Your Coastal Life March 2022 Edition

THE BEST IS HERE ON THE SOUTH COAST EDITION 6 MARCH 2022

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Pividori’s Tathra Beach is a recently opened restaurant that is quickly developing a reputation as a destination venue - a place to dine, to hold your wedding reception or a great family gathering.

Its style of dining is best described as refined, simple, elegant, relaxed and unpretentious.

On the beach in the seaside town of Tathra; it’s all about the food, as well as the view of Tathra Beach from the wall to wall windows.

Always beautiful, whether it’s rain, storms, rainbows or sunshine, or maybe a stunning Mogareeka sunset lighting up the sky and breakers, it’s a fabulous location.

Pividori’s opened in mid-October 2021, 18 months after owner Bronwyn Pividori saw the possibilities of a restaurant on the beach.

There are menu favourites that draw diners to Pividori’s including Western Australian Scallops, local oysters, the succulent beef, salmon with delightful fresh pastas made daily and homemade gnocchi.

“The Pistachio créme brûlée and gluten free sticky date pudding are a hit - but watch this space as we are developing new dessert options all the time,” Bronwyn said. “We keep a couple of the menu items, even with the change of seasons as they are very popular.”

While there isn’t one specific specialty, local seafood is high on the list, plus incredible oysters from Shane Buckley of Wapengo Oysters - certified organic and shucked to order - amongst the choices.

The a la carte menu includes group and catering options on request and there is also a range of gluten free items.

Bronwyn suggests patrons check the menu prior to booking to understand the food that is served in case of dietary requirements.

Highly regarded local Head Chef, Josh Morgan, runs a calm and professional kitchen backed up by a team of sous chefs.

“It’s modern Australian cuisine done well, consistently good every time,” Bronwyn said.

“There are always clean plates coming back to the kitchen with compliments every service!

“The menu is simple and uncomplicated which will be changing on a regular basis as required.

“We are conscious of our local community and want to be able to provide an interesting variety of choices for those who visit regularly,” Bronwyn said.

Only the very best ingredients and seasonal produce is used at Pividori’s. As much as possible food is sourced locally - Bega Valley Eggs, local fresh greens, fish from Narooma Seafoods, oysters from Wapengo, sourdough baguettes from Blend Providore are amongst some of the items.

Pividori’s is fully licensed with the added advantage of a professional sommelier, Nicole Collins, restaurant manager, who delights the customers with her descriptions and advice on wines and food pairing with the restaurant’s beautiful range of wines, both local and from further afield.

For those who would like to have something other than wine, there is also a fun and interesting range of cocktails and mocktails.

Bronwyn is no stranger to the local hospitality scene. She has been running Blend Providore in Tathra since August 2016.

“The restaurant was an opportunity that I felt was worth the effort.

“I had a vision and as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have a restaurant in such an iconic location I decided to give it a go,” Bronwyn said.

“I have watched carefully the ups and downs of businesses and trade in Tathra and believe I understand what is needed both for the tourism industry and for the local community.

“It’s always a risk in this industry but I felt that it was a calculated risk in this case.”

Despite the obvious recent challenges, Bronwyn is convinced the future is exciting and positive.

“It’s been going really well, developing support and a solid reputation even with the difficulties of Covid, then maybe a bit of flooding thrown in for good measure.”

Pividori’s at Tathra Beach showcases a ground up renovation resulting in a stunning fit out.

Opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday dinner, Friday and Saturday lunch and mixing it up there is now a more relaxed ’Sunday Sessions’ with brunch starting at 8:30am on a Sunday and moving into the day with a lighter menu accompanied by Real Bloody Marys and other delicious cocktails, beers and wines.

Bronwyn plans to remain open through winter and will review the hours and days as the staff settle into their first year on Tathra Beach.

So why not go ahead and book your next lunch, dinner or brunch at Pividori’s and experience for yourself why it is fast becoming a popular local restaurant.

Call 0499 524 638 or visit www.pividoris.com to book or purchase a gift voucher.

A LA CARTE DINING ON THE SHORES OF TATHRA BEACH Delight your tastebuds with seasonal menu options sourced from fresh produce found locally and afar, expertly prepared in a relaxed, elegant setting.

Succulent beef, fresh ravioli, homemade gnocchi, freshly shucked oysters, delicious desserts, flavoursome fish Fully licenced with an extensive range of wines and cocktails Open Wednesday – Sunday Book a table for lunch or dinner via our website 8 Andy Poole Drive, Tathra NSW 2550 | Tel: 0499 524 638 | Email: enquiries@pividoris.com | www.pividoris.com

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LIFE

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THE BEST IS HERE ON THE SOUTH COAST EDITION 6 MARCH 2022

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Cover and contents photographs courtesy Andrew Buesnel.

INSIDE

More details on page 19.

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MEET THE SANDMAN

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MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER

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ADVERTISING Jess Plumridge Tracy Frazer Jim Walker-Broose Naomi Bruce EDITORIAL Gail Eastaway Elle Thompson Melinda Cairns Hack Nathan Thompson Richard Wilkins Sam Tonks PRODUCTION & DESIGN James Hanna Lisa Petroff Aasta Arctander ACCOUNTS Louise Platts @themonaropost @your_coastal_life @themonaropost PUBLISHER Monaro Media Group Pty Ltd ACN 121 288 060 59 Vale St, Cooma NSW 2630 PO Box 1227, Cooma NSW 2630

CONTACT US Phone: (02) 6452 0313 Website: www.monaropost.com.au Editorial: editor@monaropost.com.au Advertsing: sales@monaropost.com.au Accounts: accounts@monaropost.com.au The publisher accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, notice or letter published. Any advertisement, notice or letter is published at the risk of the contributor who accepts liability for any intended publication. All such contributors, by forwarding advertisements, notices or letters, agree to indemnify the publisher a nd warrant that the material is accurate and neither deceptive, misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory or in breach of any laws and regulations. Please be aware that all material published in Your Coastal Life is subject to copyright.

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Th e

Sa n dman Heading down to the beach in the early hours of the morning, Troy ‘The Sandman’ Purple found a creative way to process his pain and trauma from the Brogo bushfires.

A chef by trade and from an artistic family, Troy used to use the plate as his canvas, now he uses the sand and a small two inch stick.

Drawing and writing words in the sand has become very therapeutic for Troy, who stayed behind to defend his property and his animals during the Brogo bushfire.

“We have 20 acres just outside of Brogo, with many animals, including alpacas, a horse, cows, dogs, cats, chooks, guinea pigs, possums, rescue wombats, and others,” says Troy.

“The flames came right up to our front door. The dam was dry, we had no power, I had to rely on the fuel water pump. I didn’t know where the flames were, I couldn’t see anything. The sky was just black and red. I had a Go Pro camera shooting while I was fighting to save the animals, and I was saying goodbye to all my family and friends.

“Somehow I managed to save all the animals.

“But that experience has done crazy things to my head. I often break out in sweats and start crying. I haven’t found professional help has really worked for me. But as a surfer, I have always found the sand and the sea to be calming. It allows me to shut off from the world.”

About six days per week, Troy jumps in the car well before sunrise with no plan for where to go.

“I usually go anywhere from Narooma down to Tura Beach,” says Troy.

“But I like to find my own way through the bush, in the dark. It’s a real adrenalin rush not knowing where you are or what might be around you. Then I

pop out on the beach, and there is no one around. I am able to start creating something in the sand.”

Not only is this a kind of therapy for Troy, it has also become an income.

“I do lots of messages from people for birthdays, anniversaries, I’ve done some book covers and CD covers, plus promotional images for businesses. I also do lots of free ones for charities, messages for first responders, events like ANZAC Day, and also condolence messages.

“Each one may only take me about 30 seconds to do, but as I write them on the water line, they often get washed away by the waves and I have do redo them sometimes 30 or 40 times.”

Recently, Valentines Day was very busy for Troy, who had about 1,800 orders for about 3,500 photos.

He was having to churn out 170-180 images per day.

Troy says his days playing Twister when he was younger have really paid off for this particular art.

“I have been accused of photoshopping my footprints out of the images, but it’s just not true.

I’ve posted videos of me doing the drawings to prove it.

“I need to do stretches before I start, and I do the splits, placing my feet either side of the writing.”

It’s not all about the sand. Troy chooses the right spot in order to get the perfect photo, including rocks, waves and cloudy sunrise skies in the background.

“I’m my biggest critic. It really has to be perfect before I take that photo. It is really satisfying and healing when I finally get that right one. It sometimes brings tears to my eyes.”

To check out more of Troy’s work, or to order an image, visit his Instagram SimpleSandScribes, or website www.simplesandscribes.com

exquisite jewellery

jewellery + gift vouchers

revaattilba.com 23 Bate Street | Central Tilba NSW Phone | 0244 737606

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you

Adaminaby

EA STER FA IR

The Adaminaby Easter Fair is a fun-filled day for all the family. In beautiful autumn colours, the town comes alive for the fair, which has heaps of fun activities for everyone.

MERIMBULA ART AWARDS

The Merimbula and District Arts Group (MADAG) will be holding their 2022 Annual Art Awards and Exhibition at Twyford Hall Merimbula from Friday April 15 through to Sunday April 24.

Open daily 10am to 4pm.

2021 Best in Show Winner, Graeme Krake “Rock Climbers at Bunga”

This exhibition showcases the talents of local artisans in all art mediums and will be judged this year by Paul Michael Murray who is an accomplished Australian artist, designer and educator who has combined his three professions successfully for more than 30 years.

There will be a watermelon eating contest, tug-of-war competitions, dog high jump, boot toss, petting zoo, Easter bonnet parade, and the signature trout tossing. This involves lobbing a toy trout into a target bucket of water, the most unique and Adaminaby related event of the day. . The Fair is capped off by the famous Whacky Quacky Duck Race, with a $1000 prize pool for the winner, as well as a guest appearance from the Easter Bunny.

The fair is on Saturday April 16, kicking off from 9am with a wide range of shopping and food stalls as well.

Adaminaby will be open for business on the day, with all shops open as well as the Snowy Scheme Museum, CWA and memorial hall for those interested in the history and culture of the town.

There will also be an unveiling of a special plaque dedicated to the children of the Snowy Scheme on Sunday April 17 at midday at the museum, for those who want to stick around for the occasion.

If you’d like to find out more about the event, go to the Facebook page Adaminaby Easter Fair or the website visitadaminaby.com. au if you are interested in booking a stall or display on the day.

Merivale adds Lynch’s Hotel to South Coast collection Merivale has purchased its fourth venture on the iconic NSW South Coast – Lynch’s Hotel, one of Narooma’s oldest and most historic buildings.

Located in Narooma’s town centre, Lynch’s Hotel features a casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining areas, a classic bar as well as traditional hotel rooms with common amenities.

Justin Hemmes, CEO of Merivale, says: “Every great town needs a great local pub.”

• Animal encounters available • Tours available each day • Group booking discount available • School excursions with personal guide • BBQ’s available or pack a picnic Open every day 9am to 4pm (closed Christmas Day) Blue Wren Café open from 9am to 2pm Phone: (02) 6494 9225 Office: (02) 6494 9053 2372 Princes Hwy, Yellow Pinch, Merimbula info@potoroopalace.com | www.potoroopalace.com

“We have been looking for a heritage pub to further our continued investment in the region and our commitment to the wonderful people who call it home. Lynch’s Hotel presents great potential in a township I have a strong personal connection with, and I am looking forward to bringing this project to life alongside the local community.”

NATIVE ANIMAL EDUCATION SANCTUARY

Lynch’s Hotel joins three other iconic South Coast venues owned and operated by Merivale, including the tiki-inspired Quarterdeck, The Whale Inn, including Queen Chow, and The Inlet.

Merivale will receive the keys to Lynch’s Hotel later this month.

Refurbishment plans will be announced in due course.

