Madison Eastmond, Murray Pioneer

Radio station 5RM has performed an Easter miracle, with the broadcaster coming to the rescue of Berri’s iconic long weekend carnival.

Guaranteeing plenty of Easter cheer for region this Saturday, 5RM and Magic 93.1 will be hosting the inaugural Riverland Central Easter Carnival – held on Vaughan Terrace, Berri – after the original event was set for cancellation earlier this year.

“We received the information that the (regular) carnival wasn’t going to run, so we decided to run something of our own,” 5RM general manager Greg Bakker said.

“Giving back to the community, and doing things with the community, is one of our top priorities as radio stations – it’s directly linked to our successes as a media outlet.”

Carnival celebrations will begin at 9.30am, but not before the 5RM and Rotary Club of Berri free Easter breakfast.

Featuring produce from local businesses – including Glenview Poultry Farm, Rollbusch Quality Meats, Nippy’s, Country Bake House Loxton, and Woolworths Berri – Rotary members and 5RM and Magic 93.1 staff will serve up a traditional barbeque breakfast to the Riverland community from 7.30am to 9.30am.

“The 5RM and Rotary Club of Berri free Easter breakfast has been going on for 40 years – it’s a staple of the Easter long-weekend, Mr Bakker said.

“It doesn’t cost a cent, and we get to serve those so many people from around the Riverland and visiting – this year, we’re expecting more than 700 people.

“5RM and the Rotary Club of Berri definitely hold this event for nothing more than just a way to get out in, and gave back to, the community.”

Those then attending The Riverland Central Easter Carnival can expect a variety of stallholders, the Rainbow Animal Farm, and musicians Chubby Chunga – who will be providing some “cool acoustic tunes”. Additionally, a $1000 prize draw for an Easter Egg competition will take pl ace at 1pm.

“The radio stations are really excited to just get on the street and amongst the community – from the breakfast onwards is going to be full on,” Mr Bakker said.

“(The Riverland Central Easter Carnival) might become a permanent event if we pull it off without too much trouble – we will just have to wait and see.”

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 1 April 2026.