Murray River Living 2021 by McPherson Media Group

MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

EDITION 4 - MAY 2021 • FREE

COBRAM-BAROOGA YARRAWONGA-MULWALA COROWA-RUTHERGLEN AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS

Places

Glanmire Park rides regional growth The unique place where Mexico meets the Murray

Faces

The rise of female football 2020 - A year like no other Will we ever see the likes of Sir Elton again? Grounded 3000km away

Exclusive From rock bottom to beautiful life

love the

lifestyle.

The perfect place to relax with friends and take in the superb views of Lake Mulwala. Located on the water’s edge, the Malibu Deck has got the lot. A retractable roof, misting fans, TVs, bar, coffee shop, a playground for the kids, it’s perfect all year round with the best view in town. The perfect destination for a day trip or short break away, come and stay on the water’s edge at the Ski Club Holiday Park. With its wide range of great value accommodation and powered sites right next door to the Mulwala Water Ski Club. If it’s sport, dining or just plain relaxing, it’s all here! And don’t forget our fantastic live entertainment every week with some of Australia’s hottest acts performing — all live & free!

Phone: (03) 5744 1888 www.mulwalawaterski.com.au

MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

team.

from the

COBRAM-BAROOGA YARRAWONGA-MULWALA COROWA-RUTHERGLEN AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS

elcome to the fourth edition of Murray River Living magazine.

Enjoy browsing these pages, carefully compiled for you by writers and photographers who work in, live in and love the region with all it has to offer

MRL is your gateway to the beautiful Murray River region and all it has to offer.

Take the time to uncover all there is to enjoy and begin your journey through Murray River Living.

Discover the places and faces that make this region shine from undiscovered gems to well-travelled favourites, quirky characters to community leaders, new adventures and reminders of yesteryear.

MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

EDITION 4 - MAY 2021 • FREE

COBRAM-BAROOGA YARRAWONGA-MULWALA COROWA-RUTHERGLEN AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS

Places

Glanmire Park rides regional growth

From rolling fairways to age-old vineyards, beautiful Lake Mulwala to the mighty Murray River, sandy beaches to bustling town centres – the Murray River region has so much to discover.

The unique place where Mexico meets the Murray

Faces

The rise of female football 2020 - A year like no other Will we ever see the likes of Sir Elton again? Grounded 3000km away

Exclusive From rock bottom to beautiful life

Cover photo: One of best ways to enjoy the Murray River is by kayak. This picture was taken near Forges Beach approximately 6km downstream from the Yarrawonga Weir.

love the

lifestyle.

There are so many stories to tell as we bring the very best of the region to your homes and businesses.

contents. The rise of female football 2020 - A year like no other

From rock bottom to beautiful life

Glanmire Park rides regional growth

Will we ever see the likes of Sir Elton again?

Jared Loughnan Robert Muir Emma Prior Adrienne Hartnett editor@yarrawongachronicle.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY Les Garbutt Jared Loughnan Simon Ginns

Grounded 3000km away

WORDS

ADVERTISING Sandra McCurdy: magazines@yarrawongachronicle.com.au Lisa Menzies: advertising@yarrawongachronicle.com.au Phone: 03 5744 3731 Jennifer Binion: advertising@corowafreepress.com.au Phone: 02 6033 1104 DESIGN Sandra Schaap Art Director sandras@yarrawongachronicle.com.au

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PUBLISHER Yarrawonga Chronicle and Corowa Free Press Pty Ltd ACN 158 627 073 101 Belmore Street, Yarrawonga ph: 03 57 44 3731 www.yarrawongachronicle.com.au The publisher does not take the responsibility for any statements or errors and omissions made by any editorial or advertising material published in this magazine or associated online material. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below. Yarrawonga Chronicle 101 Belmore Street, Yarrawonga VIC 3730

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MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

Corowa sisters Ruby and Cathy Svarc pictured last year. The girls had a thrilling weekend in April with Cathy being part of the winning Brisbane Lions AFLW Grand Final team and Ruby Svarc winning the AFLW Grand Final Sprint. Photo: AAP.

THE RISE OF FEMALE FOOTBALL By Adrienne Hartnett

When the AFLW launched in 2017, no one could have predicted how it would captivate women and girls across the country leading to a surge in registrations and new leagues forming.

ccording to the latest data from the AFLW, more than 600,000 women and girls play football nationally in grassroots and amateur leagues, as well as in the elite game. In north east Victoria, it’s a similar story as girls flock to their local clubs to show what they are made of. In Rutherglen, the Murray Felines club was formed in 2016 when a small group of young women, led by Amber Ferraro and Meg Rogers, saw the need for a local club to play in the newly formed North East Border Female Football League (NEBFFL). The Rutherglen Football Club took the Murray Felines under their wing in 2018, providing the club with a home ground and sole training venue.

Initially, the club only had an Under 18 team. With much younger players than other clubs in the league, they struggled to get wins on the board. In 2018, an Under 16 team was added to the club. At the beginning of 2021, with numbers booming, the NEBFFL introduced a third age group. This allowed the Felines to grow to three teams consisting of Open Women, Under 16s and Under 14s. “Currently we have 70 registrations with a broad demographic of likeminded females who are all wonderful role models to each other,” Felines team manager Nadine Nicholson said. “While our main area is Rutherglen and Corowa, we have girls from as far as Daysdale, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga-Mulwala, AlburyWodonga and even Benalla. “Our youngest girls are only 10 years old while some of our senior players are in their late 40s.”

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Ten-year-old Kaity Ford is one of the youngest players for the Murray Felines. With four years’ experience playing footy, she makes up from her youth with fiery determination.

MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

The Murray Felines club prides itself on its remarkable culture, with strong involvement from local families as well at the Rutherglen Football Club. “We first and foremost make sure every player feels like they have a place to belong. Football is secondary to this,” Ms Nadine said. “We have weekly dinners after training each week. Every year we do personal development evenings for the players, such as the Sport and Life Training program (SALT) and we learn about mental health. “This is so important to us and our girls as it might be most positive voice they have in their life at the moment. “Coming out of COVID-19 restrictions this year, we also placed a huge emphasis on the social side of being part of the Felines. We found a lot of people struggled last year without contact with their peers and friends.” North East Border Female Football League Operations Manager Matthew Elliott said there has been growing interest year on year since the league formed in 2015 assisted by the introduction of an Under 14 competition in 2021. “Of the age groups, the junior numbers appear to be growing faster than the women’s, perhaps with the introduction of the second junior age group,” Matthew said. “The Under 14 competition has been a pleasant surprise, I believe numbers are higher for that age group this year than they would have been in 2020 had the pandemic not occurred and we played the season. So that has been very promising.”

As local female football goes from strength to strength, players are particularly excited to have home-grown talent to look up to with Corowa’s own Cathy and Ruby Svarc both playing for the Brisbane Lions in the AFLW. The Svarc sisters are both well known for their stellar A Grade netball careers playing for the Corowa-Rutherglen Roos until the end of 2014.

“I was lucky enough to find a club where they were pretty supportive and put my name out there. They saw I had a bit of potential.”

