Community stories: 28 May 2012
The newly refurbished jetty at Smoky Bay, a community of only 198 residents, was opened last month as part of the jetty’s centennial celebrations. The restoration included newly decked areas with fishing booths, railing and new lighting, as well as shelters, seating and picnic facilities.
The refurbishment has been a long-time aim of the Friends of the Smoky Bay Jetty subcommittee of the Smoky Bay Progress Association, in collaboration with the Eyre Peninsula Community Foundation. The jetty is the centre-piece of the town, but it had fallen into disrepair due to lack of funds and lack of capacity to raise them.
The project was estimated to cost $360,000, with half being raised by the community and the balance via matched government grants. FRRR supported the committee by hosting a Not-for-Profit Fundraising Account (previously known as a Donation Account), which allowed the community to raise these funds locally. The money raised went towards the design and reconstruction of the dilapidated section of the jetty.
Congratulations to the community of Smoky Bay on such a mammoth task. Make sure you add this little town to any future visit you may be doing in South Australia.