MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING OF OBERON BUSINESS AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING OF OBERON BUSINESS AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9 TH AUGUST 2017 AT THE OBERON GOLF CLUB Meeting Opened: Helen Lowe declared meeting opened at 6.05pm and welcomed Peter Hotham to the meeting. Present: Brenda Lyon, Jenn Capel, Robyn Richards, Helen Lowe, Rhondda Pearce, Col and Sue Roberts, Gordon and Anne West, Sam Lord, Barry Richards, Donna Russo, Peter Hotham, Bruce Amery, Don Capel, Peter Low, Hamish Keith, Brian and Pam Dellow, Darelle Brien. Apologies: Mayor Kathy Sajowitz, GM Gary Wallace, Tim and Fran Charge, Tony and Deidre Robertson, Ian Redpath, Brian and Sandy Harman, Emily and Tim (Down to Earth), Christine Cameron-Johns, Zac Rowlandson, Meg Low, Kay Jones. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 14 June 2017: Helen Lowe asked if there were any amendments to these minutes. There being no changes, Barry Richards moved that these minutes be accepted. Seconded Sue Roberts. Carried. Business Arising: Peter Hotham asked if the members of OBTA would be agreeable to him making a presentation at the next meeting (September 9 th ) to update proceedings on the proposed extension of the Middle Creek Quarry. This was unanimously accepted and time will be allocated at the September meeting for this. Correspondence Out: Minutes; Notice of Meeting; Letter to Oberon Council re appointment of Tourism and Economic Development Officer; Numerous s re Mayfield, Quarry, Website, Video. Correspondence In: Oberon Council re Tourism and Economic Development Officer; Numerous s re Mayfield, Quarry, Website, Video; Oberon Council re Unearth. Brenda Lyon moved that correspondence be accepted. Seconded Col Roberts. Carried. REPORTS: Oberon Council Report: Rhondda Pearce read Mayor Kathy Sajowitz s report in her absence. A full copy of her report is attached along with paperwork on Unearth (not attached). There are 18 candidates for the upcoming Council elections. Oberon Visitor Information Centre Report: Rhondda Pearce presented the VIC Report. A full copy of this report is attached. Treasurer s Report: Mary David presented her report (full copy attached). There are currently 38 paid up members. Mary David and Peter Low to follow up on further renewals. Jenn Capel presented invoices/receipt for reimbursement Domain Experience Oberon $24.95; Frames for Winter Photo Competition $18.99; Printing Fees $ Donna Russo moved that the Treasurers Report be accepted and reimbursement paid to Jenn Capel. Moved Col Roberts. Seconded Peter Low. Carried. Survey Monkey Report: Col Roberts updated meeting on progress on the Survey. Col will have a further report on the findings of the first stage of survey conducted using participating motels. The next stage currently being run until May 2018 involves B&Bs, farmstays and accommodation

2 providers. Any business wanting to participate should get paperwork from Col. Donna Russo has offered to participate. Local Phone Directory Reprint: After much work by Col Roberts, John Warden has started the process to update listings and advertising for the printing of the Local Directory. John Warden will gain income from the advertisements and OBTA will gain a commission. John Warden will handle the advertising content, printing and the update of listings. The community will have the opportunity to change/add the current listing. An advertisement will appear in Oberon Review and Community Newsletter. Anyone wanting to make a change or add a listing, including mobile numbers should contact John Warden. Promotional/IT/Website Report: Jenn Capel presented her report. A full copy is attached. Jenn will report at next meeting on the progress of the website work. Jenn asked whether there is any progress on the OBTA promotional video. The invoice from Brijid has been paid. Tim Charge to update at next meeting. Jenn asked that her report be accepted. Seconded Mary David. Carried. Motor Bike Trail Update: Peter Low has been talking to Kylie Ledger regarding the production of a folding brochure with maps/details of bike tracks for tourists. The cost would be approximately $2000 for the graphic design plus a significant printing cost on top. Peter is looking at developing a digital version initially to be available on the website. The costs may be redeemed by advertising. There are approximately 9 trails around Oberon. Peter will update at next meeting. Donna Russo suggested that it could be worthwhile approaching fuel or oil businesses to sponsor. Bike Cycling Track: Peter Low also reported that investigations are continuing re a bicycle track around Oberon Dam approximately 20klms. Oberon Council support this concept. The next step is to discuss with NSW Water who are responsible for this area. Mayfield Gardens Report: Hamish Keith reported that there is a lot happening at Mayfield Gardens. The website has full details. There are 52 weddings currently booked. The Central West Artisans Market will continue twice a year with 40 odd stalls. The next market to be held on 9 th September. There will be a Mad Hatter Party in the Amphitreatre on September 10 th in conjunction with Kelso High. There will be ongoing 2-day Yoga Retreats in the Private Garden with 10 spaces available in the guesthouse. September 6 will showcase Goat Yoga yes yoga with baby goats which has and will receive a lot of attention. General Business: The Oberon Council elections are set for September 9 th with 18 Candidates nominating. OBTA are sponsoring a public Candidates Forum on August 23 rd to be held at the Oberon RSL Club at 7.00pm. This will give candidates an opportunity to have a short presentation to Oberon constituents and a short Q&A afterwards. An invitation will be sent out this week. After discussion Helen Lowe will approach RSL regarding serving tea/coffee and possibly nibbles sponsored by OBTA. The previous postponement of the Rockley Cricket is cancelled. The event is back on for later in the year.

