EASY access to technology, coupled with the fallout of pandemic restrictions, has seemingly changed people's motivation to get out and about.

A number of local community groups have recently appealed for help to boost low attendance at their gatherings, while Wangaratta's CBD has grown noticeably quieter, prompting some businesses and even council to alter opening hours.

However, Wangaratta and district residents have proven in recent weeks that their appetite for live events and social interaction has, in fact, not abated - and that they will turn out in droves when a live broadcast or streaming service just won't cut it.

This was perfectly illustrated two weeks ago when, on a Sunday afternoon, Wangaratta Players performed the closing show of their latest production, 'The Long Road', to a sold-out crowd after a well-received run.

In the same timeslot, just a short stroll down Evans Street, Wangaratta Rovers were hosting archrival Wangaratta Magpies in the second Ovens and Murray football derby of 2024, in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Two of Wangaratta's passions, sport and the arts, were being lapped up with vigour.

It was a similar situation on Saturday, when in magnificent winter sunshine, Wangaratta Turf Club welcomed hundreds of patrons to the city's racecourse for its inaugural Into Our Hands Community Race Day.

While that event was under way, thousands more were pouring through the gates of the WJ Findlay Oval to watch the Rovers engaged in netball and footy clashes with Wodonga Raiders - and to see former AFL star Eddie Betts in action.

The gate for the game would have been akin to that recorded at the derby a fortnight before, and many of those who made their way to the ground were not regular O&M fans, but locals or visitors keen to see a four-time AFL Goal of the Year winner up close.

Sure, you can watch the highlights reel on the socials, but nothing compares to being part of a crowd eagerly anticipating every move of an exciting player, and watching him deliver in spades.

Even after the game, as Eddie's fellow Hawks headed into the rooms ready to belt out the club song, the gracious champ - with his young daughter in tow, watching the awe in which her dad is held - was happy to oblige the many fans clamouring for selfies and autographs.

In the rooms before, at half-time and after the game, despite the hyper-focus of supporters and others soaking up the occasion, he simply went about his business - albeit with a few more cameras trained on him than his teammates - and helped create an upbeat vibe it was hard to ignore.

To be there, and to experience the day without holding out a mobile phone to record it, was a treat.

While technology and COVID-19 restrictions have inexorably altered human interaction - often not for the better - we know deep down that connection and community are a vital part of life, and events like this further promote their value.

Those habits formed during the pandemic will surely continue to fall away as people grow more comfortable and confident to move about in the community, and as they recognise and savour the bonds that can be better created in person than online.

Hopefully, events like the upcoming staging of a rejuvenated Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues will benefit from locals taking the opportunity to enjoy the quality occasions happening right on their doorstep.