It’s women like Cathy and Ruby who play a key role in contributing to the outstanding increase in football participation and ensuring a new generation of female footballers. While there was no local female football league when the sisters were living in Corowa, they were able to fast-track their football career with their impressive sporting backgrounds. In 2018 Cathy moved to Brisbane and decided to give football a red-hot crack, one year after the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s competition. “I moved to Brisbane and not really knowing anyone or having any other community connections. I decided to join a team to meet people and give footy a go,” the 28-year-old said. “Ruby and I had discussed playing together in the past, but work and study got in the way. “I was lucky enough to find a club where they were pretty supportive and put my name out

there. They saw I had a bit of potential.” During a winter series, Cathy had the opportunity to play alongside other AFLW players in the off season giving her exposure at the top level. After being drafted in 2019, Cathy made her debut in the Lions’ round 1 game against Adelaide at Hickey Park in 2020. Unfortunately, her season was cut short with the coronavirus pandemic halting sports across the country. Younger sister, Ruby began playing football in Melbourne with friends. “My friends and I found a local club near where we were living in Melbourne. They seemed like a great club, so we went to a training session. We had so much fun, and everyone was really friendly and welcoming even though we were so new to football,” Ruby said. “It is one of the great things about women’s football, there are so many new players, and everyone is really supportive.” Following a good season with the club, Ruby began to receive recognition which led to her being selected for representative games. “I was contacted by a few VFL clubs and I ended up landing at Essendon VFLW for the 2019 season. It was really exciting. I had only started footy that year and by the end of the year I was signed to the VFL club,” she said. The 27-year-old was picked by Brisbane in the 2020 AFLW draft last October, joining her sister Cathy for the 2021 season. While Ruby didn’t debut this season, she demonstrated plenty of improvement and potential over the last few months. “Ruby is fierce and fast. She doesn’t give up. She chases people down. I remember that

MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

Participation in female AFL has steadily grown in the local area with the introduction of a new under 14 competition in 2021 alongside an under 17 and open women’s competition. Photo: Simon Ginns.

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football all of the way through from childhood without having to stop from netball, her never say die attitude,” Cathy said. when they got too old to play with the boys. There’s now a sense of Cathy, meanwhile, was part of the Lions stunning AFLW Grand Final possibility for our girls to take their football career further.” win over the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Park last month, securing the club’s first premiership. The 29-year-old played an integral role racking up 12 possessions (five kicks and seven handballs) and laid an impressive seven tackles. She was referred to as one of the premier defensive midfielders of the AFLW competition with a “huge aerobic capacity”. While the Svarc sisters juggle training and games with full-time work, they are proud to be paving the way for young female footballers as the AFLW continues to grow. UN The EAR “We both work full time, so we have our have other IFO Wprofessions. RK R O AFLW is slowly building each year, but it’s definitely not at the stage where they can support us with a full-time income,” Cathy said. “I don’t think it will happen in our career, but we are hoping what we do now paves the way for future generations so that they can be full-time athletes,” Ruby added. While there have been setbacks from the impact COVID-19, Nadine is confident the momentum of female football will only A Ncontinue to grow. RY DE M BR OIDE “The future of female football is looking fabulous,” she said. “We are just so excited that there are now girls willStreet, haveYarrawonga played 97-99who Belmore 97-99 Belmore Street, Yarrawonga

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ID BRO The Murray Felines Club formed in Rutherglen in 2016. TheM club continues to go from strength to strength with over 70 registrations and three teams. 97-99 Belmore Street, Yarrawonga Pictures is Isabella Brooks, Kaity Ford and Emma MasseyPhat03training. 5744 1269

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MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

2020 A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER

Peak hour in Yarrawonga-Mulwala 2020 style. Motorists were forever being held up on the main bridge due to border checkpoint delays.

By Adrienne Hartnett

We all would like to forget 2020, It was a year like no other, with lockdowns, panic grocery buying, border bubbles and closures along with restrictions on restrictions.

s the world rang in the New Year on January 1, 2020, no one could have imagined it would be the year that would change the course history forever. A new highly contagious respiratory illness known as COVID-19 was spreading across the world. In Australia, the first cases were recorded on

January 25, 2020. By March, the disease began to spread throughout Australia. Federal and state governments responded by putting restrictions in place to contain its impact in the community. By the end of March, nonessential businesses and activities had shut down, and Australians were urged to stay home. For border communities, particularly those on the Murray River, the impact was severe despite little to no cases. Lockdowns and

border closures became the new normal. Permits were required to travel into NSW. Restrictions also affected other areas of people’s lives, including employment, income, living arrangements, playing sport and the ability to spend time with friends and family. Along the Murray, the tourism industry was decimated, however through all the pain and panic, our communities came together like never before.

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MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

2020 - A YEAR Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

Supermarket shelves were wiped out during the first lockdown as locals began hoarding essential items such as toilet paper, rice, pasta and tinned food. The frenzied buying forced supermarkets to introduce limits on certain products. Joining the global fight against COVID-19, managing director of Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Dean Druce switched his whisky making business into making much -needed sanitiser product for the community. The move also ensured the business doors would stay open and staff would still have a job.

Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica with a specialist COVID-19 nurse at Cobram Hospital.

Social distancing signs around Yarrawonga were part of a COVID Safety initiative implemented by Yarrawonga Health in partnership with Moira Shire Council. Pictured with one of the signs at the Yarrawonga Foreshore are Moira Shire Council Deputy Mayor Julie Brooks, Yarrawonga Health Community Engagement Manager Jodie New, Communications Coordinator Mckenzie Jones and Yarrawonga Health Acting CEO Kaye Gal.

With Anzac Day commemorations cancelled across the country, thousands in the region participated in the Light Up the Dawn campaign. Residents stood in their driveways with a candle and observed one minute’s silence at 6:00am.

The closure of the historic John Foord Bridge cut Wahgunyah off from Corowa leaving many residents angry and disappointed in July.

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coronavirus. They are adapting Our local businesses are determined not be beaten by the threat of the developed this weekly update on ways to ride through this tough period and to help them along we have what each business is doing to continually service our local community.

To have your business included email advertising@yarrawongachronicle.com.au Hard Luck Coffee Hard Luck will still be open but will only be serving takeaway through the shop window. Only card is accepted and no keep cups. Lake Mulwala Bakery Lake Mulwala Bakery will be open offering takeaway only with reduced open hours from 5.30am – 2pm. Belle’s Café Belle’s Café will be open for take away only through their takeaway window. Cash and card accepted and extra sanitizing is taking place. Brereton’s Bakery Brereton’s are open for takeaway only. Hygiene measures are in place with further measures not yet known. Eftpos is preferred rather than cash but both accepted. Burkes Hotel Motel Burkes Hotel Motel will still offer accommodation with the pub/ bistro closed. Yarrawonga Noodle House Yarrawonga Noodle House are open for take away only. Extra hygiene measures are being exercised. Mulwala Water Ski Club Mulwala Water Ski Club, Golden Inn Chinese Restaurant and Mulwala Water Ski Club Ski Pro Shop have been directed to close and will remain closed until further notice. Papalia’s Lakeside Restaurant will continue to offer takeaway and delivery and Ski Club Holiday Park is currently operating as normal at this stage.

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Yarrawonga Medical Clinic Yarrawonga Medical Clinic remains open and is here to help during the pandemic. You can help by following a few guidelines including: answer questions asked by the clinic honestly and ring rather than popping in, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough or sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. If you have returned from overseas recently you are expected to be in home isolation for 14 days.

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South of the Border Eatery South of the Border will be open for take away with reduced hours. Cash and card are accepted.

Athenaeum Yarrawonga Athenaeum will be providing take away and delivery only.

NEWS

Yarrawonga Bakery Yarrawonga Bakery are open for takeaways only, with extra hygiene measures being exercised. Terminus Hotel Accommodation will still be open as well as El Toro doing take away and delivery Mexican and pub classics. There will be easy to follow signage on how to access take away.

Royal Mail Mulwala The Royal Mail Mulwala have a new takeaway menu with pick up or home delivery also available.

Hicks Butchery Hicks Butchery will be running business as usual with social distancing required and extra hygiene measures put into place. Cash and card are still accepted forms of payment.

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort The Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Clubhouse operations including bar, bistro, movie theatre, function rooms and gaming area have been officially closed. YMGCR are fortunate to note that current guidelines do allow the golf course and Pro Shop to remain open to the public for the time being. With increased monitoring of group sizes and cart occupancy, and small modifications to on-course services.

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Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre will remain open with reduced hours. Monday – Friday 10am – 3pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am – 1pm. The Yarrawonga VicRoads photo point will remain open by appointment only.

are accepted.

