General News
19 March, 2026
Yarrawalla Day: Kinship and yarns bind a community
THE spirit of community and kinship was on full display in Yarrawalla.
More than 50 people gathered at the district’s community centre for the inaugural Yarrawalla Day.
The event was born from a desire of residents past and present to reconnect following the funeral of Mr Les Hercus who passed away five days before his 69th birthday in October 2024.
Recognising that life is short, cousin Owen Rule initiated a family gathering last March.
What billed as Cousins Day had now blossomed into a broader celebration of the district’s founding families, Owen said.
“Attendees travelled from across Victoria—including Melbourne, Ballarat, and Bendigo—with one guest, Kyle Hercus and his wife Jan, the brother of Les, making the trip from Darwin.
“The day was almost dampened by heavy rains last week however the grounds cleared of floodwater and thanks to last-minute efforts, the Yarrawalla Reserve was ready before the 11 am start.”
Under a glorious sun, descendants of the Hercus, James, Gronow, Rule, Pickles, Smith, and Leed families shared refreshments and stories.
A significant highlight was the display of photos and documents, which sparked nostalgic conversations and allowed younger generations to connect with their heritage.
Owen said the afternoon’s highlight, however, was an impromptu talk by local legend Murray “Muzza” James who grew up in Yarrawalla and known for his appearance on SBS’s Alone Australia last year.
Murray, who lives in Bendigo, was one of 10 participants dropped into the Tasmanian wilderness. He was runner-up in the reality TV show after more than 70 days in Tasmania.
His TV appearance last year added to a life that has included working in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, a gold hunter, kangaroo shooter, tuna fisherman and a pump mechanic.
Owen says: “What was intended to be a five-minute speech turned into a captivating 30-minute Q&A, as the crowd peppered him with questions about his survival and life experiences.”
As the afternoon wound down over tea, sandwiches, and a spread of homemade slices - the community centre has long been the hub for such social gatherings - Owen said the sentiment was clear.
“Yarrawalla Day is more than just a meeting; it is a vital link to the past and a promise to keep community ties strong for the future.”
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