SAFE TRAVELS
Regional visits, Border and North East, Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7
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With COVID-19 restrictions eased significantly in NSW and Victoria, the Queen's Birthday long weekend offers a real chance to get out and see the sights. No doubt every regional tourist operator hopes for increased business and foot traffic after months marred by the bushfires and coronavirus pandemic. But nobody wants a second wave of infections as a result of ill-advised activities, with councils, police and health authorities urging people to observe good hygiene and social distance even while enjoying themselves. In Indigo Shire, roving street performers will gently remind visitors how to be COVID-safe in a fun and comedic way.
ONLINE WINE
Winery Walkabout the House, virtual showcase, Saturday, June 6
Australian DJ Hot Dub Time Machine will headline Winemakers of Rutherglen's annual wine festival, which has reinvented itself in response to government health restrictions. From noon to 6pm, host Tim Campbell will lead a full online program of wine chats, masterclasses and live entertainment. Performers will include Australian artists Ash Grunwald and Pierce Brothers while teams are invited to join a series of activities, challenges and games. Instead of buying a ticket, participants purchase a wine pack for $85. But if you live near Rutherglen, many wineries will also be open this weekend, under conditions such as bookings essential and seated tastings. More information at winemakers.com.au.
IN OTHER NEWS:
FIRE RECOVERY
Australia's Biggest Working Bee, Upper Murray, Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7
Bushfire recovery group Fencing For Fires is calling for tradespeople or anyone who can lend a hand to join all or any part of a three-day working bee to help fire-affected communities in the Upper Murray. This follows a similar project held in March. Co-ordinator Jamie Wolf will contact people who have registered to provide further details about the weekend. If you can't make it, donations to the Fencing For Fires GoFundMe page will help the campaign build up the materials, tools and supplies needed to support the workers. More details on the Fencing For Fires website or Facebook page.
GO BUSH
Family camping, your favourite spot, Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7
No longer is your own home the only allowed camping spot, but getaways this long weekend will look a little different to other years. The key message from authorities is to be prepared - book ahead and check on conditions such as limited numbers and no shared facilities. And if all else is full, that backyard is still available.
EXTENDED SHOW
National Photography Prize finalists' exhibition, Murray Art Museum Albury, Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, 10am to 4pm
Murray Art Museum Albury, which reopened on Monday after coronavirus restrictions eased, has extended this exhibition until June 14. Held every two years, the National Photography Prize 2020 received nearly 200 applications from across Australia. Sydney artist Debra Phillips took out the $30,000 major prize, announced online last Sunday.
FARM FRESH
Albury Wodonga Farmers' Market, Gateway Village, Wodonga, Saturday, June 6, 8am to noon
Everything is starting to return, but the weekly Border farmers' market never left. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, honey, free range pork, lamb, kimchi, artisan cheese, breads and pastries, locally roasted coffee beans, homemade pasta and pasta sauces, pasture raised free range eggs, small goods, smoked meats and trout, preserves, cakes, sweets and handmade soaps.