News

Spiritual and Wellness Expo debuts in Echuca

By Lua Ikenasio

Sep 29, 2025

Echuca Neighbourhood House transformed into a hub of healing and connection for the town’s first Spiritual and Wellness Expo on Sunday, September 28.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Hosted by local community group New Earth Soul, the event drew a steady stream of visitors from 10am to 5pm for a day dedicated to natural healing.

Glenda Ferguson had guests’ essential oil needs covered. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

New Earth Soul founder Annette Prendergast said the event attracted not only locals, but many of the tourists who were in town over the weekend.

“We’ve had droves of people coming through the door, from all over the place, which is great, it’s been absolutely amazing,” she said.

“I think we’ve not only capitalised on the local people, but we’ve also got a lot of the tourists as well.

“I think we’ve put on some really good workshops, they’ve shown a lot of interest, and they just wanted to come along and get a bit of nurturing and check it out.”

New Earth Soul founder Annette Prendergast was ecstatic with the turnout. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Stallholders travelled from across the region, including Echuca, Rochester and Swan Hill, with some coming from further afield such as Lake Macquarie in Newcastle.

They offered plenty to see and do, including massages, crystals, essential oils, spiritual literature and natural products.

Guests were especially interested in the tarot readers and psychic mediums, who were offering their services at discounted prices.

Psyke Wellness owner Belinda Laity-Belle had plenty on show for visitors. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Throughout the day, guests were also invited to attend various workshops, including sound bowl healing, emotional release tapping, mindfulness, mediumship and breathwork.

Guests also enjoyed free presentations from death doula Yvonne Kiel, astrologer Peter Minchin, masseuse Jutta Clarke, Nutrimetics consultant Julie Harding and others.

The Dairy Pantry Co owner Kerrie Eveleigh with Julie Dobell and Kym McKnight. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

Mrs Prendergast said despite her nerves, the event’s success had given the group confidence to host future events.

“I was very excited but nervous at the same time, but it’s been a very exciting time, and it's been one of the best things our group has done,” she said.

“It’s not only brought the community in, but it’s also brought them a lot closer to each other, to volunteer, and it’s something to do together.

“We’re hoping to have another one, we’re thinking maybe Easter next year.”

Rochester local Emma Solomano, owner of Twist and Sprout, came out for the day. Photo by Lua Ikenasio

All proceeds from the day will be shared between STEPS Echuca and PUSPADI, a Bali-based charity that make prosthetics for remote and impoverished communities.

The group hopes to travel to Bali again in May next year to hand over its donations.

If anyone is interested in joining the New Earth Soul group to learn more about natural healing or to volunteer, contact Mrs Prendergast on 0419 578 484.