Blooms of Yarrawonga Blooms are currently still open and abiding by the social distancing and hygiene measures. Touchless deliveries of flowers and giftwares is still being offered and if the store is required to close, the online store will remain open, offering delivery.

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Hairdressers & Beauticians A number of hairdressers and beauticians will remain open until there are further requirements. Salons are running at less chairs to make sure clients stay a safe two meters from each other, with beauticians exercising strict measures for clients and staff’s health and safety. Extra hygiene precautions are in place with each station cleaned and sanitised after each client and both salons and studios are offering hand sanitizer to every client as well as all magazines having been

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Brick Lane Boutique Brick Lane Boutique are currently offering free home delivery for the towns of Yarrawonga, Mulwala, Corowa, Rutherglen and Bundalong. Orders will be delivered before or after store hours only. There is also free store pick up and free standard shipping Australia wide. Increased cleaning of the store including fittings, fixtures and products is also in place www.bricklaneboutique.com.au. Reject Shop Reject shop is open usual business hours. Hygiene measures have been increased with social distancing also exercised

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HOTLINE HELP

that you could potentially have been exposed to COVID-19, call your National hotline help - if you are displaying any of the symptoms or believe GP practice or the COVID-19 National Hotline on 1800 020 080. 22 15. on dealing with COVID-19 by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 Business hotline - Businesses across the state can now access information

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Yarrawonga Newsagency The newsagency will remain open as well as the Bendigo Bank branch within, with a number of health measures put into place. Markings on the ground indicate to the customer where to stand for social distancing, staff are now wearing gloves, one tattslotto terminal will be turned off to allow extra spacing and benches and eftpos machines are being cleaned regulary.

Target Target is open business as usual with more hygiene measures being exercised.

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Federation Council Social distancing is now in practice at all Federation Council offices and facilities including libraries, works depots, Corowa Visitor Information Centre and Corowa saleyards.

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North East Life Physiotherapy North East Life Physiotherapy are currently staying open until further recommendations from Government. Social distancing is in place as well as increased hygiene measures. Magazines and toys have also been removed from the waiting

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Moira Shire Council Moira Shire Council Customer Service Centres in Cobram and Yarrawonga will remain open, however under strict social distancing regulations. Visit the website, email or phone, only come into the service centers as a last resort. Visitor Information Centre’s will be closed from Tuesday, March 24 and council facilities including the Yarrawonga Splash Park are now

branches.

Yarrawonga Post Office Yarrawonga Post Office is an essential service which will remain open with business as usual. Social distancing is being exercised with space markings on the carpet. No signatures will now be required for parcel pick up, but ID is still required. Cash and cards

(03) 5744

Terry White Chemmart Terry White Chemmart will remain open seven days per week and are maintaining regular hygiene practices. Download the free TerryWhite Chemmart App and contact the store for your activation code to order your scripts electronically and consider leaving your scripts on file at the Pharmacy. Free delivery is offered to the immediate Yarrawonga area with minimal charge for delivery to the surrounds of Yarrawonga. Cosmetic testers have also been removed temporarily and ear piercing and other beauty services including makeup application and waxing are temporarily unavailable. Maintain social distancing in store and extra cleaning and disinfecting for the safety of all.

Yarrawonga Health Currently there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Yarrawonga, however as this can change at any time, Yarrawonga Health remain in a state of heightened awareness. Yarrawonga Health is taking a cautious approach to screening staff, community visitors and volunteers. The acute/urgent care centre has been closed to the public. Large amounts of hand sanitiser is offered and extra cleaning measures are in place.

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ClubMulwala ClubMulwala will be closed until further notice. A statement issued by the club reads: “We thank you all for your support, and look forward to seeing you all again as soon as the forced closure issue has been lifted by the state government. “We hope you all stay safe and healthy over this period, and rest assured that we will be back bigger and better than ever as soon as we can.”

Yarrawonga Denis Medical Group One of the steps the clinic is now taking and implementing in order to help minimise exposure, is to adjust the clinic opening hours. A large amount of hand sanitiser is also offered. Telephone consultations will be available for patients who have been seen at the clinic in the last 12 months and other elderly patients over 70 years old along with any other vulnerable patients. For more information contact the clinic or go to their website.

closed.

CMCU and other banking institutions Central Murray Credit Union will be business as usual as an essential service but it is advised for members of the community to call the credit union before arriving. The Credit Union and other banking institutions take the health and safety of staff and members very seriously and staff are taking precautions to ensure proactive cleaning and hygiene practices are implemented in

Phone:

Lake Mulwala Hotel Takeaway food and beverage will be at the motel entrance. Lake Mulwala Hotel will be fine tuning their business model in coming days to keep business going with food and beverage, delivery service and accommodation.

Nagles Off the Hook Butchery Nagles Off the Hook Butchery will still be running business as usual with social distancing required and extra hygiene measures put into place. Cash and card are still accepted forms of payment.

Tourism DC Dental Clinic As a public health issue - if you are experiencing any cold/ flu symptoms, staff respectfully ask that you please cancel / reschedule your dental appointment. Hand sanitising is available and encouraged, during your visit.

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Crusty Loaf Bakery Crusty Loaf will be open for take away only with social distancing in place as well as gloves being worn by staff, sanitizing after every customer and disinfecting of all surfaces a number of times a day. Hours of operation are unknown.

Thyme For Coffee Cafe Thyme for Coffee will be open for take away only. 8am open time but closing time may vary.

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Yarrawonga Pharmacy Yarrawonga Pharmacy will remain open seven days per week and are maintaining regular hygiene practices as well as staff now wearing gloves. The pharmacy has extended stock holdings to meet increasing demands and will work with customers to ensure you can access your regular prescription medications and other personal needs.

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The Naked Tree Café and Restaurant Naked Tree is offering take away breakfast, lunch and dinner by phoning through an order.

Publicans Daughter Cafe Publican’s Daughter will be offering takeaway through their takeaway window. Cash and card are accepted.

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The Victorian border with New South Wales was closed on Tuesday, July 7. Following an outbreak in Victoria. The move was an unwelcome development for residents in border communities where people regularly cross the Murray River for work, education and to access health services. Victoria went back into lockdown for six weeks under stage 3 restrictions. The lockdown is later extended far beyond the initial six weeks.

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On Tues rus. lenge due first posi day, Yarr awonga At the tive test for Health time COVID-1 (YH a statemen of the Chr 9 in the ) confirme onic Our thre t regarding the le going to prinYarrawonga d their region. e larg test. t YH was ga Mul wala Gol e licensed club preparin Leanne – were g forced f Club Resort s – ClubMul Tanner work as to close wala, Yarr and Mul Clinical awonweekend a resuDeb lt Glee and- with it man wala Water Support DDoof theson Ski Club . Fede y peop The list DirectorN (Deputy ral Governm le are Nurse of Nurs ent’s dire without restauran of restr ictio ing) Brie Kerr ction last custome ts and hote ns by the gove Administ ls to only rnm rs. Cine ration ship were mas, gym serve takeent also limi away and ts cafes, wide viru also ordered s, churTayl ches a Adki andns s from not to Téa Glas othe clos seat - r plac RN spreadin Bakerie e in (Reg orde ister PCA (Per s r to ed stop e of woraway only s and butchers g in Australi Nurs the wor Care Attensonal are still . Hairdressers are still perma.e) lddant) Kaye itted to and othe for busi hospitalsopenOur open for r heal Director Gall ness , doctor local of Clini open. Befo health. Sup ermarke th related busi takeclinics, In Yarra Vet serv Services cal ts, ness cliniice entry, won conspicu rehealt Kim Woo cs has beenbank Mulw pharmac es custga works,ing ome petrol snam h need ala, and message Acut rs or everyoneousLoca altho ies, s stati tirele e are ugh we NUM ons rem ssly over met andpatients ’s health. lly thes at som have are aske ain that Yarra Unit Man (Nursing Other entrance More page responsee has lucky withrecent months, dbeen ager) to read s, in won Erin York been swift Yarrawo businesses Heal the ga in 4. th is well the minimal putting them and inte Board Chaiselves at fluidrests number Chronic nga Holiday town also taki placed of with the Park. At ng a big r immediat in preparing and of cases that risk on the front that the le going to prin hit the have e inclu time line insta plan t, the presente de the to ning llation of of Tuesday. Yarrawonga d, our frontcombat the COV AS K a Pandemicfor a future with Holiday announcementhe Yarrawonga US line staff ID-1 t cam “We’ve Park was COV Incident have show 9 pandemic. AB OU Control ID-19. to clos e through park for had a lot of T ed up to and Com e at 5pm cancellat work each mand team until furthEaster but on ions and now it and ever . We as we had Yarrawo er advised, y day to locals than ” park is closed effe clos nga Chr ensure k our Yarra the com onicle on manager Shau ctive imm ed the wonga Heal HOME munities Tuesday. n Driscoll ediately BUILDE th team told RG on t

