South Coastal Life September 2022 Edition

COASTAL

Merimbula’s THAW FESTIVAL

The Merimbula Chamber of Commerce is encouraging seasonal workers leaving the Snowy Mountains to head to the coast to thaw out, and party over three days.

An action-packed weekend will kick off with the Icebreaker Event at Kitty’s on Saturday October 1 from 4pm until late. Kitty’s is the hottest place in Merimbula with an Asian-fusion inspired menu, cool cocktails, craft beer and chilled tunes.

Date: Saturday October 1

Time: From 4pm until late

Location: Kitty’s –Club Sapphire – Merimbula Booking Information: Free Event –Limited Space – Recommend to make Booking online or call 02 6495 1306

The feature event is Oktoberfest at Oaklands Event Centre on Sunday October 2 from 12pm-7pm. Indulge in some hearty German food, cold German beer, Oompah music and German slap dancing to get your heart pumping. There will be plenty of food and German Beer available throughout the day. Ticket prices start at $15 which includes entry, entertainment and an Oktoberfest mug.

Date: Sunday October 2

Time: 12pm to 7pm

Location: Oaklands Event Centre –Pambula Booking Information: Ticketed Event –$15 per person – Book Online at www.southcoasttickets.com.au/events/ oktoberfest/

The final event is the Recovery Breakfast on Monday morning from 8.30am at Spencer Park. After a big day celebrating at Oktoberfest it might be a slow start..

Guests can start their recovery with a hot breakfast and some cool tunes.

There will be SUP board races on the lake, or if they are feeling up to it they can hire a SUP or an Ebike and go for a ride. Entertainment is free, and guests just pay for their breakfast or hire.

RECOVERY BREAKFAST

Cooked breakfast available from Merimbula Fishing Club

Ebike, SUP and canoe hire available from Boss Outdoor Merimbula Surf and street wear available from Raging Bull Surf Events by Sapphire Coast Board Riders and Pambula Surf Club

Date: Monday October 3

Time: 8.30am to 11am

Location: Spencer Park – Merimbula

Booking Information: This is NOT a ticketed event so you can just turn up.

Merimbula Chamber of Commerce

President Nigel Ayling says, “After a cold winter working in the Snowy Mountains people are looking for some warmth and what better place to head to than Merimbula. “We are only a couple of hours drive from the Mountains and we are the prefect summer destination for visitors to Thaw Out and enjoy some of Merimbula’s great coastal attractions.”

Mr Ayling says that is how he ended up living in Merimbula. “I was working in the Snowy Mountains in the late 1980s as a ski Instructor and we decided to stay on over summer and we were living in Berridale. I can still remember coming down Merimbula Drive and seeing the lake from the top of the hill and thinking how beautiful it was. There is a real close association between the Snowy Mountains and the Sapphire Coast with lots of people travelling between the two areas, for work and for activities, but a lot of the seasonal workers just go home at the end of the season and never come down here. We have so much to offer down here with our outdoor lifestyle such as surfing, fishing, mountain biking, and bushwalking and we know it appeals to that demographic so if we can offer them a reason to come here, who knows, they might like it and stay around.”

The Thaw Festival is on the October long weekend from October 1 to 3 and the weekend after the Wanderer Festival. For more information about the Thaw Festival and to book your tickets online visit www. ourmerimbula.com.au/thaw-festival/ or follow Socials @thawmerimbula.

SPEND YOUR OKTOBERFEST ALONG THE SOUTH COAST

Fig Café and Bar, Eden

Bring your Lederhosen’s and Dirndls and dance the night away at Fig Café and Bar located in Eden.

Dress up with friends and family and celebrate Oktoberfest with the Fig crew in their bier garten starting at 10am to 5pm on Sunday October 2. With plenty of German food and beer and plenty of live music, come dressed in your best and win some prizes.

Their first of many annual Oktoberfest events, the crew at Fig are excited to welcome all to the newly established café and bar and look forward to seeing some great costumes.

Bookings are essential, please contact 6496 1475 to book your table or visit the website www. figcafeandbar.com.au. Prost.

Oaklands Event Centre and Longstocking Brewery, Pambula

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Oaklands Event Centre and Longstocking Brewery on Sunday October 2 from 12pm to 7pm as part of the Thaw Festival.

Indulge in some hearty German food, cold German beer, Oompah music and German Slap dancing to get your heart pumping. There will be plenty of food and German Beer available throughout the day and plenty of space inside or outside for everyone.

Ticket prices start at $15 which includes entry, entertainment and an Oktoberfest mug and can be purchased online via www.ourmerimbula.com.au/thaw-festival/

Tilba Valley Winery and Alehouse, Narooma

Come and celebrate another fantastic year of Oktoberfest at the Tilba Valley Winery and Alehouse on Saturday October 29 from 10am.

Get your calendars out and mark this one down for 2022 as Oktoberfest returns again to Tilba Valley with German food, booze and some loud music.

So, dust off the dirndl’s, get practicing on your best PRRRROST impersonations and let’s go round again for 2022.

After two very successful years running the Oktoberfest event is always a big hit and the crew at Tilba Valley Winery and Alehouse look forward to welcoming everyone back, so don’t

be the only one not dressed up this Oktoberfest.

Grab a ticket and come join in the German shenanigans Tilba valley style. www.facebook.com/tilbavalley

Smokey Dan’s, Tomakin

Smokey Dan’s brings you ‘Rocktoberfest’ an Oktoberfest themed rock music extravaganza on the beautiful South Coast of NSW.

This will be a day to remember featuring 10 amazing acts, fun games and competitions, a special German menu and many awards.

Let the beer flow as Dan cooks up a storm delivering a delicious German menu.

Win awesome prizes as you unleash your skills in the games and competitions throughout the day.

Wear your traditional dirndl or lederhosen and be in the running for the best dressed award.

Come along, join in the fun, eat and drink your fill, compete in the Oktoberfest games and dance into the night with some of the best bands around.

Limited tickets on sale now at www.smokeydans.com.au

THERE REALLY IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN THE TILBAS

If you are looking for a perfect day trip destination on the South Coast, there are few places more characterful and interesting for all the family than the beautiful villages of Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba, two perfectly preserved little heritage towns nestled in the foothills of Mount Gulaga.

Tilba Tilba is the setting off point for the fairly strenuous but rewarding walk up Mount Gulaga – leave around five hours for the round trip - and also houses a cute café and a garden centre.

Central Tilba is the larger of the two villages. Head to the famous Tilba Real Dairy to stock up on award-winning cheeses and milk or grab an ice cream or a milkshake.

Saunter along the main street and explore the varied and unique shops, each offering quality gifts and produce. There really is something for everyone, from Tilba Leather Shop - celebrating its 40th year of trading this year - to the old-fashioned lolly shop, Tilba Sweet Spot. From clothing, to homewares, to bath bombs, to jewellery, Tilba’s retailers challenge you to leave the street emptyhanded!

For refreshments, there are famously delicious pies at the Bakery, a lovely teashop serving Devonshire scones – Eumun Tea – and of course Tilba Teapot, where you can also stock up on local eggs, honey and bread, amongst other things.

The 45-60 minute Bellbrook Loop hike leaves from the top of Station St next to the pub, the Dromedary Hotel.

