The new Kiah Pavilion will be formally opened on Saturday, 8 August. Photo: Supplied.
Bega Valley Shire Council has expressed thanks to the Rotary clubs of Merimbula, Pambula, Bega and Northbridge in Sydney ahead of the formal – COVID-19 safe – opening of the Kiah Pavilion on Saturday, 8 August.
Mayor Sharon Tapscott thanked Rotary for its generosity of funds and hard labour to complete the project in the town of Kiah, south of Eden on the NSW South Coast.
“A round of applause for all involved and, in particular, Merimbula Rotarians Shane Osta and Andy Thorp who spearheaded the project,” she said.
“These guys managed the construction of the pavilion, providing building expertise and hands-on labour to save money and ensure the building was completed as quickly as possible.
“The Kiah Pavilion is located near the tennis courts and RFS [Rural Fire Service] shed, and offers the Kiah community a large undercover meeting space with an electric barbecue, a sink, seating area and landscaping.
“It means the Kiah community will once again be able to gather together for various social, sporting and educational activities, while the Kiah Hall is rebuilt [after being destroyed by bushfire on 4 January, 2020].
From left: Patricia Witton, Merimbula Rotarian; Sue Jellis, Merimbula Rotary Club president; Rickee Marshall, Bega Valley Shire Council; Katrina Berenguer, Bega Valley Shire Council; Shane Osta, Merimbula Rotarian, at Kiah Pavilion. Photo: Supplied.
“Rotary funded this project to the tune of $45,000, which included a large donation from the Rotary Club of Northbridge, in Sydney.
“The project is an incredibly generous gesture and a real credit to Rotary … they just get in there and get things done.”
Merimbula Rotary Club president Sue Jellis said while her club had been instrumental in the construction of the pavilion, the project was a combined effort from Rotary clubs in Merimbula, Pambula and Bega in response to an approach from council and the Kiah community.
“We are so very pleased the pavilion will provide the Kiah community with a place to meet,” she said.
“Community service and friendship underpins the work of Rotary. We are people of action.”
The pavilion’s first event was council’s Cuppa and Chat Session, which drew a number of bushfire-affected residents who enjoyed the chance to catch up with friends and neighbours and tap into the various services and agencies on hand.
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