BEGA GARDEN NURSERY Hardy plants for coastal, frost and drought conditions.

Seedlings and herbs are our specialty.

THE LITTLE NURSERY DOWN THE LANE

Rare and unusual plants.

Organic plant solutions.

THE LITTLE NURSERY DOWN THE LANE

Come, relax and be inspired by the ambience of our nursery.

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

Open Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am-3pm 32-34 Church Street, Bega (Behind Candelo Bulk Wholefoods and next to the Gipps St carpark) P: (02) 6492 6628

G ourmet

Coast Trail

Kicking back with some fresh, local oysters and a fine wine you picked up at a nearby vineyard earlier that day, while taking in a stunning ocean view… if this sounds like your type of holiday, then the Gourmet Coast is for you.

You can also make up your own itinerary. Just visit the website gourmetcoasttrail.com.au to search the interactive map for the trail members. You will find an amazing culinary experience, no matter what your south coast destination is.

Stretching from Batemans Bay in the north to Eden in the south, the Gourmet Coast Trail on Australia’s beautiful south-east coast will help you find local flavours and people passionate about food.

Of course your break isn’t just sitting back with some of the best food and drink you’ll find. There’s plenty to see on the Gourmet Coast too.

Most of the food you’ll eat here comes with a stunning view of the ocean, mountains, farms or forest.

And when you want to stretch your legs, there are easy walking trails along clifftops and through forests, pristine and secluded beaches down any side road, historic buildings, sea pools and coastal villages to explore.

Amazing oyster growers, distillers, farmers, wine makers, bakers, chefs, brewers and baristas call this coast home. You can meet them by following one of the trail itineraries.

With breakfast, lunch and dinner all planned out for you, you can hit the road knowing you’re in for something special. What could be better than setting off for a relaxing coastal adventure, with the best local restaurants already picked out for you?

On your own or with friends or family, there’s plenty to do on water and on land – whale watching, fishing charters, kayaking, surfing, mountain biking, golf, markets,

festivals and events, art browsing, and classes to make your own culinary delights. So, take your time,

pack a picnic and enjoy some easy adventure. The Gourmet Coast Trail has all the beauty you can taste.

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER

WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY

WHEELER’S TAKE AWAY SHOP OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM TO 6PM 162 ARTHUR KAINE DRIVE, PAMBULA NSW 2549 | T 02 6495 6330 | WHEELERSOYSTERS.COM.AU WWW.MONAROPOST.COM.AU

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S h or t Po int

ACCESS IB ILITY I M PR OVEM ENTS

Works at Short Point, Merimbula, have started as part of the Bega Valley Shire – A Destination for All program.

The program, which also saw accessibility improvements made at Pambula Beach and Bruce Steer Pool in Bermagui, aims to improve allabilities access at three iconic locations across the shire, improving the region’s accessible tourism offering for people with mobility impairments.

Council’s project manager, Amelia Souter, said Short Point was selected for the program due to its high visitation and use.

“Short Point has been a much-loved and used area by visitors and locals over many years including beach goers, fishermen, surfers, picnickers, whale watchers and walkers,” Ms Souter said.

“Given the physical extent of the headland and the high visitation numbers, there was a need to improve access to the headland for all members of the community, and better locate and improve visitor facilities.”

The works will include new toilet amenities including accessible cubicle and outdoor showers, new accessible picnic tables, a new timber viewing deck and seating platform, new accessible parking bays, accessible footpath linking the new amenities building to headland walk, new sun

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

lounges and furniture including bins, and a space for a future commercial food/beverage van (an expression of interest will be run by council at a later date).

“There will be some interruptions during the works to ensure we can carry out the project in a safe, efficient and timely manner, but we hope the end result will make the short inconvenience worthwhile,” Ms Souter said.

The existing public toilets will be closed for the duration of the works while the new toilet facilities are being constructed. Alternative public toilets are available at Spencer Park and Bar Beach.

The car park will be intermittently closed at times during the construction period, however temporary parking will be available on the grassed area south of the car park during these times.

The program is funded by the NSW Government Restart program, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industry, community groups and a council contribution.

For more information, visit the project page on Council’s website or contact council’s project manager, Amelia Souter on (02) 6499 2222.

T h e S o u t h Coast ALE TRAIL The South Coast Ale Trail is not a destination, it’s a journey The craft beer trail which launched recently connects eight breweries along the South Coast of NSW. Stretching from Wollongong to Pambula near the Victorian border, the Ale Trail delivers a diverse range of breweries as it winds its way along some of the country’s most beautiful coast line.

Starting at Wollongong with Resin Brewing which sits inside the newly renovated Bulli Railway Guesthouse.

Once derelict, this historic building on the train line dates back to 1887.

Resin Brewing bought the Railway Guest House site in 2017 and they spent two long years transforming the crumbling building into the microbrewery and brewpub that exists now. The gastro-brewpub offers hand crafted local beers and a food menu to match.

Just a short trip down the road and you will arrive at Reub Goldberg Brewing where it’s not just the name that sets it apart. Reub’s ethos is that “A beer should be drunk in the shadow of the brewery in which it was made”. Their goal is to provide quality, fresh beer in the most sustainable way possible. It’s a small brewery with a hyperlocal focus providing just enough great beer

to service the thirst of the local area and of course a few visitors to the region as well. They don’t currently package their beers but offer a fresh growler takeaway service.

Head down the freeway and in the shadow of the iconic Buddhist Nan Tien Temple, you will find Grassy Knoll Brewing and Bulli Brewing sharing a space in a quiet industrial area. These two breweries compliment each other with Bulli brewing big West Coast IPA’s, Belgian beers, red and black IPAs, whilst Jeffrey Argent from Grassy Knoll tends to brew more East Coast and hazy styles of beer.

Moving on you will discover South Yeast Brewing in an industrial estate just north of Nowra. Run by local brothers Joey and Simon Panucci who are both accomplished musicians and now brewers, they can often been found jamming with other musos in the venue for a lazy Sunday session.

The popular seaside town of Huskisson is the next stop where you will find Jervis Bay Brewing who have been around since 2019. The relaxed vibe of the venue reflects the laid back lifestyle of Husky, but they do take their beers seriously winning two gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 2021 Australian

International Beer Awards.

A bit further south and you will come across Camelrock Brewery which is actually located in Wallaga Lake Holiday Park just north of Bermagui. Camel Rock Bar & Grill was the first brewery on the Sapphire Coast and they claim to be the first micro-brewery built in a holiday park anywhere in the world. The grill features American influenced burgers, ribs to complement their beers.

The last stop is Longstocking, in Pambula, just a few minutes south of Merimbula. The brewery is part the Oaklands complex which includes a nursery, café, art gallery and event centre so there is something for everyone. From the green space inside, to the deck or in the beer garden, you can enjoy fresh local oysters, woodfired pizzas and live music. Long Stocking brew classic styles like pilsners, Irish stout and red ales.

The Trail covers 370kms, eight breweries and over 70 beers and with more breweries opening along the South Coast soon, this trail is sure to be one for craft beer lovers to travel. Remember the South Coast Ale Trail is not a destination, it’s a journey.

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FOUR WINDS FESTIVAL 2022 THIS EASTER LONG WEEKEND BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE FOUR WINDS FESTIVAL ON YOUR LIST OF THINGS TO DO Join us over three days for an incredible array of diverse cultural experiences under this year’s theme of Common Ground curated by Lindy Hume, Creative Director of the Four Winds Festival 2022.

Our free family event on Friday afternoon opens the festival with a Welcome to Country followed by Songs from Yuin Country, celebrating the creative spirit, music, dance, Dhurga language, cultures and stories of our own Southeast.

Friday and Saturday afternoons relax in our cabaret style cocktail lounge for a drink, snack, and conversations with the day’s artists. End the night with the flamboyant sounds of the Stars of The Sapphire Lounge.

Ease into Saturday morning with a coffee as the Acacia Quartet evokes the sounds and emotions of the Australian bush, perhaps with local birds joining them in unison.

If you love opera or would like to experience it for the first time in a relaxed setting (shorts and t-shirts welcome), world renowned Pinchgut

Opera will perform Handel’s popular mini opera Acis and Galatea and The Spiritual Forest, an exquisite anthology of songs by Monteverdi.

Feel your body reverberate and come alive as waves of drumming pound through the audience as we Drum up the Devils Wedding.

Drive along the Tathra-Bermagui Road and stop to enjoy the free Home Stretch installation, an immersive experience featuring five short films created by five brilliant local teams of artists.

As the sun sets unwind with silent mediation amongst the spotted gums led by experienced meditation practitioner Rainer Jozeps.

This is just a glimpse of a memorable weekend waiting for you. The Four Winds Festival is a gem within regional arts showcasing the best musicians and artists from our local area, across Australia and beyond.

View the full program and buy tickets at FOURWINDS.COM.AU

FOUR WINDS FESTIVAL 2022 C

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BARRAGGA BAY EASTER WEEKEND Don't forget to book your accommodation early!

T I C K E T I N G & I N F O R M A T I O N

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PINCHGUT OPERA WILLIAM BARTON MIKELANGELO & THE BLACK SEA GENTLEMEN DJINAMA YILAGA CHOIR ACACIA QUARTET SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FELLOWS 2022 VAN DIEMEN’S FIDDLES MUSICIANS FROM SYDNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CANDELO MUSICIANS TAMARA-ANNA CISLOWSKA & RAINER JOZEPS

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FILM & PERFORMANCE THE SAPPHIRE LOUNGE SILENT FOREST MEDITATIONS LOCAL FOOD & WINE

Mountain biking at Eden Left: MTB Trails planned for around Eden.

Eden is set to become a major mountain biking destination with the construction of a multimillion-dollar Eden Mountain Bike Hub. This project will not only establish Eden and the broader NSW south coast area as a true mountain biking destination it will provide opportunities to attract tourists and investment to the region. The hub will be an important community asset, contributing to employment opportunities and positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

The Far South Coast of NSW currently has limited recognised Mountain Trail Bike trail networks. The closest trail networks are to the north at Bermagui and Tathra, and to the west at Jindabyne and Thredbo.

Of these areas, Jindabyne and Thredbo located to the west of Eden are recognised as mountain bike tourism destinations in their own right.

Mountain bike riding is one of the fastest growing industries in Australia and the world. The growth in mountain bike tourism is a significant economic and social driver for communities across Australia.

An Economic Impact Study by Lucid Economics found that once fully developed, the Eden Mountain Bike Hub will attract 22,500 visitors, 60,000 visitor nights and generate $9.9million in new visitor expenditure, and directly and indirectly support 58 full-time equivalent (FTE)

positions in the area.

Stage one of the project is well underway and will deliver 56kms of new trails utilising over 300 metres of elevation, 20 trails in total, each providing a unique experience for riders.

The trails are being built in the Nullica State Forest in collaboration with Forestry Corporation New South Wales.

The project is funded by the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the New South Wales Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Eden Community Access Centre (ECAC) is the auspicing organisation for the grant. ECAC appointed Natural Trails and Blue Sky Trails to work with ECAC and the project group to facilitate the governance of the project including budgeting, administrative and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with the funding.

Craig Stonestreet (Natural Trails) and Craig Meinicke (Blue Sky Trails) bring many years of experience and expertise to the project having project managed, built, and maintained mountain bike trails in Australia.

“ECAC and the Eden Trails Group, comprising members of the Eden Mountain Bike Club, are excited that the construction phase of the development is getting closer,” Eden Community

Access Centre’s (ECAC’s) Carina Severs said.

“We are working with Public Works Advisory ahead of announcing the successful contractor in the coming weeks. A construction schedule will then be confirmed, meaning another two significant milestones for our project will have been achieved.

“Our partnership with the Forestry Corporation of NSW has been amazing and we could not have reached this critical point without their support,” Ms Severs said. Stage one of the project also includes the establishment of a governance framework for ongoing management and maintenance of the trails. This productive workshop was conducted in February.