VISIT

day

Gulaga Mountain, known as Mt Dromedary

Reward yourself afterwards with a delicious lunch or dinner at this 127year old establishment, which opens every day with free live music on Sundays or try new local bar Sweetwater.

There’s a great little market in the old town hall every Saturday morning form 8am – get there early for fresh, local veggies, flowers, baked goods and crafts. If you’re lucky you’ll catch one of the locals at the grand piano on the stage, entertaining shoppers.

And once you’ve made your Bate St pilgrimage, don’t forget to stop in at the old General Store and Post Office and pick up some of their famously delicious homemade Tilba fudge.

There really is something for everyone in the Tilbas. And if you are yet to be convinced then come and take a look for yourself!

TILBA HERITAGE WALKS

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. 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.

• Tilba’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-an-hour South-East from Narooma in Central Tilba, 360 kilometres south of Sydney, two 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.

Welcome to POTOROO PALACE

Wow - there is never a dull moment at Potoroo Palace

We have some beautiful little male potoroos who have come from Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve near Canberra, to bring new blood to our Long-nosed Potoroo breeding programme.

They all have musical names: Mozart, Verdi, Puccini. We continue to supply other sanctuaries with potoroos. It is wonderful that this species, which struggles in the wild, can breed well when protected from dogs, cats and foxes. Australian Wildlife Conservancy has had great success with small mammals by simply reintroducing dingos.

A cat or fox may kill 13 or 20 native animals in one day, whereas a dingo will only kill what it needs to

eat. And where there are dingos, there are very few cats and foxes.

And, we have two new beautiful dingos. The man (Justin) who reared them from birth in a Sanctuary in Queensland had to find a new home for them in a hurry when he sold the sanctuary and the permit to keep them was not renewed. He was told to give them to National Parks in Queensland, but he knew that they would be euthanased. Justin was advised to get to NSW. He rang countless sanctuaries and finally Potoroo Palace said yes.

Justin set off with the two six-yearold dingos, only stopping to sleep beside the road in his swag. When he reached Potoroo Palace, he was

thrilled to find that the enclosure was very large and perfect for them. Justin was so happy to find a brilliant dedicated staff available to care for his two precious dingos, Django and Nahla. He slept with them in his swag in the pen for a week to make sure that they were able to settle in despite the turmoil of losing their home.

Nahla is relaxed and friendly, but Django is nervous. The introduction to our staff was handled very sensitively.

An unexpected thing was the excitement of the shy dingos who were already at Potoroo Palace. Now we have happy dingos, happy Justin, happy staff and volunteers and happy visitors.

Upcoming

Events

SEP

Luminous: Art After Dark

Riverside Park

spectacular laser & light show

OCT

The Eden Whale Festival

The Eden Whale Festival is an annual event, highlighting the southern migration of the humpback and other whales. If you want to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals, there is no better place to be in Australia than Eden on the NSW south coast.

We lovingly create bespoke batches of premium vodka

19 Crank it Up Tyre Torque Show n Shine

NOV

10am – 3pm, Clyde St, Batemans Bay

The Crank It Up Tyre Torque Show n Shine is a way to bring like-minded enthusiasts together to show off their pre-1974 cars, bikes, hot rods

Headland Writers

OCT

DEC

Sydney Comedy Festival

8pm – 10pm, Bay

The Sydney Comedy Festival

Tour will be tearing up the freeways of Australia to bring the best of the 2022 Festival to Batemans Bay!

Secret Diary of a Foodie

The Gourmet Coast Trail is thrilled to announce the release of their ‘Secret Diary of a Foodie’ digital marketing campaign.

This campaign has been months in the making for the volunteer based Gourmet Coast Trail committee and was made possible through the NSW and Federal Governments’ joint Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

This funding enabled Gourmet Coast Trail to produce and implement a high-quality digital campaign aimed at driving awareness of the NSW South Coast as a significant foodie destination, the Gourmet Coast. The campaign guides food-loving tourists to the Gourmet Coast Trail website where they can find exceptional food and drink businesses of the Far South Coast: www.gourmetcoasttrail.com.au

Stretching across the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley LGA’s, the Gourmet Coast Trail contains some of Australia’s best foods yet remains relatively under the radar as a well-known gourmet region. Gourmet

Coast Trail aims to create a strong identifiable brand position for the region distinguishing it as a significant destination for food, wine, local producers and quality food tourism experiences.

The video will be launched across multiple digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Tik Tok. Beginning back in June, the campaign will run in three seasonal bursts over 15 months, particularly promoting the region during the off-peak and shoulder seasons. The Gourmet Coast Trail aims to promote year-round food tourism to the region.

Gourmet Coast Trail wish to thank the following for their involvement and support in the creation of this campaign:

Jim Jam Ideas

Rich Digital

Department of Regional NSW Destination NSW

Destination Southern NSW Australian Federal Government

‘BEACH AND

Plunge into another world and explore the delights of ‘Beach and Beyond’, an exhibition showcasing Surf Beach artist Naomi Crowther’s latest contemporary abstract paintings and Batemans Bay glass artist Janet Kininmonth’s eerily beautiful, fused glass sculptures.

Naomi is inspired by her undersea experiences, ocean topography and coastal flora. Janet takes her cue from studying the movement of sea kelp and light refraction through water, both evident in her seaweed vessels and extensive wearable glass jewellery collection.

Working from her home studio in Batemans Bay, Janet creates glass pieces using a range of techniques including kiln forming and cold working.

“I love working with the rich, fluid nature of glass, capturing the glass at a moment in time,” Janet said.

As a practical person Janet had mainly created work emphasising functionality and geometric type designs which was apparent in the cool, clean forms and purity of colour of the bowls, platters and plates that made up most of her collection.

However, since returning to the South Coast from Canberra six years ago, Janet has embarked on creating more sculptural glass art having found inspiration in her coastal surroundings.

Naomi redefines the boundaries of stylised composition and painterly rhythm with her whimsical yet impactful artworks.

As a full-time painter based on the South Coast of NSW Naomi has enjoyed solo, and group shows from Bungendore to Brunei.

A finalist in the Hills Grammar Art Prize and Canberra Art Prize, Naomi was featured on Foxtel’s ‘Selling Houses Australia’ TV show.

“The greatest influence on my art is time spent immersed in the natural world and studying playful patterns and layers of colour, be it while snorkelling or just sitting in my own back garden,” Naomi said.

“I then try to emulate what I see and feel onto the canvas, stylising the image using a palette knife to apply layers of thick paint.

“Embellishment comes next with silver or copper leaf, stencil

motifs and mixed media for a multi-layered effect.

“To me, a painting needs to do more than just describe something, it must pull you in, and make you wonder.”

Coastal Garage Vintage is a delightful store which features locally created paintings and glass art, handcrafted jewellery and candles, Hamptons style homewares, gorgeous soft furnishings, lamps and curated vintage pieces.

Opening hours are from 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday.

‘Beach and Beyond’ is an exhibition being held in association with the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s River of Art and can be viewed until September 25 at Coastal Garage Vintage, 149 Beach Road, Sunshine Bay.

Entry is free and all works are for sale.

Naomi Crowther Janet Kininmonth

South Coast painter, Naomi Crowther, redefines the boundaries of stylised composition with her whimsical yet impactful artworks.

