General News
13 March, 2026
Community enjoys Riverbank Fiesta
Around 150 people attended Jeparit’s Riverbank Fiesta on Saturday evening, March 7, with families from Jeparit and neighbouring towns turning out for the International Women’s Day event at the river precinct.
One of the organisers and a Jeparit Town Advisory Committee member, Bec Schultz, said the evening went well despite the long weekend, other events across the district, and windy conditions.
“The fiesta, I think, went really well,” she said.
Ms Schultz said visitors came from Jeparit, Rainbow, Nhill and Dimboola, with numbers shifting throughout the night as some people came for the market and others arrived later for the music.
“It was great to see a lot of families, with young kids, people from Rainbow, Nhill and Dimboola attend as well,” she said.
“There would have been a range around 150 all up,” she said.
The market was smaller than planned after a couple of stallholders withdrew on the day, leaving four stalls trading, but Ms Schultz said they were still well supported.
Stalls included Les and Mary’s Treasures, Blossom Blends nursery, Beck and Boys, and handmade crafts by Steph Lynch.
“There were only four stalls, but they were well attended,” she said.
Two food vendors drew crowds: Chris and Anne’s Bites served Asian-style takeaway, and Big Bertha’s offered toasties and ice cream.
She said live music drew people to the precinct, but the real highlight was watching local families and children enjoying the atmosphere together.
“Definitely the band, as they had bought people there to listen to the music, but to see the families and kids playing, actually, that was the highlight,” she said.
“The highlight for me would have been seeing the families, the young children of all ages, from toddlers through to teenagers, dancing, playing, with the music, which was really lovely,” she said.
The event also featured guest speaker Angela Murphy from Allied Justice, Horsham, who spoke about support services available to women and families across the region.
“The main focus was getting the word out there that there’s support out for women, families if they need it,” Ms Schultz said.
Hindmarsh Shire councillors attended the evening, with councillor Rosie Barker acting as MC and mayor Ron Ismay also present.
Ms Schultz said the committee was pleased to again host the event at the Jeparit riverfront.
“We were very honoured to be approached by Hindmarsh Shire again to hold this event, as we feel the riverside is just such a picturesque location,” she said.
She thanked committee members, council staff, stallholders, food vendors and patrons for supporting the night.
“Great feedback from the patrons that came,” she said.
“Really, really happy with the weekend.”
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