Bega Cheese is one of three major sponsors for the Wharf to Waves, alongside EnviroKey and Finns Pest Control.

Yesterday, Mr Irvin was presented with a specially designed Wharf to Waves shirt and hat by the event’s organising committee.

“An event such as this brings great benefit to the local community”, Mr Irvin said.

“The event is a fantastic achievement given that it is all run by volunteers for the community. 

“Months of work by the organising committee go into preparing for a weekend like this, where both the community and visitors come to compete and have fun in a wonderful environment.” 

The Tathra Wharf to Waves would not be possible without its sponsors and supporters.

The organising committee needs to raise about $15,000 to run the event.

All funds raised go towards three Tathra community organisations – the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club, Tathra Preschool and Tathra Rural Fire Service.

Last year, the committee raised a total of $32,000, which was donated to these organisations.

“Bega Cheese has generously signed up for another three years as our major sponsor,” organising committee secretary Therese Wheatley said.

“This is fantastic and shows that a big international corporation like Bega Cheese still takes the time to look after its community.

“The whole community benefits. 

“It is a great event showcasing our beautiful coastline, our dynamic community, and keeps our local businesses busy.”

The organising committee is a sub-committee of the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club and it relies on its members and pre-school parents to undertake the many and varied jobs to ensure a successful event. 

The volunteers’ jobs include registration, water safety, marshalling, first aid, merchandise, refreshments, wranglers, drivers, and setting up barriers, shade and signage. 

Last year, 150 volunteers were involved in the event. 

True community event

LOCAL environmental consulting company EnviroKey has been a major sponsor of Tathra Wharf to Waves for six years.

EnviroKey is run by directors Steve and Linda Sass, of Kalaru.

“It has been our pleasure to sponsor this fantastic community event and support our local community,” Mr and Ms Sass said. 

“We became involved in 2009 when we had children involved in the preschool and could see that the event gave back so much to the whole community. 

“Lifesavers protecting families while at the beach, a pre-school dedicated to teaching our children and a fire service which when called on would help us protect our home.” 

Sponsor of the main event, the 1200m Splash for Cash ocean swim, is Finns Pest Control.

Finns is a Bega family business run by Andrew and Trish Warby.  

Ms Warby is no stranger to the Tathra Wharf to Waves, being a stalwart of the event since the beginning.

She has also looked after the merchandise for the past 10 years. 

The Warby children have been through the ranks of Nippers and are now patrolling members of the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club. 

“Winning the rights to the sponsorship of the Wharf to Waves Splash for Cash through the $100 ticket business draw is really a great honour,” Mr Warby said.

“We don’t win much and it’s the best draw to be in! 

“We literally flattened ‘em!  

“We love this event - it shows Tathra at its best.

“The whole community pulls together and volunteers their time and effort so everyone, both locals and visitors, go away with great memories.”