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Mary’s Makers wrap up a year of giving

By Bree Lambert

Dec 11, 2025

Mary’s Makers group members with a collection of crafts created this year. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Laughter, friendship and a shared love of craft marked the final gathering of Mary’s Makers for the year.

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The crafting group based at St Mary’s Parish Echuca reflected on their 2025 achievements with a Christmas breakup, celebrating a year of generosity and crafting.

Formed in late 2024, the group brings together 14 women with a diversity of skills, including sewing, knitting, crocheting and embroidery.

The group meets twice a month to craft gifts and donations for Echuca Regional Health and Echuca aged care facilities, including Bupa Aged Care, Glanville Village and Wharparilla Lodge, as well as Rochester and Tongala.

Mary’s Makers organiser Julie Moyle said the group is full of wonderful stories and opportunities for learning, with members constantly picking up new skills from one another.

The Christmas gathering featured a display of the group’s crafting achievements during 2025, including rugs, Christmas decorations, poppies, trauma teddy bears and blankets.

Mary’s Makers Christmas gathering was enjoyed by members at St Mary's Parish Echuca recently. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

What began as a purpose to support the hospital with hearts for the wards and palliative care grew into crafting blankets and trauma teddy bears for children.

“This year we also supported a national charity called Share the Dignity and we made 40 handmade bags for the It’s in the Bag campaign,” Mrs Moyle said.

The group’s plan for 2026 includes selling poppies in April, with the proceeds going to the RSL around Anzac Day.

“Our plans are just to continue the deepening of friendships and relationships and craft at the same time,” Mrs Moyle said.

Mrs Moyle said the group welcomes donations of fabric, wool and felt to support their creations.