While the coronavirus pandemic, which has gripped Victoria over the past 18 months, has disrupted lives and resulted in financial hardship for many, others have managed to find happiness in the chaos.
Teiqua and Regan Ireland from the Melbourne suburb of Footscray are one such couple.
The couple both work for Telstra and in March 2020 were ordered by the telecommunications company to work from home when the State first went into lockdown.
Regan had always dreamt of relocating to the country so he could more easily pursue his passion for adventurous motorbike riding.
The work from home directive provided the perfect opportunity.
The couple had previously been looking for a property to purchase in the High Country and immediately booked an Airbnb in Omeo for three weeks to bunker down in.
By the end of the third week they had closed the deal on a two-bedroom cottage on half an acre on the outskirts of the town and their plan for a more peaceful existence was hatched.
“This one happened to come up and ticked all the boxes,” Teiqua said.

IMAGE: The pandemic allowed Teiqua Ireland an opportunity to relocate from Melbourne to Omeo to enjoy a more peaceful existence. K170-1099