MERIMBULA arts group a creative wonder

exhibitions for

held

Hall, Merimbula, in September, December

where

Ongoing members’ work is displayed at the Village Gallery at Oaklands in South Pambula (open daily 10am-4pm).

craft section

fabulous display of

By Gabrielle Powell and Daniel Lafferty

The group

monthly meetings

the

of every month (except June,

Work is changed on a regular basis and a wide variety of the arts such as paintings, woodwork, ceramics, mosaics, cards and more are for sale. Members’ work is also for sale and on display at The Sapphire Club in Merimbula which is an ongoing themed exhibition of artist’s work.

THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET WILD AT THE SPIRAL ART GALLERY IN BEGA

The gallery is one of the longest operating artistrun galleries in Australia, and has played a major role in supporting and promoting visual arts in the Bega Valley for over 20 years.

Its latest exhibition has just opened, with ‘Wild’ being a Spiral Members and Friends Group Exhibition continuing up until October 19.

It will exhibit the works of artist members and friends exploring wild, natural and undomesticated states of existence.

A show of great variety, ‘Wild’ media will include

Current artists/makers:

Ceramicists: @natalieannatotterdell, @cassandrarochaceramics, j.and.clay, Penny Hambling, @theclayhen

Mosaic artist; @desleehancock

Jewellery: @wildandwhimsydesign, cathy jarratt, @duhkadorn

Body: @natural riches

Textiles: @mabelandmaimie, @japanesecreations, @wendybmckay, @love_eco_printing, @tenyears2long

Artists with di erent abilities: Tulgeen - Art in the Garage

Acrylic/Water colour/Artists: @viv_arnott, @desleehancock @sueellen_yates_art

Artistic Florist: @darcienicol. orist

Timber: Terry He ernan

Preloved: Bliss, @tinkerfolk

paint, ink, pencil, wild-clay ceramics, wool, fabric and jewellery.

A complete delight for those visiting the Spiral Gallery, which is known for its dynamic program of exhibitions, and 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.

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.

an evolving space of local and handmade artisan works with a focus on natural & sustainable product & practices

SEE YOU AT THE

RACES

SAPPHIRE COAST TURF CLUB

Sapphire Coast Turf Club is located on a picturesque 300 acre site on Sapphire Coast Drive at Kalaru, between Merimbula, Bega and Tathra. It is one of the newest and modern country racecourses in NSW with great spectator facilities, which, also makes it the ideal venue for other events, as guests can enjoy an unobstructed unique view of our magnificent facilities in a very relaxed atmosphere.

RACING CALENDAR 2022

THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER 2022

Bermagui Country Club Bermagui Cup Race Day

Proudly sponsored by Bermagui Country Club, Sails Real Estate, Yellowtail and Casella Family Wines, Bega District News

MONDAY 31 OCTOBER 2022

Melbourne Cup and Big Dance Calcutta at Club Sapphire

MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2022

Grand Matriarch Vodka Restaurants Race Day

Proudly sponsored by Grand Matriarch Vodka

TUESDAY 27 DECEMBER 2022

Tathra Cup – Sponsored by Grand Matriarch Vodka and Tathra Cellars

MORUYA JOCKEY CLUB

Racing in Moruya commenced around 1870. For many years, the races were run at the “old” Moruya Racecourse in the centre of Moruya township, where the Showgrounds and Golf Course are now situated. The current Racecourse at Donnelly Drive was opened in 1985. In 1987, the Moruya Jockey Club Ltd was incorporated as a public company under Articles of Association, which hold today.

RACING CALENDAR 2022/2023

FRIDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2022

Batemans Bay Cup

TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2022

Melbourne Cup Day

SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER 2022

Narooma Cup

MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2023

Moruya Cup

THURSDAY 12 JANUARY 2023

TAB Meeting

SUNDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2023

Newhaven Park Country Championships Regional qualifier

SATURDAY 8 APRIL 2023

Rotary Easter Cup

TUESDAY 20 JUNE 2023

TAB Meeting

FRIDAY 30 JUNE 2023

Tradies Day

As spring kicks in across our region, thoughts are turning to our local race clubs and the events they planned to see us through to 2023.

The South East is lucky to have a number of race clubs – patrons have plenty of meetings to choose from.

BOMBALA

The Bombala Jockey Club traditionally holds its annual race day to coincide with the running of the Caulfield Cup.

This falls on the third Saturday in October, and occurs between

football seasons and before

THIS YEAR’S MEETING IS ON OCTOBER 15.

At this time of spring, there is a major focus on horse racing, centred on the Melbourne and Sydney carnivals.

Being a Community Club, a great opportunity is afforded to horses and trainers out of the upper echelon of the metropolitan sphere.

The day is always well attended by the Bombala community, and is one of the premier social events for the whole area. Fashions on the Field is keenly contested, and ensures that the day is colourful.

The Marquee is always fully booked, and is popular with groups from Canberra and the coast. Bar and barbeque facilities are offered, and a jumping castle is a welcome attraction for youngsters.

Bombala races provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy a great Australian tradition, and to experience the essence of the rural lifestyle and environment.

COOMA MONARO RACE CLUB

Races have been held in Cooma since before the Melbourne Cup and these days the annual meeting attracts thousands of patrons from across the south east and the ACT.

HELD ON THE FIRST SATURDAY IN DECEMBER, THIS YEAR DECEMBER 3, Cooma races are probably the biggest community event held in the Snowy Monaro region.

This year the race club has increased prize money for its cup races, which should encourage owners and trainers to nominate. Cooma Monaro Race Club will offer tickets online this year and also offer a courtesy bus to and from the track. There will also be an ATM available on race day, with a full betting ring, bar and food available.

ADAMINABY JOCKEY CLUB

The Adaminaby Jockey Club is rich in history racing for over 150 years, with the Racecourse being situated in its current location for the past 50 years. The racecourse buildings were transported from the old Racecourse site located in the old township when the Snowy Hydro Scheme was introduced placing the old course under water.

The November race meeting is one of the biggest annual events held in the Snowy Mountains; Adaminaby celebrated 150 years of horse racing in 2014.

THIS YEAR’S MEETING IS ON NOVEMBER 19 and the theme for 2022 is “Disney Characters’.

The Adaminaby Cup is steeped in history and has been proudly sponsored by local entities for decades. The day is a great family day with a great picnic atmosphere, so come along and enjoy your day with us.

Full Tote and Sky Channel will be available on course, along with a selection of country and metropolitan bookmakers for you to have a flutter.

There are NO ATM or EFTPOS facilities available. Please make sure you have enough cash in your pocket.

Wilderness Oyster art installation–a must see

An impressive visual display, representing Sapphire Coast Wilderness Oysters, is the new backdrop at the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre. The work was undertaken by interior designer and graphic artist

Christiane Partl of Pambula and

provides an overview of Sapphire Coast Wilderness Oysters, made up of six areas representing 65 oyster farmers in an area from Bermagui to Wonboyn. For a better look at this creative project visit the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre.

Camp at Kangarutha

Enjoy space, privacy and tranquility

Kangarutha Farm is a new eco-tourism business located just outside Tathra in the Bega Valley Shire offering a small number of secluded, tranquil campsites scattered across a large scenic property.