The project is expected to be completed by June 2023. The first trails and infrastructure are due for completion later this year.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? “There are many ways to help support our project,” Ms Severs said.

“We are currently seeking to engage with people looking for employment, service providers of construction materials, business who are keen to understand what is needed to support ride tourism, and organisations looking to actively partner with the project team to ensure the whole community benefits from this project.”

To become involved send an email to MTBproject@eden.nsw.au

A special destination that offers visitors to Tathra a world of gourmet delights.

Try their famous Almond Croissant or Blueberry Croissant, grab your daily loaf of Tathra Sourdough from the in-house bakery or perhaps a sourdough baguette, one of the gourmet cheeses and some gourmet deli products for a perfect picnic at the beach or out in the forests.

Exceptional Coffee • Tathra Sourdough • Gourmet Cheese • Sweet Treats • Delicatessen • Cooked breakfast, lunch & dinner

37 Andy Poole Drive, Tathra NSW 2550 | Tel: 02 6494 5145 | Email: blendprovidore@gmail.com | www.blendprovidore.com

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Tickets are selling fast for the biggest multi-arts Aboriginal festival in the Yuin Nation, Giiyong Festival, which takes place on April 9 at Jigamy near Eden.

Giiyong means ‘come to welcome’ in the south coast languages as spoken

by Elders.

Giiyong Festival celebrates the rich cultural history of the region and will feature music, dance, film, cultural practices and more.

The 2022 lineup includes Briggs, Shellie Morris and award winning didgeridoo player William Barton.

Everyone’s favourite Giiyong Festival MC Sean Choolburra will be back, and a highlight of the event will be the Giiyong Gumleaf Band, bringing together highly regarded traditional gumleaf players from across Australia, including Eden’s own Uncle Ossie Stewart and Uncle Ossie Cruse.

The event provides an opportunity in south east NSW for the entire community to come together in celebration of Aboriginal arts, culture and resilience.

The lineup on stage also includes Buddy Knox, Nooky, Dizzy Doolan, Stiff Gins, Ron Callaghan, Gadhu Dreaming Band, Nikea Brooks-Hayes & Dre Wicks, Anthony Green, Gabadu and lockdown internet sensations Matty Walker & Kyarna Rose.

It will be three and a half years since the last Giiyong Festival and the organising committee and numerous community volunteers are ready to present an inclusive and impressive event.

Award winning filmmaker Toni Houston (Wild Australia: After the Fires, The Peacemaker) has been on location around Eden and Pambula, shooting short films, with local filmmaker Kyle Wilson, that feature local

Create a space unique to you

NAROOMA PLAZA 185 PRINCES HIGHWAY. NAROOMA NSW 2546

02 4402 3163 SALES@HOMEBYMONTAGUE.COM.AU @HOMEBYMONTAGUE

CUSHIONS | CANDLES | THROWS | RUGS | POTS | CROCKERY | WALL DÉCOR | FURNITURE | AND SO MUCH MORE

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Tickets are available now at www.giiyong.com.au/tickets Adults $20 +GST Under 18s and Aboriginal Community Elders free

identities, language, cultural practices and significant sites.

These will be screened throughout Giiyong Festival, alongside amazing projections of local art put together by leading video designer Mic Gruchy (Sunshine Super Girl: The Evonne Goolagong Cawley Story, Bungul - Perth Festival, Black Drop Effect).

Giiyong Festival takes place at Jigamy, halfway between Pambula and Eden. Jigamy is a property owned by Twofold Aboriginal Corporation, located on Thaua Country in the Yuin Nation.

The event is presented by Twofold Aboriginal Corporation, Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council and South East Arts.

Giiyong Festival is made possible by funding from Create NSW, Indigenous Languages and the Arts, Department of Regional NSW, Festivals Australia and local sponsors.

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TASTE THE SPIRIT OF THE SAPPHIRE COAST

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SOUTH COA ST

Shorebirds With near record numbers of shorebird nests along the south coast already this summer, National Parks and Wildlife Service staff and volunteers are cautiously optimistic this season will be a success.

Kaitlyn O’Brien, Shorebird Ranger with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) says more than 240 nests are being monitored by staff and volunteers on beaches between Gerroa and Eden.

‘Pied Oystercatchers, Little Terns and Hooded Plovers are all threatened beach nesting birds that breed along the NSW south coast each year,’ said Ms O’Brien.

‘The nesting season started in August and we have already seen around 20 chicks fledge, which is a great result before Christmas.

‘However, we are wary that during the holiday season any disturbance to the remaining nests may prevent the well camouflaged eggs from hatching,’ Ms O’Brien said.

pay attention to the shorebird signs

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keep your dog on a leash

•

walk only on the wet sand.

‘This compounds the other challenges we face protecting the nests, which is predation or trampling by foxes and dogs.

‘This nesting season will also be the first without long-term shorebird volunteer Rex Worrell who recently passed away.

‘Rex was our longest serving volunteer, having spent more than 25 years helping us to monitor these endangered shorebirds at Shoalhaven Heads.

‘This summer, in memory of Rex, please do your part to make sure the record number of nests, turn into a record number of fledglings,’ Ms O’Brien said.

Visit South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program at www.southcoastshorebirds.com.au to find out more about the program, the birds and how you can help these threatened species this summer.

NPWS is asking locals and visitors on the beach to please: •

‘What people might not appreciate that even if they don’t touch the eggs or nest, their presence may frighten or stress the adult birds causing them to abandon their nest,’ Ms O’Brien said.

NPWS staff and volunteers signpost shorebird breeding sites each year to remind beach goers to give the area space.

36a Princes Highway Mogo NSW 0244744981 www.juelamogo.com.au

be bold be beautiful 14

YOUR COASTAL LIFE

Go od - old fas hion ed fun guaranteed at

T IL BA FESTI VA L !

Be part of a great South Coast Easter tradition! On Easter Saturday, April 16, Central Tilba will once more open the gates on the Tilba Festival and welcome locals and visitors to share one of the best days out of year.

Join us on Bate Street for a full day of live music, market stalls, an amazing array of food, traditional street games and great entertainment for the kids – and under 16s are free!

Tilba Festival has been running for well over 30 years and is one of the best days out on the NSW

South Coast - a celebration of the heritage, local produce, creative and musical talent of this amazing community. The Bate Street businesses come together with stallholders, food producers and entertainers to deliver a day that all the family will enjoy and remember long into the future.

The Festival kicks off with an opening ceremony at 9am. Two stages and a busking corner means a day of non-stop live music from over 20 talented bands and solo artists drawn from around the region. Cheese rolling, boot throwing, egg tossing and

donut eating competitions run throughout the day, as well as a forging display, magician, face painting and other entertainment.

On the day, visitors can park at Tilba Tilba Oval and take the free courtesy bus to the Festival or choose to park at the top of the hill in our temporary car park at the top of Corkhill Lane, at Latimers Lane, and walk or take the bus down the hill to Bate Street. While dogs are very welcome at the festival, they are not permitted on the bus, so dog owners should please park at Latimers Lane.

Organised by a small group of enthusiastic local volunteers, the Tilba Festival is a not-for-profit community event. Proceeds directly benefit the Tilba District through donations to local community groups, including the School of Arts Trust and the CWA. Entry is by prepurchased ticket only.

Tickets can be purchased at www.visittilba.com.au/tilbafestival. If you or the Festival is affected by Covid, tickets will be refunded.

Don’t miss this great day out of oldfashioned fun for all the family!

Locally owned and operated

Experience the best of the Sapphire Coast on the Wharf to Wharf or Light to Light walks, or choose your own adventure with a custom itinerary.

Explore your way.

We offer both guided and self-guided walks.

Immerse yourself in the coastal wilderness and let us take care of you.

Walk pack free and enjoy seasonal, local produce prepared by us.

sapphirecoastguidingco.com.au 0408 898 805 sapphirecoastguidingco sapphirecoastguidingco

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15

R eg i onal G al l e r y RE-DEVELOPMENT

The Bega Valley Regional Gallery (BRVG) redevelopment and expansion at its current site is underway.

Gallery director Iain Dawson said the re-development will elevate the 30-year-old facility to contemporary exhibition standards, and significantly expand the exhibition space from 180m² to 290m².

“This project represents an all-round positive return on investment for the Bega Valley community,” Mr Dawson said.

“Besides the obvious social and cultural benefits, the larger gallery will generate significant economic benefits through increased tourist visitation and the additional expenditure that flows from that, to accommodation, cafes and restaurants and other tourist attractions.

“This has been estimated at $3.4 million per year.

“Then we have the localised benefits, which include increased participation in cultural activities, better mental health and wellbeing, community cohesion and improved educational outcomes.”

The re-developed gallery will comprise two exhibition spaces and one workshop/project space available for hire and house a small gallery shop.

“This will allow us to access a wider selection of borrowing institutions, particularly the Art Gallery of NSW, and showcase local exhibition artists,” Mr Dawson said.

“It will also allow access to, and provide appropriate storage for, the gallery’s growing permanent collection.

“With the capacity to host destination exhibitions and unique artistic programming, the gallery will grow the cultural and tourism offerings for the region and link to opportunities at the Port of Eden and Merimbula Airport.”

Works on the gallery expansion began in late 2021, with a targeted opening date of December 2022.

Although the gallery is closed, its team will continue to deliver artistic programs at the two pop up galleries, BVRG:TARMAC at Merimbula Airport and BVRG:PORT at the Eden Welcome Centre at Snug Cove.

Half of the $3.6 million price tag for the project has been secured from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

While Bega Valley Shire Council has committed to fund the remaining cost of the re-development, it is actively engaged in discussions with the NSW Government to secure additional funding.

16

YOUR COASTAL LIFE

VISIT TILBA

Make a day of it!

Unique retail stores | Delightful cafes and bakery Beautiful heritage pub | Traditional general store Famous dairy | Open for business 7 days a week!

Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba are only 15 minutes drive from Bermagui and Narooma

@visit_tilba |

@visittilba | visittilba.com.au

WWW.MONAROPOST.COM.AU

17

40th cel e b ra t i o n s for

Jazz Festival

Your feet will be tapping and hands clapping when the Merimbula Jazz Festival makes its grand return this June long weekend.

traffic for the remainder of the day, and will be the home of StreetFest – a fabulous street market with music, dancing and food.

Celebrating 40-years of bringing jazz to town, the festival is set to be the best yet as hundreds of jazz lovers come together for the four-day event.

This year, we are pleased to bring back the Lakeside Lantern Walk. Assembly will be at 5 pm at Spencer Park, Merimbula. The walk begins at 5:30 pm and makes its way into Beach Street, ending near Twyford Hall.

After the popular festival was unable to run in 2020 and 2021, event organisers are looking forward to the Merimbula streets once again being filled with musicians and jazz fans.

“The organising committee is looking forward to the big 40th Merimbula Jazz Festival in 2022. It’s a remarkable achievement for a small seaside town in southern NSW,” an event organiser said.

“We are so fortunate to have such a welcoming location, marvellous venues, the ongoing support of so many musicians, the solid base provided by the Festival’s founders, the assistance of local volunteers and sponsors, and, of course, the support of Jazz Lovers who come from far and wide.”

This year’s jazz festival will launch on Friday June 10 with the first times getting underway from 5pm. The music will continue over the weekend in what will be one of the best days on the Merimbula calendar.

SATURDAY JUNE 11 The Festival will again feature the ever popular parade through town.

Starting at 10.30am, it will finish at the outdoor stage with the Big Blow and a sing-along. The JazzFest program will re-start immediately afterwards, and continue through till midnight.

