There was plenty of conversation, good food, coffee and music under the Snowy River Rail Bridge on Sunday, with the first Brunch by the Bridge bringing people together from across the Orbost region.
The idea behind the event was simple — create a relaxed space where local business owners, community groups and community members could catch up, hear about what others are working on and perhaps make a few new connections along the way.
The idea originally grew from the Building Resilient Forestry Communities leadership program, which brought a group of people together from across Gippsland over the past 12 months.
As part of that program, Cash from Dahlsens in Sale, Michael from Australian Sustainable Hardwoods in Heyfield and Snowy River Cycling’s Michelle Webb partnered to develop a community project based in Orbost.
Earlier in the year, the leadership group spent two days in the Orbost and Marlo area, meeting local people and hearing about some of the projects, businesses and ideas taking shape across the region.
“There are some really good businesses, groups and people doing things across our region, but we’re all busy and we don’t necessarily catch up with each other very often,” Michelle said.
“We felt that if we could create an opportunity to share some of those updates, ideas and small wins, it could help build stronger connections and partnerships locally.”
That became the starting point for Brunch by the Bridge.
What began as an idea aimed largely at local businesses soon grew to include community groups, organisations and community members as well.
The format was simple and informal – rather than a conference or structured networking event, people were encouraged to grab a coffee, enjoy brunch, listen to live music and move around the space talking with others.
A networking display also showcased some of the projects and achievements happening throughout the district, from community initiatives to local businesses and organisations.
“There is a lot happening in our region — some of it big and some of it quite small — and I think it all deserves to be celebrated,” Michelle said.
“That was probably my favourite part of the day. Seeing people stop and read the boards, ask questions and then go and talk to the people involved.”
Michelle said the day would not have been possible without the many local people and organisations who contributed, including Michael and Donna, Flat Bickie, caterers Tara Morgan and family, musicians Rachel and Brielle Nebauer, Forever Flowers by Chelsea.
Orbost Rotary and Orbost Hockey Club helped provided the seating and of course those volunteers involved with the Save the Snowy River Rail Bridge, local volunteers and the businesses and community groups that provided information for the networking display.
Brunch by the Bridge was made possible with funding through the Building Resilient Forestry Communities program, with Cash, Michael and Michelle also contributing through their respective businesses – Dahlsens, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods and Snowy River Cycling – providing equipment, printing, materials and many hours of time to bring the event together.
“More than anything, thank you to everyone who came,” Michelle said.
“An event like this only works if people are willing to turn up, talk to someone they might not know and take an interest in what other people are doing.”
“The hope was simply to create a nice space for people to connect. Looking around on Sunday and seeing those conversations happening, it felt like we had achieved that.”
And after the response to the first Brunch by the Bridge, there may just be reason to put it on the calendar again.
