The nearest Victorian doctors are two hours away down the challenging Bonang Road, further for people in Tubbut and beyond. The proximity to the border means that some people seek out services in Delegate and Bombala, with whom we cooperate closely.

So Victorian services must come to the communities and, once a year, they do.

President of Deddick Valley Isolated Community Group, Deb Foskey, said, "Our communities will be raising the need for more coordination and better delivery of health services and other issues with the NSW and Victorian Cross Border Commissioners when they visit Delegate this week."

"The Big Bonang Arvo doesn't make up for the lack of a bush nursing centre or regular visits by counsellors and other health practitioners, but it is an important event in the local calendar, providing access to doctors and allied health services.

"In past years, Orbost Regional Health has coordinated the event but this year Tubbut Neighbourhood House has taken it on, with the assistance of Birgit Schaedler who has liaised with many of the services attending.

"The other big change is that this year the sumptuous feast, prepared as usual by the Bonang Hall Committee, will be served at lunchtime, 1 pm, instead of dinner and services will be available from 2pm to 5pm.

"Among the services attending this year will be: general practitioner, skin health checks, blood pressure checks, women's health checks, dietitian, district nurse, allied health - physiotherapy, occupational therapist and more, counsellors East Gippsland Shire staff, the library bus and perhaps a councillor or two, CFA, DELWP, Parks Victoria and more.

"No matter which side of the border you live, you are welcome to attend. Please ring Tubbut Neighbourhood House for more information," Ms Foskey said.

For further info, contact Lisa and Sue on 02 6458 0295 (Wed-Friday) or Birgit on 0419 590 592