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Mt Lyell Strahan Picnic 2021

Tassie’s Far South is the historical heart of our company so it was with great pleasure that Huon participated in the 2021 Dover Seafest. Numbers might have been capped but that didn’t stop attendees from enjoying the yummy local food and beverages including our own Huon Salmon which was superbly barbequed by volunteers from the Port Esperance Sailing Club.

Attending the annual Mt Lyell Strahan Picnic is somewhat of a long standing tradition for Huon and our staff families in the West.

Following the loss of their clubhouse due to fire, the local mariners (many of whom are Huon employees!) are busy fundraising for a bigger and better home base and we look forward to supporting them on their journey. Mariners of the four-legged kind were also looked after by our pals at Metz Munchies who proudly stock Huon’s Omega Treats for pets alongside their own locally made doggie snacks. In keeping with our ongoing support for the younger generation of Far South members, we once again sponsored the primary school art competition. The ocean is an integral part of many families living in the Dover/Southport region and it was pleasing to see the next generation understand the importance of a healthy ocean.

committee didn't operate its annual event at West Strahan Beach—and this was during World War II during Australia's rationing policy. To operate in 2021, the committee knew it would be tricky—visitor numbers would have to be capped, its sponsorship climate uncertain, and event volunteers were apprehensive with whether they could manage a COVID safe event should it proceed. Organising committee secretary Leigh Styles said “the committee has, in 125 years, made some friends. We put the call out to the businesses operating on the West Coast to see if they could help us, and the response from Huon was quick and phenomenal.” “’Can we help with the costs of the event? Can we help by providing volunteers?’ Yes, and a big yes. “Fast forward to January 26 and the Huon Aquaculture marquee was erected in typical West Coast weather- pouring rain! But by the official start time, the weather had cleared and the Picnic welcomed over 500 people through the gate to enjoy the tradition of its picnic activities. “With Huon's support we managed to pull off what had months earlier seemed impossible. Not this time COVID. Drawing on the spirit and motto of the original Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company, 'we find a way, or make it'.” –A winning entrant –

While it was a close call not to proceed, on January 26, the annual picnic once again delivered a program much loved and enjoyed by local Tasmanian families either living or holidaying in the West Coast. Each year the picnic is organised by volunteers comprising of alumni, mining staff and many of the west’s local community. Backed and supported by local business’ (Huon included) the event offers a free day of fun activities for all and free food for the kids.

The rolling program has been delivered for 123 years with activities including traditional races - egg and spoon, three legged, wheelbarrow and the inaugural tug of war. Ulverstone’s Slipstream Circus provided roving entertainment and picnic patron’s purchased a delicious lunch from the CWA and Lions Club stalls.

Like many long standing community events, in the wake of the pandemic the picnic committee faced the dilemma to push forward with the 2021 Picnic or to cancel it? Since its inception 125 years ago, there’s only been two occasions where the –The tug of war was a hit ––Leigh Styles of the organising committee –