UNITE & RAISE BUSHFIRE APPEAL

In February this year Smart Exposure and the Bushfire Appeal Committee held a hospitality industry fundraising event to assist south coast NSW communities that had battled valiantly through the devastating bushfires that marked the start of 2020 in Australia. Those communities are still trying to rebuild even now with many towns lacking even basic community resources. At the event in February more than 80 NSW clubs, hospitality industry businesses and organisations came together to raise funds for the Eden community.

On 3 December, club executives and sponsors met in Eden to hand over a cheque for $170,000 to help Council with the redevelopment of a sports and recreation precinct in Barclay Street.

Eden being further down the coast and further away from Sydney did not get a lot of media attention or support after the bushfires, so the Committee decided to donate entire collected funds to the town of Eden

Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said the generous donation showed the willingness to help impacted communities was still strong.

“It’s nearly a year since the devastating Border Fire ravaged villages and localities south of Eden, and it’s with heartfelt thanks that we receive this act of kindness,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.

“It’s been a trying time for the Eden community and surrounds, with the Border Fire stripping the township of its much-needed summer visitors and COVID-19 halting cruise ship passenger arrivals for the time being.

“Something we have come to realise, with fires and flood taking their toll over the past few years, is that recovery and relief happens best when the community has an opportunity to meet and share experiences.

“This cheque for $170,000 will go towards the major upgrade of an important community space where the people of Eden and surrounds can come together.

“The Barclay Street pavilion upgrade will deliver a multi-function community space to encourage sports, events and recreational pursuits to keep Eden on the path to recovery.”

 

“Together, we really did make a difference!”