The ever popular four-day Annual Easter Tennis Tournament will this year be back to normal with no participation caps as the JC Lowe Oval is once again transformed into tennis courts.
The Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club will also be hosting their annual Easter Sunday market at the Yarrawonga Showgrounds from 8am with the Self Made Market also held on Easter Sunday on the foreshore.
For sports lovers, the big Easter football games held in Mulwala will also attract the usual big crowds with the Mulwala Lions taking on Congupna on Good Friday in round three action of the Murray Football Netball League, then on Easter Sunday the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club will take on Lavington in the Ovens and Murray.
Rennie will kickstart the football and netball action with a twilight game on Thursday night.
In terms of hospitality the three licenced clubs are gearing up for two “huge” weekends in a row with ANZAC Day falling the following Monday.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort CEO Peter Savy said YMGCR are looking to have a very busy Easter period, but staff shortages have affected the running of operations from times.
"We're travelling well. We've had record visitor numbers come through the club in February and March, with more of the same arriving across the Easter holiday period,” Mr Savy said.
“Our accommodation is fully booked, and we even have a dozen or so on a waiting list.
“There's no doubt the extra traffic is putting staff under a bit of pressure. Like all businesses in the area, we're doing our best just to keep up.
“We've got a great team, but they're definitely doing some heavy lifting at the moment.
“We're looking to fill positions across most areas - from grounds staff to the kitchen and across the Clubhouse.
“Competition for quality candidates is exceptionally high, and the lack of available rentals in the local area makes it difficult to attract workers from other parts of the state."
ClubMulwala Marketing and Entertainment Coordinator Trish Storer said the club are really looking forward to a busy Easter and they have already received several positive responses.
“There is a feeling of optimism in the air, with more and more people out and about and enjoying social gatherings and dining out again,” Ms Storer said.
“We have three great nights of live music at Easter, some additional dining specials and our resort is at capacity – it’s going to be a busy and lively weekend!
“The labour shortages have been a challenge for all hospitality businesses, combined with staff having to isolate due to close contacts etc.
“However, we are working through the challenges and our staff are digging deep to continue to provide a great customer experience. It’s just so great to feel like things are getting back to normal!”
Although looking forward to a bustling Easter with no restrictions, covid has still caused staffing issues with the Mulwala Water Ski Club currently hit hard.
Mulwala Water Ski Club CEO Peter Duncan said the ski club holiday park is fully booked however with covid causing issues with staffing last week, the club are hoping everything can run as normal for Easter.
“We are expecting a very busy Easter with accommodation booked out,” Mr Duncan said.
“As with just about every business in town we are struggling for staff. Covid has put staff off last week, and we are hoping to have them back for Easter.
“Staff numbers are low and existing staff are heaving to work many shifts, so the worry is burn out.
“To that point we may have to limited numbers into the club if we can't get back to a full list of staff. Either way we will be open for business.”
Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre Executive Officer Noel Wright said that he is expecting a busy Easter break with the available accommodation managed by the Visitor Information Centre fully booked.
“We are hearing of a few places still available, and the VIC staff are working on sourcing the available accommodation to promote through our social media channels to ensure all accommodation houses have a great Easter weekend,” Mr Wright said.
“The EC Griffith Cup and Yarrawonga Fair is the weekend after Easter – Your Visitor Information Centre is the major sponsor of the event - again expecting a very busy weekend.
“TV, radio and print media advertising began in early April. The regional exposure of the campaign should hopefully attract record numbers again in 2022.
“The event is free to all spectators – we want no barriers to entry – it is about creating an inclusive high octane powered weekend in the regions to provide a positive economic impact for business and the opportunity for locals and visitors to maintain their wellbeing and enjoy a great family orientated weekend.”
Roadworks to upgrade Belmore Street and install pedestrian crossings began last week but are currently paused over the Easter break and school holidays.
Businesses right along Belmore Street ensure customers they are still open and operating as usual with just the main days of Easters hours differing.
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