FOR VicHealth chief executive officer Sandro Demaio, his trip to Mildura on Friday was a return to his old stomping ground.

Mr Demaio, who has worked in Mildura as a doctor, said the flight over Mildura was a nostalgic experience.

"I absolutely love it here," he said.

"It kind of feels like coming home in a way. Certainly as a doctor up this way, I know that accessing good food, even though it'...