17 Murray Esplanade, Echuca.
Open daily from 10am to 4pm (closed Tuesdays), free entry.
For more information, email thefoundry@emai.org.au or phone 0475 448 452.
Playgroup at Echuca Twin Rivers Primary
Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School and Anglicare have teamed up to provide a playgroup for the Echuca-Moama community to attend on Wednesdays every fortnight.
The playgroup is run from 9am to about 10.30am.
For more details on the playgroup sessions for families and carers, phone Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School on 5410 7700 or visit https://www.echucatwinriversps.vic.edu.au/
Echuca-Moama Men’s Shed
Come along Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to the Echuca-Moama Men’s Shed.
We’re open from 9am to 3pm at Rotary Park, 1-7 Rose St, Echuca.
We’re on the lookout for new members. Take part in wood working and metal working.
For more information, phone 0498 480 246 or email emms@outlook.com.au
Echuca Moama Twin Rivers Probus Club
Have you wondered what Probus is all about?
Put simply, it is a gathering of retired people wishing to make new friends and join with them on organised social outings.
We offer many activities, including indoor bowls, cards, garden lovers, dining, coffee mornings, day trips to local attractions and short-break caravan/cabin trips.
You don’t have to join in with them all, just whatever takes your interest.
We meet on the first Monday of each month at the Echuca Workers Club at 10am.
For more details, phone Bruce Haines on 0428 862 217.
Echuca Moama Model Railway Club
The Echuca Moama Model Railway Club is made up of model train enthusiasts who meet on the second Thursday of the month at Rotary Park at 7.30pm.
For more information, phone Bruce on 0409 520 116 or email emmrtrain@gmail.com
Kyabram Croquet Club
Playing times from April to September are: Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.30am for 10am and Sundays at 1pm for 1.30pm.
New players welcome.
For more details, phone Di Smyth on 0417 514 611.
Echuca-Moama Family History Group
Echuca-Moama Family History Group is now at 6 Meninya St, Moama. The building is part of the old Murray River Council buildings in front of the sound shell.
Our research rooms are open on Monday and Friday from 11am to 3pm.
We have experienced researchers who can provide guidance to beginners, and also members of the public who are experienced in family history.
We can access further information locally, Australia-wide and internationally.
For more details, phone Judy on 0408 335 186.
Rich River TOWN Club
Rich River TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets at the Apex Park room in Echuca on Wednesdays at 9.30am.
For more details, phone Helen Murray on 0409 333 366.
Lutheran Church times
The Lutheran Church is at 38 Premier St, Echuca.
Church service times are as follows: First Sunday of the month, 11am; second Sunday of the month, 9am; third Sunday of the month, 9am; and fourth Sunday of the month, 9am.
Echuca Neighbourhood House lunches
Echuca Neighbourhood House community lunches are held on Mondays (dine-in) and Wednesdays (takeaway) at noon, at our 39 Landsborough St premises.
Phone: 5482 6914. Cost: $2 a head.
Cuppa and chat
A friendly, informal catch-up on Tuesdays from 10am at the Salvation Army hall, Sturt St, Echuca.
For more details, phone 5482 6722.
Campaspe Murray Probus
Do you enjoy meeting people in a happy and safe place?
Why not give Campaspe Murray Probus Club a try? You will be made welcome.
We enjoy many varied activities, including bus and caravan trips for the adventurers, coffee mornings, walks, cards and lunches.
It’s all about fun, friendship and fellowship for active retirees. The group meets on the second Monday of the month at 10am at Rich River Golf Club.
For more details, phone Michael on 0490 772 562.
Echuca Moama squash
Squash courts are at the Echuca College stadium.
Competition is held during school term times on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Courts are opened by volunteers on a Sunday at 10am and Monday at 6.30pm.
For more details, phone Marlene on 0416 288 767 or email info@echucamoamasquash.com.au
ASA Echuca Discussion Group
The Echuca Discussion Group of the Australian Shareholders Association meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Caledonian Hotel, Echuca, from 10am to noon.
It features interesting guest speakers and discussions.
For more details, phone convenor Geoff on 5853 1940 or email campaspeasa@gmail.com
Echuca Moama and District Probus Club
New in town or recently retired and looking to have some fun and great company? How about joining our Probus Club?
We meet on the last Monday of the month at the Rich River Golf Club at 10am and the golf club puts on a courtesy bus for those that do not drive. (You do have to book for it.)
