Torrumbarry residents have been missing that social connection since July when the hotel changed ownership and consequently closed its doors.
For Vicki Coffin, that loss of connection became even more apparent when a local resident had been sick and consequently passed away unbeknown to the community.
“This happened about three months ago and I was absolutely heartbroken to think nobody knew and we couldn’t pay our respects,” Vicki said.
The incident prompted Vicki to set up a Facebook group called the Torrumbarry Community Reconnection Group.
“We had already had some pretty isolating times because of COVID and then the temporary closing of the pub so I spoke to a few locals and we decided to put on some sort of community event that would utilise the Torrumbarry Hall and provide a point of connection again,” Vicki said.
She said the Torrumbarry Hall Committee was incredibly supportive of the idea once COVID restrictions opened up and people could once again socialise.
The group kicked off its first event with a get-together two months ago, which saw about 60 to 80 people come along.
It has been hosting fortnightly COVID-safe events ever since.
“We have ran a few raffles and had some entertainment at a couple of the nights, but it is really just about supporting each other and catching up; Torrumbarry covers such a vast area and it is really important we all look out for and support each other,” Vicki said.
Vicki said the gatherings also helped support the Torrumbarry Roadhouse.
“Some people will stop there and grab a hamburger or a pizza before they head over to the hall, so that’s been another great aspect of our gatherings,” she said.
This Friday will be the final event for 2021 — a Christmas-themed night will kick off at 6pm with attendees to bring their own chairs, drinks, nibbles and a festive hat.
The gatherings will not resume again until sometime in January.
Vicki moved to Torrumbarry 12 and a half years ago to a property she now has no intention of ever moving away from.
She loves the area and all it represents and she remembers in those early years when the pub was where she went to meet the locals and start engaging with the community.
She said Torrumbarry was quite diverse and included farming families, multi-generational families, holiday makers, young people and older people.
It is also a popular tourist destination over the summer months with lots of people coming out to camp and make the most of the Murray River.
Vicki said it was a real shame the pub remained closed, but hopefully it would open up again sometime in the near future.
“When the pub reopens we will assess the future of our gatherings, but in the meantime it is a great stop gap while there is no other place to get together and catch up,” she said.
To keep updated on what is happening residents can visit the Torrumbarry Community Reconnection Group on Facebook.
16°C