From floods to fires and then COVID, the Shoalhaven has faced incredible adversity over an 18 month period.
Now the residents resilience and determination to rebuild and futureproof their businesses, homes and communities, will feature in a special television series to be aired nationally across regional Australia.
‘Living on the Coast – Shoalhaven Recovers’ will feature the stories of business owners, passionate community champions and volunteers who call the Shoalhaven home and is made possible by our major sponsor Manildra Group, local businesses and community members, along with a contribution from Shoalhaven tourism.
Living On the Coast – Shoalhaven Recovers will feature three, half-hour episodes aired across Australia on the WIN Network.
The program is the brainchild of two Shoalhaven locals. Executive Producer and Walkley nominated documentary maker Michael Pignataro and former Shoalhaven City Deputy Mayor Allan Baptist OAM who has more than 15 years experience working in the arts and events industry in the Shoalhaven.
“Living On the Coast – Shoalhaven Recovers is much more than a travel show, it showcases the people who make the Shoalhaven a must visit location for tourists from across the globe. From traditional dairy farmers who are innovating to maintain the rich history of Kangaroo Valley through to the incredible multi million dollar renovation of Bundanon Trust, to create an art museum which is fire proof.” Michael said.
Program Producer Allan Baptist is hopeful the program will bring more visitors to the Shoalhaven.
“ The series will present viewers with a window into the unique place that is the Shoalhaven region; with its resilient and fascinating individuals, and cultural projects. These elements showcase the Shoalhaven as a region of creativity and hope,” Allan said
Banksia Park Cottages owner Alison Baker features in the program, she lost her Kangaroo Valley home, lost two cottages and communal areas were damaged. Alison is in the process of rebuilding.
“ It’s been a long journey, last year was concentrating on building back up the business and opening back up in December which we did and this year is about concentrating on rebuilding our home,” Alison said.
“Just to tell good stories and for us as a tourist business, it (LOTC) will highlight the South Coast and certainly the best part of Australia.”
The region was left devastated by the Currowan fire in December 2019, which burnt for 74 days, destroying nearly 500 thousand hectares and destroyed 312 homes.
The first episode of Living On the Coast – Shoalhaven Recovers will premiere on SATURDAY APRIL 24 at 4.30pm on the WIN Network.
The second and third episode will air on May 1 and 8 at 4.30pm.
