Masons chip in with a $5000 booster

‘‘We’ve already started the program and have been to kinders in Gunbower, Stanhope, Lockington and Girgarre,’’ dental therapist Janene McCague said.

‘‘We’re so grateful for this donation because it means we can purchase a laptop to do paperwork on site instead of back at the clinic.

‘‘We’ll also be able to get a portable light — we’ve been using a torch so far. And the other day we used a headlamp but it left us with sore necks.

‘‘So with a new chair, light and laptop, we’re hoping to make this service as comfortable and streamlined as possible.’’

The program is also aiming to destigmatise dental work for Echuca-Moama’s young children.

‘‘We hope that to familiarise children with the dental setting early — it will also help us to detect problems early,’’ Ms McCague said.

Local Freemason Geoff Becker said it was a no-brainer to donate to the dental clinic.

Especially as Echuca’s Campaspe Valley Lodge has historical ties to the clinic.

‘‘The first dentist who established the dental unit in 1989 was Dr Harry Rachkind, a highly respected member of the Millewa Masonic Lodge meeting in Echuca,’’ he said.

‘‘The Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation and the Freemasons of Echuca are delighted to be able to support this facility provided through ERH that will particularly benefit young children in the community.’’

The dental clinic has also recently applied to participate in a pilot program for the Victorian Government’s proposed rollout of mobile dental vans to schools across the state.

‘‘The State Government identified school dentistry needed to be addressed about six months ago,’’ ERH executive director of community services Kathryn Eyre said.

‘‘We’re hoping to be well placed when the dental vans roll out so we can support schools in the Gannawarra and Campaspe shires.

‘‘There’s no timeframe on the dental vans so we’ll just have to wait and see — but we’re certainly hoping to be on the pilot program.’’