3 Tim Charge has asked that a motion be carried to send a letter to Bob and Sally Parrington conveying best wishes for the future and appreciation for their wonderful support of OPTA,OBTA and the Oberon community. Seconded Jenn Capel. Carried. Don Capel offered his assistance on behalf of OBTA to walk the streets with Oberon Council representative to gain support for a second E-Workshop through Russell Meadley from the Business Chamber. Brenda Lyon reported that Rotary are proposing to run 2 festivals a year in Oberon. Suggestions are Frost Festival and Country Fair with Oberon Council support. Rotary are asking for anybody interested in helping form a working committee to this end should contact Brenda or Glen Stewart. These festivals are to encourage more activity in main street and surrounds whilst possibly supporting a cause such as Brain Cancer. The Daffodil Dawdle will be held from September 9 to 24 with 4 gardens open each day and 2 gardens open on the weekends. More on this later. Close of Meeting: There being no further business, Helen Lowe declared meeting closed at 7.05pm. Next Meeting: Next meeting to be held on Wednesday 13 th September 2017 where Peter Hotham will address meeting re proposed extension of the Middle Creek Quarry.

4 The Oberon Business & Tourism Association Inc ABN TREASURER'S REPORT: RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS AUGUST YTD 2016/17 BANK BALANCE 14/6/17 $34, Plus RECEIPTS C/F Dinner $ $ Memberships $4, $4, $ 4, $ 4, Minus PAYMENTS ******* Photography Competition $ $ Office of Fair Trading $ $ Survey Monkey $ $ Brigid Video Promotion $ 5, $ 5, $ 5, $ 5, BANK RECONCILIATION 09/8/2017 ******* Balance as per bank statement 14/6/17 $ 34, Plus income $ 4, Balance $ 39, Less Expenses $ 5, Balance in working account $ 34, Unpresented cheque $ 5, $ 39, ******* Working Account $ 34, OPTA CBA $ 7, $ 41, Mary David - Treasurer

