Riverlife and Romance exhibition celebrates iconic mini-series

By Gregor Mactaggart

Mar 7, 2023

Delighted: Echuca Historical Society’s Mathew Wilson, Jan Hollingsworth, Lisa Wilkinson and Bev Greening. Photo by Steve Huntley

The mini-series that put the twin towns on the worldwide map is being celebrated in a new exhibition at the Echuca Historical Society.

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The Riverlife and Romance exhibition was officially opened on Friday night by Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos.

Ready: Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos unveiling the dress worn by Sigrid Thornton in the movie *All The Rivers Run*. Photo by Steve Huntley

A major focus of the exhibition is on All The Rivers Run, the iconic 1983 Australian mini-series starring Sigrid Thornton and John Waters, shot here in Echuca-Moama.

Wow: The wedding dress worn by Sigrid Thornton in *All The Rivers Run* is the centrepiece of a new exhibition titled Riverlife and Romance at the Echuca Historical Society. Photo by Steve Huntley

Exhibition curators Bev Greening, Matt Wilson, Lisa Wilkinson and Jan Hollingworth sported smiles as the crowd for the opening ceremony enjoyed the wide array of items displayed.

“This year marks the 40th anniversary of All The Rivers Run, so that was the inspiration for us,” Ms Greening said.

“The mini-series caught the imagination of so many people and a number of people in Echuca were part of the show as extras.”

Memories: Felicity McArthur featured in the mini-series *All the Rivers Run*. Photo by Steve Huntley

The centrepiece is the original wedding dress worn by Philadelphia Gordon, played by Sigrid Thornton.

“Lisa knew where the dress was and we had a 12-month process to go through to get the dress on loan from Museum Victoria,” Ms Greening said.

Showstopper: The wedding dress worn by Sigrid Thornton. Photo by Steve Huntley

Other major highlights include the theatre poster, signed by all the cast and crew, photos from the production of the Philadelphia (Pevensey) and the Murray River flag.

Superb: An array of items showcased in the exhibition. Photo by Steve Huntley

Television screens showing the mini-series also feature.

Mr Wilson, who is also the Echuca Historical Society’s president, said All The Rivers Run was an important part of Echuca’s history.

“It cannot be understated how much impact All The Rivers Run thanks to Crawford Productions has had on the prosperity of Echuca,” he said.

“It put us on the map, it made us a tourist town.”

In attendance: Suzan Dalziel and Mark Francis were among the special guests for the opening of the exhibition on Friday night. Photo by Steve Huntley

Ms Greening said the exhibition also featured stories of the region’s pioneers.

“It is about the Riverlife and Romance,” she said.

“We have stories on the real pioneers who really opened up the outback, and they complement the items from All The Rivers Run.

“I encourage everyone to come in and have a look, and relive the experiences.”

Fun night: Jeanette Pitty, Deidre Coombs and Robyn Kelly at the grand opening. Photo by Steve Huntley

The three curators expressed their thanks to everyone who have supported the development of this exhibition, including Museum Victoria and the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre.