Sarah Buchecker

Jan 13, 2025 | abc.net.au | Andrew Murdoch |Sarah Buchecker

Echuca shipwright Adam Auditori purchased the PS Melbourne in 2024, leaving many residents concerned the iconic paddlesteamer would leave the Mildura region. Mr Auditori decided to give the boat a chance to stay local, taking passengers out onto the water three times a day to test the viability of local operations. However, despite marketing efforts, only a few hundred people have boarded the vessel since January 1.

Dec 20, 2024 | abc.net.au | Sarah Buchecker

Every Thursday, nine-year-old Alex De Boo attends a music therapy session in the regional Victorian city of Mildura. His parents, Tim and Rosie De Boo, say it is his favourite part of the week. "He becomes a completely different child and he isdefinitely engaged and ready for the day," Mr De Boo said. Alex was born with a brain tumour that hindered his neurological and optic-nerve development.

Nov 22, 2024 | abc.net.au | Sarah Buchecker

Amanda Toala never dreamed of having a big wedding. When the time finally came along, she and her partner Eteuati decided to elope. "We have three children, we have been together for a long time, we have a house mortgage, and having two families in different areas, it would be quite difficult to get everyone in the one spot for one day," Ms Toala said. Amanda and Eteuati were engaged for six years before finally tying the knot earlier this month.

Nov 13, 2024 | abc.net.au | Sarah Buchecker |Olivia Sanders

Victoria has failed to reach the state government's goal of gender parity on councils. Women will make up just over 43 per cent of councillors when the state's local government election results are officially declared on Friday — an increase of less than half a per cent compared to 2020. It is almost a 50-50 split between men and women in metropolitan councils while just over a third of councillors elected in regional areas this year are women.

Sep 20, 2024 | abc.net.au | Sarah Buchecker

In the middle of a lush green park, resting under shady trees stands a statue of a man, who became one of Australia's most decorated soldiers. The silence of Sergeant Samuel Pearse's statue speaks volumes of the tragedy that befell him and continues to be felt by generations. He was one of about 110 Australian soldiers who, following World War I, volunteered to fight for the British Army in the Russian Civil War.