Laurie Maxwell has always loved the Murray River, paying a visit from Melbourne on Monday, September 15. Photos: Emily Donohoe.
Looking back at his 92 years so far, there is one spot that always called to Laurie Maxwell.
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With an affinity for the Murray River at all of its unique twists, turns and tributaries, the Murray at Echuca-Moama is his absolute favourite.
It is the place he most wanted to go following a recent health scare.
“I’m 92 years of age,” Mr Maxwell said.
“My heart function is down now at a stage where you’re in your final couple of years, so I’m trying to make the best of it.
“(My family asked) ‘what do you want to do when you get out of hospital?’ (I said) ‘go to Echuca’.”
Laurie Maxwell (front, middle) is surrounded by family members (back from left) son-in-law John Turner, daughter-in-law Sue Maxwell, son Stuart Maxwell; (front) wife Merle Maxwell and daughter Wendy Turner.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Mr Maxwell’s connection to the region stretches back decades, first visiting the Murray at Mildura in the late 1960s.
His introduction to Echuca-Moama was a few years later in the 1970s.
“My aunty built — out of nothing — the Yarraby Caravan Park in Echuca east,” Mr Maxwell said.
“That was in 1972-73.
“My affinity with the river became closer here in 1984 because a first cousin of mine had a houseboat company up at Mildura.”
Merle Maxwell and husband Laurie Maxwell.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Since then, Mr Maxwell and his family have frequented the Murray at many of its ports.
He particularly enjoys a meander on a houseboat.
“We’ve had 48 houseboat trips,” Mr Maxwell said.
“We’ve seen all parts of the river ... it changes as it comes all the way through.”
Some of Mr Maxwell’s favourite memories of the Murray have been made with his family.
He and his extended family celebrated his 80th birthday on one of Echuca-Moama’s smooth sailors.
He returned to town with his family again for his 90th birthday in 2023, staying at Cadell on the Murray.
“My 80th birthday, we did an overnight cruise on the Emmylou,” Mr Maxwell said.
“That’s how I got involved with Neil (Hutchinson).”
Mr Maxwell first met Neil’s father, the late Kevin Hutchison, in Mildura in 1994.
Being fascinated with the river and its vessels, Mr Maxwell kept in touch with Neil and other well-known names in the paddlesteamer and houseboat industry.
“There’s a lot of activity going on,” he said.
“Last time I spoke to ‘Hutchy’, he was working on the (PS) Hero.”
Laurie Maxwell waves at passengers on the PS Adelaide.
Photo by
Emily Donohoe
Although Mr Maxwell lives in Melbourne, Echuca-Moama continues to be a special place for him.
Being on the water is truly his happy place.
“First thing in the morning, I’d get up at the break of dawn,” he said.
“That’s when you hear all the bird life come by. It’s the best part of the day ... they fly around in the thousands.
“You hear (the paddlesteamers) go ‘push-a push-a push-a, push-a’.
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