Welcome return to bustling Easter

Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre Executive Officer Noel Wright said that Easter appears to have been very busy, perhaps even back to pre-pandemic levels.

“It was very pleasing to see the crowds return to the regions for Easter as businesses need the late season economic boost,” Mr Wright said.

“The boost looks like continuing as quite a large school holiday crowd is still in town, and we expect the boat racing fraternity to begin arriving Wednesday to further increase visitor numbers.

“Hopefully, we get great weather for this weekend to ensure a large regional crowd is on hand on the Yarrawonga Foreshore for the EC Griffith Cup and Yarrawonga Fair experience.

“If all goes to plan April 2022 should be a fantastic month for Yarrawonga Mulwala.”

The Yarrawonga Tennis Club additionally hosted a very successful 2022 Easter Tennis Tournament with over 1,200 players featuring on 59 courts spread across onto the JC Lowe Oval where 2000 matches were played.

Easter Tennis Tournament Coordinator Jason Bassett said the tournament was a great success and it was great to see a great number of entrants and visitors back again.

“From our end the tournament was a fantastic success. It was a massive event,” Mr Bassett said.

“We appreciate the positive attitude players bring and their patience where we do have any delays.

“We would like to thank our amazing volunteer base who prepared the complex and then gave up their time over their Easter holiday period. The tournament simply does not run without them.

“Thank you to our generous local sponsors. These sponsors have all been long time sponsors of our event and their support is greatly appreciated.

“On behalf of our tennis committee, we would like to extend our gratitude to Jo McCarthy for her efforts over the past few years. The number of hours Jo puts into the tournament prior to the event ensures the weekend runs so smoothly.

“Jo was instrumental in moving our tournament to use the CAT software. This has meant that matches run on time with everyone aware of their upcoming matches.

“We wish Jo all the best for her future Easters away from the Tournament Box.

“Good Friday is on April 7 next year and preparations are already underway for next year's event.

“See you next Easter.”

The popular annual Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club Easter market at the Yarrawonga Showgrounds was back once again with President Joe Cilia saying it was well supported seeing almost the best crowd the market has ever received.

“We had a great weekend, it is the best markets we have had since 2019,” Mr Cilia said.

“We had a huge number through the gate with over 4000 people attending the markets.

“It was a great morale for the club. There were a lot of people who worked to get it up and running despite the challenges.

“We were richly rewarded. Funds raised at the market will help with projects on our books including support for schools and disadvantaged students, working to supply books, sports equipment as well as scholarships.”

Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club Market Director Gary Tribe and Stall Holder Liaison Ian Barton were both very pleased with the market and the response received.

“We were very pleased with the day but more importantly the support we received by the community,” Mr Tribe said.

“We were well supported by businesses and residents alike as well as the stall holders who manned more than 100 stalls.

“The stall holders were all happy with the day and are giving us ongoing support into the future,” Mr Barton added.

“The end result was satisfying and gives us great confidence into the future.”

All three licensed clubs also had a successful and busy Easter weekend with all booked and ready to go again this weekend for the ANZAC Day long weekend.

Mulwala Water Ski Club CEO Peter Duncan said it was one of the busiest weekends the club has experienced for a while.

“The trade is certainly getting back to pre-pandemic figures,” Mr Duncan said.

“We have had a really good mix of people with many families still hanging around this week.

“We remain solidly booked for the rest of April and we are confident winter will be more promising this year.”

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Marketing Manager Rob Alexander said there were plenty of little smiling faces around the club over Easter with a number of activities and events held.

“We had an excellent Easter weekend here at the golf club with full golf courses, accommodation and really strong bistro bookings across all four days,” Mr Alexander said.

“We had an amazing turnout from young families on Monday for our Easter petting zoo and kids' face painting. The Clubhouse was buzzing with excited little faces, and plenty of nuggets and chips being enjoyed by all!

“We have strong bookings all the way through to June.”

ClubMulwala Marketing and Entertainment Coordinator Trish Storer said the Easter weekend was very busy with this coming weekend looking much the same.

“We had a very busy weekend for Easter. The resort was full all weekend and there were great numbers that attended our entertainment and dining options,” Ms Storer said.

“This weekend we are really looking forward to another busy weekend and welcoming locals and visitors alike partaking in the ANZAC Day commemorations.

“Resort bookings are very high again and we’re expecting great numbers at our restaurants and bars.”

Burkes Hotel Motel Owner Andrew Curran said the Easter weekend was fantastic for the business and town with another busy weekend ahead.

“It was a really busy weekend with both accommodation and our food and beverage,” Mr Curran said.

“The weather was perfect as well.

“We are booked out again this weekend with everything that’s on. It is just fantastic for the town and local businesses.”

Judds Yarrawonga owner Michelle Clarke said the school holiday and tennis tournament crowd turned up early last week which was fantastic for business and with visitors still sticking around, the main street remained busy.

“We were very busy leading into Easter, had a great trade over Easter and had a bumper trade on Monday with the weather changing,” Ms Clarke said.

“It was just fantastic seeing so many people in town and the businesses and towns alike just receiving that boost.

“If there is a recovery story from COVID, it is Yarrawonga Mulwala especially as a tourist town.”