THE Penola and District Business and Tourism Association (PADBATA) has been saved from possible disbandment with Dru Reschke taking on leadership of the organisation.
With a motion before a recent meeting to potentially wrap up the body’s affairs, the Koonara Wines owner stepped up to become the new president of PADBATA.
Ensuring the town remains vibrant and tourists are not diverted as a heavy vehicle bypass of Penola is developed will be a key focus for the new committee.
“The bypass will certainly be something which we will work a lot closer on with the Department of Transport and local council on to make sure we keep trucks out and tourists in,” Mr Reschke said.
“It is something the whole town feels very strongly about and we want to be the voice for everyone.
“If we see tourist numbers decrease, we will lose business, there will be less restaurants and shops and an all round chain reaction will occur.”
He said Penola was a town open “seven days a week”.
“We are very proud that we are one of few towns open on the weekend, all weekend,” Mr Reshcke said.
“We want to make sure it stays that way so we know when visitors come to Penola they have plenty of things to do.
“The Penola Christmas Street Party is coming up on December 21, which will be a great example of the new committee smoothly rolling out our new ideas.”
He anticipates many other developments to keep the town thriving, including a new park in Penola.
Previous president of three years Eleanor Burrow and four committee members stepped down at the recent meeting as Mr Reschke and a committee of new faces was welcomed.
“It was Eleanor’s choice to step down and I think that can take it out of you,” he said.
“The last committee was great and they have done some amazing things, but we now have a new committee, which seems to be quite invigorating.
“I am really looking forward to working with them and doing new and exciting things for the town.”
Mr Reschke said he felt honoured to be reelected as president after filling a previous temporary position.
“It is a huge honour and I did not expect it after already being there previously,” he said.
“I was filling in a temporary position as no one came forward as president and then Eleanor stepped up to the plate.
“It is a privilege they are willing to give me another go.”
Mr Reschke said the time was right for him to again take the lead after serving on other boards, including with Business SA.
“My wife Nicole is my secretary, which is great as she is way more organised than me,” he said.
“We are very keen to help local businesses improve.
“I am very confident the new committee is comprised of leaders that will help push Penola towards extra tourists and improving business.”
He said the Coonawarra focus for the organisation had also increased.
“I think now is the perfect time to get behind these sort of organisations as we will have the collective intelligence to push even further,” he said.
“We now have more knowledge on marketing and how to leverage the region collectively into a much better tourism and economic position.
“We have action plans and we have a huge number of things that we have already on the agenda.
“There are also a number of things that will be discussed in the next couple of meetings.”
Mr Reschke encouraged businesses to join the organisation and become involved in promoting the town.
