SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS
The crew from the Alaia segment of the surf movie, The Present, in front of my factory.
L-R; Matt Williams, David Rastovich, Chris Del Moro, Jon Wegener, Harrison Roach, Margie Wegener, Dan Malloy, Thomas Campbell, Tom Wegener, Jacob Stuth
Tom Wegener Surfboards
I have been making surfboards in Noosa since 1998. I bought my property in Cooroy in 2001 and moved operations into the rustic shed. My designs have gone through many evolutions and I have been fortunate to have received several honours including “Surfboard Shaper of the Year 2009” from Surfing Magazine, the Melbourne International Design Award for sports equipment and a Sunshine Coast Smart Business Award in 2011. My business was a rollercoaster with plenty of highs and plenty of low times as well.
I also worked part time at Noosa Longboards on Hastings Street for ten years. I spent most Saturdays there and I have a strong understanding of the business ecosystem of the beaches and that tourism dollars that flow.
I understand small business and I will continue to support small businesses to grow and thrive in Noosa.
2020 Distillery
My first challenge as a councillor came when staff recommended limiting conditions on the 2020 Distillery in Cooroy. Staff recommended limited tasting of spirits only, while the owners wanted nibblies to be served and tables available for tasting. I argued that gin is a nearly colourless liquid and to understand the differences between the gins, one needs to taste them. You need to taste them with nibbles in order to appreciate the context and nuances of the gin. You also need to taste the gin with friends. This is the necessary tasting experience. Council voted to expand staff’s conditions and soon I was enjoying a tasting session with nibbles and friends. The 2020 Distillery went on to be popular and win national awards. Now distillery and brewery tours have become popular in Noosa adding value to our bespoke, locally made products.
Bus Stop Espresso
Another challenge for me has been a staff recommendation to shut down the Bus Stop Espresso in Cooroy. I feel the seven councillors did not do a very good job with Bus Stop’s applications. The problem is that our rules for eat and drink establishments are far too stringent and do not support local producers, while the food stall rules are very limiting and not helpful to local producers. These are the two avenues for selling local produce and value added products from our rural properties and Bus Stop sits somewhere between the two.
Bus Stop was born out of the pandemic operating restrictions imposed by Covid-19. People wanted a safe place to socialise outdoors; where they could sit and talk for hours, enjoy coffee and local treats. There are numerous tables and chairs under the trees and the owner never purchased any of them. The locals just kept bringing them unannounced.
I believe we have much to learn from Bus Stop Espresso’s experiences. Its success is a guiding light for how we would like the hinterland to develop. I argued to delay the council enforcement action so that we do not unnecessarily destroy something that has brought enormous value to the residents of Noosa.
PhD at USC
After 15 years of adventures in the surf industry my body needed a break. Making surfboards is physically demanding and I probably did not listen to my body when it was telling me to do some maintenance. So in 2013 I applied for a PhD program at the University of the Sunshine Coast. I researched the sustainability of small manufacturing in Australia. I focused on the surfboard industry and asked, “Why have some small industries rebuffed globalisation and other threats, and remained vibrant in Australia, while so many others have been displaced by overseas manufacturers?” In a nutshell, I found that industries are sustainable if;
1. There is a low barrier of entry and a level playing field in the industry 2. If there is a culture which supports the product and the manufacturer 3. If there is a belief by the participant that they can be successful
In 2016 I graduated and published my findings in the book, Surfboard Artisans -For the Love. I believe my research helps me understand and support local business owners, entrepreneurs and innovators.
Upcoming Challenges
In 2024 a substantial list of Planning Scheme amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020 will be presented to the community for consultation. There are some which will expand opportunities for businesses, especially those in the hinterland and for regenerative agriculture pursuits.
I will advocate for these changes.