Market Street will remain closed to

Surrounded by natural bushland

Stylish cabins, powered & unpowered sites

Dog friendly park* (except cabins)

*Conditions Apply

(02) 6496 4705

1 Boydtown Park Road, Eden NSW 2551

On the pristine shores of Twofold Bay

18

YOUR COASTAL LIFE

boydtownbeach.com.au

Jazz Quest will be held on Saturday evening at the Lakeview Hotel. This provides a great opportunity to hear the future trends of jazz and to be amazed at the talent on show from our young musicians.

SUNDAY JUNE 12 This year, the ecumenical service will be back at the church, commencing at 11am. The JazzFest program will recommence at noon in all venues and continue through till midnight.

MONDAY JUNE 13 The Jazz Hatters Party is a fun-filled day to be held at Merimbula RSL and will feature a line up of popular bands.

There will be prizes for the best hats and the Festival raffle will also be drawn. It is a community event and is free for all. You cannot bring your own food or drinks but there will be plenty available at a reasonable cost.

Don’t forget to take time to see the Jazz Art display at Club Sapphire. One of the paintings will feature as the basis for next year’s poster. The 2022 poster is based on the painting by SueEllen Yates and the colours for this year are based on those in the painting.

A list of venues hosting the Jazz Festival can be found on Merimbula Jazz Festival website.

Mini Farm

Capturing stunning images of the ocean environment has allowed former Tathra resident, Andrew Buesnel, to combine both his love of the coast with his passion for photography.

Having spent all his childhood and teenage years on the Far South Coast of NSW, being surrounded by some of the east coast’s most beautiful and pristine scenery, Andrew’s enjoyment of photography developed from an early age.

He recalls as a teenager the desire to be a photographer.

“I remember picking up a pamphlet in the careers office at Bega High School to get more information on photography.

“I’m not sure what happened from there, but it certainly grew into an enjoyable hobby rather than a career.

“Friends and family have encouraged me to sell a few pictures on the side since then.”

Andrew now resides in Canberra, but visits home whenever he can.

“I enjoy taking pictures in and above the water, mainly the ocean.

“The reflection and light mean that no two pictures are ever the same.

“I primarily use a drone and GoPro; though I believe no technology I’ve used has been able to replicate what is captured through our eyes. I don’t think it will ever do that!

and below

From above

“I love sharing images that capture the vibe of an area that is special to me and others.”

Getting the best shots from nature often means early morning starts for Andrew.

“I love the colours around sunrise, however sometimes the middle of the day works best for the drone if I am looking for top lit shots.”

Andrew’s photographic skills are constantly honed and challenged through his desire to create a unique and creative shot.

“Finding a different perspective to taking photos constantly inspires me,” Andrew said.

“I’ve been in a few interesting situations with my drone. One that comes to mind was when I was having a great time shooting dolphins in Byron Bay and overrode the return to home warnings, as the drone battery was low.

“Unfortunately, I was too focussed on the photos and got a shock when it started to land in the ocean. I ran out into the water and managed to catch the drone before it hit the water…the blades did cut up my hand a bit.”

Some of Andrew’s work hangs in cafes in Merimbula, Tathra and Canberra.

To view more images check out his Instagram account: @andrew_buesnel Prints can also be ordered through this platform.

Andrew Buesnel PHOTOGRAPHY

Landscape and ocean photography from along the Sapphire Coast, NSW

From above and below Contact through Instagram or andrew.buesnel@gmail for commissioned works @andrew_buesnel

WWW.MONAROPOST.COM.AU

19

EUROBODALLA & BEGA VALLEY

AUTUMN/WINTER 2022

APRIL

Fri 1: Anactoria Album Launch, 8am, William St, Candelo • Don't Be Too Polite, Girls: Wendy McCarthy in conversation with Linda Mottram, 5pm - 7pm, Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre (BVCCC), Zingel Pl, Bega • Mitre 10 Tradies Race Day at Sapphire Coast Turf Club, 12:30pm, 1695 Sapphire Coast Dr, Wallagoot • April Words and Music, 10am - 12pm, Tura Marrang Library, 15 Tura Beach Dr, Tura Beach Fri 1 – Sat 2: Sea to Kosciuszko Self Guided Cycle Tour, 8am, Tathra Sat 2– Sun 3: Ben Netterfield Jump Clinic, 8am-5pm, Candelo Showground Sat 2: Stir Fry Masterclass, 4pm - 7pm, Eastwood's Deli and Cooking School, 1/26 Bunga St, Bermagui • Seniors art workshop, 10am - 12pm, Batemans Bay Library, Hanging Rock Pl • Movie Night: Muriel's Wedding, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Soul Tribe Studio, 57 Beach Rd, Catalina • Bega Big Matsuri, 6:30pm - 9:30pm, BVCCC, Zingel Pl, Bega Mon 4 - Fri 29: Photographic exhibition, 10am - 5pm, Narooma Library, Field St Thu 7: Search For Sky: Melissa Pouliot in conversation with Vanessa Milton, 6pm - 8pm, MERAKI, 52 Heron Cres, Kalaru Sat 9: Pushing Pastels with Stuart Whitelaw, 12:30pm - 3:30pm, Basil Seller Exhibition Centre (BAS), Corner of Vulcan & Campbell St, Moruya • Ephemeral, 9am - 2pm, Panboola wetland, Bullara St, Pambula • Currents Live Music 2022, 3pm – 8pm, Riverside Park Amphitheatre, Moruya • In Our Own Time: a special performance by Playback Theatre, 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Quaama School of Arts, 38 Cobargo St, Quaama Sat 9 – Sun 10: Giiyong Festival, 6pm onwards, Jigamy, 4381 Princes Hwy, Broadwater Sun 10: Sunday Golf Day, Pambula Merimbula Golf Club, 173 Arthur Kaine Dr, Merimbula • Guided Forest walk, 10am - 11:30pm, Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden (ERBG), Deep Creek Dam Rd Fri 15 – Sun 24: Annual Art Awards and Exhibition, Twyford Hall, Merimbula

EASTER LONG WEEKEND

Fri 15: South Coast Seafood Dinner, 4pm, Eastwood's Deli and Cooking School, 1/26 Bunga St, Bermagui Fri 15 – Sun 17: Four Winds Festival, 17 Four Winds Rd, Barragga Bay Sat 16: Moruya Jockey Club Easter Cup Race Day, 12:pm – 6pm, 100 Donnelly Dr, Moruya • Tilba Festival 2022, Bate St, Central Tilba • 'Then & Now' Starring Hayley Jensen & Jason Owen, 7pm, Steampacket Hotel, 963 Kings Hwy, Nelligen Sun 17: Easter Mini Market, 9am - 1pm, Club Tuross Wed 20: Kids butterfly house craft session, 10:30am - 11:30am, Narooma Library, Field St Fri 22: Harry Potter trivia afternoon, 2pm - 4pm, Batemans Bay Library, Hanging Rock Pl Sat 23: Classic movie screening: A Star is Born, 2pm - 4pm, Batemans Bay Library, Hanging Rock Pl • Art workshop, 11am - 12:30pm, ERBG, Deep Creek Dam Rd Sun 24: David Greco – Baritone, 2pm, 2 David Ave, Batehaven • Author talk: John Blay, 2pm - 3pm, ERBG, Deep Creek Dam Rd

20

YOUR COASTAL LIFE

MAY

Sun 1: Clubs Race Day, 12pm - 6pm, Sapphire Coast Turf Club, 1695 Sapphire Coast Dr, Wallagoot • Moto X Round 2, 7am, Sapphire Speedway, Tantawangalo Ln, Candelo Fri 6 – Sat 7: Narooma Oyster Festival, 12am - 5:30pm, Quota Park, Narooma Fri 6 - Sun 8: Cobargo Folk Festival, Cobargo Fri 6 - Wed 25: Seating Arrangements Tim Moorhead Solo, Spiral Gallery, 47 Church St, Bega Sat 7: goodnessgravel Strava Club: 130km or 75km, Mogo Tue 10: World of Musicals, 7:30pm - 9:30 pm, BVCCC, Zingel Pl, Bega Sat 14: Shimano MTB Grand Prix Race, Deep Creek Dam Road, Mogo • Merimbula Malibu - The Gazamal, Ocean Drive, Merimbula • Bead Threading with Virginia Aland, 12:30pm - 3:30pm, BAS, Corner of Vulcan & Campbell St, Moruya • Swell Times 2022, 11am - 8pm, Burrill Pines Motel and Lagoon Point Conference Centre, 275A Princes Hwy, Burrill Lake Sat 14 May – Tues 12 June: 25+ Spiral 25th Anniversary Tour, BAS, Corner of Vulcan & Campbell St, Moruya Sun 15: Rocky Trail Run, Deep Creek Dam Rd, Mogo Sun 22: Dreams at Bega Civic Centre, 3pm - 5:30pm, Zingel Pl, Bega Sun 22: Moruya Jockey Club Tuross - Bodalla Cup Race Day, 11am - 6pm, 100 Donnelly Dr, Moruya Fri 27: Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, 7pm - 10pm, Candelo Hall Fri 27 May – Wed 22 June: South Coast Indigenous Artists, Spiral Gallery, 47 Church St, Bega Sat 28 – Sun 29: Horsemanship Clinic at CARC, 9am - 4pm, Candelo

Fri 15 – Sun 17 April

Four Winds Festival

Sat 16 April Tilba Festival Fri 10 – Mon 13 JUNE

Merimbula Jazz Festival

JUNE

Fri 3: Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase, 8:30pm, Merimbula Imlay Bowling Club, 119 Main St Fr 10 - Sun 12: WinterSun, Market Street, Merimbula Fri 10 – Mon 13: Merimbula Jazz Festival, 5pm, Twyford Hall, 16 Market St, Merimbula Fri 10 – Sun 12: Pride Boogie 2 - Unicorns Gone Wild!, 6pm - 11pm, Skydive Oz, Bruce Cameron Dr, Moruya Sat 11– Sun 12: South Coast Regional Exhibition of Woodwork, ABC Cheese Factory, Central Tilba Sat 11: Seaweed art workshop, 12:30pm - 3:30pm, BAS, Corner of Vulcan & Campbell St, Moruya Sun 12: Support Services 2 You Jazz Festival Race Day, 12pm - 6pm, Sapphire Coast Turf Club, 1695 Sapphire Coast Dr, Wallagoot Sun 19 – Fri 24: 25th Annual Ace of Clubs Classic, Pambula Merimbula Golf Club, 173 Arthur Kaine Dr, Merimbula Fri 24 – Sun 26: Enter The Silence Ocean Retreat, 7pm - 2pm, 'The Pines' Education & Retreat Centre, Tuross Head Sat 25 – Sun 26: Preparedness and Permaculture - Design for Fire, from 10am, 392 Nutleys Creek Rd, Bermagui Sun 26: Dirt Track Round 3, 7am, Sapphire Speedway, Tantawangalo Ln, Candelo Fri 24 June – Tues 19 July: A Plethora of Postcards, Spiral Gallery, 47 Church St, Bega Please note: Some events require bookings.

All events were correct at time of printing. Please visit eventbrite.com, eurobodalla.com.au and sapphirecoast.com.au for updated information as well as the websites of individual businesses and events.

Events can also be found on Facebook & Instagram.

