About Regional’s coverage spans online, social media, podcast and video platforms, and our Facebook live videos are a true celebration of the colour and perspective of people living in South East NSW.
While clips about food, funding and flights made this year’s list of most-viewed Facebook videos, our reports from the frontline as a devastating bushfire roared across Reedy Swamp, Vimy Ridge, and Tathra on 18 March had readers engaged.
10. Drones coming to Tathra and Pambula beaches
LIVE from Tathra Surf Life Saving Club chatting to Steve Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW.Drones keeping watch over us this summer at Pambula and Tathra and extended beach patrols in February.Ian
Posted by About Regional on Friday, November 9, 2018
About Regional came to you live from Tathra Surf Life Saving Club ahead of the busy summer period. We chatted to Surf Life Saving NSW’s CEO Steve Pearce about the drones keeping watch at Pambula and Tathra over the holiday season.
9. Talking all things Phoenician with Wassim Hayfa
LIVE with the Phoenician Man – Wassim Hayfa at Biblos Cafe in Bega. Saturday is the offical launch of Biblos, a FREE community day of Phoenician street food and good coffee.There is something driving Wassim, take some time to find out…
Posted by About Regional on Thursday, November 29, 2018
We chatted with Wassim Hayfa from Biblos Cafe in Bega ahead of the official launch of a free community day of Phoenician street food and coffee.
8. Band Together bushfire concert
The countdown is on to Band Together – Tathra Bushfire Relief Concert tomorrow!Chatting to organisers Darren Jones and Jess Ryan.Some extra info to keep in mind:*You may not bring into the venue alcohol, glass bottles, illegal drugs or dangerous items.*You are permitted to bring in your own food and bottled/sealed water.*No shade tents, umbrellas or large hard esky's permitted.*Small soft esky's allowed.*Camp chairs and/or blankets are permitted.*Organisers reserve the right to confiscate prohibited items and refuse entry without refund.*Security officials and police have the right to search personal property of ticket holders for safety reasons. Refusal may result in entry being refused without refund.*Alcohol served at Band Together may only be consumed within the fenced festival precinct at Sapphire Coast Turf Club, and may not be taken outside under any circumstances.*Patrons aged under 18 years must be in the company of a responsible adult companion when inside the event.*Proof of age for children and youths may be requested by staff.*Camping in vehicles in the venue car park and along entry road is prohibited.*Strictly no pets, with the exception of Guide Dogs.*For the safety of patrons, artists and equipment any dangerous, irresponsible, unruly, offensive, disturbing or inebriated behaviour is strictly prohibited. Offenders will forfeit their ticket and be ejected from the festival.*No audio or video recording of performances is permitted without written permission of artists and organisers – amateur stills photography is however permitted.*No backstage access is permitted without an authorised pass.*Footwear must be worn at all times.*The event organiser has all rights to film, photo and video production of this event and patrons may be filmed incidentally during the event.More – https://www.bandtogethertathra.com/ticketing-t-cSee you thereIan
Posted by About Regional on Thursday, May 24, 2018
As the clock ticked towards the kickoff of Band Together – the Tathra Bushfire Relief Concert, we chatted with organisers to learn more about the reason for the event and how they pulled the huge show together.
7. 24 hours in the shadow of the Yankees Gap fire
From Bemboka west to Numbugga, chatting to Fiona Scott and Reece Scott-Kite about their 24 hours in the shadow of the Yankees Gap Road Fire, it got too close to them last nightMore to come.Ian
Posted by About Regional on Wednesday, August 15, 2018
As the Yankees Gap fire swept through the region around Bemboka and Numbugga, we kept you updated with the progress of the firefighting effort.
We spoke to Fiona Scott and Reece Scott-Kite about their 24 hours in the shadow of the Yankees Gap Road Fire, which came dangerously close.
LIVE at Buckajo talking about the Frogs Hollow Flight School.Ian
Posted by About Regional on Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Residents rallied against the proposed development of Frogs Hollow Flight School this year. In August, we came to you live from Buckajo, to discuss concerns including the building of a small town that would create a great of noise impacts and involve intensive, frequent aviation activities over the area.
NSW Premier in Tathra with $$$Zip through to 11:40 for the best sound and vision.Ian
Posted by About Regional on Sunday, March 25, 2018
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian delivered good news for those affected by the devastating bushfires around Tathra in March. We were there as she announced the NSW State Government would provide $10 million to support residents in rebuilding and moving forward.
4. $175 million day in Eurobodalla and Bega Valley
LIVE with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in Moruya, $150 million for a new hospital in the Eurobodalla, location to be decided.“This is better than my daughters wedding!” -Dr Michael Holland.Ian
Posted by About Regional on Tuesday, October 30, 2018
In October, we came to you live from Moruya on the day Berejiklian announced a funding injection for local projects, including $150 million for a new hospital in the Eurobodalla.
3. The aftermath of the Tathra bushfire
Leanne and Gary Cochrane who lost their “Forever Home” in the Tathra bushfire
Chatting to Leanne and Gary Cochrane who lost their “Forever Home”.Ian
Posted by About Regional on Monday, March 19, 2018
Tathra residents Leanne and Gary Cochrane were at the pointy end of the Tathra fires. Two days after they lost their dream property to the fire, they reflected on the loss of their forever home. They said the support from the community had kept them going as they worked out what to do next and thanked the firefighters who battled the flames.
2. Reflecting on a horror afternoon
Chatting to Leanne Atkinson at Bega Showground.
Posted by About Regional on Saturday, March 17, 2018
Ian Campbell’s chat with Tathra resident Leanne Atkinson, who – like many others – had taken shelter at Bega Showground on the hellish afternoon of the Tathra bushfire, came in at number two most-watched Facebook videos this year.
She spoke of the horror afternoon as embers flew, confusion and fear grew, and residents were confronted with overwhelming scenes.
1. Tathra evacuated as bushfire causes chaos
Tathra locals gathering at Bega Showground.Ian
Posted by About Regional on Saturday, March 17, 2018
As Tathra was evacuated during the bushfire emergency in March and a combination of heat and north-westerly winds put lives at risk, locals took sanctuary at the emergency shelter set up at the Bega Showground.
Ian Campbell spoke with shaken locals amid the confusion and uncertainty.
Many of the top stories this year told of resilience, courage and resilience, especially around the fires that destroyed homes and devastated communities. Were there other stories that were standouts for you on the pages of About Regional this year?