The property has areas of native forest which surround open, spacious paddocks, and large, beautiful dams.

Kangarutha Farm is only minutes from the iconic beach town of Tathra, and borders Bournda National Park.

In addition to campsites, Kangarutha Farm also runs an organic micro market garden, is establishing an avocado orchard, and grows a range of native plants for its bi-annual plant sale.

This stunning property has been in the Hamilton family since the early 1960s.

Kangarutha Nursery was set up by Chris and Bruce Hamilton in 1981, and together the Hamiltons grew this into a very successful and wellloved local business which they operated for 25 years.

A local couple then established and ran On the Perch Bird Park from 2015.

This too was a popular and awardwinning business, but the owners decided to close in 2020 providing an opportunity for Tom and Lisa Hamilton to develop Kangarutha as an eco-tourism destination.

Campers looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy the relaxing ambience of a campfire will find Kangarutha Farm an ideal camping venue.

The peaceful, private bush and paddock setting creates a feeling of being far from the busyness of everyday life and even bustling tourist towns located close by.

Tom and Lisa aim to make Kangarutha Farm a place where people come to, to immerse themselves in the natural environment, to relax and renew themselves.

Make Kangarutha Farm your next holiday home away from home and experience all nature has to offer in creating the best holiday environment possible.

Summer Orchid Show

Not to be out done, some very late flowering Cymbidiums, mainly with long cascading spikes, stand in stark contrast due to their bulk and floral display.

These plants have mainly been created by hybridising using one of the three Australian Native Cymbidiums.

Other plants on show include Masdevallias and Soft Cane Dendrobiums both of which have eye catching floral displays.

The Summer Orchid Show opens at 9am and operates until 4pm both Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29. The hall accommodates wheelchair access, and Covid rules of the day apply, with masks recommended.

Entry is free and best of all, there will be plants for sale!

Beautiful and wild coast ignites passion

This atmospheric coastline with its ever-changing moods continues to inspire Urs with roaring winds, seas from all directions, gnarly rocky headlands, ever changing pristine beaches, rivers, lakes, lagoons and forested hinterland.

At the age of 20, Urs discovered photography and visual communication are in his DNA, something he did not recognise at first.

According to Urs a major sea change in 1971 saw his family move from Zurich Switzerland to Manly on the Sydney Harbour foreshore. This was the moment when he found his new passion … fishing.

“Finishing high school, I wanted to become a professional fisherman and so attended the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania which eventually led me to the Far South Coast of NSW where I got a job as a deckhand on trawlers,” Urs said.

“However, I didn’t last long, quickly recognising this profession wasn’t for me.

“On returning to Sydney I had a major light bulb moment. I wanted to become a photographer – in particular an advertising photographer. This felt right as my father was a top graphic designer and I was surrounded and immersed in visual art 24/7 right from the start.

“I worked as an assistant photographer for six different photographers over eight years, eventually working for the best advertising photographers in Australia. As an assistant you’re tasked from sweeping studio floors to setting up the shot and everything in between. “It’s high pressure, long hours and you’re part of a team that’s accountable to fulfil a clients’ brief. Remembering back then we were in the analogue days where everything was done in camera. No re-touching in those days which brings with it a ‘bullet proof’ technique.

“This real job accountability you’re only as good as your last job teaches you a valuable lesson in that you don’t own clients, you deserve them.”

In his free time, Urs would use all the equipment available to him and set up his own shots either in the studio or on location creating a portfolio of his own which eventually became an invaluable asset.

“I remember my last day as an assistant. My then boss fired me and told me I was ready to sink or swim. Out the door I went and opened up my own studio. That was the easy part, now I had to get work in one of the most competitive professions on the planet.

“I looked at my competition whose photography was white and light, my photography was not. I created a photographic style, a certain look and labelled myself the Black Sabbath of advertising photography and it worked. Immediately I was commissioned by advertising agencies for my heavy atmospheric and moody style,” Urs said.

“At first my subjects/product was varied from hotel chains, tourism, banks, alcohol, pet food, mining companies, camera brands, white goods etc. But the advertising industry then pigeon-holed me as an automotive ad photographer. I didn’t know much about cars or particularly liked them; I’m a boat person but cars are all about lighting and reflections and I was good at that. I shot many global and domestic car ads for brands like Mercedes, VW, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Renault, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mack Trucks as well as motorbikes.”

From that day forward his strategy, principals, ethos and attitude has not changed. Photography to Urs is a lifestyle.

“I don’t clock on or off, I’m switched on all the time. I call myself an image junkie. Photography or image making is about visual communication, not pretty pictures,” Urs said.

“Influences and inspiration for me come from art movements like Bauhaus and Post Modernism. Music genres like heavy metal and prog rock also play a part. Phil Marco the great American still life photographer and Harry de Zitter the fantastic South African location photographer set a benchmark for me to aspire to.”

As an experienced photographer, Urs has shot in many countries and conditions but one job does stand out.

“We were in Japan shooting the global Nissan calendar. It was typhoon season and we copped one generating 220km winds.”

“We had to strap 20kg sandbags to our bodies and crawl on the ground so we wouldn’t get blown off the headland. The wind was so strong parts of the proto type car panels were blown away plus all the debris flying around damaged the car. The next day we re-shot the newly supplied car in the hotel car park and stripped the car shot into the dramatic headland background.”

Urs re-assessed his involvement in this industry a couple of years after the Global Financial Crisis in 2010.

“I became disillusioned with the industry and needed a break from commissioned work. I noticed a lot of cars were not shot in situ anymore

“I decided to shoot and create all types of background environments and 360º HDR domes aimed at the automotive transportation market and turn these assets into a specific boutique photo library. Hence BearStock. com was born.”

Ten years later BearStock is firmly established with clients locally and globally licensing the backgrounds and domes.

Leaving Sydney for a sea change to the Far South Coast of NSW has rejuvenated Urs’ passion to shoot for select commissioned briefs and follow his own projects.

Recently he has started shooting and creating a collection of coastline scenes with the possibility one day of publishing another book once the collection is complete.

For further information visit the websites: www.ursbuhlman.com www.bearstock.com

Sapphire Coast portfolio can be accessed at: www.ursbuhlman.com/portfolio/sapphire-coast/

but rather added into backgrounds using CGI models and digital computer techniques.

Award winning photographer Urs Buhlman now calls the beautiful and wild Far South Coast of NSW home.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE

Are you looking to discover and learn about the unique natural wonders of the Far South Coast without leaving a heavy footprint behind you?

Navigate Expeditions offers immersive, regenerative travel experiences for the environmentally conscious traveller.

A visit to the business’s website www. navigateexpeditions.com will provide you with everything you need to know about spending time in the great outdoors whether it be a day tour walking in Mimosa Rocks, Bournda and Ben Boyd National Parks or kayaking the Bega, Bermagui, Merimbula and Pambula Rivers to specialist tours for private groups such as gourmet food, wellness, art, photography, birding and accessible tours. Also offered are multi-day small group allinclusive nature tours based out of Tanja Lagoon Camp and customisable private tours.

Navigate Expeditions is proud to be one of only five operators in NSW that has both Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action Now accreditation with Ecotourism Australia.

The ECO Certification program certifies tourism products with a primary focus on nature. It assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature-based tourism experiences (see the Navigate Expeditions website for further details).

