2024 is off to a flying start and your exec team have already met to plan the year ahead.
Welcome Experience
As mentioned last month the Worker Attraction Pilot that the Chamber is running on behalf of the Department of Regional NSW is going really well and we have engaged with over 100 new workers to the area over the last nine months. If we can assist these new workers to settle into the Bega Valley and to demonstrate what a great place it is then hopefully the majority will stay long term which is good for both their employers and also the community.
Just before Christmas we held a Bar B Q at Bar Beach in Merimbula and last week a morning tea at the South East Regional Hospital which were both well supported.
Tourism Local Navigators Pilot
Disability Trust are running a Tourism Local Navigators Pilot in the Bega Valley and its already getting some great results.
Heather from the Tathra Beach Kiosk is a valuable employer of people with barriers to employment or disability.
The Tathra Beach Kiosk has welcomed 2 jobseekers into paid employment as part of the Tourism Local Navigators Pilot. These 2 roles include a Barista and Café All-Rounder.
Chris has an intellectual disability and has been successful in gaining the café all-rounder role. Chris’ duties include food preparation, window cleaning, general cleaning, dishwashing and will soon be serving ice cream!
If you are Interested in finding out more about the Tourism Local Navigators Pilot in the Bega Valley region, please contact Tourism Navigator, Michelle on 6413 496 or michelle.carter@disabilitytrust.org.au
Community Improvements
The Chamber has discussed many times about the state of our CBD and that it needs a fair bit of love and attention. To that end we are getting together a team to actively identify the things that are letting the CBD down and what could be done to smarten it up. Once we get a few ideas together we can then approach Landlords, Council or apply for grants, depending on the need. If you would like to help out in this area then please let me know.
Congratulations Corinne
Corinne Gibbons grew up in Bega and has spent the majority of her career travelling the world as a performing artist. She is a member of our Chamber and is the founder of her business Discover your voice. Recently Corinne travelled to COP28 in the UAE to conduct the world’s largest youth choir for the conference.
The energy from these children was something to behold and beheld by. Joy, its a great vibration to be part of and absolute pleasure to facilitate.
These wonderful children sang up a story at COP28 UAE which touched hearts with so much positivity.
Follow the link below to watch the video and congratulations to Corinne on such a great job.
https://youtu.be/vVr2jXF7Ei8?si=PXY47gK7W35I_9x2
Progress on the Old Bega Hospital
Progress is continuing on the restoration of the Old Bega Hospital with the roof almost complete. There is still much to do though, and so the committee are continuing their fund-raising activities.
Their latest initiative is to buy a paver. Once the landscaping is done their will be lots of footpaths laid and your support will be engraved into the pavers forever.
If you would like to support their efforts, you can see the attached flyers or email treasurer@obh.org.au
Networking night
Our first networking event for the year will be held on Wednesday the 21st of February. This will be an evening event commencing at 5-5:30pm with the venue to be advised.
Coming Events
The official Australia day ceremony will be celebrated in Littleton Gardens on Friday January 26th with a free breakfast from 7:30am. Come along to recognise our Citizens of the Year, community medallion winners and also to welcome our newest Australian citizens.
Bega Show – Due to the redevelopment of the Show Pavilion and surrounds, this year the Bega show will be a shortened two day community event. Their will still be fireworks and demolition derby and of course all the horse events; and after the success of lasts year the Talent Fest returns.
This year the show is on February 17th and 18th.
