But like so many plans this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned a family trip into an incredibly challenging time.

Mr Matthews lives in Casterton in south-west Victoria, around 40 minutes from the South Australian border. They spend three months of the year in Griffith.

This year, Mrs Matthews returned to New Zealand to attend her brother's funeral, however she wasn't able to return because COVID-19 restrictions were being put into place between countries to control the pandemic.

It's meant Mr Matthews has been riding out the pandemic in Griffith and while technology means they're still in contact it's far from ideal.

"A face on the screen isn't as good as seeing someone in person," he said.

Mr Matthews said flights had been delayed and cancelled and it might not be until November when his wife can return to Australia.

While his grandchildren love spending time with granddad, it soon became clear that Mr Matthews' stay in Griffith was going to be an extended one.

"If it wasn't for my grandkids I'd be a wreck," he said.

The to-do list of things to help out with around the house has been mostly been finished.

"My daughter keeps telling me to take it easy but I'm always looking for something to do," he said.

"There's only so many times that you can mow the lawn at home."

Mr Matthews' daughter introduced him to the Griffith Shed of Men where he's been spending three days a week helping out with just about everything.

"I've made a lot of friends here, and they've made me feel welcome," he said.

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While COVID means the shed is only open for four hours three days a week, Mr Matthews said it was a good place to spend some time and he enjoys helping out with the shed's projects.

Griffith's Shed for Men president Angelo Maloni said Mr Matthews had been a welcome addition to the shed's members.

"He's got a cheeky smile on his face all the time," Mr Maloni said.

"He's a pretty valuable sort of character."