The team at Navigate Expeditions is passionate about providing guests with the very best nature-based travel experience on the South Coast of NSW. The guides are professionals who have been working in the outdoor guiding industry for over a decade.

The core team has very adventurous and diverse backgrounds.

Kayaking Tours

Pambula River

Kayak & Shuck with Broadwater Oysters

Bermagui River

River to the Sea, Bega River

Walking Tours Forest meets the Sea, Tanja Echidna Trails, Tathra

Multi Day Tours

Light to light walking holiday

Jess Taunton, who is responsible for overseeing all operations, has worked as a photography guide around the world including Antarctica, Kenya, Galapagos, Patagonia, Greenland and Iceland and assisted with the establishment of a remote luxury eco-lodge on Christmas Island.

She has also sailed a 29ft junk rigged boat in the arctic with polar bears and 24hrs of sunlight.

Guide Lawrence Geoghegan has spent 42 days kayaking in Antarctica, transiting Bass Strait three times, and paddling the entire East Coast of Australia from Wilsons Promontory to Thursday Island, among many other expeditions.

Although only a relatively new business to the region, Navigate Expeditions is growing and has recently purchased Kiah Wilderness Tours kayaks and will now be running Pambula River kayaking tours using accessible sit-on-top kayaks.

If you would like to experience a tour off the beaten track and immerse yourself in nature then contact Navigate Expeditions.

Customer reviews on the business website speak for themselves:

“We did the Light to Light walk with Navigate Expeditions in May. It was a fabulous mixture of challenge and luxury with spectacular walks over three days – beautiful scenery, interesting guides and then delicious food and comfortable accommodation back at the lighthouse; with wombats, whales, interesting companions and more amazing ocean views.”

- Jane and Michael Guinane 2022

"What a fabulous experience we had with Jess on our tour through the Mimosa Rocks National Park. Her knowledge of the local landscape was exceptional, the views spectacular, and the a ernoon tea she served was seriously the best caramel slice I have ever tasted. Highly recommend Jess and Navigate Expeditions."

Local wedding industry award winners

With stunning natural locations, beautiful scenic settings and high-class venues it’s not surprising the South Coast has become a popular destination for special occasions such as wedding celebrations.

Local wedding businesses, both big and small, provide quality service and facilities to this industry and many have been recognised through the 2022 Wedding Industry Awards (as voted by newlywed couples).

The Wedding Industry Awards seek out, acknowledge and reward wedding business for excellence in service to their wedding couples.

Winners and Highly Commended for the Shoalhaven and South Coast region were recently announced with businesses in the Eurobodalla and Sapphire Coast taking out a number of categories, against larger more fancied competition.

One business which successfully featured in three awards was the Seahorse Inn at Boydtown winning two categories - Boutique Accommodation and Wedding Venue – Historic and receiving a Highly Commended for Wedding Venue Co-ordinator.

Another winning a major accolade was Oaklands Event Centre in Pambula, successful in the Wedding Venue – Function Centre category. Oaklands Event Centre Pambula also made the Top Five for Wedding Venue – Co-ordinator.

Taking out the Beauty Therapist and Treatments award was Merimbula Body and Skin; with a Highly Commended going to Salt Body Boutique Eden.

Trendsetter Hair Studio Tura Beach was awarded a Highly Commended for Bridal Hair Stylist while LaDusk Hair and Beauty Batemans Bay won the Bridal Hair and Makeup category.

CC Bridal Pambula was the winner of Bridal Gown Couture.

Dotti’s Cakes won the Wedding Cake Designer category, Bodalla Bakery was given a Highly Commended and Amber’s Creative Cakes Batemans Bay was listed in the Top Five.

Making the Top Five in the Wedding Caterer category was Paul’s on the Course Narooma and Moments Like Those Ceremonies Pambula for Marriage Celebrants.

South Coast Weddings and Party Hire Bermagui was awarded the title for Event Hire with a Highly Commended going to Coast Hire and Events Bega.

South Coast DJs Moruya won best DJ; The Little Bouquet Merimbula won Wedding Florist and Georgie’s Fine Jewellery was named the winner of the Jeweller category.

A number of local businesses were listed in the Top 10 in Wedding Photographer including Daisy Hill Photography Sapphire Coast, Double

Exposure Photography Batemans Bay, JTM Photography and Media Bermagui and Sunbird Photography Narooma.

Lincoln Downs Resort Batemans Bay won Wedding Venue 4-5 Star Hotel, NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort picked up a Highly Commended.

Narooma Golf Club was awarded a Highly Commended for Wedding Venue – Golf and Country Club; Club Sapphire Merimbula was the winner of Wedding Venue – Licenced Club; Bermagui Surf Lifesaving Club the winner of the Surf Club section.

A Highly Commended went to Starfish Restaurant Batemans Bay – Wedding Venue – Waterfront and Mimosa Wines Bermagui for Wedding Venue – Winery.

When it comes to planning a wedding on the beautiful Sapphire Coast or Eurobodalla region, engaged couples are spoilt for choice for professional and specialist wedding products, venues and services.

Wedding season is well and truly here so now is the time to think about planning your big local event.

Killer Whale

Eden is a beautiful coastal town to explore. Not only will you find gorgeous Sapphire Coast views and beaches, friendly people and great shops and eateries, the history is particularly fascinating.

The Killer Whale Trail is a journey down Eden’s unique memory lane. It is a self drive day trip with five key stops that look at the century long whaling history of the area. During these spring months, you might even catch a glimpse of some migrating humpbacks from some of the great vantage points along the way.

ROTARY LOOKOUT

Overlooking Twofold Bay, the third deepest natural harbour in the world, people once would gather here to watch the killer whale pods harass baleen whales, driving them into ever shallower waters and towards the waiting harpoons of the whalers. As you look across to the other side of the bay, there is Boyd’s Tower. This was a spotting tower for Davidson’s whale men for almost 100 years, from the 1840s to the 1930s. At the tower, the men kept a

close eye on the killer whales, who were also looking and listening for whales. The orca took up strategic positions in and around the bay.

a whale blow was spotted,

was a shout of “Rusho” and a gunshot was fired.

The crews would race to their rowboats, intent on being the first to the prized whale. The killer whales’ hunting strategy had evolved to include the whalers, and their hand-held harpoons.

The pod would split into groups, some blocking the whale’s escape, some nipping at its fins and or tail or trying to smother its blowhole. Others raced to tell the whalers by breaching and tail slapping at the whaling station.

The most famous of the killer whales is Old Tom, who was even known to tow a boat if a rope was thrown to him, and protect whalers if they went over board.

EDEN KILLER WHALE MUSEUM

You can see Old Tom’s skeleton in the museum, along with many other artefacts from the whaling and maritime history of Eden, as well as Aboriginal and pioneering displays.

According to museum records, there were reportedly around 50 killer whales spread through three main pods, with 21 that were recognisable and known by name.

SEAHORSE INN, BOYDTOWN

Beermuna or Boydtown Beach is the beach where the relationship between man and wild orca was born, and the land where an

empire almost rose. The Thaua People performed rituals and dances to call and honour the killer whales, their brothers or ‘Beowas’. Later Benjamin Boyd, an early European settler tried to build an empire to rival Sydney, including shore based whaling. What remains is the Seahorse Inn, a grand building now restored to its former splendour and a great spot to stop for lunch.