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to its knee ism indu 60,000 Victoria closure. s by the latesstry has been require ns retu brou t NSW-Vict rn acro a ss the bord oria bordght Day until COVID-19 test. Tuesday, er er peop When January Since New Yeaand “To lose le had nounced the Victoria been the 5 clos r’s with it 24 com tested in Vict e to 120,000 ideal as it peak trade like Thursda it was closing n Governm munity oria brin this is as ent an- COVID-19 business gets. People its doo transmit of the y, December cases. far from rely on to carr Yarr COVID-1 31, to curtrs to NSW ted posiging wint y their their Janu on ness awonga Mul of Vict er peri tive 9 ail viru business the orian holi s, it spar Executiv wala Tou spread “Since od. for the ary border e Noe rism the slow crossing daymakers in ked a tsunami dollars of booking l Wright said and Busi- 31 and Janu lockdown took all poin NSW in rves in rnm bord be s Aus ts; the Mul exodus NSW thou s have night and ent flooding creating ary 1 the er restr ray-Rive wala current sand quie Regiona ing on at an alarmin burning thro tralia. of Dec had to In just police draconiato imme- der “Mulwal . governm Commun ictions. l Manager ember ugh cash g rate, be refu s of cally t as the only those fewthe next day gridlocks that rawonga rina Andrew n crosscom perm ingmun and a has gone ones left check point ents nded ity pacity – whic loca hours, the to clear. itiesh, said ls. restrictio continue Chronicle thatCottrill told for Mur- quic its and to deliv to changes we are call- City Council leaders inclu in Mulwala is very to und from manythe behins pain and “Yarraw to the ding the Yarer kly to thes wee Mayor ndininVict to crea cross-bo had er are basi succ nesses, hop 2020 suffer- just a few days five per cent100 per cent onga Mul essedofwas te havo Cr Ann the Wodonga steps were oria rder on bord e strugglinsupport fund border due k called for – mea More than ca- munities, wou tougbein ,” Mr Wri in anyt wala a “Yo the nt er ld ing her the Spee to tightenetheir employe c with bord closures to new “We clos g hing u , bord guid is the g left like all busi very enfo Stage 4 coul 1,200 busi space of bord die this ght ures year but.. e her will er clos Andkno sam border cele and er clos next the ures once nesses nesses.” rced in having d border zonees and customeer busi- of a NSW Busines brations cember 31. dn’t get a bed said. w in comagai ure seve e economic have to pick the fic) flow no activ the Melbou Stage 3 restrictio to cease the (traf in Mulwala product n, loca nextl few ing a mon Mulwala’s enti up rely e COV s despite mos rs with to bordnew border s survey abou responded respectively. rne and shut ty. is “It’s frigh the that busi like as The on Dedayseswha piec down in is Yarrawo effects the ID-19 case clos May t the mov regional ns being positive The t areas the year th that is usuanow a ghost “A lot tening. a cons ness er Victoria were two has Melnboues. t tourism town durnga Mul . Victoria s. to Albury. communitiesures which was impact bou ement in Vict or Speedie belie of the This lly the imp terd rne whic equence of left gove NSW ay act wala. virus here visitor busiest “This will theon oria rne sent from Mild gional dealt a sledgeha border clos ves with theerway rnm h will have bord ent experien time of allow side of the business Alarmin ure no ura thro out necessar harsh border particularly from closwe bridge. rmead yes- businesses have a deva In the in NSW,” she ce is on urecan confi gly the commun mmer blow to mark on ed ugh y. closures meantim stating said. hadman age seen aver the surv ities. our resnowball servicing thee In fact, NSW sideto venture insid If all Victoria mor are now Mel- mediately impact e, the Bus than $8,000 age were expe ey showed busi ns peop effe on all were of the bord e the bub not employm seek a cros iness NSW from ct will cost tourism le com sands of in reve riencing AS K ness sect ble on ing to nues s-border er, dollars ent perm will imMr Cott a decrease es where Sydney and US AB men the the and will the communityor, the rill said per week. of pose movement affected areaborder area mor dations after it as part of continuity of be felt OU T they are e than thou their busi a list of for som thouis an even s using the e time. ness surv recomgreater not restricted of NSW, border sands NSW survey , arguably thre the bordarea are unab of people alon ey found believes Premier Glad at now. le g the loca er she is The propclosure rule to attend wor not beinys Berejiklian, k due tol g too toug HOME osed perm s. who BUILDE h on borit wou RG ld

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A NSW businessBusiness regi “The inab the mos es along the onal manager ility to Murray t impacte believes customers, and get to wor of the rece River d in mak k, to Stage 3 nt cross-bo the country aswould be com es the NSW go about ourto access our rder restricti munities Vict daily lives results to ons in Vict closure anda result the mos orian bord conv “Busine further oria. sses will t impacted er business diately chan ince the gove Busines rese ge

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MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

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The continuous supply of firewood and other goods was very much appreciated by NSW Police and Defence Force personnel who remarked on the generosity of locals.

Yarrawonga Mulwala hospitality businesses welcomed the lifting of restrictions in late September 2020 which brought with it a welcome wave of customers and bookings. Pictured is Yarrawonga Holiday Park Managers Michell and Sean Driscoll with son Ryhs are pictured getting ready to welcome customers back into the park over the school holidays.

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Wahgunyah golfers made the best of their situation during border closures. Unable to cross the border to play golf in Corowa ‘The Royal Wahgunyah’ was created on unused land by Wahgunyah resident Terry Johnstone and friend Lesley New.

Yarrawonga businesses get behind the mask wearing after the Victorian Government announced in early September that everyone must wear a mask when leaving home.

Yarrawonga Health worked tirelessly, putting themselves at risk on the frontline to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staff at the Murrumbidgee Local Health District in their PPE gear at a mobile testing clinic in Mulwala.

After 138 days, the NSW-Victorian border reopened on Monday, November 23 much to the relief of border communities.

