The event features a combination of an open garden and a mini music festival, with Kristi Cahill and Georgina Bish singing among the ancient red gums on the riverside setting from 11am to 3.30pm.
JJ’s Coffee and Honey & Hen food vans will be present to feed hungry attendees, but guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic lunch, chairs and blankets.
“I did one about three years ago in October 2019, and we ran it as a wellness day,” Mrs Castles said.
“The Cancer and Wellness Centre hadn’t been started then, and we had Tai Chi, and yoga, and kombucha, and last time people just came and sat on the lawn and listened to the music and relaxed with a bit of food — I call it my mini Riverboats Festival.”
The fundraiser is in honour of all families and friends who have been touched by cancer, and honours the memories of Audrey Pillai and Jenny Cowie.
“They both loved their gardens, and Audrey had a lovely rose garden at her place,” Mrs Castles said.
Ms Cahill has a personal connection with the ERH Cancer and Wellness Centre cause beyond this fundraiser.
“I’m volunteering because I’ve also been through breast cancer, and ERH has helped me very much through my journey, and I’m a nurse there as well so it’s a cause very close to my heart,” she said.
“I sing professionally, and for healing and therapeutic reasons it’s helped me on my journey.
“I’m happy to volunteer and share for this cause especially to bring love and hope and happiness to others.”
Gates open from 11am to 3.30pm at 188 Anderson Rd, Echuca.
Tickets are available online at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/garden-festival-fundraiser-for-echuca-regional-health-tickets-274619202427 for $20, or at the gate on the day for $25 per person. Children under 18 are free.
Parents are advised that the property is surrounded by water.
Attendees are asked not to bring their dogs — the Castles’ dog Paddy will be available for patting.
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