The Merimbula and Pambula Chambers of Commerce have joined forces with Merimbula Tourism to organise a special black tie dinner event at the Grange, Pambula on December 8, which could be the precursor to a revived business awards night in the future.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillor Mitchell Nadin, who has been involved with the organisation of the event along with tourism manager Chris Nicholls and Merimbula Chamber of Commerce president Lynn McColl, said it would be a “swanky, black tie, networking event and a chance for businesses in all sectors to get together and relax” prior to the the busy season.
“The kitchen and dining room will be run by Wheelers, it will start at 6.30pm with canapes and followed by the main course at 7.30pm. It will be a pretty fluid evening with the sophisticated, melodic sounds of a jazz quartet in the background,” Cr Nadin said.
“It’s really nice to do this in conjunction with the Pambula Chamber of Commerce too,” he added.
Most importantly the evening will be a fundraiser for the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre (MVIC) which is hoping to take up an offer from developer Robert Green of a 10-year peppercorn lease on a large space adjacent to the Merimbula bypass intersection.
Although the rent is low, the space has to be fitted out. Council has agreed to give $25,000 towards the work and Mr Nicholls said he was busily applying for grants.
The space is ideally located for the MVIC being close to parking and having the space for tour or shuttle buses to park nearby and bring visitors into the centre.
“As well as providing maps and tourist information, the space would become a community space with providore, local arts and craft through the area. There’s a lot tied up in it,” Mr Nicholls said.
“The Grange event will start the ball rolling. This is an exercise in collaboration. It’s a good opportunity to fund something important in our community.
“This is significant because it is the first time these three organisations have worked together. An improved VIC can benefit the local economy and the entire community. If it’s successful we could run this annually as a business awards night,” he added.
It is something that Club Sapphire has already recognised as important and has consequently made a significant donation to the event so that it can be leveraged to maximum effect.
Tickets for the Grange dinner on Saturday, December 8, are available from the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre or call Chris Nicholls on 6495 1129. Cost is $95 per person or $800 for a table of 10. Food by Wheelers, music by the Paul Dion Quartet.