Narooma Oyster Festival

Sat 26: Revive, 3pm, Murrah Hall, 2989 Tathra-Bermagui Rd, Murrah Fri 25 March – Wed 4 May: Spiral Gallery Members’ Exhibition, 47 Church St, Bega

Thurs 28: Sound Bath Meditation, 7:30pm, Pure Body Yoga & Wellness Centre, Pambula Fri 29: Benji and the Saltwater Sound System, 6pm - 11pm, Nethercote Hall Sat 30 – Sun 1 May: Intermediate Hybrids, 7am - 5pm, Skydive Oz, Bruce Cameron Dr, Moruya Sat 30 – Sun 1 May: Women's Wharf to Wharf Overnight Hike, 8am - 3pm, Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant, Lake St

Fri 6 - Sat 7 MAY

MARCH

Sat 9 – Sun 10 ApRil

Giiyong Festival

EUROBODALLA & BEGA VALLEY

Bermagui Growers & Makers Market

Wyndham Village Market

Bega Produce Market

Nethercote Produce Market

Thursdays, 4-6pm Bermagui Country Club Fridays, 8am - 1pm Littleton Gardens

The Little Market, Bermagui

Saturdays, 9am - 12pm Honorbread courtyard, Bunga Street

Candelo Market

1st Sunday of the month from 8.30am William Street

Merimbula Seaside Market

3rd Sunday of the month, 8am - 12pm Ford Park

4th Sunday of the month, 8.30am - 1pm Wyndham Hall

3rd Saturday of January, April, July, October 9am - 12pm Held at the grounds of Covington's, Pambula

4th Saturday of January, April, July, October 8am - 12pm Nethercote Hall

Pambula Village Market

Eden Community Market

Moruya SAGE Farmers Market

3rd Saturday of the month, 9am - 1pm Uniting Church Hall and Community Garden, Chandos St

Cobargo Market

Saturdays, 8am - 1pm Main street of Cobargo

Club Sapphire - 119 Main St, Merimbula | clubsapphire.com.au

MARCH Sat 26: Dreams: Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute Show, 8pm Tues 29: Paul Kelly and his Band, On the Road Again, 7pm APRIL Fri 1: Chris O’Donnell, Main Bar, 7pm Sat 2: Great Southern Nights presents - Corey Legge with Genevieve Chadwick, 8pm Fri 8: Garry Carson Jones, Main Bar, 7pm Sat 9: Chris O’Donnell, Main Bar, 7pm Fri 15: Greg Kew, Main Bar, 7pm Sat 16: Sam Stevenson, Main Bar, 7pm MAY Fri 6: Adam Harvey “Highway One Tour” with Raechel, 8pm Fri 20: “The Poems, Prayers & Promises of John Denver” starring Darren Coggan, 8pm

Bermagui Country Club - Tuross St | bermaguicountryclub.com APRIL Fri 1: Dust and Echoes, 8pm - 11pm Sun 10: Sam Stevenson, 4pm - 7pm Fri 15: Paul Greene, 8pm - 11pm Sat 23: Rob Simpson, 4pm - 7pm Fri 29: Richard Lawson, 8pm - 11pm

Murrah Hall - 2989 Tathra-Bermagui Rd, Murrah

APRIL Sat 2: Dead Marines - Kill Us All Tour with Michael Menager, 7pm – 11pm Fri 8: Mr Ott, 7pm – 11pm JUNE Fri 10: Lisa Richards Concert 'Waiting to Fly Tour – WTF, 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Club Tuross - 40 Monash Ave, Tuross Head | www.thcc.net.au

APRIL Sat 2: Rick Bamford, In the Lounge, 7.30pm - 10.30pm Sat 9: Steve Martin, In the Lounge, 7.30pm - 10.30pm Sat 16: Somebody Like You - Keith Urban & Bryan Adams Tribute Show, 6:30pm – 11pm

Moruya Waterfront Hotel Motel - 1-5 Princes Hwy, Moruya | moruyawaterfront.com.au APRIL Fri 1: Bliss N Eso - The Sun Tour, 8pm Sat 9: Never Ending 80s - Party Like It's 1989, 7pm – 11pm

Flourish Market, Pambula

Central Tilba Growers Market Saturdays, 8am to 12pm Central Tilba Big Hall

Sunday Markets @ Corrigans Beach Reserve 1st Sunday of the month, 9am - 1pm

2nd Sunday of the month, 8am - 1pm Pambula soccer grounds, Narregol St

Batemans Bay Makers & Growers Market

Tuesdays, 3pm onwards Riverside Park, Moruya

Thursdays, 10.30am - 2pm Market Place - 2 Edward Road, Batehaven.

Our sister market is held Wednesday 11.30am2.30pm at 158 Edward Road, Batehaven.

Moruya Country Markets

The Dalmeny Meet The Makers Markets

Nelligen Markets

Narooma Rotary Markets

Saturdays, 7:30am to 1:30pm Riverside Park, Moruya

2nd Sunday of the month, 8.30am till 1pm Dalmeny Community Hall, Mort Avenue

2nd Saturday of the month, 9:30am - 2pm Nelligen Mechanics Institute Hall

Tilba Valley Winery & Ale House - 947 Old Highway, Corunna | tilbavalley.com.au APRIL Fri 1: Owen Campbell with Hannah Mtsk, 4:30pm Sat 2: The 'Fighter' Tour Kim Churchill, 5pm Sun 3: Drive Time, 12pm Sat 9: W, 12pm Sun 10: Ethan Parlato, 12pm Wed 13: Archie Roach Live with Ron Callaghan, 5pm Sat 16: Mister Rees, 12pm Sun 17: Lucky Tunes, 12pm Sat 23: Zoe Jeanne & Kara Coen, 12pm Sun 24: Captain Ablit & The Bluetrash Band, 12pm Sat 30: Ben and Cass, 12pm MAY Sun 1: Dave Newman, 12pm Sun 8: Mark Austin, 12pm Sat 14: Solo West, 12pm Sun 15: Dan Challis, 12pm Sat 21: Val Moogz (AKA Hannah Mtsk), 12pm Sun 22: Benji Fowler, 12pm Sat 28: Mayfair Lane, 12pm Sun 29: Michael Menager, 12pm JUNE Sun 5: Soul Stories, 12pm Sat 11: Robin Simpson, 12pm Sun 12: Stick Whack, 12pm Sat 18: Eli Eisentrager, 12pm Sun 19: Ziggy Mcneill, 12pm

Club Narooma - 88 Princes Hwy, Narooma | www.clubnarooma.com.au

Free live entertainment every weekend, check out our website for more details.

APRIL Sat 2: Gav Darby Duo, 5.30pm Sun 3: Getupandan, 3pm Sat 9: Great Southern Nights presents - The Jason Lee Band, 5.30pm Sun 10: The river Bank Duo, 3pm Fri 15: South Street Duo, 5.30pm Sat 16: Alexie Pigot, 5.30pm Sun 17: TBA, 3pm Sat 23: Ashleigh Chapman, 3pm Sun 24: One Short, 3pm Sat 30: Dan Romeo, 5.30pm

4th Sunday of the month, 8.30am-1pm, NATA Oval, Narooma

Moruya Golf Club - Evans St, Moruya | moruyagolfclub.com.au APRIL Sun 3: Jazz & Classics concert, 12.30pm Thurs 7: Mister OTT Fri 8: Simon Kinny-Lewis & Chris McGrath, 4pm Fri 22: Tim McMahon, 6pm Sun 24: Eurobodalla Live Music (ELM), 12.30pm MAY Sun 1: Jazz & Classics concert, 12.30pm Sun 15: Eurobodalla Live Music (ELM) concert, 12.30pm Fri 27: Chris McGrath, 6pm JUNE Sun 5: Jazz & Classics concert, 12.30pm Sun 19: Eurobodalla Live Music (ELM), 12.30pm Fri 24: Guy Turk live and free, 6pm

Dromedary Hotel - 14 Bate Street, Central Tilba | dromedaryhotel.com.au

APRIL Sun 3: Dan Challis, 1pm Sun 10: Two Dogz Plucking, 1pm Fri 15: Stitch, 1pm Sun 17: Dyllon Mackie, 1pm Mon 18: Solo West, 1pm Sun 24: Rick Bamford, 1pm Mon 25: Anzac Day! Joe Driscoll, 1pm MAY Sun 1: Craig Sinclair, 1pm Sun 8: Soul Stories, 1pm Sun 15: Dust n Echos, 1pm Sun 22: Mayfair Lane, 1pm Sun 29: Captain Ablit and the Bluetrassh, 1pm JUNE Mon 13: Queen's Birthday Public Holiday - Ziggy McNeill, 1pm

Narooma Golf Club - 1 Ballingalla St, naroomagolf.com.au APRIL Fri 8: Great Southern Nights presents - Corey Legge & Genevieve Chadwick, 8pm - 11:59pm Fri 22: So Fresh Party - Party favs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s!

Please note: Some events require bookings.

All events were correct at time of printing.

Please visit the websites of individual businesses for more information WWW.MONAROPOST.COM.AU

21

Tilba Wa lks

H e r ita ge Wal ks Walk into living history.

Tilba has long been a magical place for visitors to explore.

Its scenic beauty, featuring Mount Gulaga, and quaint villages are major drawcards, but it is Central Tilba’s National Trust history that really captivates the hearts and imagination of many.

Tapping into this fascinating history is Tilba Walks Heritage Talks Walking Tours. This small group tour specialist offers exclusive walking tours through the beautifully preserved National Trust Village. Tilba Walks Heritage Talks Walking Tours is a truly unique way to enhance your visit to the Tilba region.

Located on the southern edge of the Eurobodalla Shire (not far from Canberra and Sydney), Tilba has more recently become famous as the home of television series River Cottage and the early morning photographic walk with Tilba Walks

takes you to this iconic place and shares the unique area and its steeped wonderfully rich, living Indigenous and European history with you.

Five exclusive walking tours are available daily and cater for a single person and up to a maximum of eight.

You can choose from five walking tours departing daily: • Tilba’s Heritage Walk to Brunch – 45 mins; Learn about history of the village and the surrounding landscape.

• Tilba’s Taste of Town & Country – 3 + hours; Hear stories of the Village and history then treat your tastebuds to sampling Tilba’s fine produce. This tour includes gin tasting; a devonshire tea “Tilba Style” on the verandah in the afternoon light and the opportunity to try the delicious locally made cheeses, or the old fudge recipe made daily.

• T ilba’s early morning Photographic Walking Tour – 1.5+ hours; your guide takes you to the best unknown vantage points to take photos and forage through the natural fauna.

• Tilba’s Twilight Walk – 2 hours; Walk in the twilight hour with warm hues and beautiful sunsets and hear about the history of the village. Finishing with a pre-dinner drink at the local hotel as part of your walk.

• Conservation Walk to Najanuga (Little Drom) Ancient Fissure - 3 hours; A unique and very special tour that examines the significance of the cultural and environmental aspects of Najanuga. Sit on top of Najanuga to enjoy the best views of the South Coast and taste a local produce picnic.

Plus, there is also: • Tilba’s Art Trail by E-Bike; Ride through the beautiful countryside from Narooma to Tilba. This full day tour includes a special local kitchen garden lunch and ‘hands on’ art workshop with a visit to another local art studio. Finish the ride with a special gin tasting at the local pub.

Tilba Walks Heritage Talks Walking Tours is located less than half-anhour South-East from Narooma in Central Tilba, 360 kilometres south of Sydney, 2 and a half hours from the Victorian border and just three hours from Canberra. Central Tilba is the perfect spot for a long weekend and also serves as the gateway to the beautiful Sapphire Coast.

For further information, including how to book one of these wonderful tours, visit the Tilba Walks Heritage Talks Walking Tours website or call 0433 114 374.

Step into a picturesque postcard of Tilba’s National Trust Villages and explore the beautifully preserved and wonderfully rich, living history of Indigenous and European history.

Choose from 6 walking tours Exploring the region the with the wealth and knowledge of the past.

A must do experience.

Book now via our website: tilbatalksheritagewalks.securedirectbookings.com Mobile: 0433 114 374

22

YOUR COASTAL LIFE

Email: tilbatalks@gmail.com

Address: Corkhill drive The Meeting Spot, Central Tilba

Spiral Gallery turns 25 The Spiral Gallery Members’ Exhibition will run from April 1 to May 4, showing a variety of ceramics, sculpture, basket weaving, jewellery, clothing, felting, prints, paintings, handcrafted wood and knives.

