As we are all only too aware, times have been extremely difficult for many of us in Kangaroo Valley over the last several year – drought, fire, Covid and, of course, the recent rains which have caused havoc for so many in the valley community. The recent road closures have provided us with yet even more challenges to overcome.
The charter of the Kangaroo Valley Chamber of Tourism & Commerce – in fact, our responsibility to our membership – is to advance the cause of both tourism and commerce in Kangaroo Valley and it is a responsibility we do not take lightly.
Over the last several months we have been particularly focussed on endeavouring to help our members to understand what assistance is available from various government and non-government agencies for the many areas of difficulty being experienced by the membership, be it flood damage, loss of income due to road closures, Covid, mental health and stress management. We have tried very hard to keep our members fully informed via email about what is on offer, and have organised workshops and presentations from the appropriate organisations so that information has flown freely and has been both current and accessible.
We have also worked on developing a very strong publicity campaign. We are open and very much worth the drive – to ensure that the wider public appreciates the fact that we are, indeed, open for business!
We have made personal and written representation to government agencies with varying levels of success, but we kept on keeping on. Getting appropriate signage re the road closures proved to be particularly problematic!
Whilst very aware of the financial difficulties being experienced by many of us in the tourism and business areas, we have also focussed on the need to work on assisting businesses develop and strengthen their individual businesses. We have been successful in achieving a variety of grants – many from Shoalhaven Tourism – and we’re genuinely excited about the avenues for expansion and activity that this infusion of monies will make.
Natalie Harker, the KVCTC Treasurer, has worked with enormous focus in the area of grant acquisition and publicity, and I think it is appropriate to thank her sincerely for all her hard work and endeavour.
So yes, times have indeed been tough, but I have a feeling we have rounded the bend and we’re on our way again. it behoves us all to look to the future of both tourism and commerce in Kangaroo Valley with great enthusiasm and commitment. Thank you for your support of everything we do; it is very much appreciated.
Kangaroo Valley business owners and not-for-profit organisations can take advantage of our subsidised memberships currently available thanks to Shoalhaven City Council, including a free membership to Business NSW. For more details visit www.kvctc.com
Lindy Pitt
President, KVCTC