Victoria Police set up a border checkpoint in Yarrawonga following an outbreak in the Greater Sydney region before Christmas. corowafr

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The A AW whil “Fac rece bere of ins, and c team on the num W WA cers A e nt R at mon BUNGO THA are homths, frontline. tocase Practice faces serv remainin A pres ices Corowa e. putti keeping OWA WANN race Manageremb Pictu g policefrom the Sydn d,will thered abov ente Poli our front ng themselve Krist be ey Their 10-h ce Station. forc officer norm en Man new e are, in need line to staff cont s at risk on BA ARNA n. n is from front More on . Inte our shift embraceed upo rnet, Nurs adap AWA AW t to inue hicle mov WART the front page s over e Emm HA it if theyus and reta2.ilers shopping A NO ements will a Timm to do their very line to help com ORTH officer The have into NSWsee about 1,00 will s, Dr. Ayon in best By adrIe bat the mixed Coronavirus n’t already.” need to 0 veaccordin He praicharge, Serg coronavir Guha and to ensure the nne h bag for pand healt us arTneT Dr. Wen few wee one has sed drivers eant Brett Barn g to the local busi emic has T By roBe Guha; at h needs of our pandemic. Altho WES After 138 been a nesses trying toks, with som “Things been understaand passenge es. back: Adm com ugh we rT M over e days rs. “Ev uIr nding,” have been officiall inistratio munities are met. the NSW up and keep up dem being run off the past a lot of have been goin erySgt. y reop , the NSW-Vict n Margaret nice coun We as local lucky in Premier’s g smoothl Barnes said ened resu stock to others runn and as custometheir feet ders orian Head The star ming The on try . s than as with NSW , Nurses y. There ing smoothn people.” t of Foord Brid as normal at Monday with border improveVictoria’s corodecision to open upally, porarily. cash “Fin due to Molly Goul k are ess of if they sales, trying rs stock the Fede accomm , our local State Gov easing restricti navirus ges. are forc we can the bord. d and to sell of light custome Wahguny who are motorists havipassage has larg ration andtraffic ons by “As we situation ernments see ed tother that local smaodated in som at the Federal shut tem rs ng a perm ely continue pandemi John offiSince July, mor greatly points, the hard shut off! related som for emp required to cros end of Australia all mov e closurescanahnow e is a-glim and At 12:0 ll e feeli c have it. Mot been e than cers from great disru be Chef A newloym the is ‘heartbrea n Prime border ngs ofe towainto “Of cour businesses. form s Corowa of The Rive treasure mer mos bordent, muchinlong tial serv been welc to the COVrem 14,000 2020. Phot the Fede 1am Monday, rds,”the the Fede unk tunnel that t of our king Minister confusio Presiden closure across ption er zone more than locals gathe health, the border reguorists ID-1emb gunyah activeices’ NSW Poli Paul r Fish and 9 er ’. The rpopu er Fede ration Cou ration n with we can will need se, the clubs, the that we Scott Morr o AAP. omed thro own n,Corisowanow and toug t, Stua educatio COVshou larly 14 day red down and surr to Corowa, Rut still brought rationgoin Bridge operations ceas Chip Co, ID-19ld, decision ce impBus iness Cha to pubs and supporte 27 checkpo state have are rt to corr lar Schn her cros Whiitsson ncil and ison spea “Wi n or bys now prevperm orta Wayg to still at the Bind eaterelle oun Sho herg checkpo ‘esse ent the patr s,”thMr nt to mber if we cont wait a while it virus ed , Simon Barte ut anno sing Dan in conttold y willsaid ficatio During – togecase Indigo Shir ugho , have restauran in the get toect ks to the “So, sudd n“It’s goin restr iel elle aree Holid Schn long inue int follo at (ADF) d by 1,200 Aus ints along the olled the rtly after the ding commun len, Wah- oper that’s not n orde unci Andrews ther with enly”,close“and area for rol The Free Coro obtained l, says the thre media durin temporari e area meal,s.call r your John Foo ay Park ities ading furth pers border such as drivspre said. (Vic of our wing three aictions have crea making reopenin tralian Press. contact and to be sensible er, but hopeful ts the gove g to be awalong ng border personal atio loca the ly for two the decision in a show er’s licen g a pres into it virtually l take Defence liftinawa rd Brid up your ted havo While Coronnel. g, barr . much ly, about our crossed n, an estime-and-a-half-mo into idenmonths the local can deliviting restrloca g ofysom torian Premier) will be soon personal hygi s conferen weeks and to shut the of support ce - er The permNSW. ge icad c and conf to Force impossibl ictiolns, come for rnment support road to reco owa was the to crosNSWticoffeee ated 30,0 . More nthbord er, get your soci reta er ene John trav ce at Parli very for the owne resid and busi the relief of were also take es on to er al rath e usio iler licito it-st s and el page NSW “From Federation commun practices many, but Some one of the Foord has the and for pedestria ents er than and and ated 00 vehilong r or 2. ewh ament Hous advice som n down, aver ness own are Wahguny see rs who lost Brid Mon ity have n in the local com atifalign , that munity to later.” smaller we real been very welns. Moreon foot and by Bridge as part from they Vict vis- lack of members are rather accountant excludes work, educ reasons for e in Canb been hast aged 1500 day to Frid ge into NSW cles 90 perc check- lated when the ers who were ah residents ly need munity. vehicle than face really suffe of gove over the your local tourists Page 3. spell the continue to oria stric social reas ation or entering ent of book erra, on . ay, the ily num Desp have rnme your our to vehi thrus brid soleft supp and pho The traffi to ber of daily end ite ring comnt border been force Sunday, tions and ted into loca almo face ne ons. even ings after Fede c four mon ge was com life whic vehicles cles passing checkpoint “Unemp for some loca ort us, or this the front having no March 22, when needl tradies who , and get quoor skype, d to use route for ration Brid isolation ts that the from the the Victo pletely st iso- ends was sign thro h pass ths ago. line to help may loyment l business the travel rerian bord tes ge cros shut off Wahguny have caus will ed, espe ificantly ing through ugh. 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Julie Barn Holiday 400 peop es were left Park owners Jason and sure annole left their devastated whe park afte n almo Victoria uncement r the bord st on er cloThe Freen Government. December Last wee 31 by the heartbre Press that k positive. aking, they while the situathey told were choo tion was “There sing to remain is fantasticis so much loca Soon afte,” Mr Barnes l support here r the clos said. which to stay at ties. The the holiday ure many loca their suppowners thanpark and enjo ls decided y the ked the sider taki ort and enco commun faciling “Waking a local holi uraged others ity for to concally emp up on New day. us. We ty park was Year’s Day to a prac of our are however truly heartbre tiloca down to ls here in blessed by theaking for support these diffi stay at BindCorowa who have com aree and When cult times.” e support us in licia Hay border zone nificant es from Alb residents Jerim ury hear they maddrop in tourism d abou and Alto Cor e a snap deci at Corowa t the sigowa into last wee sion to Holiday k, Park. a short holidayturn a day trip “I play at Rive cricket rgum match for in cided to Corowa overAlbury and school bring the cara the weekendwe had a . We devan dow a day ofholidays. I’m n beca a tomers work and wen beer salesma use it’s Thursdaand Allicia brout and visited n so I did y afternoo some cusght the “We have kids n,” had a greaMr Hayes said down on ming in and the the park poo t time. We . went swim IGA whiclocal park. l, we went to We the bake “We thinh is just fantasticsupported ry the loca k it’s imp . border l ortant for ever the Murarea support yone so ever ray. They are all the business in the y little really help bit we all doing it real es along can do s.” to supp ly tough Mel Swa ort them le and her child ren Kyra and Nate

MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

GLANMIRE PARK RIDES Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

Since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in 2020 and government stimulus measures were announced the interest in land and housing in regional areas has soared particularly in towns along the Murray River.

arrawonga is a prime example of this with existing and new residential developments struggling to keep up with the demand for land. One of Yarrawonga’s newest major developments, Glanmire Park, which is being developed by a consortium of investors (Riverstown Developments) from Melbourne with local ties to the area has attracted a lot of interest. The $100m plus residential and commercial

development is planned for the fast-growing east side of Yarrawonga and was first advertised on the market in September, 2020. Glanmire Park Sales Executive Briony Russell said the interest has since “exceeded expectations” despite delays with COVID restrictions over time. Ms Russell said the development is far more advanced than the consortium of investors thought. “If this was a development in Melbourne, we’d be lucky to be going to the market now, let alone selling 160 plus blocks in the first seven months!” Flip the calendar month pages over to May,

2021 and you can see Glanmire Park quickly taking shape. Bulk earthworks on the sold estate areas are complete and excavation for the wetland basin is well underway. Drainage installation is also well underway and will be closely followed by installation of water, gas, NBN and electrical services. The initial stages had remarkably sold out forcing developer to release more land in

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REGIONAL GROWTH

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

Drainage installation progressed in April which will be closely followed by installation of water, gas, NBN and electrical services.