We have a guest speaker each month and they cover a vast array of topics; a five-minute speaker from the floor to talk about the whole, or even a segment, of their lives.
We have photos rolling through covering all events of the previous month.
We have coffee mornings and lunches that are held in various places in town to support the local businesses.
We run day trips out to local and not quite so local attractions, and in the warmer months overnight trips as well.
The only month we don’t have a meeting is December, but we do have a Christmas lunch, again at the golf club.
For more details, phone Val Cosway on 0409 416 078.
Echuca TOWN Club
Echuca TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets every Monday at 5.30pm at the Echuca Senior Citizens Hall at 39 Landsborough St, Echuca.
For more details, phone Judi on 0477 120 158.
Mr Perfect
Join us to meet people from your community.
Family, friends, men, women and children are all welcome. Mental health discussion is purely optional.
Free monthly barbecue is held on the first Sunday of every month from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Apex Park in High St, Echuca.
Free monthly coffee meet-up is held on the third Friday of every month from 1pm at Beechworth Bakery in High St, Echuca.
For more details, phone Andy Rogers on 0467 094 061.
Echuca Wool and Craft Group
The Echuca Wool and Craft Group meets every first and third Wednesday of the month at Alton Gallery at 10am.
Members enjoy sharing skills and knowledge related to wool crafts, including spinning, weaving, knitting and crochet.
We also hold dyeing days, attend local wool shows and donate items to various charities.
For more details, phone Wendy on 0427 320 062 or Irene on 0419 844 088.
St Vincent de Paul conference, Echuca
St Vincent de Paul conference, Echuca, has been offering welfare assistance to people in this area for many years.
It is at 11 Nish St, Echuca, next door to the Vinnies shop, and provides food and household items to anyone in need.
It is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
For more details, phone 5480 7621 or email echuca.conference@svdp-vic.org.au
Al-Anon meeting
A meeting for the relatives and friends of problem drinkers is held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 10.30am to noon in the St James Anglican Church hall, 31 Maiden St, Moama.
For more information, visit www.al-anon.org.au
Stroke Support Group
The Echuca Moama Stroke Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the ERH Education Centre from 10am to 11am.
It is an opportunity for stroke survivors, carers and family members to attend for light-hearted chat and a get-together.
For more information, phone Dave on 0475 388 986.
Campaspe Quilters
The Campaspe Quilters group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Echuca Library meeting room at 7pm.
For more details, phone Deb on 0409 527 463 or Kris on 0407 029 895.
Breast cancer support group
The Wild Orchids Breast Cancer Support Group meets on the last Thursday of the month at 10am at the Caledonian Hotel in Hare St, Echuca.
For more details, phone Jeanette on 0417 317 893.
Ulysses Motorcycle Club, Echuca
If you’re over 40, have a motorcycle licence and are looking for social motorcycle adventures, come along to a Saturday coffee at the corner of High and Leslie Sts at 10am and introduce yourself.
For more details, phone Terry on 0400 263 932.
Indoor bias bowls
Indoor bias bowls are held each Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm at Moama Bowling Club. Members and visitors are welcome.
Names in by 6pm.
Echuca Moama Doll and Bear Show
The Echuca Moama Doll and Bear Show and competition will be held on Saturday, July 29, from 9.30am to 4pm.
The event is being staged at the Uniting Church Hall, 115 Hare St, Echuca, opposite the Westpac entrance.
Come along and see doll stalls, old toys, bears and craft items.
Admission to the event is $6 for adults, $5 for concession and $2 for children.
All money raised goes to local charities.
For more details, phone Kath on 0456 715 750 or Liz on 0421 649 038.
Moama Cemetery Volunteers Group
Moama Cemetery Volunteers Group meets at the Moama Cemetery on the first Saturday of each month from 9am until about 11.30am, finishing with a cuppa.
The group helps keep the grounds and older graves tidy, helps in the general maintenance of the cemetery and researches older burials.
There is a job for every age and capability.
New volunteers are always welcome
Be part of Community Billboard
If you are a community group or organisation, then let us know about you in the Community Billboard.
Submit your news items, a profile of your group or an upcoming event.
Please mark Community Billboard in the subject part of your email.
Email your news items to editor@riverineherald.com.au
Gregor Mactaggart is the editor of the Riverine Herald.