Eden Archives - Our Eden

Wharf Developments – Facts (not rumours)

Don’t listen to rumours – find out what is really happening with the wharf redevelopment.

Your Eden Chamber of Commerce is the official local contact for this project which is why Chamber members are so excited about it! Read the Fact Sheets from the Department managing the projects so you know what’s really happening. Every day brings this all closer to fruition – there are very exciting times ahead so make sure you keep up with the latest tourism business development opportunities that abound in this region.

And whilst we are all a little impatient, the plans have to be absolutely spot on so it will all be worth the wait.

EVIC volunteers enjoy high tea

Volunteers from the Eden Visitor Information Centre were treated to a magnificent High Tea last Wednesday in celebration of Volunteers Week. Centre Manager Shannon Wollashyn welcomed the group and thanked them for their tireless work in providing a vital service to Eden tourism. Eden Lioness Club members put together the spread which was truly a wonder to behold – and eat! Tea served with fine china by smiling ladies – what more could we ask?

Interested in becoming a Volunteer at EVIC? Give Shannon a call on 6496 1953. The main skill we need that you have is your passion for this town and region. Give it a go. It’s so much fun!

Whale-watch season already looking positive

The appearance of a small humpback whale amongst the fleet anchored at Snug Cove wharf this morning caused quite a buzz. We normally don’t see humpbacks so close to shore during the annual northern migration so this was a pleasant surprise for those who happened to be enjoying the beautiful spring morning at one of the cafes at the wharf. Keep an eye out folks – as humpback numbers are increasing at about 10% per annum, we are likely to see more whales more often here in our whale town!

Thanks to our friends from Cat Balou Cruises for the images. Visitors wishing to know more about the amazing whale-watching opportunities on the Sapphire Coast – or just about anything you need to know about these magnificent creatures should visit the following websites:

http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/whales/whale-watching/
Wild About Whales
Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre

Coast Australia features Eden’s history

A few locals had the privilege of helping a TV crew film an episode of the upcoming series entitled “Coast Australia” this week. The series will feature well known Scottish presenter Neil Oliver – many will have seen his British ‘Coast’ series already. Neil and crew were helped out by Fritz Drenkhahn, Greg McKee (who helped produce the ABC documentary “Killers in Eden”), Arthur and Jenny Robb, Peter (Mal) Rankin and Mark Davidson. Family matriarch Fay Davidson was there to oversee the fun, as was another local – Denise Switzer – who happened to walk the dog on the beach and ended up in the middle of proceedings.

Marty Davidson and Greg McKee spent the morning filming at Davidson’s Whaling Station as the production team showed great interest in the whaling history. All involved are keen to see what makes it past the cutting room floor for the show when it airs later this year.

This is a great marketing opportunity for Eden and surrounds as the show is popular worldwide and will generate much more publicity for the amazing history and natural beauty of our region.

Marine Discovery Centre kicking goals

The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre continues to excel in the delivery of education programs focused on the temperate marine environment of this region. A new Marine Debris Program was recently delivered by SCMDC’s Marine Education Officer Jillian Riethmuller to Monaro High (Cooma), Bega High, Eden High, Jindabyne Central School and Towamba Public Schools.

The Discovery Centre is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient status, meaning all donations are fully tax deductible.

Donations can be made online or visit their website to find out more about the work the Centre does.

Click here to see the article and photos of new Marine Debris Program

Chamber continues to gain momentum

Chamber of Commerce Executive members were thrilled with the turn out for this month’s Chamber Meeting on Monday 7th April, with 38 attendees.

As part of the Chamber’s strategies to breathe new life into the Eden business community, guest speaker Natalie Godward was invited to give a presentation about a new shire-wide ‘buy local’ initiative.

Natalie is the Merimbula Chamber President as well as Vice President of the Bega Business Forum. Many were impressed with the idea and seemed keen to participate, all agreeing that all businesses need to position themselves to attract customers who may otherwise shop online or in larger metropolitan centres.

The next Chamber meeting will be held on Monday 2nd June from 5.30pm and will feature Bega Valley Shire’s Business Growth Co-Ordinator Bob McAlister. Bob was present at Monday’s meeting and despite only taking the floor for a brief address, managed to capture the audience with his enthusiasm and depth of knowledge of the current economic climate of the Shire.

Council supports heritage listing for Hotel Australasia

At the Meeting of 26th March 2014, Bega Valley Shire Councillors voted that Council lists the Hotel Australasia, located at 142-144 Imlay Street Eden, in Schedule 5 of the Comprehensive Local Environmental Plan 2013 as a heritage item as outlined in the Heritage Advisor’s report. A group of local residents has been instrumental in pushing for this heritage listing and are believed to be very happy with the outcome.

Read the Minutes of the Council Meeting here for all the details of the decision.

State Government seals the deal on the wharf extension

Representatives from Eden Chamber of Commerce/Cruise Eden were thrilled to meet with local Member for Bega The Hon. Andrew Constance, MP (Member for Finance and Services) and Deputy Premier The Hon Andrew Stoner, BBus MBA, MP (Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services) this morning when they announced that the State Government would contribute $3 million to ensure the wharf extension project reaches its full potential.

With the Federal Government already committing $10 million and Bega Valley Shire Council contributing $2 million, the State Government funding is the last piece in the jigsaw that will see the wharf extended by the end of 2015. This will enable large cruise vessels to come alongside and for their passengers to disembark straight onto the wharf, rather than coming to land by tender vessel which has been the case until now.

Cruise Eden Co-Ordinator, Gail Ward, and a number of other community leaders have been working tirelessly in voluntary positions to build Eden’s profile as a cruise destination and the news today has brought smiles to many faces.

Opportunities abound for the development of new tourism products to support the onslaught of regular cruise passengers. Bega Valley Shire Council is gearing up to help business people to ready themselves for this new market.

It’s exciting times indeed for the businesses of Eden and its surrounds. Read all the details in the following Press Release State Government Wharf contribution – Press Release

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