The Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ODCCI) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Tuesday, with all executive committee members returning for the upcoming term.
“This time last year, the Orbost community, like many others worldwide, were navigating complex COVID-19 restrictions and rolling with the unexpected punches which were felt hardest throughout industries such as hospitality, tourism, retail, and transport,” president, Samantha Reynolds, said.
“Community resilience has been challenged and fatigue set in, especially given the pandemic followed on from years of prolonged drought and the 2019/20 bushfires.
“Tourism infrastructure suffered immensely due to the bushfires and the chamber continuously advocated for the urgency to rebuild quickly, however the response from land managers has been slow and frustrating, resulting in limitations around accommodation availability at Cape Conran and accessibility to walks and attractions.”
The chamber continued with the administration tasks associated with the management of the Orbost Visitor Information Centre (Slab Hut) and lockdowns continued to reduce the amount of domestic visitors through the centre and the number of international tourists is yet to resume to normal.

IMAGE: The East Gippsland Shire Council recently installed recycling bins throughout Nicholson Street as a direct result of the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s suggestion. President, Samantha Reynolds, was keen to show youngster, Evie Crofts, how to correctly dispose of her bottle and was delighted to have the bins installed just before the busy school holiday period.