A year on from Dezi Freeman shootings, Porepunkah moves forward
Businesses say the region has "almost fully recovered" after lockdowns affected tourism following the Dezi Freeman police shootings in the Victorian High Country town, but, as the community moves forward, the incident is by no means forgotten.
A year after the tragic shootings in Porepunkah, the community is beginning to move forward. Jo Marsh, owner of Billy Button Wines, provided a vivid account of the events of August 26, 2022. She described how the normally tranquil town was suddenly inundated with police activity, with convoys of cars and a helicopter hovering low overhead.
The search for gunman Dezi Freeman brought uncertainty and disruption, particularly for businesses like Marsh's that relied on tourism. Adventure guide David Chitty noted the immediate impact on his business, which was forced to close for weeks due to the manhunt. Despite the challenges, the community has largely recovered. Marcus Warner, president of the Bright Chamber of Commerce, reported that businesses have almost fully rebounded, with visitors returning in large numbers.
Memorial gardens are being unveiled in Bright and Wangaratta to honor the two slain officers, Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the region's resilience and a chance to reflect on its progress since the tragic incident.
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