50 years ago July 1974

If the Murray Valley was well promoted as a tourist destination, revenue from that source could be increased by 20 per cent each year, the Minister of Tourism, Mr Murray Byrne, said at Swan Hill.

On the basis of tourism being worth well over $50 million to the area last year, this would mean an extra $10 million in the first year alone.

Mr Byrne was speaking at a meeting of civic leaders and tourist industry representatives at which he officially launched a special campaign for the Murray Valley.

It was attended by Cr Les Garraway, the chairman of the Echuca Regional Development Society, Mr Des O’Reilly, and local businessmen, Messers Theo Castrissios and Roger Makepeace.

***

A highlight of the 1974 Rich River Country Festival at Echuca in October is expected to again be a street procession on Saturday, October 26 — the second Saturday of the 10-day program.

Organisers of the festival are working hard to ensure that the fourth annual attraction will be as comprehensive and appealing to all ages as past festivals have proved to be.

A spokesperson for the organisers said that anyone interested in entering a float in the procession should contact the festival director, Mr Ian Blyth.

A sub-committee has been formed by the Echuca Regional Development Society to assist Mr Blyth with the festival organisation.

***

A system of home construction using all galvanised steel frames has been used recently for the first time in Echuca by a newly formed company, Leo Waugh Fabrications.

Already two house frames have been constructed in Hicks Crescent in Echuca South and another is planned shortly.

Leo Waugh, John Rickards, Nick Eddy and Graham Teasdale have been working on the frames and have been able to construct them in a fraction of the time necessary for a timber frame.

Parts of the frames are prefabricated by a Melbourne company, Housing Frame Industries Pty Ltd and are screwed and welded together on a concrete slab foundation before all-steel ceiling joists and pressed steel; tiles are fitted into place.

25 years ago July 1999

The western option for the bypass of Shepparton could present important economic benefits for the Campaspe region.

In what has been a hotly debated issue, three alignments for the bypass have been considered, including to the east, the west and one through the centre of town.

The western alignment would see the bypass go around Mooroopna, through Toolamba and Ardmona.

Throwing his support behind the western route, Member for Rodney Noel Maughan said it was the option that offered the most to Echuca and the Campaspe region.

***

Young people involved in the Campaspe Shire’s Paddock program have recently had the chance to leave their mark on the town.

In a vote of confidence for the program, council hired youth from the project to paint planter boxes in the central business district.

The Paddock program is designed to provide alternative education opportunities in a setting for students who have difficulties adapting in traditional education streams.

Campaspe Shire outreach worker Mick Mulvahill said painting work was a positive project for the program’s youth.

Mr Mulahill said the small allocation of wages provided by the council was also another positive for the youth.

***

The Perricoota Road tourist drive was officially launched on Friday as the first in a series of attractions to be promoted in the Murray Shire.

With the Murray River as a guide, the Perricoota Road tourist drive stretches from Moama to Womboota, taking in a series of attractions including vineyards, state forests, clubs and holiday parks.

Murray Shire mayor Brian Sharp launched the tourist drive as part of council’s ‘’North of the Border Tourist Drives’’ initiative to entice tourism to the region.

The launch coincides with the production of a new brochure, pinpointing a series of attractions along the drive with a brief description.

Allan McLean, owner of St Anne’s Winery on Perricoota Rd, said the tourist drive was an exciting initiative for industry along the drive.

10 years ago July 2014

The multi-million dollar redevelopment of Echuca’s Cunningham Downs is expected to start in August following the completion of a cultural heritage management plan.

Echuca Community for the Aged lodged the development application with Campaspe Shire before Christmas, but a cultural heritage report was needed before the application could be approved.

Over subsequent months, consultants worked with Yorta Yorta elders to examine and assess the site for cultural heritage significance.

ECA chief executive Colin Price said the archaeological dig found six scar trees of indigenous significance, a muller grinding stone and a Jasper core rock, which has shards that were once used as cutting instruments.

***

The Victorian Government has launched a plan to help cater for future growth in the region.

The Loddon Mallee North regional growth plan was one of eight regional plans launched as part of a $12.3 million allocation in this year’s state Budget.

Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy said a Rural Council Planning Flying Squad would help regional councils with major projects and developments, as well as statutory planning.

Key features of the plan include an anticipated population of 160,000 in the region by 2041; growing and diversifying the region’s economy by taking advantage of value-adding opportunities and emerging industries, particularly in agriculture, mining, alternative energy and tourism sectors; supporting growth in regional centres such as Echuca and Swan Hill to ensure access to services and infrastructure; creating affordable housing and job opportunities through a network of towns, including Kyabram and Rochester; protecting and improving the region’s environmental and cultural heritage assets and encouraging flexible and adaptable freight connectivity to the transport network.

***

Finding the time to exercise can be a chore, but for Bupa Echuca residents, fitness comes with a musical twist.

Residents joined in the 2014 Bupa Dance Challenge on Wednesday, along with others from all of Bupa’s 62 care homes across Australia.

The Bupa Dance Challenge encourages older Australians to keep well, providing physical and social benefits to almost 6000 residents and their communities, helping them to live longer, healthier, happier lives.

The event raises awareness of the benefits of dance and music for older Australians and people living with dementia.

This year’s theme was country and western.

Bupa Echuca general manager Debbie Payne said dance was great for the residents.

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