THE scenes of men, women, children and pets being evacuated by naval vessels from the pretty East Victorian seaside town of Mallacoota is forever seared into the memory of many Australians.
However in a case of "the show must go on" the community is back and pulling together to organise its annual Wild Harvest Seafood Festival. It will take place on the weekend of April 3-5 and Mallacoota wants everyone to come down for the event.
The festival program has been slightly altered due to the bushfires but organisers promise Mallacoota will put on a great weekend of food, festivities and fun.... not to mention its bounty of abalone, sea urchins, prawns and oysters.
In an enormous show of faith in the face of such personal and community devastation, organisers, businesses and the local community have issued an open invitation for people to #emptyesky and experience all that Mallacoota has to offer.
Destination Gippsland chief executive Terry Robinson said "With the history of the seafood industry and indigenous culture as underlying themes during the weekend, this event will really showcase Mallacoota's wild caught produce, scenery, industry and sense of community."
There will be a Mallacoota Inlet cruise on the MV Loch-Ard during Saturday and Sunday where visitors can explore the pristine Mallacoota Lake and learn about estuary health and the effects of the recent bushfires.
Music by sea shanty singing duo The Grubby Urchins takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon and an exclusive 'Oysters and Champagne' event will also be scheduled.
More information here