Killer whales would harass and herd much larger whales towards the Thaua people’s waiting spears.

Before any feasting or ceremony, the tongue and lips of the whale were given to the orcas, or “Beowas” (brothers) to eat. It was believed that when some members of the family died their spirits became a killer whale, and some were named accordingly. European whalers recruited the Thaua as they were excellent crewmen. The Beowas sensed their friends were hunting the great whales, and the partnership between human and wild animal developed, still with the tongue and lips as their reward.

DAVIDSON WHALING STATION

Situated in Ben Boyd National Park, 40km south of Eden, the Davidson’s home and the old try works are now a place of quiet and natural beauty. Explore the grounds of Loch Garra, the home of the Davidson Family and for more than three generations, Australia’s longest operating shore-based whaling station.

For more than three generations, the Davidson family occupied Loch Garra homestead and built the

try works on the beach below to process the carcasses of the baleen whales. A good season would see around eight whales successfully processed for their oil, baleen and bone. It was a tough game and they subsidised their income by growing most of their own food and running livestock.

BOYD’S TOWER

Here you can imagine being a whaler on the lookout for whale blows and signals from the orcas in Twofold Bay.

Set deep in a gnarled tea tree forest, this imposing sandstone tower was built in the 1840s. Originally

designed to be a lighthouse, it was never approved for such use, but did become a key lookout point for whalers to spot passing humpback and right whales.

Sometimes the whales were being hunted before human eyes could see them. The killer whales would signal to the whalers when whales were about with “tail flops” and would go to work harassing and weakening their prey while the whalers rowed out to chase them down.

Photos and information courtesy of Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing.

Your Holiday-Home Away From

families

Rumpus Room

keep the

a deck with ocean views

adults

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back and relax.

situated between Surf

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local Surf Beach

About Eden

Eden is one of Australia’s best whale-watching destinations. You’ll find plenty of shoreline vantage points around Twofold Bay and along the coast in Ben Boyd National Park, where you can watch the arrival of thousands of migrating humpback whales and their calves heading home to Antarctica.

Twofold Bay is the one of the deepest natural harbours in the Southern Hemisphere, with a rich maritime and whaling history. You can hear the story of Old Tom the orca, at the Eden Killer Whale Museum — and see his huge skeleton. Be sure to listen out for the whale siren, which alerts the town to passing whales. You can also take the self-drive Killer Whale Trail, an intriguing trip into the past to a time when whales were hunted for oil. The trail includes a must-see stop at the Davidson Whaling Station, the longest operating shore-based whaling station in Australia and the last to close down.

Each year, the town of Eden celebrates its rich history and the whale migration with the Eden Whale Festival — one of the biggest events on the whale-watching calendar.

The festival begins on Friday October 7 with an official opening to be held at the award winning Eden Welcome Centre, Snug Cove.

The Saturday kicks off at the Barclay Street Sportsground, with family-friendly entertainment and live music. Vibrant markets will showcase the work of local artisans.

Aslings Beach will host some amazing sand sculpting, while the blue skies will make the perfect backdrop for watching the fantastic kite display. The festival is also a great opportunity to sample the local produce and handmade products from oysters and abalone to organic skincare. This huge day of fun will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at 9pm.

The final day of the festival, Sunday October 9, is jam-packed with events including; a community sand sculpting workshop, ORCCA whale rescue training, a surf safety session, Davidson Whaling Station tours and Skiff boat trials. There is also an amazing Aboriginal cultural experience planned at Cocora Beach, which includes a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, a dance

performance and a local speaker to highlight the rich cultural history of this place and the ancient and special cultural connections the Yuin people have to whales.

After two years of cancellations due to COVID-19, the Eden Whale Festival Committee is excited to host the event, so mark October 7 to 9 on your calendar.

Stay up-to-date with the latest festival news via the website and Facebook page www.edenwhalefestival.com.au and www. facebook.com/EdenWhaleFestival.

Old Tom on national stage

There are few on the Far South Coast who would not know the story of Old Tom and the killer whales of Eden. But now, their story will be told on the national stage, as part of the new Great Southern Land exhibit at the National Museum of Australia (NMA).

The installation includes whaling memorabilia, equipment and photographs, but the centrepiece is the three life-sized models of the famous orcas of Old Tom, Humpy and Kinscher, suspended from the ceiling against a projected backdrop of underwater ocean scenes featuring giant humpback whales and an accompanying soundscape. The NMA bills it as “one of the most immersive experiences in the Great Southern Land gallery”.

Old Tom, Humpy and Kinscher were orcas that lived near Eden and would regularly come into Twofold Bay, working with the whalers to hunt Southern Right and Humpback whales. Generations of orcas collaborated with the Yuin people and with later whalers such as the Davidson family. This tradition continued until 1930, not long after the death of Old Tom.

The models of the orcas were created by Melbourne-based modelling studio SharpFX, first making miniatures for consideration before creating the life-sized final creations.

“The team was faced with many challenges. The biggest was unloading their massive bodies from enormous trucks in the wee hours of the morning and wheeling them around the lake side of the Museum, with full entourage in tow, much to the delight of the early morning Canberra cyclist community,” Exhibition Curator Stephanie Scroope said.

“Once the orcas were safely inside the building, we had to raise them to a height of 10 metres. This was an engineering and logistical challenge! We removed the dorsal fins and then a series of slings, cranes, hooks and pulleys enabled us to raise and position the orcas in their dynamic poses. It was all completed within a few hours.”

The Great Southern Land Gallery officially opened on Thursday September 15, so check it out if you’re interested in seeing this wonderful new tribute to one of the Far South Coast’s most famous tales.

TRADING

VALE CHRIS NICHOLLS

The team at South Coastal Life is extremely saddened at the sudden, unexpected death in August of Merimbula Visitor Information Centre’s Tourism manager Chris Nicholls.

Chris was not only a very capable and passionate voice for the Sapphire Coast, and in particular Merimbula, he was one of the magazine’s biggest supporters.

It’s always an anxious time when a new publication is introduced.

How will it be received? Will it be accepted? Will it meet the expectations of both the readers and advertisers?

There is a fine balance between success or failure in the media industry.

From its very first publication in December 2020 Chris was eager to get on board and do all he could to promote the Sapphire Coast with his infectious enthusiasm, through some creative and engaging editorial contributions.

Nothing was too much trouble. Although he did acknowledge he may need reminding more than once of deadlines, but with the daily workload he undertook, it was not surprising!

Chris always provided something with good humour, honesty and encouragement and also had some worthwhile suggestions or links to follow and happily shared contacts in the industry.

In response to an earlier edition published this year, Chris sent an email to South Coastal Life stating, “The latest edition of Coastal is great. Wow, super impressed. Thanks for doing this great newsy guide.”

Although the working relationship was relatively new, Chris made us feel like part of the wider tourism marketing family, with the common aim of promoting and sharing with others the area in which we live and love.

But that it seems was Chris. He embraced everything and everybody in and outside of his circle.

Chris’s total dedication to his role has benefited the Sapphire Coast enormously and the region, its people, colleagues and visitors will miss his boundless energy and genuine love of life.

South Coastal Life extends its deepest sympathies to Chris’s family, friends and all those who knew him.