Cahills Road, which consists of blocks ranging from 630m2 up to just over 2000m2. Ms Russell said these new residential blocks are anticipated to be ready by March, 2022. The land being developed, had been in the Gorman family since 1873, was rezoned from Rural to General Residential under the title of Glanmire Park Estate in October, 2007. Riverstown Developments plans to turn the

prime land closer to the Woods Road end into 1000 residential lots plus develop an additional area for a lifestyle community (retirement village) and more commercial land alongside the Murray Valley Highway. The area earmarked to be rezoned as commercial will make way for a planned fuel stop and fast-food outlets. Alongside this Riverstown Developments are also planning a supermarket site with the aim to attract the likes of a national chain.

Bulk earthworks on the sold estate areas are complete and excavation for the wetland basin is well underway.

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MRL WILL WE EVER SEE THE LIKES OF SIR ELTON AGAIN? MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

Sir Elton is by far the biggest artist the region has ever have performing live on our doorstep. But will we ever see the likes of Sir Elton again?

By Emma Prior & Robert Muir

e reflect on this great performance where we got to see the maestro at work on January 29, 2020. After 51 years touring his music, Sir Elton was to hang up his many glorious hats in 2021 after travelling around the world in 2020 on a farewell tour. However, a global pandemic changed those plans. Looking back on 2020, the region was extremely lucky to have still been able to welcome Sir Elton, with mass bushfires causing hazardous air quality resulting in the cancellations of events early in the year and a global pandemic taking over the world from March, causing everything to shut down. In an added boost for the region at a time when the North East was struggling due to the devastating bushfires a large portion of Australia had suffered, $2.75million was injected into the local economy. Two journalists of varying ages from the Yarrawonga Chronicle attended the event with the youngest, Emma Prior (aged 27) and senior journalist Robert Muir (73) each sharing their experience. Emma Prior (27) I didn’t grow up with absolute avid Elton loving parents but being a ‘90s baby, I did grow up with some of his later hits and enjoyed his voice. Your Song, Candle in the Wind, Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, I’m Still Standing and who can forget, Can You Feel the Love Tonight from a ‘90s child’s favourite film, the Lion King. These were the songs I was most looking forward to hearing live and although not all were performed, upon looking through his backcatalogue days before the show, I realised just how many of this magnificent artist’s songs I actually knew. Sir Elton is the biggest artist this region has ever seen so this show was going to be something else… and I was right! I arrived with friends as soon as the gates opened at 4pm so we could get a good spot as we were taking our own chairs into general admission.

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Elton John points to his many fans at the Wahgunyah concert.

MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

Sir Elton John is by far the biggest artist the region has ever seen attracting 11,000 local fans of varying ages to All Saints Winery in Wahgunyah in late January, 2020.

Even by 3.30pm there was what I approximate to be around 3000 people arriving to reserve their seats amid the stinking hot heat. By 5.15pm everyone was ready for some music and Sir Elton’s opening act Tate Sheridan graced the stage and sang some of his own ballads. By the time the clock struck 7pm and the ‘animation’ on the screens changed, indicating the great man’s arrival to the stage, the crowd went wild. Bennie and the Jets started off the concert and although I was not expecting any different, I still found myself in awe of his piano skills and the love for performing Elton has. After every song, he stood from his piano bench and interacted with the crowd, pointing to different sections of the amass of people, making everyone feel as though he was pointing and singing to just them. It was in these moments you could tell how much this man loved performing even after 51 years of doing so and it was almost sad to think that 2021 was to be the last time he would grace the stage. Song three with ‘I guess that’s why they call it the blues’ had many of the 11,000 strong crowd singing a ballad with Elton, with my friend turning to me and saying, “does that count as me singing a duet with Elton?” I do have to admit that during his three-hour, 25 song set, there were a number of songs that I did not know but I still enjoyed them, nonetheless.

The huge digital screen was an impressive backdrop on the stage.

Elton donned many different outfits during his performance, including this dressing gown towards the end.

There were already around 5000 people through the gates just after 4pm to see Elton John, despite having to endure the hot 36 degree temperature.

There were also some of his hits that I knew and loved that weren’t performed but regardless, every song he sang you could feel yourself tapping your foot along to. Tiny Dancer was played early and I, along with a great number of the large crowd, was up swaying, singing along to one of his well-known hits. Another few songs were performed and then there was a small break whilst he changed from one magnificent outfit to another. Just before returning to the stage, everyone knew what song was coming next as the screens displayed a starry scene with loud, bass sounds echoing from the speakers. Rocket Man was then performed with a large audience collaboration. Throughout the night, Elton would speak to the crowd, sharing an insight into how he comes up with songs, what many of his hits mean to him and inspiring the audience with his motivational words. He spoke of one of the world’s most incurable diseases, AIDS, of which he started the Elton John AIDS Foundation to eradicate. Although we still do not have a cure, Elton spoke of how we now have medications that can prevent the disease and how he and his team are working for an AIDS free world.

MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

With notebook and camera in hand, Robert Muir was in full swing.

Journalist Emma Prior had a ball enjoying Elton’s biggest hits along with 11,000 others.

He also spoke about the dark place he found himself in many years ago until he asked for help and got himself clean. This speech resonated with both the crowd and myself as he motivated those who are struggling to ask for help; and received a resounding applause from the crowd. Midway through the set both my friend and my own favourite song ‘Candle in the Wind’ was performed, with Elton showing his passion for this song and the songs subject Marilyn Monroe, whilst her beautiful face graced the screens. My friend and I were completely immersed in hearing this song live. By the end of the night, whilst Elton performed the last five songs before the encore, much of the crowd was up dancing, completely immersing themselves in Elton, his songs and his talent. I found some people around me were still sitting which I did wonder how with Elton performing his most upbeat and interacting hits which you felt you just could not sit down and not dance too. When this great man returned to the stage to perform the encore, he had made another outfit change, this time into a dressing gown.

But not just your ordinary, run of the mill dressing gown. Oh no, this was a grand dressing gown. Baby pink with gems all over the back. He then performed my very close second favourite song, “Your Song” which I found myself belting out with much of the crowd as everyone revelled in the fact this mega star was playing close to our hometowns for the one and only time and this was the last chance we had to really ‘feel’ his music and enjoy it in person. In fitting fashion, he ended his performance in Wahgunyah with the name of his tour ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ which the audience really got to ‘duet’ with him, and a standing ovation as he waved goodbye to these 11,000 adoring fans was a certainty. In the car waiting to leave the venue, a lady next to us had her window down with Elton blaring back at us. We wound a window down to have a listen before we turned our radio to Triple M and realised they were playing an ‘encore’ to Elton, playing his greatest hits to which we listened to for a second time that night whilst we drove home. This was a night like no other. One of the world’s greatest and biggest musicians playing in Wahgunyah on his farewell tour. And how lucky were we to be there to see him in the flesh! Robert Muir (73) Sir Elton John promised to deliver, at All Saints, the most produced and fantastic show he’s ever done. And three hours later, after he finished off with his wonderful hit ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, I for one believed it would have to take some beating anywhere in the world. Performing on the massive 66-metre wide x 21 metre high stage with his brilliant musical group members, 450sqm of LED screen for everyone to see close-up and the range of songs spanning some 50 years, the show was magnificent. Young and not-so-young fans throughout north-east Victoria and southern NSW took the once in a lifetime opportunity to see and hear the world-renowned piano player/singer who after all, was chosen to perform his version of ‘Candle In The Wind’ at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997. People of my age were thrilled when Sir Elton began his show with his 1973 hit Bennie and the Jets. The huge selling song got everyone excited straight away and the rest just flowed impeccably. How lucky were we to experience such a show on our doorstep before the onslaught of the coronavirus!

