As the intensive search for alleged gunman Dezi Freeman extends into its third week, the small community of Porepunkah in north-eastern Victoria finds itself in a state of uncertainty and fear. The manhunt follows the tragic shooting of two police officers last month, a crime that has left residents grappling with the aftermath and the ongoing police presence.
Steven Prince, a local resident, shared the unsettling impact the incident has had on his family. “We were watching the news [with our four-year-old] and the first thing he said to us was, ‘Is he going to kill us?'” Prince recounted. “We couldn’t believe that he could understand that … we turned it off and put Bluey on for him.”
While daily life continues in Porepunkah, visitors are advised to stay away as authorities continue their search for the 56-year-old fugitive, believed to be armed and dangerous. Without any confirmed sightings of Freeman since the incident, tension lingers in the air. “Everyone’s just really looking over their shoulder when they’re out doing things,” Prince added. “We just want things to go back to normal, but when does that happen?”
Community in Limbo Amid Ongoing Search
The prolonged search has left many residents and business owners in a state of limbo, uncertain about when normalcy will return. Porepunkah has weathered natural disasters like fires and floods, but this crisis presents a unique challenge.
Winemaker Jo Marsh, whose property is near the police operation, described the situation as more disruptive than past emergencies. “We say it was a bit like COVID or the bushfires, but it’s actually been worse than that,” she said, noting a significant drop in business. “Cellar door sales are probably down about 60 per cent on last year.”
Marcus Warner, president of the Bright and District Chamber of Commerce, echoed these sentiments. He noted the difficulty of navigating the current crisis compared to previous ones. “It’s feeling very, very different to some of the other emergencies this community has dealt with,” Warner stated. The Chamber’s recent meeting aimed to address the emotional, psychological, and financial challenges faced by local businesses.
Impact on Local Economy and Tourism
The manhunt has disrupted what was expected to be a promising tourist season. Garry Neville, who runs Valley Homestead, expressed concern over lost bookings and potential cancellations. “We’re borrowing money to keep going,” he said. “We’re booked out all Term 4 and we’re dreading what’s going to happen.”
Adventure tour guide David Chitty, who operates a ski school on Mt Buffalo, is also feeling the impact. “I’ve got schools and other groups wanting to go to Mount Buffalo in October, and it’s unclear as to whether the park will be open,” Chitty explained. The uncertainty has put a damper on plans for school holiday programs and other activities.
“Losing people that are close to you is quite a difficult thing. And it never goes away,” Chitty, a former soldier, remarked, highlighting the lasting trauma for those connected to the fallen officers.
Looking Ahead: Community Resilience and Recovery
As the search for Dezi Freeman continues, the community of Porepunkah is left to navigate the challenges of an uncertain future. The impact on local businesses and the emotional toll on residents are significant, but there is hope that the town’s resilience will help it recover.
Warner emphasized the importance of preparing for the return of tourists once the situation stabilizes. “We’ve got the sort of the green season about to be activated where the mountain bikers and the power gliders will be returning to the slopes,” he said. “All we want to do is show off this amazing scenery to people we love, to entertain tourists.”
As Porepunkah waits for the conclusion of the manhunt, its residents remain hopeful that their community spirit will see them through this challenging time.
