It began with some networking on the deck as we heard from Project Manager, Tim Cotter with an overview and introduction to the establishment of the Innovation Network. 

Councillor Mark Reeves, East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, acknowledged the traditional owners and custodians of the land and gave a heartwarming speech about how the networking night was being held at a place where the river meets the sea.

Tim Cotter then provided an update on the five innovation opportunities for the district. The establishment of a National Seeds Institute, Agricultural Opportunities, Future Forest Management, P-13+ Educational Facility and future innovation in the Tourism/Visitor Economy sector.

Professor Bruce Wilson, RMIT University gave an overview of the Future of Orbost and District Project and the European origins of the economic development approach being used called Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3). Prof. Wilson talked about how “innovation as collaborative problem solving” is critical to the future success of our region.

We heard an overview from local business owners Rachel Songailo from East Gippsland Coffee Roasters and Andrea Norton from OGS tomato sauce as a lead in to the dinner function in the Marlo Hotel bistro. 

It was a fantastic evening with the hotel brimming with over 100 attendees all excited for the future, with representatives from business, education, Government and community.  

With a punching start to the formal speeches we had Jamie Thomas, who as a young boy grew up in Club Terrace and Orbost and found an early career in amateur boxing. He shared his journey and how he came to start his very successful business Waayapa Warruk with his business and life partner Sarah Jones. It was a captivating and empowering story about his journey and fortuitously he has now returned to the region and is living and working in Bete Belong.

Innovation Working Group representatives John Richardson and Warren Fenner then spoke about the work they are engaged in to develop a business case for investment for a National Seeds Institute and Future Forest Management.

Jeff Svigos from the Victorian Forestry Plan team provided an overview of the work taking place in Orbost and across the State in support of timber transition communities. 

Andrea Norton from OGS Sauce shared her and her daughters Maddie’s business journey with their 5th generation family sauce recipe. Whilst currently produced in Lakes Entrance, Andrea was invited to move down east of the Snowy River and look to expand the business in Orbost. 

Local business, owners Rachel and Tim Songailo shared their story of how they came to move to the rural town of Orbost from the Barossa Valley 8-years ago.  Starting their own business, East Gippsland Coffee Roasters, roast sustainable sourced coffee beans right here in their burgeoning retro Cafe on Nicholson Street in Orbost. With 4 children in tow, they have successfully opened up their coffee shop, providing a relaxed, retro vibe with great coffee, as well as showcasing local artists including folk music sessions. Rachel and Tim are looking to expand their business and it is an exciting time ahead. 

The Marlo Hotel provided great hospitality and both the Head Chef Max Lutze and Sous Chef Lakmal V Weerasinghe delivering on an exceptional menu, incorporating OGS sauce and East Gippsland Coffee Roasters products into the capanes, main meals and desserts.

The next Orbost and District Innovation Network (ODIN) event is being held on Thursday 7th November, 2022. Kicking off at 6:30pm at the Orbost Golf Club. Tickets must be pre-purchased.