WELCOME

Colourful Cobargo RECOVERS

Cobargo and its residents have endured many challenges over the last two-and-a-half years since the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20, but residents are slowly picking up the pieces in an effort to heal their hearts and minds.

One recent community project in particular has created a colourful and eclectic vibe throughout the Bega Valley Shire village and has brought some vibrancy back to the village and its people.

The “Painted Poles” celebrate life returning to a village devastated by the Black Summer fires.

Local artists and community members together have stepped up to the poles with a vision, palettes of paint and created the stories of a community, pole by pole along the highway past the shops, up the road to the coast and inland to the local primary school. This collaboration between The Lazy Lizard Gallery and Cobargo Creators Gallery has brought colour, beauty and pride back to the village of Cobargo.

These poles will catch your eye both day and night and are part of the Eurobodalla Shire’s River of Art Festival program. Of course, they will always be on display outside of the festival.

Make sure you explore the passion and vibrancy of these amazing artworks by setting aside a couple of hours to take a quiet, leisurely stroll along the streets where these poles are located.

Don’t forget to pick up a glossy pictorial postcard, available from galleries and other shops in Cobargo, which have a QR code on the back that links to a website with an interactive map and a photo of each pole, along with the artist’s story and inspiration.

Virtual pole walk link: polebypole.cobargocreators.org/

The Painted Poles project was made possible through the Cobargo Community Bushfire Recovery Fund.

For more information about this inspiring community effort go to: Facebook: @cobargocreators Instagram: @cobargocreators

Tathra Wharf and Headland precinct revision on display

Bega Valley Shire Council’s revised plan for Tathra Wharf and Headland precinct is on public exhibition and ready for renewed community feedback.

Bega Valley Shire Council’s revised plan for Tathra Wharf and Headland precinct is on public exhibition and ready for renewed community feedback.

Project Manager, Amelia Souter said the new draft plan responds to recent feedback from the local community on the proposed vision for the precinct.

“This is council and the community working together to reach an outcome that’s great for Tathra,” Ms Souter said.

“Just over half the people who responded to our first plan gave full or partial support for the proposed improvements.

We know the Tathra community wants more than this, so this second plan is based on extensive local feedback.

“We worked with our design consultants to focus on key areas of concern such as parking and access to the Tathra Wharf area.

“The new draft plan includes parking along Wharf Road and a shared pedestrian and traffic zone that improves access to the museum and café, fishing area and headland walk.

“As Tathra boasts arguably one of the most attractive coastal views in NSW, we’re working towards highlighting this major attraction while still providing for pedestrians and road users.

“We’re proposing the car park opposite the Tathra Hotel be removed to emphasise this beautiful view while improving road crossings and accessibility to encourage getting out and about along the headland.

“A place as iconic as the Tathra Wharf should be open and accessible to everyone, so we have

proposed accessible parking spots at the end of Wharf Road and at other useful places like Memorial Park, the Tathra Hotel and Beach Street shops.

“The community was also keen to see a better connection between the headland and lower Tathra.

“While beyond the scope of this project, we understand how important this is to the community and we invite people to view an early draft proposal on our website.

“We want to give this special town the attention it deserves and we’re

keen to continue working with the community to deliver the best possible outcome,” Ms Souter said.

To view and provide feedback on the revised Tathra Headland Draft Precinct Plan—including a proposal to link the headland with lower Tathra—go to Council’s Have Your Say webpage.

Bega Valley Shire Council received a $7.81 million grant from the NSW Government’s Stimulus Package to contribute to the Tathra Wharf restoration and planning for the heritage precinct.

Concept drawing for the proposed wharf area.

ReBoot Bermagui

Come and join the fun of ReBoot in Bermagui on the October long weekend!

The ReActivate program has cash and voucher prizes and kicks off on Saturday with the fun runs – No Adults Kid’s Run (1.5km), the Camel to Club (7km) and the No Hills Run/ Walk (5km). On Sunday there’s a 350m ocean swim at Horseshoe Bay and a swim/beach run/swim for the more energetic.

The ReEnergise program runs over both days and starts with the ReBoot Tug-O-War challenge after the fun runs on Saturday. Get your friends and family together and enter a team. There’s cash prizes for the winning teams!

Other activities include yoga, tai chi, pilates, badminton, stand up paddle boarding, surf lessons and whale watching cruises on the awesome catamaran called Bubbles.

For road bike riders, there’s an escorted ride from Bermagui to Cobargo and back, while Bermagui

Country Club will host golf and barefoot bowls. Especially for kids there’s the fun run, tug-o-war, Skate and Skoot competition and fun stuff with Oops! The Clown.

A yummy healthy Bermagui breakfast will be served on Sunday morning and is free if you registered for the fun runs, ocean swims and bike ride.

After the swims, the ReBoot male and female champion awards will be announced.

There’s plenty of entertainment in Bermagui over the weekend so you can get active in the morning and kick back in the evenings.

Spend the weekend or stay longer and explore more of beautiful Bermagui and the unspoilt Sapphire Coast.

Register now at rebootinbermagui. com.au

On Sunday there’s a 350m ocean swim at Horseshoe Bay and a swim/beach run/swim for the more energetic.

EUROBODALLA A BUZZ FOR RIVER OF ART

Excitement is high in the Eurobodalla with just one week until the River of Art Festival delivers its biggest program in its 16-year history

Artists, performers, business and the community are putting the final touches on their events, including the highly anticipated Luminous: Art After Dark at Riverside Park on September 24.

Festival chair Leanne Joyce said tickets are still available but selling fast, especially for feature events like an evening with

Vince Jones and Band at Bay Pavilions, Luminous and Luminous Lounge, circus comedy cabaret Flutter, Forest Theatre’s ’For the Love of Earth’ and Muffat Collective’s Baroque Passions.

“We have a record 130 exhibitions, workshops, open studios and performances this year concluding with the biggest laser and light show that South East NSW has seenLuminous: Art After Dark’ Leanne said.

“This Festival within the River of Art Festival will transform Moruya’s Riverside Park into a wonderland of light sculpture and projection, music, markets and roving performers on Saturday 24 September.”

“We have over 60 artisan and food stalls and 60 community members have put up their hands to volunteer for this event, and we’ve had a strong field contesting the River of Art Prize, to be announced at the Festival launch next Friday.

While Luminous: Art After Dark provides a festival focal point, the program is packed with world-class offerings on any of the 10 days in towns across the Eurobodalla.

The festival launched at Bay Pavilions on Friday September 16 and included the unveiling of the River of Art Prize finalists and winners and a preview of Luminous.

ReBoot in Bermagui will get everyone active over the October long weekend, with a series of fun runs kicking things off on the Saturday.

The ReEnergise program runs over both days and starts with the ReBoot Tug-O-War challenge, with cash prizes for the winning teams.

features

of rewarding golf,

to challenge the most accomplished

for those who dust off the clubs

Over the last few years, the Moruya Golf Club has hosted some of the region’s biggest golfing events, enhancing its reputation as the Far South Coast’s premier golf course. The club is the home of the South Coast Open, a PGA Australia and Golf NSW Open qualifier.

The Moruya layout is an easy walking, par 71 golf course, that combines water features and greenery.

