We’ve just secured a table under the wide timber balcony of Tanswell’s Hotel, when we notice a strange quiet has settled around us. Beechworth’s Ford Street is muted and thick with heat; it’s a stinking hot summer’s evening in Victoria’s High Country, and most of its shopfronts have closed for the day. But from inside the pub we can hear the muffled sounds of a commotion.

Turns out the power has just gone out across town – and with the bar’s eftpos machine down, a crowd of thirsty punters now have no way to buy a beer.