While the global pandemic may have moved on, the remainder of the 2022-23 year still left the Orbost community grappling with a decline in tourism numbers, supply chain issues and businesses trying to adapt to a new world.
However, the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ODCCI) have continued to progress, change, and pivot where needed.
“The biggest blow the community has been dealt this year is the end of native timber harvesting in Victoria being bought forward to January 2024, rather than the original 2030 deadline,” ODCCI president, Samantha Reynolds, said.
“Given the chamber governs the Future of Orbost and District Project, which is funded under the State Government’s Forestry Transition Fund to support timber communities out of native hardwood processing and into other industries, these works needed to accelerate, and members of the chamber have devoted many hours to this cause.”
Members of chamber have continued to advocate for areas of interest to the community with key stakeholders such as the East Gippsland Shire Council on issues relating to the operation of the Orbost Outdoor Pool, cleaning of public toilets, and the temporary closure of the Orbost Caravan Park.
The chamber has liaised with landowners such as Parks Victoria and DEECA over concerns regarding the lack of bushfire recovery efforts and have also written letters of support to local organisations when requested.
IMAGE: Last Tuesday night, the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry held their annual general meeting at the Snowy River Mail office. The elected committee for the 2023-24 year includes: Wendy Nixon (committee member), Rene Sundermann (vice president), Samantha Reynolds (president), Jane Crofts (treasurer), Garry Squires (secretary) and Jane Keats (committee member).
