Girls Brunch a fluttering success

“The brunch day is just about loving and serving the women of our community because women do a lot and wear many hats,” Epicentre Church Op Shop manager Sage Wiltshire said.

“We put on a day for them to come relax and enjoy each other’s company, shop, have fun, eat good food, listen to good music and get served and loved.”

Guest speaker and chaplain Liz Spicer spoke about the importance of community during life’s tough moments.

Reflecting on her own experience becoming a young widow while raising three children, she encouraged attendees to come together and support one another.

A highlight of the day was the presentation of a $5000 cheque to Girls on the Rize, a youth mentoring program empowering women across Echuca-Moama, Bendigo and surrounding areas to help them build confidence, resilience and independence.

The community spirit continued as Rhoana Balanves was honoured with the ‘Woman who Shines’ award for her work supporting families and children as they navigate the difficulties of living with additional needs.

Rhoana received a gift package composed of donations from businesses across Echuca — a gesture Sage described as “a gift from everyone” for a woman who shines in her love, care and strength.

Run entirely by volunteers, the brunch lived up to its mission as it offered the women of Campaspe a well-deserved day to relax, connect, shop and be celebrated.

The Riv’s Jordan Townrow was there to capture the festivities.