Boarders enjoyed an eventful day on Saturday 6 February with a trip to Cobargo and Bermagui. The plan was to visit a fire-affected town and learn about their experience and recovery. We visited the Cobargo Farm, where host Janet gave us such a lovely welcome, with a special sign to greet us and, after our long drive, a refreshing drink full of fresh fruit. Janet shared her story about drought, fire and loss while working on her property. She also talked about the impact of the fires and how they affected the town and community of Cobargo, and the issues that still exist today as they continue to work towards recovery after such devastation.

Janet’s farm has mainly fresh produce which she has supplied to local restaurants and cafés for many years. Although drought and fires have reduced her production considerably, Janet shared her home and property with local people who were left homeless after the fires and continues to support her community to this day.

A definite highlight of the tour around the farm was the pigs! Janet allowed those that were game enough to get up close and personal with several huge pigs and cute piglets, feeding them Bega cheese and allowing them to play in the mud. As someone said on the day, it puts a whole new meaning to ham and cheese! There was a lot of laughter and a lot of mud and it was a fun time for those both in and out of the pen!

We are very grateful to Janet for sharing her property and telling us her story. She is an inspirational woman who shows great strength of character, courage and generosity.

We then moved on to Bermagui where we enjoyed lunch high on the cliff overlooking a very rough sea. Luckily as we moved on to the beautiful “Blue Pool”, the waters were calm enough for boarders and staff to enjoy a swim in what they reported as very cool waters. Onwards to the township of Bermagui where we enjoyed their famous fish and chips and ice cream. We travelled back to Jindabyne across the beautiful south coast countryside, arriving back just in time for dinner.

The following weekend, boarders enjoyed a local walk along the lake, then a relaxing few hours swimming and playing beach games, as well as a barbecue lunch.