The grass banks of the Magorra Park Reserve were full of punters - just like any year the Mighty Mitta Muster has run - but the community has been through much in recent months. At one point during the peak of the recent bushfires Mitta faced fire fronts on three sides, and although no physical damage was done, the flow-on impacts have been huge. Muster committee president Ross Hodgkin said the efforts of the local brigade were recognised recently with the inaugural Mitta Valley Carp Classic - organised by many of the same people who run the muster. "They held it at the brewery, because they've had a pretty tough time, and they raised $5000 for the CFA," he said. "It's been quiet with the fires for all local shops and businesses. "We were lucky enough we didn't get affected." Mr Hodgkin said the muster was an important community event and fundraising, like this year's auction of firewood, hay bales and other items, went back into infrastructure. "It all goes into the muster committee and then onto charities - the muster built our building," he said. "It's a good day for the kids and that's what it's all about." For Rebecca Nowaczek of Tangambalanga, Sunday was her first time at the Mitta Muster. "We heard about it through friends and local ads," she said. "We've really enjoyed it, and it's been nice weather." Mrs Nowaczek has lived in the North East with her husband and kids for the past three years, and before that Melbourne and Canada. The events of the Summer just gone were her first experience with an Australian bushfire. "I'm more used to snowstorms," Mrs Nowaczek said. "Luckily we weren't directly affected, but it was very nerve-wracking," she said. "The smoke in the valley was bad." Indigo Valley's Patrick Thurtell also saw the impact of the 2019-2020 season. "We heard a lot about the fires," he said. IN OTHER NEWS: Mr Thurtell won the men's tug-of-war competition with his mates. "I haven't been to the muster for about five years, but we used to have a really good time," he said. "It's simple, country fun." Highlights included wood-chop, whip-crack and strength competitions and motorbike stunts by Australian Ramp Design.
The grass banks of the Magorra Park Reserve were full of punters - just like any year the Mighty Mitta Muster has run - but the community has been through much in recent months.
At one point during the peak of the recent bushfires Mitta faced fire fronts on three sides, and although no physical damage was done, the flow-on impacts have been huge.
Muster committee president Ross Hodgkin said the efforts of the local brigade were recognised recently with the inaugural Mitta Valley Carp Classic - organised by many of the same people who run the muster.
"They held it at the brewery, because they've had a pretty tough time, and they raised $5000 for the CFA," he said.
"It's been quiet with the fires for all local shops and businesses.
"We were lucky enough we didn't get affected."
Mr Hodgkin said the muster was an important community event and fundraising, like this year's auction of firewood, hay bales and other items, went back into infrastructure.
"It all goes into the muster committee and then onto charities - the muster built our building," he said.
"It's a good day for the kids and that's what it's all about."
For Rebecca Nowaczek of Tangambalanga, Sunday was her first time at the Mitta Muster.
"We heard about it through friends and local ads," she said.
"We've really enjoyed it, and it's been nice weather."
Mrs Nowaczek has lived in the North East with her husband and kids for the past three years, and before that Melbourne and Canada.
The events of the Summer just gone were her first experience with an Australian bushfire.
"I'm more used to snowstorms," Mrs Nowaczek said.
"Luckily we weren't directly affected, but it was very nerve-wracking," she said.
"The smoke in the valley was bad."
Indigo Valley's Patrick Thurtell also saw the impact of the 2019-2020 season.