Competition golf is held four days of the week, while social golfers can hit the course every day. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays see competition golf played but social golfers can enjoy a round later in the morning.

The Pro Shop at Moruya Golf Club offers friendly and professional service with a wide range of products including golf lessons, club fitting, corporate golf day arrangements as well as a fully stocked golf shop for all your golfing needs.

The fully stocked pro shop has much to offer from the latest in golf club technology to a full range of clothing and shoes as well as golfing accessories to suit all tastes.

A snapshot of the course...

Hole 1

Viewed from an elevated tee this is a picturesque, long, straight par 5. The wide fairway is bisected by a creek about 183 metres short of the green. A great hole to start your round and one most players can score on if their approach shot to the large green is accurate enough.

Hole 3

From the back tee there is a carry of 200 metres to get across the creek that bisects the fairway. Aim at the poplars and fade the ball up the slight dogleg right. Most players lay up short of the creek allowing themselves two shots to reach the green. The green is slightly elevated and slopes upwards from front to back. Rated the hardest hole on the course notwithstanding the wide fairway and lack of protection at the front of the green.

Hole 11

A wide fairway bends around to the left. Aim a drive at the light towers and try to shape your tee shot from right to left. As you approach the 150 metre mark a beautiful elevated green comes into view with a cypress and a towering gum to the right which seems to reach out over the green. The green is relatively narrow so a strategic lay up can be considered by the higher handicappers.

Hole 14

A fairly steep uphill dogleg to the right, with two huge gums in front of the ladies’ tee. A big gum on the left of the dogleg is your aiming point, with a fade to get closer to the green. If you're not sure you're going to fade sufficiently, play a three wood off the tee. You'll be pitching or chipping downhill to a flat green, guarded by a bunker on the left.

Hole 18

A great finishing hole that runs parallel to the ninth fairway but is separated from the ninth by a well-established grove of trees. The landing area for your tee shot slopes downhill and left to right towards the dam that borders the right side of the hole.

You are playing to the yellow flag on the lower level of the vast green. The front of the green is not protected apart from a bunker to the left of the 18th side of the green. Another hole that requires a golfer to consider all options.

MORUYA’Sstunning GOLF COURSE

COOMA MOTORFEST 2022 IS BACK

The Cooma Motorfest is back this November and this year’s event looks set to be bigger and better than ever.

Now in its 21st year, the Cooma Motorfest is a bi-annual event organised by the Cooma Car Club. The event is a celebration of all things motoring and draws in visitors from far and wide.

“It’s full steam ahead for this year’s Motorfest and we’re really wanting to encourage people to come along and get people out into the community,” Car Cub President Rogan Corbett said.

“Unfortunately, we had to postpone last year due to Covid, so we’re really looking to bring people out for this one, which is why we’re waiving all fees for vehicle entry and those who enter a vehicle at least 30 years old will get a free Motorfest coffee table book we’ve put together.”

The only charge for this year’s Motorfest will be the perperson entry fee of $5 per head. Otherwise the event is free and will feature a wide variety of displays and attractions.

In an event-first, there will be a large electric vehicle (EV)

display featuring everything from motorbikes to farm vehicles and all types of EVs. The popular Snowy Mountains five-piece band The Hip Replacements will be playing and there will also be a large truck and machinery display.

In an exciting turn there will also be at least 85 classic rally cars on display that will be stopping through Cooma for the Motorfest as part of the London to Sydney Marathon Rally.

For decades, the Cooma Motorfest has been one of the regions premiere events, drawing in visitors and motoring enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. This year’s event looks set to be one of the biggest yet, so definitely not one to miss.

The Cooma Motorfest will be held on Saturday November 5.

To find out more about the 2022 Motorfest, or to register your vehicle, visit www.coomacarclub. com.au or contact the club secretary on 0418 631 023.

HEADLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL

HeadLand Writers Festival is a celebration of reading, writing, sharing stories and indulging the mind.

Across October 28, 29 and 30, the spectacular Tathra Headland will serve as a backdrop to an abundance of author in-conversations, panels, workshops, poetry breakfasts, theatre and music performances.

In the Tathra Hall, there are in-depth conversations with Wendy Whiteley, Michelle de Kretser, Jock Serong and Hayley Scrivenor and a special performance by author and activist Clementine Ford.

Down the hill to the festival hub at Tathra Hotel, will be the music of the Gypsy Jazz Project and author Deirdre O'Connell's "Harlem Nights: The Secret History of Australia's Jazz Age".

This year, Headland will continue to feature a strong local connect with authors who live in, grew up or have strong connections to the area such as Quentin Sprague, Anna Clark, Kate Herd, Philip Cox, Janet Hawley, Gabbie Stroud, Kate Liston-Mills, Emily Sheehan, Ella Caldwell and Christine Howe.

Locals Philip Cox and Kate Herd will head a panel discussing the intersection of gardens, art and design.

Quentin Sprague will discuss his awardwinning social history of the East Kimberley art movement 'The Stranger Artist', and historian Anna Clark's "Making Australian History" looks at the divisive history wars and who gets to tell the story of Australia.

First Nations author Veronica Gorrie in conversation with Linda Mottram will talk about her memoir "Black & Blue: A Memoir of Racism and Resilience", an account of her career as a police officer.

Australian Children's Laureate Gabrielle Wang will spark the imaginations of readers young and old and introduce us to a world of diverse stories and diverse authors.

Readers from near and far are invited to enjoy first annual Headland Writers Festival. Feed your head and be inspired by the sublime beauty of Tathra.

Tickets are on sale at www.headlandfestival.com.au

MAD Poetry workshops: Tura Marrang Library – Friday, October 28, 11am to 3pm. Bega Library – Saturday, October 29, 10am to 2pm.

Red Room Poetry, The Admissions: Lived Experience Panel and Reading Event: Tura Marrang Library – Friday, October 28, 3pm to 4pm.

Red Room Poetry and Bega Valley Shire Library are teaming up for some poetry madness this October with two free workshops. MAD Poetry, a project of Red Room Poetry, is an initiative that focuses on creating a safe writing space for emerging voices with a lived/living experience of mental health issues to express how they see the world.

Through MAD Poetry these poets can define themselves through their creativity not their diagnosis, and explore by pen and page their experience of illness, institutions, inner worlds, recovery, self-care, and beyond.

These workshops will be led by Gabrielle Journey Jones, a local practising poet and percussionist with their own lived mental health experience, as well as being an activist and social worker.

MAD Poetry's Producer and award winning poet, David Stavanger will also be supporting.

All poets and writers who identify as having a lived mental health experience are welcome to attend.

These workshops are presented in partnership with Red Room Poetry with support by Coordinare, and are free to attend.

Then join the group at Tura Marrang Library for a lively discussion panel and poetry reading event featuring the amazing poets David Stavanger and Gabrielle Journey Jones.

Above: Local practising poet, Gabrielle Journey Jones will lead MAD Poetry workshops in Bega and Tura.

Left: MAD Poetry's Producer, David Stavanger will be part of the poetry reading and discussion panel.

Australian Children’s Laureate Gabrielle Wang will spark the imaginations of readers young and old during the HeadLand Writers Festival in Tathra.

First Nations author, Veronica Gorrie will talk about her memoir “Black & Blue: A Memoir of Racism and Resilience”.