I met my Marysville-born husband when I moved here in 1961.

We’ve now been married for nearly 49 years. I’ve lived here for so long that I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I started my business small by having a market stall. I sold crystals, candles and other indoor and outdoor things. We now have the shop in our guest house after we lost our main home in Marysville during the fires. My husband focusses on displaying collectables in the back shed. He likes to focus on the present and future of the town rather than dwell in past events.

Our shop sells crystals from the earth and we have information about their meanings – I even give readings to people. We have indoor and outdoor wares, extensive gardens, little fairy houses and oriental and woodland areas to explore – all in full bloom at the moment. People come to us, and to the area in general, to relax. We are determined to help facilitate that for our visitors. My husband’s displayed collection of twelve tractors keeps him busy and happy, but we are always looking for the next addition to the business. Our next project is a traditional 50’s-style Australian kitchen and laundry for people to see and interact with – we are busy collecting items so it can be set up within the next few months.

In terms of the town’s growth, it is rebuilding at a slower pace than we would prefer, but we’re battling through and staying focussed on the future.

After the fires, we all worked together as a team of sorts. We all continue to mention each others’ businesses to visitors to promote the whole area. We have such a great group of friends here. Around eight or nine of us locals go out for a fortnightly coffee club before we start work for the day. That kind of socialising has truly helped us deal with the tragic events of 2009. We discuss how the community is growing and changing – this is important in making sure we remain focused on the future, not the past.

There is an inward focus within the community, but we also make sure to fully cater to the needs of people who are passing through as well. We like to hear stories about where they come from – which usually turns out to be somewhere in Melbourne. I’ve had a lot of people say they love our gardens. They tell us they are nice and quiet. The place is looking green but it’s never going to be the same. We’re making the most of what we’ve got. My thoughts go out to the people of Kinglake, who are having an even tougher time than us here in Marysville.

I think we are going to have a lot of growth in the area, which is good for everyone – many people are already coming back. There are also going to be more facilities for massage and Reiki opening in the near future as businesses attempt to accomodate visitors’ desires. Whatever our future may hold, we must continue to work with each other to achieve common goals in order to prosper.

Marysville – Wish You Were Here

For more information: http://www.marysvilletourism.com/crystal-journey/