Jacki Leetham and Matt Hayden from Cobram Adventure Co.
Photo by
Barb Love
Completion of a massive upgrade along the foreshore of Thompsons Beach by Moira Shire Council is moving closer to fruition, and already it’s receiving the ‘thumbs up’ from hundreds of locals.
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Not all are in agreement, some preferring that the area should remain as it has always been.
But it’s vital that the largest inland beach in Australia progresses, and we should justifiably be proud as a community that we have a facility that continues to draw amazing numbers of tourists every year.
The new look is functional as well as attractive, with new shade structures, an increase in the numbers of modern park furniture and thoughtful play spaces for families, with improved pedestrian access.
It also provides all-abilities car parking nearby to public toilets and solid pathways for easier movement around the popular Beach Café operated by Sporties.
Two covered and revamped barbecue areas will also benefit from cement pathways across the site.
Interesting artwork, new signage, native planting and landscaping completes an attractive picture. It is unique.
Many readers have inquired about the opening of the Beach Café. The good news folks, is it is planned to open early November.
Tony Tranter, the interim chief executive at Sporties Barooga, was offered the role after the resignation of Bobby Brooks.
Sporties interim chief executive Tony Tranter.
Photo by
Barb Love
Mr Tranter previously held the position of business development manager.
“I have always been passionate about The Sporties, and yet, I didn’t actually aspire to take on the CEO position, but I am enjoying getting to know everyone,” he said.
“It has been very busy since August and there are exciting times ahead.
“Currently we are putting in a $1.5 million state-of-the-art kitchen, which will enable us to cater more professionally.
“With this in mind, we are committed to opening the Beach Café as soon as possible.
“It’s really important to have it operational, and we look forward to a great summer.”
Tony understands the relevance during the summer months of having a fully functioning café running on a daily basis and the drawing power this can create.
Tony is impressed with the works completed on the foreshore and acknowledges that it isn’t easy putting forward applications regarding a master plan to both Moira and Berrigan shire councils.
He said the two councils had been excellent to work with, particularly when there were so many regulations that affected both Victoria and NSW.
“We have previously lost some events due to government bureaucracy, but our two local councils have done everything they can to help us,” he said.
An interesting addition to Thompsons Beach this summer is the introduction of Cobram Adventure Co, run by Jacki Leetham and her partner, Matt Hayden, who are offering water activities for families, schools and groups — ideal for both first-time users or seasoned explorers.
Jacki and Matt are experienced kayakers and have large kayaks and smaller ones for young children to try, together with stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks, which are available in time for cod opening on December 1.
You can also book a three-hour party, for fun-loving adults or kids, where you will be provided with an esky with ice, cricket gear, beach volleyball and soccer equipment and even buckets and spades.
Cobram Adventure Co can be found on the grassed area above the beach near the Cobram Canoe Club, and will be available each weekend until Easter. If you are looking for some excitement, this could well be it.
As you relax and float down the mighty Murray, you may be lucky to spot native wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, platypus or turtles, or perhaps a variety of Australian birdlife.
