President of the Merimbula Tourism board Kevin Philistin has called it a “turning point” saying the $25,000 announced by member for Bega Andrew Constance for the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre (MVIC) gave certainty to a move to a bigger location.
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Mr Constance made the announcement at the Grange, Pambula on Saturday, December 8 at a glitzy black tie dinner organised by the Merimbula and Pambula Chambers of Commerce and Merimbula Tourism.
The evening was a fundraiser for the MVIC which wants 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. Council has agreed to give $25,000 towards the fit out which is expected to cost over $100,000.
Mr Constance said the proposed move to bigger and better premises couldn’t come at a more important time and paid tribute to the co-operation between the Pambula and Merimbula Chambers of Commerce.
“You can’t run strong tourism without strong chambers,” Mr Constance said.
He also praised “the wonderful volunteers at the MVIC”.
Pambula Chamber president Michelle Pettigrove and Merimbula Chamber president Lynn McColl said it was exciting that the two chambers were working together to help make the move happen.
Merimbula Tourism manager Chris Nicholls said it was a wonderful donation.
“What stood out for me was the chambers joining forces and incorporating tourism into their context. They joined together and helped when it was needed because they believe in the importance of tourism to the entire area. It means a lot to the business community,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Your presence here means more bricks in the wall,” he added.
Councillor Mitchell Nadin who was involved in the organisation of the event said tourism was everyone’s business.
“Council commissioned a report which shows that people love going to regional towns, they are an essential part of the tourism industry. People love our clean beaches, great walks and being able to make the connection with nature,” Cr Nadin said.
In an emotional speech he paid tribute to the work of Shanne O’Leary at Destination NSW and asked everyone to raise their glasses in a toast to Mr O’Leary who died recently.
In addition to the money announced by Mr Constance the evening itself was a fundraiser and is believed to have raised over $5000 towards the MVIC’s move.
The move will not take place during the summer season and the board will wait until at least late February or March when they hope to hear whether Merimbula Tourism has been successful in securing a grant.
Mr Philistin said the $25,000 promised from Mr Constance gave the organisation confidence to plan for the move.