5 OBERON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE REPORT OBTA Meeting 9 August 2017 Visitor Statistics 2017 June July Domestic 729 Domestic 1043 International 33 International 33 Total 762 Total 1076 Major Tourism Requests June 2017 July 2017 Fossicking 86 Fossicking 206 Mushrooms 73 General Activities 110 General Activities 64 Mayfield Garden 75 Mayfield Garden 42 Jenolan Caves 58 Food and Wine 38 Snow/Weather 45 Events held during June included: 3 June Oberon Community and Farmers Markets, Oberon Show Ground 7-10 June Oberon s W2Art Exhibition at the Community Centre 10 June Burraga Yard Dog Training Day with Chris Stapleton 13 June Mayfield Garden Famil Tour 17 June Mutton Falls held a tasty Winter Warmer Feast in their 100 yr old Barn 17 June Auditions held in the Community Centre for a short film to be shot in the region on 8 July 23 June Oberon High School Bingo Night, RSL Club 23 June Bonzai Buxus and Blues Winter Workshop held at Mayfield 25 June Tarana Community Markets 30June Sketch and Sip Winter Workshop held at Mayfield Events held during July included: 1-29 July Annual Yulefest at Jenolan on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout July 1-16 July Mayfield Garden Winter Festival with the very welcome addition of Ian Redpath taking you on a guided bus tour of the Garden! 4,6,11,12,13 Makerspace Library Activities for the school holidays 7 July Winter Workshops at Mayfield. 11am-3pm $60pp. Forage and Feast. Learn how to build and maintain a kitchen garden good enough to eat! 14 July Winter Workshop at Mayfield. 11am-3pm. $60pp. Mulled Wine and Swine. Dine on wood fired swine and mulled wine! Learn how to create unique combinations with mulled wine and ingredients from local mixologist Tom Griffiths. 15 July Oberons Old Tiges Black and Gold Ball at the RSL Club 6pm $70pp 21/22 July Christmas In July Dinner at O Connell Café 22 July Christmas In July Churches of Oberon at the RSL Club 23 July Enjoy an afternoon of live music from Mickey Pye at the RSL Club. 29 July Christmas In July Dinner and Fundraiser at Tarana

6 Upcoming Events: Burraga s 58 th Annual Sheep Show and Village Fair Saturday 26 August On the evening of Saturday 26 August, Elvis will be appearing at the Oberon RSL Club General Visitor Information Centre staff attended an accommodation forum and famil held at Mayfield Garden on Tuesday 13 June Other popular enquiries were is it snowing yet in Oberon? and also 32 requests on information about Yerranderie. 2BS Radio changed from Wednesdays to Tuesdays ringing us for our What s On in the region. On 15 July we had a group of 40 visitors from Rooty Hill who booked in for a Fossicking Demonstration and fun in the noodling patch! Jenolan Caves were a feature on the TV show Sydney Weekender which went to air on Sunday 30 July Channel 7 at 5.30pm. Oberon Visitor Information Centre Statistics 2016 Domestic International Total Accum Total January February March April May June July August September October November December Total 15, , Domestic International Total Accum Total January February March April May June July August September October November December

7 2016 Total Visitors Kanangra Walls Jenolan Caves Mushroom Fishing Fossicking Cycling Food and Wine Oberon Dam Camping Mayfield Garden CTC Use Tablelands Way Accommodation (incl. Caravan Park) Phone/ Enquiries Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total Kanangra Walls Jenolan Caves Mushroom Fishing Fossicking Driving Evans Crown Tarana Camping Mayfield Garden CTC Use Tablelands Way Accommodation (incl. Caravan Park) Phone/ Enquiries Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total

8 OBTA Website Committee Report August 9, 2017 The website committee has met a number of times since Tim asked me to chair the committee at the June meeting. The committee believes it is time to refresh our website with the aim of making it quicker to upload, easier to navigate, and easier to keep up to date. Equally important is to ensure the site is mobile and tablet responsive, which it currently is not. We are also keen to delete from the site all the non OBTA members advertising that currently has a very strong presence on our site. To this end, we have been asking for quotes from a few different website developers, including StraliaWeb. If you are interested, you might like to look at a couple of the sites we have been comparing our site with, including Cowra and Bingara. It is important to remember that we are looking to promote Oberon and its villages, its attractions and its businesses, with the aim of encouraging more people to make short visits to our area, as well as appealing to people who may be interested to relocate to the Oberon Shire. Our focus has been on researching the most effective websites to achieve this goal. Please note that individual members will continue to be free to choose where they spend their advertising dollars. The committee is looking forward to making a recommendation as to which path we believe the organisation should take at the next meeting. Social Media report Our Instagram and Facebook posts continue to be well received. The snowing video I posted on Monday night has now reached almost 1,171,000 people! Incredible! Thanks to those who have sent me photos to post on the sites. Please keep it up! It is much appreciated. Experience Oberon Photography Competition Alex and Beth Tickle from Central West Magazine kindly agreed to judge the best of the best photos from our year long competition. The chose Erika Seymour s photo of the rocks and reflections in Lake Oberon as the winning entry. All the finalists were displayed on our Experience Oberon page with the invitation to our friends to like the photo they considered the best. The sunset over snow beside the Duckmaloi River was the favourite photo. It is currently our header photo for the site.