High Country community rebuilds as anniversary of police shooting approaches
A year after two officers were killed during a search in Rayner Track, businesses in the High Country say they have largely recovered.
On August 26 last year, a police operation at a Rayner Track property resulted in the deaths of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, with another officer wounded, prompting a massive search for the gunman Dezi Freeman, who was later shot dead in March. The incident added strain to a High Country already coping with bushfires, COVID-19 and poor snow seasons, causing temporary closures of attractions such as Mount Buffalo.
Residents like winemaker Jo Marsh witnessed police activity from their homes, while guide David Chitty saw his tourism business halted for weeks. Over the past twelve months, the Bright Chamber of Commerce reports that most businesses have regained their footing and visitor numbers are rising. This week, memorial gardens will be unveiled at Bright and Wangaratta police stations to honor the officers and their families.
Why it matters
The story shows how a rural community recovers economically and socially after a tragic police shooting.
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