The Church@Maude opens its doors

By Caleb Francis

Dec 28, 2022

Shepparton’s Gobie Raju continues to build his hospitality empire.

His function venue The Church@Maude officially opened on Saturday, December 10, with a smoking ceremony and speeches by state Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe and City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali.

Cleansing: The first two people to be cleansed during the smoking ceremony at the grand opening of The Church@Maude. Photo by Caleb Francis

Cr Sali thanked Mr Raju and his wife, Dr Usha Kolandaivel, for their continued investment in the City of Greater Shepparton and its CBD.

Party time: Mantra Group owner Gobie Raju. Photo by Caleb Francis

Since the opening, The Church@Maude, a former Uniting Church in Maude St, has hosted several parties, including GV Health’s social night and Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project’s end-of-year celebration.

On Saturday, December 17, the Mantra Group, which owns The Church@Maude, held its first annual Christmas party at the venue.

Inside the venue: The interior of The Church@Maude. Photo by Caleb Francis

The Mantra Group also owns The Last Straw Café, Bean Around Coffee, Fryers Lane Mall and The House of Spirits, which is scheduled to open by winter 2023.

Christmas party attendees — family, friends and colleagues of Mr Raju and Dr Kolandaivel — enjoyed the spread of food and drinks, which was all catered by the businesses Mr Raju is involved with.

Enjoyment: Adam Rando, Gobie Raju and Daniela Rando at the Mantra Group’s annual Christmas party held at The Church@Maude. Photo by Caleb Francis

St Augustine’s Anglican Church Priest-in-Charge Reverend Jerome Francis made the opening speech.

Father Francis recognised Mr Raju and Dr Kolandaivel for their hospitality and wished them well for the future.

“I wish Gobie well for his outstanding business initiatives, and I know that the community will benefit from his great personality and his generosity,” Fr Francis said.