Having spent afternoons, weekends and school holidays collecting bottles and cans, the girls raised enough money to lock in their trip.

“Each bottle is worth 10 cents and there were some days we could collect around $200 a day,” Izzy said.

“On the Australia Day long weekend, we went along the river.”

But the COVID-19 crisis put the trip on hold leaving the girls extra time to fundraise for space camp.

“We decided we would buy a paver at the cinema because we will have more time later to raise money for space camp,” Izzy said.

“We thought it was a sign of good faith to show we appreciate people giving us their bottles and we aren’t just taking something for ourselves, we are also contributing to the community.”

The two girls bought a $100 paver each and were excited to see their names engrained in the local community long into the future.

“It would be so cool if we had our own cinema because then people wouldn’t have to travel to Shepparton or Echuca just to see a movie,” Izzy said.

Cobram Cinema Committee vice-president Wayne Harris thanked the girls for their generosity.

“It's fantastic to see young citizens like Izzy and Stephanie taking charge and becoming integrated in a local project,” Mr Harris said.

Mr Harris said people interested in buying a paver should get in quick.

“There are only a limited amount of pavers we will be able to put down,” he said.

At this stage the cinema was expected to be complete by the end of the year.

“The COVID-19 crisis could potentially slow things down a bit but we will see what happens,” Mr Harris said.

“But the painting inside is almost complete and the carpet and joinery is almost ready to go in,” he said.

To buy a paver, email Jenny at [email protected] or pick up at form at a local participating business, including such as Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery and Cobram Post Office.

More local news

Burglary spike is being addressed by Cobram police

Moira mental health support bolstered by coronavirus hotline funding