TOURISM is the lifeblood of our municipality and the annual Kiama Jazz and Blues festival is one of the highlights of our social events calendar.
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This year's festival was no exception.
The Jazz Committee organised a superb line-up of events and the town was buzzing, with locals and tourists enjoying the beautiful weather and fantastic music.
The festival offers a mammoth series of events in Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo which require the support of our restaurants, cafes and the business community to provide the space for talented artists to entertain the large crowds.
There can't be many such events held in NSW that have as much community involvement and support and I am sure the hardworking committee and our community is proud of the success of the 2015 event.
I heartily congratulate the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival Committee; Eevi Stein, Steve Ivory, Ross Eggelton, Meryll Faulkner, Mikaila Ng, Tricia Ashelford, Neveile Condor and Mel Collis.
I would also like to thank the other sponsors, musicians, venues, audiences, organisers, helpers and volunteers for helping to make this festival possible.
The dedication of these people to the Kiama community, fostering a thriving music scene and promoting our area is inspiring. Kiama Council are proud to be a major sponsor of the event and we look forward to working with them to create a great festival for 2016.
Well done.
Still on the topic of tourism, I would like to congratulate Brian Longbottom for his work as chairman of both the Board of Kiama Tourism and of the South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation (SCRTO).
Brian recently resigned from both chair positions but will remain on both boards as a delegate.
Brian's involvement in tourism has been extensive.
He has overseen the review of the governance of the board as well as the most recent tourism plan for the municipality (2011/12) that has led to a closer relationship with the council and the industry.
His extensive involvement has been on a voluntary basis and, no doubt, has been at some considerable expense to his business and personal interests.
I served for a period with Brian on the Board of Kiama Tourism and also on the SCRTO Board, and am aware of his passion for the industry.
I commend him for his application to the role as chairman of both organisations and look forward to building a close and effective relationship with him and the new Tourism Board chairman as the new structure develops.
I welcome Jamie Warren to the role of chairman of Kiama Tourism and look forward to working closely with him and the board on new and innovative ways to promote Kiama.