The Spiral Gallery in Bega is one of the longest operating artist-run galleries in Australia, and has just celebrated 25 years of regional community arts.

Four female artists living in the Bega Valley established the Spiral Gallery Co-operative in January 1997, and its 25th birthday was celebrated recently by featuring artwork by 57 of the 90 members of the cooperative over those years.

With the ‘25+’ exhibition being a big success throughout January and February this year, a ‘25+ Tour’ exhibition will go on show at the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre in Moruya from May 13 to June 12, including an Artist Talk on May 14.

But now back to Bega; since its establishment Spiral Gallery has exhibited the works of hundreds of emerging and established artists and, in turn, acknowledges the enormous contribution its member artists have made to its success as a not-for-profit artist cooperative.

Spiral Gallery is known for its dynamic program of exhibitions, including a major annual exhibition, and offers a wide variety of professional workshops.

The gallery caters to a broad range of artists including painters, sculptors, glass artists, gold and silversmiths, textile artist, printers, photographers, mixed media and installation artists living within the Bega Valley and beyond.

It offers the opportunity to use and share a professional exhibition space as well as the chance to connect, support, exchange artistic dialogue and informal mentoring.

“Spiral Gallery creates opportunities for local artists to exhibit and sell

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their work, and also supports the exploration of a variety of art forms,” member artist, Gabrielle Powell said.

“Through curating exhibitions it assists artists to develop their professional practice.”

Spiral Gallery also offers a viable alternative to the Bega Valley Regional Gallery and regional commercial galleries.

It hosts up to an average of 16 exhibitions a year in two gallery spaces, with up to 20 artists featured at a time.

“Gallery spaces are available for hire for emerging and established artists, with our smaller gallery operating as a shop for members’ artwork for most of the year, ” Gabrielle said.

“Our exhibition program attracts a local audience, as well as a growing tourist clientele.”

And now that its 25th birthday has been celebrated there is so much ahead, including the Spiral Gallery Members & Friends Easter Exhibition running from 25 March to May 4.

On show will be the many and varied talents and skills of Spiral Gallery Co-operative Members with ceramics, sculpture, basket weaving, jewellery, clothing, felting, prints, paintings, handcrafted wood and knives.

The Spiral Gallery can be found at 47 Church Street in Bega, and is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, and on Saturdays 10am to 1pm.

You can check out everything from exhibition catalogues to detail on gallery space hire at www.spiralgallery.org.au or by phoning 6492 5322.

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Wild N a ture Locals and visitors to the region can learn more about the forests of the south coast and Monaro in John Blay’s recently released ‘Wild Nature’, the final book of his popular trilogy.

Well known naturalist of the south east, John Blay has recently published the final book of his trilogy focusing on the forests of the south coast and Monaro, a must read for locals and visitors alike.

In ‘ Wild Nature’, John is immersed in the Coolangubra and Brogo National Parks as he furthers his physical and historical knowledge of a vast and rugged area.

Throughout the pages John charts the forests’ shared history, their natural history, the establishment of the South East Forests National Park and the threats that continue to dog its existence.

Devastating bushfire is just one. “‘Wild Nature’ gives insights into the country, and if readers liked the last two books they’ll love this one,” John said.

The trilogy began with ‘On Track’ searching out the Bundian Way between

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay) and Targangal (Mt Kosciuszko), and ‘Back Country’ trekking through the Deua and Wadbilliga.

Fiona Kapp of the Sydney Morning Herald wrote that ‘Wild Nature’ “as well as being a story of ‘‘spiritual regeneration’’, is also very much about the decades long ‘‘war’’ between the forest industry and Aboriginal custodians and environmentalists, and about the history of this region.

“Reading ‘Wild Nature’ is itself a deep immersion experience in the teeming tapestry of these wild places and what connects us with them”.

In the book, Blay writes, “The south east forests fit into a fuzzy box of the south east corner of Australia, running from the spotted gums of Batemans Bay in the north, westerly to Canberra, and then down through the highest parts of the continent to the Gippsland coast in the south. My special interest lies with the national parks and what some call the Great Escarpment, a complicated edge where the Monaro tablelands fall away steeply to the coastal valleys: of tall trees, a rich but secretive wildlife, trails that criss-cross and their mysteries. And so I will keep a record of my experiences of nature and the forests as I find them. It is all like a great jigsaw puzzle, with many dimensions”.

‘Wild Nature’ was launched by Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin in Sydney in March, and is available for purchase across the far south coast and the Monaro.

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Aw shucks, let’s go to the

Narooma Oyster Festival!

For 15 years, the Narooma Oyster Festival has been held on the first weekend of May on the shores of Wagonga Inlet, Narooma – land of clear, blue water. On May 6 & 7 a star studded group of growers, chefs and producers will come together to celebrate NSW’s own bi-valve superstar, the rock oyster.

Fun for families and foodies alike, the festival delivers great food experiences including oyster tastings, masterclasses, a cooking program featuring visiting chefs, a food and beverage market, arts,

pantry that has sustained people for tens of thousands of years.

Rock Oysters are native to New South Wales and are renowned for their merrior, a distinct blend of flavours that reflect the estuary they were grown in, the hands that tended them and even the time of day they were harvested.

Festival goers can discover these unique flavours in a number of gastronomic food experiences.

The most notable is a Sydney Royal Ultimate Oyster Experience, which will feature the very best in show from this year’s Sydney Royal Aquaculture Competition. You can even glide by the oyster farms on a champagne and oyster cruise with Wagonga Princess Cruises.

Whatever you do, leave lots of time for Oyster Alley, a farmer’s oyster market that showcases the best estuaries of Rock Oyster Country through natural and topped oysters.

Last year just over 75,000 oysters were eaten during the festival and many were from Oyster Alley.

culture, live music, fireworks and kids entertainment.

Cheer on the South Coast’s fastest shuckers as they go head to head with world champion Stephen Nolan in the famous Oyster Shucking Championships, and you won’t believe how big oysters can get until you see Australia’s Biggest Oyster.

Narooma is in the heart of Rock Oyster Country, a place where the warmth of the East Australian Current meets the nutrient rich upwellings from the cool south, creating a wild coastline and a

In 2022 a new ‘conversation’ style event, hosted by the Deep in the Weeds Food Podcast Network, will dive deep into the world of produce, food and beverages with industry royalty while you enjoy oysters and matched beverages. There are four sessions scheduled, each one a live recording with a focus on genuine conversations with farmers, champion shuckers, chefs and festival ambassador Paul West (River Cottage, Back Roads, Catalyst).

The popular Betta Home Living Cooking Demonstration Program will be hosted by Courtney Roulston

(Farm to Fork) and features celebrated chefs including Colin Fassnidge (Four in Hand, Kitchen Nightmares), Corey Costelloe (Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney), Toby Worthington (Merivale) and Kelly Eastwood (Eastwood’s Deli and Cooking School).

The festival starts on Friday afternoon, May 6 with waterfront picnic vibes, live tunes and fireworks. Graze on oysters and other snacks, watch the sun set over the inlet and groove to Chloe Kay and the Crusade, the Guitar Case Troubadours and others.

Saturday, May 7 is a huge day of tastings and exploring the foreshore.

Pack a picnic blanket and leave room for market treats! Take the free shuttle bus around Narooma or a ticketed coach from further afield, the festival will have special routes between Merimbula and Batemans Bay. There’s live tunes all day with SunBears, Escapdo Sol, Dust and Echoes and more.

Separately ticketed events and experiences include the Narooma Rocks After Party (NEW), Merivale Seafood Long Lunch (NEW) and Conversations with Deep in the Weeds Food Podcast (NEW), Sydney Royal Ultimate Oyster Experience, the Whale Coast Realty Long Table Dinner, the Southern Phone Rock Oyster Lounge and Champagne and Oyster Cruises aboard Wagonga Princess.

Remember the festival is a cashless event and tickets must be pre-purchased.

Tickets and bus timetables at naroomaoysterfestival.com.

Presented by Narooma Rocks

May 6 & 7

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25

TA K E A ST R O L L O N T HE

Treasure Trail IF YOUR IDEA OF BLISS IS WANDERING ENCHANTED COUNTRY VILLAGES, THEN A VISIT TO BRAIDWOOD ALONG THE QUEANBEYAN-PALERANG TREASURE TRAIL IS A MUST-DO.

Take a peak at visitqueanbeyanpalerang.com. au for all you need to know about The Treasure Trail. From food and wine recommendations, the best drives, rides and walks, and articles on the history of the localities within the Queanbeyan-Palerang region, there is something for everyone to see, taste or experience in this beautiful region.

Braidwood is just one of the many places to visit, but it is high on the list. Enjoy exploring this heritage-listed town, renowned for its colonial buildings brimming with antiques, cafes, speciality shops and more.

But the fun doesn’t stop at Braidwood. Take a trip to nearby Majors Creek, a small gold mining

town chock-filled with historic charm.

You can also visit the spectacular Araluen Valley – another gold mining town nestled in the Great Dividing Range – or head north to Nerriga, a tiny village brimming with history.

Wherever you go, this is the stuff country dreams are made of.

Braidwood NSW boasts a rich Indigenous heritage. People from the Yuin Nation occupied the land for tens of thousands of years before white settlement.

European Settlers arrived in 1822, and between the 1820s and 1840s the town grew at an easy pace … until the gold rushes of the 1850s.

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

With nearby towns teeming with prospectors, Braidwood became a vital centre during the goldrush era.

This was a fascinating period complete with bushrangers, an influx of Chinese and Irish prospectors, and growth like never before.

But when the gold ran out, the region’s population declined.

Now offering a distinctly more laidback atmosphere, Braidwood was the first town listed on the NSW state heritage register in 2007.

The Treasure Trail website has more information to guide your trip, including what’s on, where to stay, sightseeing tips and where to eat and drink. Take a look today.

R evive Fe s ti va l is ba ck!

‘The Strides’ will bring their global sound to the much anticipated Revive Festival outside the Murrah Hall south of Bermagui on March 26.

Bermagui Seasiders Inc, producers of the Bermagui Seaside Fair, are very excited to be presenting the all new Revive Festival on March 26 - that’s this coming weekend!

The much anticipated event will be held outdoors at the Murrah Hall, 20 minute’s drive south of Bermagui, situated amongst bushland on the beautiful Sapphire Coast.

The hall has been presenting professional music and theatre events since 1903, and is the perfect venue for the Revive Festival, which has had a few false starts thanks to Covid, but is now ready to roll!

“Much of our funding has been provided by the wonderful team at the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal,” the Bermagui Seasiders said.

“This money was provided in the wake of the bushfires to help with the healing process, and we thank them for their help.”

So what can we expect from Revive? Reggae favourites ‘The Strides’ will be gracing the stage

with their presence, thrilling the crowd with a truly global sound, melding a diversity of cultures and instrumentation.

The Strides’ music faithfully builds on the foundations of classic roots reggae with a hip-hop edge, forging a sound that brings together modern dance hall, ska, dub and reggae pop. An amazing headlining act for the festival!

They’ll be joined by a host of local South Coast artists including Bodhi Turner, Calum James, Felicity Dowd, Kunda, Lillian McVeity, Nikea & Dre, Prodikal-1, The Scaramouche, The Spindrift Saga and Warren Foster Snr.

It’s an incredible line up set to entertain the festival crowd, with tickets just $30 presale or $40 on the gate. Secure your ticket now at: www.southcoasttickets.com.au/ events/revive Gates will open at 3pm, and Uncle Warren Foster Snr will deliver the Welcome to Country at 3.30pm.

As part of the renewal vibe of the festival, Headspace Bega will also be on hand to provide information about the amazing services they offer.

It sounds amazing, and it’s on this very weekend, March 26 outside Murrah Hall, so get onto those tickets now!

Your Holiday-Home Away From Home Bring your families together at Ocean Echoes with a Rumpus Room to keep the kids happy, and a deck with ocean views to let the adults sit back and relax.