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MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

FROM ROCK BOTTOM

TO BEAUTIFUL LIFE By Emma Prior

A 180-degree flip from addiction

ominic Kennedy has had a life unlike others. More than ten years suffering with an ice addiction, losing some of those closest to him as well as his hard-earned worldly possessions. Dominic had led a normal life. He had a job, bought his own house and travelled overseas. But wandering down the wrong path in his early twenties led to a problem that took over his life and took many years to recover from. “At a young age I got an apprenticeship as an auto electrician. I had a car and bought a house of my own at around 22 or 23 years of age,” Dominic said. “I travelled a little and lived overseas for 12 months in London, Paris, Amsterdam and America. “Over time from bad choices I was to lose everything, cars, bikes, house, even my self-respect. “It’s not all fun and games let me tell you. “Weekend drug use became a seven days a week habit. I became a functioning drug addict.” Methamphetamine (ice) remains the highest consumed illicit drug monitored by the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program for which dose data is available, accounting for approximately 54 per cent of the combined estimated consumption of meth, cocaine, MDMA and heroin. Like many drug addicts, Dominic hit rock bottom. His life was spiralling out of control. Court convictions and community service took up much of his time and his mental health was dramatically suffering. “At the time I had multiple court convictions with numerous community service hours to my name,” Dominic said. “One time I stood before the judge and saw some

Turning his life around; now five years sober and living a happy and healthy life, Dominic married the love of his life last November.

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people getting sent to prison; then my time comes to stand before the judge, and it was definitely not looking good for me. “The charges are read out and I was given community service. “The judge also said to me that ‘this will be the last time you go home from this court if I see you in here again’.” After his conviction, Dominic went about recovering from his addiction and putting his life back together. Community service and an insightful corrections officer both helped him to achieve his goal. “People often ask how did you do it, what made you stop?” Dominic said. “For me I think it was a mixture of a few things. “I was doing my community service and started with a male corrections officer that didn’t really seem to care; while I started serving my time, I asked a question, “do you see a change in me?” “He replied “no”. A few weeks go by and I’m assigned a new officer. After a couple of weeks, she asks me if she could take a recent photo to hold alongside a photo from the beginning of my community service. “She then says to me, have a look at the change I’m seeing. I’d never used the word chuffed, but I used it a lot after that day.” A turning point in Dominic’s life was when he started to see the light at the end of the tunnel with his community service hours being

Dominic Kennedy suffered with an ice addiction for 10 years. His life spiralled out of control and he had a number of court convictions and community services to his name.

With a decade long drug addiction, Dominic became a shadow of his former self.

ticked off and an offer to be an outpatient at a Coburg rehab centre. “It was pretty unheard of since majority of people there were court ordered to do the course and I was one of probably three that wanted to actually be there,” Dominic said. “Towards the end only four completed their course but it really helped with dealing with triggers towards drugs and everyday life struggles. “I also talk about my parents a lot these days as we are so close now that I have sorted my life out. “My father found it very hard to deal with as anyone he spoke to or knew of my story would say ‘kick him to the curb he’s done mate’, yet he stuck by me in his own way and to see the reward of the bond we have today is priceless.” Like anyone suffering from a drug addiction, it is not just the addict that is affected and Dominic realised the damage that was being done to not just himself but his family. “One time I was curled up in a ball having a breakdown on the side of a road while not only my mother, but my best friend is in hospital with a lung disease and if I lose her, who have I got; no one,” Dominic said. “Another big reason for me giving up drugs was when you finally realise it’s not only you that you’re destroying, it’s your loved ones, family and friends. “I was brought up from a good family, an only child which was really hard for my parents seeing their only son living a life of destruction. “Not once did my mother turn her back on

me. She was always supportive and just being there in any and every way she possibly could. “A way that she found a lot of joy was documenting my progress. Even if she was just posting what was happening, what I may have just accomplished (1wk, 2wks, 3wks, 1month, 3months, 6months, 1-year etc), the comments and encouragement on her posts not only helped me in my recovery, it really played a massive part in my mother’s journey also. “She also had other mothers within our area reaching out for advice as they were dealing with similar issues.” After his course at the Coburg Rehab Centre Dominic would travel by train to Werribee from Craigieburn for a couple of weeks to complete several civil construction courses. “A few days later I got an unexpected call from

Dominic arrived in Yarrawonga with just the backpack on his back and has made the place home.

MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

recovering from a drug addiction. “I wasn’t a fan of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) as my one and only experience was very judgemental. “I’m not about to say it’s been easy because it hasn’t. With hard work, self belief and determination anything is possible.” Dominic admits it hasn’t been easy and it’s been a long road but there is a way out if you are willing to work at it. “Take it one day at a time. You will always come across people that are negative about your situation or story but at the end of the day those people haven’t been through what you have. “Just remember it all starts with you and you’ve got to want it.”

If you are suffering and looking for help there are a number of avenues you can call or visit. Primary Care Connect (PCC) provide Alcohol and other drug counselling. The service can be accessed online at https://www. acso.org.au/aod-mh-support or by phoning 1300 022 760. Yarrawonga Health have a generalist counselling service, which does not specifically assist this issue, but may be of assistance. Contact is through Intake by phoning 03 5743 8514. Australian Community Support Organisation – Drug and Alcohol Support – 03 5823 0600. National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline – free and confidential advice – 1800 250 015.

Dominic’s mum has been his pillar of strength and one of the reasons he pulled his life together.

a local business owner from Yarrawonga who had said a family member of mine had told them a little about my story, how hard I had worked to get to where I was and asked how I was doing and what my plans are next,” Dominic said. “I replied I’m wanting to start looking for work and he responded asking; “what do you think about coming up to Yarrawonga to live and work. “I was quite surprised and was like where will I live; what will I do for work? “He replied that I just had to get myself here and he’d sort out the rest.” Dominic’s journey took a full 180 turn. He went from the lowest of lows to taking just the backpack on his back and making a new life for himself. “Three days later I left my parents with only the backpack on my shoulder to start my new journey in Yarrawonga,” Dominic said. “That person is still my boss today, five years later and he really went all in on a wild card. “I only ever wanted to not let anyone down. “I lived with the family friends that came and got me for six months until I got on my feet enough to move out on my own. “The whole time I was very scared of the thought of being on my own and perhaps relapsing for the first time which scared the s..t out of me but there have been many people within the area (work colleges, family members, friends) always doing so much for me. “I then got to a position to purchase my very own car again and regain my independence whilst still living on my own and really enjoying life again. “Now I’m five years clean and it’s exciting every day to day.” Through persistence and hard work Dominic now lives a beautiful and fulfilling life. Not without its challenges along the way however. “I was given the greatest gift ever. I met my beautiful partner and on October 10 last year (2020) she became my forever wife (even though COVID tried to prevent it from happening we both decided to still go ahead), as well as stepchildren which I adore and a beautiful home,” Dominic said. “There are definitely things that I believe work and things that don’t in

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GROUNDED 3000KM AWAY

Sisi Howard and her husband Daryl pictured on their last holiday together in 2019, have not physically seen each other in more than 500 days (as of May 2021) with Sisi unable to travel back to Australia from Fiji.

By Emma Prior

Yarrawonga’s Sisi Howard remains in her native homeland of Fiji, unable to return to Yarrawonga.

he COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc for countless people around the world with many unable to get home, including well known and much-loved Yarrawonga resident, Sisi Howard. Sisi, who has a dual citizenship with Australia and Fiji visited her native homeland on December 21, 2019, planning to stay for only 14 days before returning home to Australia to resume work at Australian Munitions in Mulwala. But with a sudden illness to her father her stay was delayed and then came the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. “I was only planning to stay for two weeks however my dad took a turn in his health and had a minor stroke which got worse as the days progressed,” Sisi said.

