Narooma Marina
The history of Narooma Marina
The Marina in Fosters Bay has a long history dating back to the 1930’s. Throughout the years, the marina has been re-built half a dozen times, while the operators have come and gone. Historically an old fishing village, Narooma has a proud oyster industry.
In 2014, two friends Mac Burge and Peter Hay purchased the Narooma Marina. Narooma to Mac and Peter was like stepping into a time capsule. They found that as time went on and life changed, the little town always remained a place that was familiar and safe.
The marina itself was run down and needed some creative input to breathe life back into the small business. Ultimately, the two men wanted a business that could be enjoyed not only by themselves, but also by their children. Both Mac and Pete worked tirelessly together to improve the look and feel of the marina, with their friendship continuing until Peter tragically lost his life this year at the age of 61. The Narooma Marina was Peter’s passion project, the enthusiasm and passion he had was the cornerstone of what has transformed the once run-down business, into a humble and energetic asset of the community.
How has the last 12 months affected the business?
The NSW South Coast was one of the hardest hit Australian communities when catastrophic bushfires destroyed homes and took lives across the summer. And while Narooma itself escaped any physical damage, the economic impact of the fires on a town where tourism is the number-one industry and employer has been huge. Due to forced evacuations in early January and road closures, there were virtually no visitors in town for the first three weeks of the New Year. This is normally the town’s peak time, when most businesses make between 25 to 40% of their annual income.
But just as the marina was beginning to get back on their feet, they had to tell visitors to stay away, amid fears of COVID-19. Narooma Marina itself has seen about $150,000 worth of trade disappear, with staff being let go to minimize costs and both owners having to use their own savings to keep the business afloat.
How are things today?
While sentiment among the community seems to be positive, many are cash poor and are relying on government support. As a result, members of the community gather together to help the vulnerable - with local churches in the Eurobodalla area creating a relief fund that helps community members affected by the fires with essential supplies.
Mac says that the Narooma community is tight nit, banding together to look after one another in times of distress, but the community is always welcoming to tourists and hope that when tourists do return that they’re able to enjoy their time in the community.
How you can help
Narooma is situated along the Princes highway and the primary way of accessing the town is via road. Whether they’re retirees towing a caravan or a young in an old beat up car, every tourist that comes to Narooma has travelled there by car. Drive tourism gives you a sense of freedom to travel and explore.
This is especially important in Narooma, as most places like a favourite beach or a boutique coffee shop is only accessible by road. The best way to support the community of Narooma is to pack your bags and travel to Narooma. 'We would love people to enjoy themselves and shop local' says Mac. 'Narooma has something for everyone- beautiful beaches, surfing, water activities, fishing- it has the ability to attract a range of tourists'.