The house is situated between Surf and Wimbie beaches, and within walking distance to the local Surf Beach IGA, Pharmacy and bottleshop.

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Coa st al Ba t hro o m

Luxury In the charming and historic Eurobodalla Shire village of Bodalla a bathroom business might be the last thing you would expect to find, but CJ’s Bathroom Supplies is no ordinary store.

CJ’s Bathroom Supplies brings a wealth of experience in beautiful bathroom renovations; it’s a “bathroom shop with a difference”.

The team can recommend and source stunning, unique statement pieces to set the scene for your makeover project.

You can discuss your ideas on how to make the most out of your small space or how the use of a natural

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

Showcasing one of the largest selections of vanity basins on the South Coast Specialising in timber vanities (Rustic & Americana style), customised island benches & kitchen tops (assorted timbers available), tapware & fittings, freestanding baths, huge range of basins & so much more.

timber slab can re-define the look and feel of your kitchen bench, bathroom or laundry area.

CJ’s Bathroom Supplies offers more than 30 years’ experience in the bathroom renovation industry and stocks the largest basin collection on the South Coast and an extensive range of tap ware.

Be sure to stop into the new showroom for a visit and chat with CJ’s Bathroom staff about your next bathroom renovation project.

CJ’s Bathroom Supplies can be contacted on 02 4473 5985 or 0460 837 284.

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Ephemeral Festival

at Panboola

Come to Ephemeral, a one-day festival to celebrate Panboola, an 82 hectare area of floodplain managed by the Pambula Wetlands and Heritage Project Inc. Next to Pambula, Panboola is a wetland being rehabilitated by the community for nature conservation, protection and restoration of habitat for birds and other indigenous flora and fauna, and for community education and enjoyment.

On Saturday April 9, from 9am

to 2pm, Ephemeral will have installations of art, music, workshops, craft demonstrations and stalls. You can take part in botanical drawing classes, wood and Lino block printing, create your own postcards, watch some live music and theatre performances. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the offerings of food and beverage carts.

The long history of the Pambula Floodplain is well documented in records held by the Merimbula-Imlay

Historical Society. Since 1997 changes in ownership and usage of this land has lead to the creation of Panboola.

Fresh water billabongs lead to saline areas within and around the former racecourse, then through saltmarsh and mangroves to the tidal Pambula River beyond. Ben Boyd National Park and SEPP 14 wetlands adjoin the south western boundaries.

A system of walking tracks is being developed leading visitors to destinations such as saltmarsh,

historic points, information panels and bird watching areas.

An area of farmland is managed in an environmentally sensitive way to provide for recurring costs.

A Panboola Trust supervises the use and development of Panboola to ensure the land is maintained for the purposes for which it was purchased.

For more information about Panboola and Ephemeral, visit www.panboola.com/ephemeral2022.

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win!

E D E N V I S I TO R I N F O R M AT I O N CENTRE

Celebrations for the Eden Visitor Information Centre after winning the2021 NSW Tourism’s “Tourism Star Award”.

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

The 2021 NSW Tourism Awards were held in February via a virtual ceremony broadcast and the Eden Visitor Information Centre were the winners of the judge’s “Tourism Star Award”.

month time period that the awards took in, the Eden Visitor Information Centre achieved a number of objectives.

This new accolade was added to the awards list to acknowledge tremendous resilience and innovation during a period of immense challenges, and winners were selected from the large list of finalists from all categories.

Some of these included moving to a new location within the iconic Eden Welcome Centre, rebranding, diversifying operations, overhauling their complete retail offering to include mainly local products and all the while striving to be innovative with their support to local businesses and the community.

“We feel so honoured to have been selected for this very special award” Centre Manager Clair Mudaliar said, “the Judge’s were obviously impressed with what we managed to achieve even through bushfires, floods and covid”. Throughout the 18

Volunteers and staff celebrated at a covid-safe event held at the Centre last night while streaming the awards ceremony and there weren’t any cheers louder throughout the evening than those from Eden when the win was announced.

In her acceptance speech Clair thanked all the volunteers, the volunteer board of management, and staff all of whom are integral to the running of the Centre, and a special mention was given to Bob Sykes (Assistant Manager) for his knowledge and vision.

In a time when Visitor Information Centre’s are being closed down in surrounding shires, the Eden Visitor Information Centre continues to prove the worth of Information Centre’s and their value to the tourism economy – leading the way with innovative ways to sustain their non-profit operations.

“We feel so proud to be acknowledged in this way, this award means the world to us as we

really feel like a David and Goliath situation going up against major business and council run centres, so it’s a massive achievement for our little non-profit, volunteer staffed, Centre to be able to take home a win at a state level” Clair said.

The Eden Visitor Information Centre is operated by not-for-profit entity EdenTourism Inc., and the Centre (now located at the Eden Wharf) is open 7 days a week, 363 days a year. They support local tourism businesses, provide advice and guidance to visitors, market Eden as a destination through their own website and social media channels, and work on projects (such as new town entry signage) to support the local tourism industry.

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31

HOTEL AUST R AL ASIA Eden’s Hotel Australasia is in its final stages of a major renovation with high quality and skilled workmanship displayed throughout the rebuild from local commercial building contractor Neil Rankin and his team.

The activity surrounding the heritage restoration project has sparked re-newed interest in the historic building with many locals, particularly long-term residents, keenly following its progress.

When finished the five-star boutique heritage hotel will offer eight luxury rooms with restaurants, outdoor eateries and “Rankin’s Bar”, vodka and gin distilleries, an outdoor theatre and 2SEA community radio station.

Owner, Core Asset Development, is excited about the hotel’s future.

The hotel has stood proudly in the middle of Eden’s main street for more than a century and over this time it has developed a very long and colourful history.

The following is just a snippet of interesting early Australasia Hotel history: It all began in 1904; The Bombala Times reporting: “A block of land in Imlay Street, one acre in extent, was recently purchased by Mrs S Pike for the sum of 500 pounds. On Monday last Mr John Hopkins sold (on behalf of the owner) a half-acre block at the corner of Imlay and Chandos Street for the sum of 500 pounds, the highest price for land in Eden during 40 years.

It is understood Mrs Pike intends building a large up to date hotel on her block.” – “Eden Observer” Materials for the build were sourced locally utilising the abundant natural resources available.

The Southern Star on December 21, 1904 wrote: “Mr John Hines has two sawmills at work. He has also commenced the new Hotel Australasia….”

And in June 17, 1905 The Southern Star stated: “Mr John Hines contractor, is still making bricks at his local works. He has all the bricks burnt that will be required for the Hotel Australasia, which is nearing completion. There are only two bricklayers on the work, and they expect to finish within a

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

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week. Mr Hines also has a sawmill at work, employing a number of men.”

Hotel Australasia was way of ahead of its time, as these extracts from the Bega Budget December 6, 1905 and Town and Country Journal (Sydney) March 14, 1906 reveal respectively: “The Hotel Australasia, in Eden, built by Mrs Pike (well-known proprietress of the Great Southern Hotel) is receiving the finishing touches, and will be furnished and ready for visitors early in the year. It is a very fine building…., some think too far in advance of the requirements of Eden, except for perhaps during the tourist and holiday seasons. A feature of the hotel is the installation of acetylene gas. Mr Hume, of the Commercial Hotel, Bega, who was on a visit to Eden, saw the Australasia lit up on Thursday night last, and he declares it is the best artificial light he has seen, greatly surpassing coal gas and much cheaper.”

“The largest and most modern building in Eden is Mrs Pike’s Hotel Australasia. Mrs Pike has been in business at Eden for a number of years and has been so successful that she recently removed into the splendid new Hotel. The Hotel Australasia is thoroughly up-to-date in all its appointments and is furnished most elaborately. From the hotel magnificent views of Twofold Bay and the Pacific are obtained, and the pleasant surroundings, combined with the comforts of the modern building, makes the Australasia an ideal place at which to stay….”

Mrs Pike was a fixture at Hotel Australasia for 19 years before selling the hotel in July 1923.

The Southern Star (Bega) reported on Wednesday, July 11, 1923: “Mr H.B. Gunton, of Melbourne, has purchased from Mrs S Pike the Hotel Australasia property and business at Eden. Mrs Pike intends to reside in Sydney. The price paid for the property and business was 9,500 pounds…”

It wasn’t long before Mrs Pike found herself back at Eden though.

The South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus February 1, 1924: “Mrs S. Pike, who recently sold out the Hotel Australasia property and business, and left to reside in the city, has returned to Eden and has purchased from Mr Frank Dawson his seaside home, and will reside in Eden again.”

Source: National Library of Australia Trove online collection by John Sandefur (1904-1954).

There will no doubt be more stories in the next 100 years to add as Hotel Australasia becomes the centrepiece of beautiful Eden again.

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Cooma is famously home to the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC).

Established in 2012, the competition sees buskers from all over the country hit their local streets for the regional final events, with the winners coming to Cooma for the grand final in November.

New for this year, the Cooma regional final will be held on Saturday April 9.

ANBC founder and organiser Allan Spencer says he is excited to have the event in autumn, one of his favourite seasons here in Cooma.

“Autumn is really a unique time of year here in Cooma,” says Allan.

“The colours are spectacular, and I think it will really add something special to the atmosphere of the busking.”

After cancelling the grand final for the last two years, along with many other performances, buskers across the country are very excited to come back for this unique event.

The Cooma regional final will attract musicians and other busking entertainers from the Snowy Monaro region, with strong contingents from Bombala and Jindabyne, as well as the south east coast, which also has many talented performers.

With buskers lining the streets of Cooma all

day, visitors and locals alike can enjoy the free entertainment while exploring the local cafes, restaurants and shops in the CBD. The town really comes alive for this event, it is one not to be missed if you are in the area. This year there will be seven regional finals held, including Stanthorpe (QLD), Cooma (NSW), Kilmore (VIC), Rutherglen (VIC), Noosa (QILD), Gladstone (QLD) and Braddon (ACT). The finalists from these will then head to Cooma for the grand final concert on November 26. Held in Centennial Park in conjunction with the Cooma Rotary Markets, it is a fantastic event the locals love having here in town.

“Seeing the best of the best buskers from around the country perform is a lot of fun,” says Allan.

“There have been many talented musicians and other entertainers who have taken part in the ANBC over the years, including Tones and I, before she became an international success.

“We are so looking forward to seeing our extended busking family come together this year and can’t wait to see new talent get involved as well.”

For more information, check out the ANBC Facebook page.

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Canberra 150km

SU MMER SEA S

Sydney 280km

The pressure was well and truly on the Summer season to perform in 2021/2022 and by all accounts it didn’t disappoint, despite an unusually wet and mild season.

After the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020 and two years of Covid lock downs and restrictions, tourism operators in both the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla Shires were hopeful the 2021/2022 season would deliver a hassle-free holiday period for business operators and visitors.

Centre manager, Eden Visitor Information Centre, Clair Mudaliar, has reported a “fantastic summer… a case of third time lucky”.

“It was wonderful to be able to welcome back our regular Victorian summer holidaymakers, many of whom had postponed their holidays multiple times (first due to bushfires and then due to border closures).

EUROBODALLA REGION

“We were also delighted to see an increase in visitors from Canberra, Sydney, and inland New South Wales and were very much appreciative of the patience of our visitors during this time as Eden’s businesses (like many others) struggled with worker availability for cafes and restaurants as well as cleaners.

“Here at the new Eden Visitor Information Centre, we were thrilled with the results of our first summer, welcoming more than 18,000 visitors through our doors through the months of December and January and selling record amounts of souvenirs and local products,” Ms Mudaliar said.

Similarly, reports out of Merimbula have been just as positive for the Summer season.

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“All’s well and getting better in Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast,” tourism manager Merimbula, Merimbula Tourism Inc., Chris Nicholls said.