“I had to ask for work to extend my leave. He was in and out of the hospital and it is unfortunate that Fiji does not have a proper facility for nursing homes. They do have a facility called ‘Old Peoples Home’, but it is in a poor and deteriorating condition. “There are private companies that do personal caring, so my son Leigh and I enlisted one to help with dad’s condition. “Dad moved in with us and we took care of him before he was back in hospital by March as his condition got worse. “April came around and our lives changed forever. It was three weeks into post covid-19 shutdown, that my 89-year-old dad passed on. “And the rest as they say is history.” Now (in May 2021) after more than 500 days, Sisi is still in Fiji, unable to get home to Yarrawonga and back in the arms of her husband Daryl. It is also thought it may be another 12 – 18

months before she is able to set foot on Australian soil again although there are many hoping this is not the case. With international border closures, exorbitant prices for repatriation flights and two weeks self-paid hotel quarantine upon arrival into Australia on the cards, coming back to Australia is just not an option for Sisi at the moment. “Flying out to Australia and being quarantined for two weeks with a price tag is a bit too much compared to flying over from Australia to Fiji as a Fijian citizen with the quarantine for two weeks free for all Fijian citizens,” Sisi said. Luckily Sisi still has family in Fiji she can live with and has been able to ‘work’ and assist those in an unfortunate position in life. “My two other siblings are still here, and my brother and his family are occupying our family home now,” Sisi said. “I was living with our eldest son Leigh and his

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MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

Edition 4 - 2021 • FREE

crops for survival. And you have others that have set up small stalls along the roads to sell their produce.

“It saddens me that my own people have nowhere to go nor can they go back to their land. People and kids are sleeping in the streets.” - Sisi Howard

While back in her homeland of Fiji, Sisi has been assisting the natives where she can; supporting them through provision of food and clothing to name a few.

wife Rhea and granddaughter Sienna in Nadi which was ideal for me. “I have utilised our land to plant vegetables and crops and I have also been assisting with a general construction business called “IVIU Global Investment, which is helping unemployed boys obtain work to help support their families.” Throughout the pandemic until April 2021, Fiji as a country had fared well in medical terms with less than 100 total COVID-19 cases, however the livelihoods of the Fijians took a massive hit with one of, if not their largest economy booster, tourism, being shut down. “The western side of Viti Levu (which is the tourism corridor) has been affected very badly,” Sisi said. “There have been cases of suicides and people being evicted from homes. Hotels have closed and many people are now unemployed. “Others have gone back to the villages returning to the land planting and selling cash

“Town councils banded together and set up market days four times a week to assist with people who would like to do their micro business. Fiji does not have any government employment benefit schemes to assist. “Having said that, Fijian people are very resilient, and life goes on as if nothing has happened at all. “In Suva (the capital) of where I reside now, poverty is on the rise. It saddens me that my own people have nowhere to go nor can they go back to their land (that’s another story). “People and kids are sleeping in the streets.” As many Yarrawonga Mulwala locals who are friends or even just acquaintances with Sisi know, she will always put her hand up to assist where she can, and that has not changed one

Although being unable to return to Yarrawonga, Sisi has made the most of her time in Fiji. The boy on the left is her adopted son who is an orphan who Sisi has been supporting with a tertiary education.

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MRL MURRAY RIVER LIVING

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Sisi, pictured on the right, at the Fiji Sports Awards night in February 2020.

bit while back in her native homeland. “I have been supporting a number of people through provision of food and clothing etc,” Sisi said. “Our adopted son is also here. He is an orphan whom I have been supporting with his tertiary education. “I have also been looking into a charity drive in Fiji where I would host a dinner to assist the

homeless and orphans around the Suva area,” Sisi said. “Those sponsored tickets were to be given to families that just need a time out to attend a three-course meal and Fijian entertainment in one of the biggest restaurants in Fiji called ‘Vineyard’. “Part of the proceeds would go towards the homeless and orphans. But when we would

be able to host this is unknown.” To throw another spanner in the works, Sisi was then caught up in the wave of COVID-19 cases that hit Fiji shores around April 17 this year, after a soldier providing security at a quarantine facility caught the virus from a traveller who had recently returned from India. With the new strain said to be as contagious as the UK strain, Sisi herself was unable to leave her house in the early days before Government officials called for a nationwide lockdown meaning the charity drive was postponed. “We know many people have visited Fiji and love our culture and the people and I am hoping that these people can help us make this a success when we are able to run the event,” Sisi said. “That’s just a minor part of what I’m doing here at the moment. The other orphans I’d like to help I have been unable to get in touch with as confinement measures were put in place but hopefully I can see and assist these people soon.” Through adversity, Sisi still has an optimism to be able to return to Australia and to Daryl soon, which will be a long awaited and beautiful reunion.

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LOCAL DESTINATION

The unique place where Mexico meets the Murray While the Murray River is about as quintessentially Australian as you can get, there is a little piece of Mexico nestled not far from its banks in Strathmerton, Victoria. The minute you walk through the gate at Cactus Country you feel like you have entered another world – or at least another hemisphere! Transporting visitors to the Mexican Mojave, African Sahara, and the Argentinian Patagonia, Cactus Country is a 12 acre outdoor wonderland featuring thousands of cacti and succulents along eight themed trails. With a Corona or margarita in hand for the adults, and a cactus ice cream for the kids, take a walk on the wild side as you explore the garden at your own pace and be wowed by the wacky, weird and wonderful specimens that call Cactus Country home. The result of ‘one man’s dream’ and a lot of determination. For Jim Hall a passion for cacti came early, initiated by his fathers’ collection when he was a child. He perceived there was a genuine fascination for people who came to his father’s garden who were amazed by the different shapes and colors of the plants in his collection. When Jim’s father decided to sell his collection in 1979, Jim decided

One man’s dream and a lot of determination

Proud cactus country family: John, Julie and Jim Hall.

there was no way anyone else was going to buy them, this was an opportunity not to be passed by. So, three months before Jim was to marry Julie, a local schoolteacher, with no gardening background what so ever, they purchased the collection. For years they looked after the plants but predominately worked elsewhere in their respective jobs despite seeing great opportunity. Jim and Julie purchased the current property which was a peach orchard; they bulldozed the trees and began setting up the gardens. In 1984 they purchased a second collection, which had belonged to Mr. Ed Kroemer, a bachelor from Loxton in SA who had travelled the

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world collecting cacti. When he passed away, he requested in his will that his collection be kept together. His brothers and sisters took over a year to find someone who would fulfill their brother’s wishes. In 1988, Mr Ken Jasper, MLA, officially opened “Spikes and Blooms”. Since then the gardens have grown from ½ an acre to over eight acres, and the name has been changed to Cactus Country.

Spike a pose! A capture with a cacti? A selfie with a succulent? There has never been a more ‘Instagrammable’ place than Cactus Country. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the diverse gardens and create some fun and incredibly unique shots.

Cactus kids While wandering through the garden is a whole bunch of fun on its own, Cactus Country also has a ‘Spotto’ scavenger hunt where kids can search for featured plants, look out for Nemo and take the cacti quiz. It is also essential to end the day with a cactus ice cream or a piece of home made cactus cake from the onsite cafe!

For the gardener Cactus Country has a huge range of cacti and succulents for sale, from small and large pots to personalised clippings from the garden. Cacti and succulents are very easy to care for, even for the most accident-prone plant owners. Shop in the nursery at Cactus Country or online.

A marriage made in Mexico Dreaming of saying ‘I do’ in an incredible desert setting? Cactus Country is a unique wedding venue that adds a bit of spice to your special day. Weddings can be tailored to your needs, catering for ceremony only packages, ceremony and receptions, and wedding photo shoots.

Strike a pose: There has never been a more ‘Instagrammable’ place in the local region than Cactus Country.