COMMUNITY EVENT: Steve Bartlett from The Huskisson on Jervis Bay and licensee Mick McLean both support the Huskisson Triathlon Festival.
THE Elite Energy Huskisson Triathlon Festival will give local businesses a much-needed financial boost.
The festival starts today and continues over the weekend.
An influx of visitors started arriving today and is expected to pack the Jervis Bay area as the triathletes book out accommodation and restaurants and fill local cafes.
Staff from The Huskisson on Jervis Bay, formerly known as the Husky Pub, were looking forward to a busy and financially successful weekend.
Steve Bartlett and licensee Mick McLean said the festival was great for the region.
Mr Bartlett said Jervis Bay was one of the few areas in NSW that could host such an elite sporting festival.
He expects to be busy for the next few days.
“We will prepare about 600 meals today, 900 on Saturday and 600 on Sunday,” he said.
“The accommodation places would all be booked out.”
Triathletes book their accommodation 12 months in advance and Mr McLean added they normally bring an entourage with them, which includes their family members.
Mr McLean said the people who will stay, eat and drink at the hotel were health conscious and not after a night on the town.
Nearby White Sands Park was full of activity yesterday.
People were busy erecting tents, signage, getting the finishing line ready and performing a multitude of other tasks.
Looking at the busy workers it was obvious that the triathlon festival also creates jobs.
Mr Bartlett also offered another opinion on the festival as he walked back to the hotel from the park.
“It brings the community together,” he said.
The army of volunteers that helps run the festival reflects its community value.
From Vincentia High alone, 70 students will volunteer their services.