Stingrays Seafood Festival supports a community in need Camden Haven Camden Haven News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - January 31, 2025 The organising team preparing for the event. ALMOST 400 community members attended the inaugural Stingrays Seafood Festival on Saturday, 25 January, with more than $8000 raised for Laurieton Seafoods and the Laurieton Fisherman’s Co-op. The festival-turned-fundraiser, hosted by the Laurieton Hotel Stingrays RLFC at the Brigadoon Holiday Park, will direct key funds to the recovery of the beloved Laurieton fishing institution lost to fire on Wednesday, 15 January. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Thirty-seven businesses and individuals donated prizes and services to the fundraiser, including solar systems, air conditioning units, holiday stays and seafood and meat trays. Entertainment including performances by Matt Zarb Music, footy throwing competitions, tractor train rides provided by Brigadoon Holiday Park and water hose racing run by Laurieton NSW Fire and Rescue. In the thick of the organising action were members of the Stingrays and Camden Haven Eagles committees, including Jarryd “Kiwi” Gaskin, Logan Marshall and Racheal Hogan, as well as Laurieton Seafoods owner Cody Weston and his hardworking staff. Stingrays spokesperson Logan Marshall praised the tireless efforts of the event’s volunteers. “Without their support this day would not have been made possible,” he said. “From the volunteers on the gate, the servers, cooks, oyster shuckers and bar staff, their efforts were invaluable. “We couldn’t have held this event without them.” Jarryd “Kiwi” Gaskin thanked the community for its “massive” response to the fundraiser. “The day was such a success and everyone enjoyed themselves,” said Kiwi. “After seeing our beloved Co-op burn down, the Stingray committee quickly jumped into action and decided to organise a fundraising event for Cody and the Co-op. “Donations came in quick and fast as everyone wanted to help out. “I feel so proud and privileged to be part of this community. “Looking ahead we are planning on doing this again next year, even bigger and better.” Even the day’s youngest attendees, including nine-year-old Indie, shared positive sentiments about the event. “Today has been so much fun,” said Indie. “It was a great way to come together as a community and to show how much people care.” By Kim AMBROSE Logan Marshall and Jarryd Gaskin. Laurieton NSW Fire and Rescue firefighters show off their skills. Watarah ready for action. Indie and Stella enjoying the Seafood Festival. Kayleesha Smith and Ryan Cronin were the winners of a 6.6 KW solar system from MNC Solar Power. Rob and Helen Baldry, Teneale Toker and Damien Hectory won Hitachi split system air conditioning units. Axton enjoying throwing the footy.
