Brian and Alison Farthing, of Bairnsdale, thought their recent cruise trip would be the holiday of a lifetime, but it resembled more of a nightmare when coronavirus panic swept the world. The Farthing’s had booked a 10-week cruise on board the MV Columbus which was to have taken them through Asia, then onto Egypt, through the Suez Canal to Israel, Greece, Gilbraltar and London before finally...

Not one, but two.A common catchphrase heard in marketing campaigns promoting special sales.Not associated with bushfires and the loss of houses.Unfortunately that’s was the case for Susan Peterson, of Sarsfield. She lost her house and the home of her parents, on the same property, on the fateful December 30 evening. What remained was the shell of a man cave and strangely a wooden bench seat, but...

This ANZAC Day will be very different to other years with no marches, parades or the usual commemorations taking place across the country because of COVID-19.Former Army serviceman, John Wright, of Bairnsdale, usually marches with one of his donkey’s in the ANZAC parade.Donnie the donkey has carried an injured soldier on his back in years past, but this year will be different.Because all ANZAC...

For Vietnam Veteran, Jeff McCole, it will be a different ANZAC Day this Saturday.With the coronavirus crisis putting a stop to the traditional Dawn Service, parades and commemorations across the country, the Buchan resident will hold his own vigil to remember his comrades who died in battle or who have since passed away.Mr McCole plans to light a candle and walk to the front gate of his farm,...

The Hope Restart Centre drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility has opened its doors and accepted its first residents.The Bairnsdale facility has been some four-years in the making.Managed by Odyssey House Victoria, the Hope Centre will provide vital services for individuals and their families across the region who are dealing with addiction.An initial group of nine residents were transferred...