Storm Boy Gathering at YHA Beach House Port Elliot

Individuals, businesses and organisations with an interest in tourism, were treated to a unique experience hosted by Goolwa Tourism 5214.The quarterly Tourism Gathering was held the YHA Beach House in Port Elliot. This historic Beach House overlooks beautiful Horseshoe Bay which is within Encounter Bay where at least three mother Southern Right Whales are nurturing their calves.Hosts of the YHA Beach House, Richard and Stratton Gilroy, shared some of the background of this newly restored building which is part of the Youth Hostels of Australia.This is not your conventional youth hostel as renovations included ensuites and family rooms which constantly attract an older demographic, families and groups with exclusive hire.At the end of the evening, those attending the Gathering were able to inspect the clean, elegant rooms.

The main focus of the evening, however, centred around Storm Boy and the planned release of a newly imagined film based on Colin Thiele’s much loved book. Information was provided about a special session for local businesses which will be held on Wednesday 19 September 2018 in the Alexandrina Council Building, Cadell Street, Goolwa at 5pm. Bookings can be made with the Goolwa Visitor Information Centre on 1300 466 592.

For the first time since the filming which was done in 2017, some of the local participants were able to come together to share their experiences.Their involvement covered auditioning for parts, acting, use of local buildings, building sets, providing water safety backup, powering up the SteamRanger locomotive, transporting equipment and generally providing local know-how and support.They were all impressed by the professionalism of the crew, their attention to detail, whether it was setting up the authentic period presentation of a shop or lining up the best angle for a shot, and the friendliness of the cast.The positive and welcoming atmosphere on the set was established by the director Shawn Seet.

As the process of filming a movie was new to all our locals, everyone appreciated the support that they received from the cast and crew.Now they are all looking forward to seeing how the editor will use the footage in the final presentation of this family-friendly film which will be launched on 10 January 2019.They are all confident that those early morning starts and hard work will be worthwhile.Goolwa Tourism 5214 thanks everyone involved as they shared their unique experiences and encourages all tourism operators, businesses and the local community to be prepared to welcome the expected increased visitation to the Goolwa, Port Elliot and the Coorong National Park.