Going ahead on the weekend of January 19-20, Brendan Harris said he was thrilled to have his business pulled out of the draw to be name sponsor. 

“It’s really nice to be part of the scene in Tathra with the surf club,” Mr Harris said. 

Officials said he had been a long-time supporter of the draw, but Mr Harris said having his name on the event meant even more this year. 

“The way people give their time to run it and support it is incredible,” he said. 

“It’s all about the events around town, but the surf club and the pre-school as well.

“The kids are getting into their first year as Nippers and they’re happy and that makes me happy as well to be part of that.”

Entries are open online now for the iconic ocean swims as well as the Saturday afternoon bike ride.

Mr Harris said it had always been a great event for galvanising the community together. 

“This means a lot, especially after the rough year Tathra has had, we nearly lost our house and the kids’ grandparents lost their house.”

The weekend is run by volunteers to raise funds for the community, while providing a fun weekend for locals and visitors alike. A much-needed community event in what has been an unsettling time in the area.

Last year more than $24,000 was raised with the pre-school and surf club both benefitting from $8000, while the primary school was presented $5000 and the Tathra Rural Fire Service $2000. 

Officials said fundraising efforts this year were already on track for a bumper year to support the local community. 

Mr Harris said numbers would likely be down – particularly with one of the holiday parks out of action – but support for the event and community was far-reaching. 

“People from all over NSW, Victoria and the ACT are coming to support the place, everyone is doing what they can,” he said. 

Mr Harris said throwing his hat in the ring as a name sponsor was a small way he could contribute and was just looking forward to the event. 

“Fingers crossed for good weather and calm waves – nothing too crazy in the surf,” he said with a laugh.

More details and the forecast will be released soon.

The Wharf to Waves will incorporate 600 and 1200-metre ocean swims, but also a fun run and bike ride. 

Entries are open online now with bookings available through the website at www.tathrawharf2waves.com.au.