From Mallacoota to Anglesea By Miriam Riverlea, Editor, Mallacoota Mouth
Earlier this year, Anglesea hosted an All About Fun camp to provide some fun and fellowship to the communities of Far East Gippsland who had suffered through bushfires. During the second week of the Easter school holidays, members of the Mallacoota and Gipsy Point communities traversed the eastern half of the state to gather at Burnside Camp in Anglesea. They were joined by families from Clifton Creek, Sarsfield and other parts of Gippsland, each with their own story of how the bushfires had impacted their lives and communities. But while the fires were the impetus for bringing everyone together, the focus of the camp was firmly on fun and fellowship. The idea of offering a camp developed early in 2020, when a group from Anglesea, led by Pauline Dean, gathered to discuss ways to provide support. Fiona and Brad Simcoe, managers of Burnside Camp, Baptist Camping Victoria, offered the use of their facility, while many Anglesea community members devoted their time, energy and local knowledge to support the group throughout the week. They liaised with Reverend Jude Benton, who promoted the camp through her local networks, with the support of MADRA (Mallacoota & District Recovery Association) and the Lions’ Clubs of Mallacoota and Anglesea.
The camp provided a welcome interlude from the experience of living in a bushfire affected community. The 42 participants included several farming families who often find it difficult to leave their properties for a well deserved holiday. For everyone, it was a chance to rest and recharge, and experience the sights and spectacles of a different part of Victoria. All meals were catered by the team at Burnside Camp, while the program itself was generously funded by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal conducted in
Families travelled from bushfire affected areas of Gippsland for a week of fun in Anglesea.
partnership with the Victorian Government and Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation. Vouchers were provided by local businesses, including Morgans Bar & Grill, and Anglesea News & Lotto. The program included a wide range of activities both at the camp and in the local area. On the first day, the group quickly bonded while scaling the rock climbing wall and encouraged each other as both children and adults navigated a challenging high ropes course that culminated in an exhilarating zip-line ride. In quieter moments, the kids played board games and tie-dyed t-shirts, while adults visited the local community garden and art space. Families were also free to explore the region on their own, taking in the surf and shopping, with many campers bringing home bargains from Anglesea’s Seaside Seconds op shop. There were opportunities to visit the nearby Chocolaterie, as well as surfing and golf lessons supported by Go Ride A Wave and the Anglesea Golf Club and Pro Shop.
NewsAngle | Publication of the Anglesea Community House | Community Houses are for Everyone
The group set off early one morning down the Great Ocean Road to explore the Split Point Lighthouse and estuary at Aireys Inlet, before heading to Lorne to visit Erskine Falls and enjoy a BBQ. Evening entertainment involved a live performance by talented local musician Tristan Ross, and on the final night the camp was transformed for a Bollywood party. The region’s indigenous culture was acknowledged throughout the week, with a moving Welcome to Country by Waddawurrung woman Corinna Eccles on the first night, and a session on caring for country as part of the Eco Logic estuary and lighthouse tour.
These moments served as reminders of the importance of family, community and treading lightly on the earth. It has become apparent that the recovery process is a long one, and that it’s vital to recharge along the way. Thank you to all the individuals and businesses who donated their time and energy to make it such a fun and memorable experience! 23
