The Month that was
It has been a busy few weeks what with the resumption of the Business Breakfasts, the last of the winter Markets (see report below) and a most interesting talk last week on Rebuilding Cobargo,
Business Breakfast
Last month’s Business Breakfast attracted about 30 people who heard a wrap up of both the Narooma Oyster Festival and its accompanying Oyster Week and the month-long Fungi Feastival. Both these events are timed for the quietest time of the year to increase visitation; it’s also the best time of year for fungi.
Narooma Rocks Director Ollie Batten quoted many impressive figures including 10,500 attendees, a growing number from Victoria and China, 66,000 oysters consumed from 15 farms along the coast, a $5.75m boost to the local economy and 113 stalls. The economic figures don’t capture Airbnb income.
He praised the efforts of volunteers, without whom the event could not happen, how schools had come on board, and the success of Sunday’s Big Breakfast. Among the challenges he mentioned was the site, perfect in so many ways but size limits potential growth, and the challenge of obtaining ongoing sponsorship. Merivale Narooma General Manager Victor Costa said, ‘It’s crazy how much the Oyster Festival has put Narooma on the map.’
The Fungi Feastival’s Annette Kennewell said they had now run four Feastivals, ‘we’re small but we’re growing’. Annette showed she is a one-person publicity powerhouse, adding ‘we flogged social media’ She displayed some of the amazing fungi photos from their photographic competition.
The month-long event had over 30 different formats from Batemans Bay to Eden from the hugely successful launch of the Feastival in the Kinema, to fungi walks, fungi art, workshops, and fungi featuring on menus along the coast. They’re still receiving feedback and analyzing it so will have final numbers etc by December. Challenges include ticketing events, funding, relying on volunteers and sponsorship and on Council grants.
The next Business Breakfast on Thursday 17 September will feature Kristy Randall, one of the two new operators of the Kinema. Kristy and Alex Padovan are the new lessees of the community-owned Memorial Hall (Narooma Kinema). This follows their purchase of the Kinema business from Jade Griffiths on 30 April. Kristy’s family connection to our area goes back to the 1950s. Kristy will talk about their passion for the Kinema, their rich Arts background and their plans to enhance the Kinema as a cinema and live performance venue. Bookings are essential through Laurelle by Monday 14th.
Rebuild Cobargo
Members and guests last week gained a fascinating insight into the impressive rebuilding of Cobargo’s main street after the catastrophic bushfire that swept through Cobargo on December 31, 2019 (New Year’s Eve) during the Black Summer of 2019/2020. The fires had a devastating effect the area with the loss of many homes, farm buildings and of course lives.
The new buildings on the main street – the village square complex, the Post Office and Market Hal redevelopment – are a combination of community-owned retail and residential. They are financed by a $19.9m grant from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, the same fund behind the construction of the Narooma Arts Centre.
John Walters. Chair of the Cobargo Community Development Corporation (CCDC) explained they were not only rebuilding the main street, they were also revitalising it. The CCDC is a community-owned registered charity set up after the bushfires to apply for funding and manage the rebuild. All board members are volunteers. Jason Miles of the Cobargo Bank (a new café) also shared some insights into the community’s impressive efforts.
The project has received widespread community support, including from the Cobargo Folk Festival. For more details, check out their website ccdc.org.au. If you haven’t been to Cobargo for a while it’s well worth a visit. The whole project is nearing completion.
August Market Report
Uncertain weather didn’t deter 32 stall holders setting up as eager customers streamed in, visitors and locals alike. The lucky dip adding to the excitement was won by new BricABrac stall Dawn Mundy. Six new stall holders – Coulsons with Scenter Peace Candles, Blend & Bloom delightfully selling smoothies and fresh flowers, Cheryl Hobbs of Firmly Gripped and fashion, North of Eden local gin distillers and Sweetpea Silversmith.
New social media and imaging obviously worked well with opportunities for cross promotion, thanks to Diana B’s tireless efforts. Working hard to make the day successful was our fearless President Julie H on Saturday evening and all day Sunday. HUGE thanks to Trevor S, Tony D, Ann H, Laurence B, John B, Lesley H and Julie D. We really do need more helping hands for this huge fundraising effort.
by Markets Manager Antoinette Lee
NEXT THURSDAY 10TH September
Narooma Rotary hosts a fundraising film night at the Kinema to raise money for the worldwide End polio Now campaign. Bring all tyour friends. The film is Practical Magic 2 starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Film starts 7pm. Snack pack and wine available.
COMING UP
Thursday 24th September
Our Club is hosting the great Cinders Challenge, an annual Trivia Challenge between Moruya and Narooma Rotary Clubs. Be sure to bring along your friends and family, particularly if they know a lot of trivia! Our quiz master Chris O’Brien always does a great job with interesting and varied questions, something for everyone.
Narooma Golf Club Members Lounge from 6pm – order from Bistro. Trivia starts 7pm, but arrive from 6pm and order dinner from the Bistro. Please RSVP to Blake by Tuesday 22nd September.