Narooma Oyster Festival this year (3-4 May) has again received substantial support from its major partners who recognise the Festival’s increasing profile as a quality event that brings in business to the area and builds a unique and positive brand for Narooma.
Festival spokesperson Cath Peachey said Narooma Chamber of Commerce instigated the Oyster Festival to showcase the region’s quality produce, especially its oysters, as well as its unique visitor experiences to visitors from outside the area at a traditionally slower time of year.
“It’s grown significantly over its 11 years to become regional NSW’s premier oyster, seafood and cultural festival,” she said.
“Over the last two years we’ve increased the Festival and Narooma’s profile in our target domestic markets and on the international stage, thanks to significant Destination NSW Regional Flagship funding which underpins the marketing effort.
“Small towns are competing for year-round visitor spend. The Oyster Festival provides a terrific marketing opportunity for Narooma to stand out from the crowd which is important for Narooma’s economic development; it’s something we would not normally be able to do without Destination NSW support.”
She said that success is recognised by its other Festival partners Narooma Sporting & Services Club, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Australia’s Oyster Coast, Estia Health and the Katungul Aboriginal Corporation.
Narooma Sporting & Services Club CEO Tony Casu said the Club “gets right behind anything that supports the town and the community”.
Above: Narooma Sporting & Services Club CEO Tony Casu, centre, and Narooma Oyster Festivalcommittee’s Cath Peachey and Niels Bendixsen, enjoy some oysters after Tony gave them $15,500 in sponsorship.
“The Festival brings in a tremendous amount of business which boosts our local economy,” he said. “Many locals are members of this Club and we’re here to support them.” Club Members will soon be able to buy discounted Festival tickets to Saturday’s Festival from Club Narooma reception.
Mrs Peachey said Narooma could not stage an event like this without the support of these major partners, the many sponsors from our local business community and the army of volunteers who lend a hand on the Festival weekend.
“It now costs over $150,000 to put on; that includes world class cooking demonstrations, an extensive music line-up, many free kids’ rides and fireworks,” she said.
For more information, please check the Festival website www.naroomaoysterfestival.com.