“With the removal of much of the

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general restrictions imposed over the past nearly two years, summer was much improved even from last summer.

“This one was slightly different however – it’s persisted as the bookings didn’t stop coming and we are still full up with visitors.”

Mr Nicholls added the accommodation occupancy throughout the Sapphire Coast region in February and March is well into the mid 90s percentagewise.

Numbers of visitors into the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre also increased marginally from last year although final numbers for the Summer were still being processed (at time of publication).

“Anecdotally, tourism operators and accommodation businesses were very happy with the Christmas New Year Holidays!

“Thankfully, the predicted floods didn’t eventuate, and now it is sunny warm again in Merimbula and on the Sapphire Coast just in time for the EAT Merimbula Festival, which went off on the weekend of March 12 and 13!

“It was another winner from the Merimbula event stable with the only negative – no oysters (due to the 200mm of rain over the past fortnight).

“But the crowds returned in great numbers, and it was such a joy to feel a little more normal again.

“The food was brilliant, with some of the best fare we’ve seen yet in this foodie fest,” Mr Nicholls said.

“With things picking up as we move into Autumn that should tide us well into our next busy time – Easter 2022 which is already completely booked out accommodation-wise, although we can always squeeze in the occasional booking!”

Tathra Hotel manager, Sudhir Chandra, said it was a relief to see

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

S O N WR AP U P the end of the Covid restrictions.

“We are especially pleased to be able to hold events and live music again in the hotel.

“We had a very busy Summer season, and our hotel/motel accommodation occupancy has remained high through February and March.”

Bega retailer, Pam Burgess, of the Bega Valley Marketplace said managing a small business over the last three years has been tough with drought, fires, floods and a pandemic causing many issues for businesses.

“We haven’t seen the usual influx of visitors in peak holiday periods which has added further stress to our financials.

“Without our local community we may not have survived. However, because of their support the Bega Valley Marketplace has managed to remain open.

Council, which utilises a range of different data tools to capture how the tourism industry is performing, backs this up.

One of these tools is monthly reports on key industry data which shows a comparison in occupancy (source: Localis) and spending (source: Spendmap).

In December 2019 the occupancy rate was 58 per cent, 2020 it was 70 per cent and in 2021 68 per cent; while in January 2020 occupancy was 54 per cent, in 2021 78 per cent and 2022 67 per cent.

The most recent occupancy data for February is 48 per cent in 2020, 61 per cent in 2021 and 2022.

In relation to spending the data from ESC reveals in November 2019 consumers spent $63.6m, in 2020 $76.2m and 2021 $77.6m.

In comparison, the December spend for 2019 was $79.4m, $101m in 2020 and $113m in 2021.

“We do look forward to better days and we will always welcome you with a smile and a warm welcome.

January’s spend in 2019 was $92.9m, 2020 $67.5m, $114m in 2021 and $115m in 2022.

“So, before you decide to click “Add to cart” remember to shop local – keep it local – support your local small business.”

Susan Gray, president of Tilba District Chamber of Commerce and co-owner of Dromedary Hotel, Central Tilba, reported visitors certainly discovered Tilba over the Summer.

Pambula Business Chamber member and co-owner of Black Daisy Trading, Michelle Pettigrove, has a message for those who have visited and enjoyed all the South Coast has to offer and that is to make sure they “tell their friends”.

“This summer has been the summer we haven’t had for the last two years.

“It’s great to see visitors arrive and be allowed to stay safely and enjoy all the amazing experiences this region has to offer.”

Further north, Eurobodalla Shire businesses and accommodation providers were relieved to experience a revived and stabilised tourism season.

Data from Eurobodalla Shire

“They’re coming primarily to visit the shops and cafés of our main street, visit our famous Dairy, and have a beer or gin and tonic at the pub.

“We also are seeing higher numbers than ever coming to hike Gulaga mountain – either to do the lovely 45-minute loop track that starts in Central Tilba at Station Street, or the longer 4-5 hour hike that starts at Tilba Tilba.”

With increased visitor numbers expected over Easter on the South Coast, local business owners are hopeful this upward and positive trend will continue long into the future as confidence to travel returns.

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Merimbula airport development update

including ATR 72 and Dash8 Q400 aircraft.

• Deliverable: Design and construction of a 120m long runway ‘starter extension’ at each end of the existing runway and retain the existing take-off and landing points.

2. GENERAL AVIATION AND COMMERCIAL PRECINCT • Scope: Provision of additional general aviation infrastructure (taxiways, vehicle access, stormwater services) to permit the relocation of general aviation activity away from the secure areas that will be required for ATR72 and Dash8 Q400 aircraft.

• Deliverable: Design and construction of infrastructure to permit the development of general aviation activity at the airport to the limit of available funding.

The Merimbula Airport closure has been extended until late March due to rain.

The $20 million project will improve the runway and create a new precinct for general aviation, providing for existing and future passenger aircraft and create a dedicated area for general aviation use. This is said to increase tourism

opportunities and make it easier for people to travel for business.

The project includes three elements: 1. RUNWAY EXTENSION • Scope: Extend the existing runway length so that it is fully compliant for maximum takeoff weight for larger aircraft,

3. EXISTING RUNWAY IMPROVEMENT • Scope: Renewing and strengthening of existing runway, taxiway and aprons to reset the current pavement and increase its classification to allow unrestricted operations for larger aircraft including SF 340 Q400.

• Deliverable: Design and construction of an overlay of the existing runway, taxiways

and aprons to the to the limit of available funding.

Bega Valley Shire Council says the north and south runway extensions have been completed, the taxiways and apron have been strengthened and stabilised, and about 80 percent of the runway has been sealed with its first coat.

The sealing of the remainder of the runway, taxiways and apron will commence once the pavement has sufficiently dried out, followed by line marking and final safety checks before the airport re-opens.

Council has been working closely with the airlines and emergency services throughout the project and would like to thank the community for their patience.

“We’ve looked at a number of scenarios to complete the work as close to the original schedule as possible, but with the amount of rain we’ve had, and more rain forecast, we’ve had to plan for a 10-day extension to the airport closure,” says Project Services Manager, Daniel Djikic.

“We know this is inconvenient for travellers, the airlines and the broader community, but unfortunately we are at the mercy of the weather and there’s not much we can do.

“If anything changes with the weather that will impact the planned re-opening date, we will inform the airlines and the community as soon as possible.”

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

V i e w t he

P i n n acl es

Mathew Burns from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the $250,000 project will improve the popular Pinnacles loop walking track and give visitors much better views of the 65 million-yearold white sand and red gravel cliffs.

‘We are replacing the existing viewing platforms with two brand

new ones that are better positioned to take in views of the Pinnacles,’ Mr Burns said.

‘The platforms will be positioned towards this spectacular landmark giving visitors a much closer look at this geological feature created from coloured sand and gravel clay deposited around 65 million years ago.

‘Access to the viewing platforms will be created with new sandstone steps that will be installed by NPWS staff working on the track.

WHAT’S ON

Construction of two new viewing platforms at the striking Pinnacles sand cliffs in Ben Boyd National Park has started, as part of the biggest infrastructure investment in NSW national parks’ history.

‘We are also fixing washed out sections of track and doing general upgrades to the entire loop making the overall experience much more enjoyable for visitors,’ Mr Burns said.

This project is part of the biggest infrastructure investment in NSW national parks’ history, delivering $450 million of priority works that benefit the community and boost nature-based tourism across the state.

Works have started and will continue over summer.

The Pinnacles loop walking track will be closed during this construction phase and NPWS apologises for any inconvenience.

The improved track and new viewing platforms are expected to be open by mid-2022.

During construction, visitors to the Pamula-Haycock area of Ben Boyd National Park can still appreciate area’s natural and cultural values by doing other walks in the park, which are listed on the NPWS website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visita-park/parks/pambula-haycock-area

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37

E urob od alla Eurobodalla has many reasons to attract visitors. The rolling green hills, the beautiful coastline, fresh local food and drink, but there is another you may not have considered… the history.

The Eurobodalla Shire Council established a heritage tourist map back in 2016. From Nelligen down to Tilba, the region is filled with fascinating history to investigate and explore.

The Dhurga speaking people of the Yuin nation have lived in the Eurobodalla region for over 20,000 years. The landscape is part of their culture with Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) and Barunguba (Montague Island) having special significance. Many place names today are derived from their Aboriginal names.

Sea transport was vital to early European settlement both for people and to send produce to market in Sydney, especially timber and cheese. Road transport was difficult and there were many rivers to cross so the main settlements developed where sea access was good. The Eurobodalla has a rich maritime, dairying, goldmining, sawmilling, fishing and tourism heritage.

Use the map to travel through time, visiting the many historical landmarks across the Eurobodalla on your next trip.

Here are just a few…

Batemans Bay As sawmills became established around the Clyde River by the 1880s, fishing and oyster farming also became significant industries, and shipping also increased, leading to the growth of Batemans Bay. In later years, as the closest seaside town to Canberra, it was established as a regional centre and was a popular holiday destination.

For a deeper dive into the history of Batemans Bay, you can call into the Old Courthouse Museum, take a cruise up the Clyde River to Nelligen and enjoy the Batemans Bay Historic Walk during your next visit.

Moruya Moruya is famous for its granite, first quarried in 1850. It was even used in the pylons for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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YOUR COASTAL LIFE

The river flats first attracted settlers in the late 1820s but initially they relied on ships anchoring in Broulee Bay. A flood in 1841 temporarily scoured the bar at the entrance to Moruya River opening it to shipping. The Government then abandoned Broulee in favour of Moruya, gazetted as a village in 1851.

Moruya was an important port for the Araluen goldfields and for the district’s producers.

While in Moruya, visit the Moruya Museum in Emmott House to see the 10m long state heritage listed Abernethy & Co stonemason’s lathe. You can also drive to Moruya Heads (Toragy Point) to see the Pilot Station (1861-1953), now private residence, is nearby. Moruya’s first pilot Captain John Ross is among seamen buried in the historic cemetery.

You could also walk the stunning 14km coastal Bingi Dreaming Track from Congo to Coila Lake. The track links camp and ceremonial sites, water and food sources.

Narooma and Montague Island Tourists were attracted to Narooma from its early days by the area’s beauty, ocean and inlet fishing, and oysters.

From the 1920s, Narooma’s stylish guest houses attracted Sydney professionals and farmers and graziers from ‘out west’.

Camping along the foreshore was popular from the 1920s. Tourism is now Narooma’s main industry.

Australia’s first commercial fish cannery was established in Narooma in 1937.

Narooma is the closest port for whale watching tours to Montague Island (Baranguba) and its historic lightstation (1881).

While in Narooma, check out the Visitors Centre to see the original lens from Montague Lighthouse and learn about the history of Montague Island and the lightstation, Aboriginal custodians, early settlement, maritime endeavours and fishing. You can also see the heritagelisted boatsheds, the largest group of boatsheds on the south coast. Take a cruise on the Wagonga Princess and hear about life on the river. You can also catch a movie at the School of Arts Hall (1926 – the Kinema), one of the longest running movie theatres in NSW.

The heritage tourist map can be downloaded from the Eurobodalla Shire Council website.

You can also check out eurobodalla.com.au/things-to-do/ancient-sites for some amazing geological landmarks to visit in the Eurobodalla area.

Photo courtesy of Eurobodalla Coast Tourism.

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CLUB TUROSS COME AND ENJOY OUR FAMILY FRIENDLY CLUB IN A SETTING THAT MUST BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED! WITH MAGICAL VIEWS OF THE MOUNTAINS, LAKE AND SEA, CLUB TUROSS IS THE PLACE TO BE. GOLF / BOWLS / FISHING

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Enjoy dining with the magnificent 180° scenic views of the lake and ocean. Our restaurant has a vast selection of Western and Asian cuisine with Lunch and Nightly specials. Open 7 days.

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