General News
7 October, 2025
Murtoa shines with colour and community spirit at Big Weekend
Murtoa’s Big Weekend once again lived up to its reputation, drawing visitors from across the Wimmera for three days of colour, creativity, and community celebration.
From the return of the Murtoa Lights to the excitement of the Cup, the town shone bright all weekend.
Event spokesperson Natasha Pietsch said the whole community was pumped after another bumper weekend.
"It was great to hear so many great comments about this year's event," she said.
"Community groups are genuinely excited about the attendance for Murtoa’s Big Weekend and the quality feedback received.
"We wish to thank all for coming to Murtoa to share in the event experiences."
Blessed with good weather, crowds poured through the gates for Friday’s Murtoa A&P Show.
This year's event featured a new layout due to construction at the netball courts; however, screams of fun still filled the air.
Rides, stalls, animals, and entertainment were show highlights, while the pavilion entries, displayed in the football change-room building, impressed with their quality and presentation.
As night fell, Rabl Park transformed into a dazzling spectacle for RWE Murtoa Lights, which returned by popular demand.
"We normally aim to feature a new experience each year," Mrs Pietsch said.
"However, the lights were a big hit last year, so we decided to bring them back.
"Fortunately, we were still able to do something fresh to make the experience unique."
In a first for the region, a striking IBC container cube emblazoned with 'Murtoa' in flashing lights welcomed visitors.
Adding to the wonder was the 'Gallery of Stars', a community project that lined the trail with decorated stars suspended above the path, overlooking a pontoon lit with laser projections of 'Murtoa'.
Live music amplified the atmosphere, with the WIM Resource-funded Murtoa Music presents performances by Brett Schmidt and Johnny Thunder & The Lightnings on the community stage.
Saturday’s sunshine set the scene for a bustling Lake Market along the shores of Lake Marma.
At the same time, Shannons Show’n’Shine drew a stunning array of cars and motorbikes that delighted motoring enthusiasts.
Crowds also flocked to the Ecycle Solutions Murtoa Cup Day, where quality racing, fashion and family entertainment combined for a sold-out event.
Mrs Pietsch said the weekend also showcased local creativity and heritage.
"The art exhibition and sale drew many quality entries with sales that assisted with fundraising for the Murtoa Historical Society, including a piece of art donated by Peter Hill that was silent auctioned during the exhibition," she said.
"History unfolded with past worker tours at the majestic Stick Shed, while the Wimmera Inland Freezing Works Historic Engine Rally entertained large crowds over the two-day rally."
The Murtoa Museum Precinct rounded out the festivities, offering a rich glimpse into the town’s storied past.
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