WINTER wet and chill have not dampened the spirits of the Original Tea Gardens Ferry, with the owner and crew finalists for two major regional business awards.
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry is one of three finalists for the “Best Visitor Experience”, alongside tourism businesses from Forster and Barrington.
“These nominations reflect the heart and hard work of our crew, our commitment to exceptional customer experiences, and the amazing support of our community,” Original Ferry owner Kerrie Jeffreys said.
“Being recognised alongside so many incredible local businesses is truly humbling.”
The Original Ferry’s winter campaign has enjoyed considerable success, including sell-outs of their local History Cruises with News Of The Area’s own John “Stinker” Clarke.
A recent Christmas in July cruise out of Tea Gardens was also a sell-out, allowing those aboard to finally make sense of the wintry icons that go up every Christmas.
“It’s been incredible to see how much love there is for the stories of our bay, from WWII tales and Worimi culture to the quirks of local fishing life,” Kerrie told NOTA.
“In July, the MV Wallamba was decked out in sparkling tinsel and fairy lights, and our passengers did not disappoint – there were festive jumpers, Santa hats, and even a few matching Christmas outfits that turned heads and raised smiles.”
“And we’re extra proud that our History Cruises have been featured in both the Myall Coast and Port Stephens News of the Area, such a wonderful recognition of the community connection and storytelling that make these cruises so special.”
“Our ‘Grand Old Ladies of Sea’ have been operating in the community for over 30 years and I have been at the helm for just on three, and am mighty proud that the Queen of our Fleet, the MV Tea Gardens, has recently been accepted to The Australian Register for Historic Vessels, as she is one of few vessels that has been in continual service for over 80 years.”
The Original Ferry is also looking ahead with a renewed hiring campaign, looking for skippers and deckhands, to get a running start on the spring and summer seasons, once the rains subside.
“It is a bit of a family affair so far, my sister-in-law is my ‘hostess with the mostest’, bringing her years of experience as a high-end maître d’ in hotels all over the world; my brother as a skipper-extraordinaire has done 35 years as captain on super yachts; and my niece is one hell of a deckhand.”
Kerrie’s grander plans include talks with tourism coach operators in Australia and New Zealand, aiming for a continual stream of visitors to the Myall region.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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