New Beginnings

RURAL TOWNS FIGHTING BACK series by Kerry Anderson

When Ross Williams left his rural hometown of Sea Lake in 1986 for a career, he never envisaged himself returning. Twenty years later he was back discovering new opportunities for himself and his community.

1-Ross Williams Lake Tyrrell Accomm 2019.JPG

After leaving Sea Lake in northern Victoria’s Mallee district as a young man, Ross worked in research workshops at Melbourne University for almost a decade while pursuing studies through various institutions. With a Social Diploma in Manufacturing & Engineering as well as qualifications in electronics and robotics - ‘a mish mash of skills’ - he then worked another nine years for the TWR Holden Racing Team taking him overseas to the USA and UK.

Twenty years later Ross returned home to support his ill father. While this was totally unexpected, the bonus was that his children got the opportunity to know their grandfather before he died three years later.

Upon returning to Sea Lake Ross immediately looked to generate an income. His first inclination was to stick with his industry and training, but it required too much of an investment. ‘Instead I rolled up my sleeves and built two houses,’ he explains. ‘Then the local electrician couldn’t get anyone to work for him, so I did my third apprenticeship. As the business grew, I moved into solar installations.’

Gradually Ross noticed a transformation was taking place in Sea Lake. Tourists were starting to arrive in their droves to view the acclaimed Lake Tyrrell mirror image at sunset. Julie Pringle who was involved in the region’s tourist industry was quick to see the opportunities. She established Sea Lake Tyrrell Tours and actively started working with touring companies encouraging them to include Sea Lake on their travel itineraries. Likewise, Rohan Mott, now owner of Sky Mirror Gallery, was equally interested in riding this new wave of tourism.

Ross saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the accommodation market and decided to reinvent himself yet again. He is now proprietor of the newly opened Lake Tyrrell Accommodation that provides a new contemporary presence at the town’s entry. Distinct looking domes shelter modern mining units relocated to the site. In addition to providing 20 rooms, there are undercover barbeque and entertainment areas ideal for large groups and bus tours. He also manages three separate villas.

Naturally, getting Ross’s new business venture started wasn’t without its challenges.

‘It’s really hard to finance commercial properties,’ Ross concedes, but after letting it sit for a while, he was rewarded with a Eureka thought. ‘I spoke to my mate Rohan who is now part owner of the site. With the site secured it allowed progress to the full vision of Lake Tyrrell Accommodation.

‘Julie, Rohan, his wife Jaqui, and I had similar ideas about how we could help grow a secondary economy in Sea Lake and we all got quite passionate about this project,’ explains Ross. ‘While it is my design, it is also their inspiration.’

Naturally there was a myriad of permits and processes to navigate via the local council that seemed to take forever given that often council staff are only part time in some departments. ‘While waiting for the paperwork to come through I did a lot of site preparation work. It all came together just in time for us to open for our first bus booking in March 2019.’

Julie’s tour business operates seven days a week from an office and shop in Sea Lake’s main street doing pick-ups from the accommodation each evening. Rohan stocks a wide range of photograpic works in his Lake Tyrrell inspired gallery. Along with the efforts of a local Business Network, the trio closely liaise on attracting groups to visit Sea Lake and surrounds.

‘We were up in Sydney a few months ago actively promoting Sea Lake and the region to Chinese tourists and Probus groups,’ Ross explains.

In addition to the lure of Lake Tyrrell and its magical sunsets the new silo art trail and support of Trade Travel in Mildura beds are well occupied at Lake Tyrrell Accommodation as well as the nearby Sea Lake Motel and Royal Hotel plus a myriad of smaller accommodation houses.

Ross, along with his hometown of Sea Lake, is enjoying new beginnings.

 

2020 update:

I am concerned about the recent impact on tourism that is being experience nationally when I catch up with Ross in February.

‘Yes, some people’s ability to travel was impacted by the bushfires even though we don’t have fires of this nature in the Mallee. There were a few cancellations. The sensationalism of the media certainly didn’t help,’ Ross answers.

Fortunately, the worldwide outbreak of Coronarivus had minimal impact on Chinese tourists visiting the Mallee because it happened right at the end of the season when the lake gets dry and visitation traditionally drops off. ‘We worry about people we have met and hope they are well,’ admits Ross. ‘Bookings did drop off a little more sharply than expected but it’s only been a small impact.’

‘We are looking forward to April like we do every year when the international tourists start to return. In the meantime, we will rely on the domestic travellers. The silo art is still a big draw card. Some infrastructure works are also being undertaken while Lake Tyrrell is dry which is great because the workers are staying in town. Access will be opened up to give everyone a Lake Tyrrell experience,’ explains Ross.

And, for those who are wondering when is the best time to view the Lake?

Ross advises that, in general, the lake has water from late May until December. ‘I like August to November for the classic lake experience. The best colour and salt crystal growth occurs when the ambient temperature begins to rise.’

 

KERRY ANDERSON: Founder of the Operation Next Gen program and author of ‘Entrepreneurship: It’s Everybody’s Business,’ Kerry works with small businesses and rural communities to help them embrace new opportunities. In 2018 she was named as one of Australia’s Top 50 Regional Agents of Change. READ MORE

Business, Rural TownsKerry AndersonLake Tyrrell Accommodation, Sea LakeComment