Balinese couple introduces bubble tea to Cobram
When I met delightful Balinese husband and wife Gopik and Isma Fitriadi in their small business Isma Bubble Tea at 46A Punt Rd, Cobram, I wasn’t certain what to expect when invited to taste a drink they are enormously proud of, a bubble tea.
However I was won over immediately. It was icy cold and made with a base of green tea, fresh mango fruit, crushed ice and tapioca popping balls, and goodness knows what else, using an oversized straw.
It was absolutely delicious!
The couple offers a range of 76 different styles with 20 different flavours of bubble tea, made with green tea or milk, sparkling water or yogurt and popping balls which burst in your mouth as you suck them through the straw. You won’t experience anything like it.
However that’s not all, the couple also offers smoothies, including those made with taro and fresh fruit.
Isma Bubble Tea has some wonderful mouth-watering snacks prepared in their kitchen too, such as crispy chicken, chicken rissoles, crispy chicken skins and bakso, a Balinese speciality, together with legendary banana fritters and lots more.
Born in Bali, Gopik arrived in Australia 20 years ago and over time learnt a little about Australian tastes when working in Melbourne. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2019, he and Isma came to Cobram and both obtained work in the fruit industry.
Gopik really liked Cobram and its community and looked for an opportunity to open a business where he could develop a drink that would appeal to young Aussies.
During winter 2022, Gopik opened the bubble tea shop with a friend from Cambodia, however the partner found it wasn’t to her liking and Gopik purchased it outright.
“We opened with just one blender and one fridge initially, but the business has grown quite a lot,” said a happy Gopik, who together with Isma is very pleased they took the plunge to open their own business in Cobram.
Why don’t you take the plunge and give bubble tea a try; you will find it very refreshing on a hot, thirsty day.
Word has already gone as far as Yarrawonga, where customers are travelling from, to enjoy a beautiful bubble tea in Cobram from this happy smiling couple who offer customers the very best drink experience.
Cobram soccer roaring into retirement mode?
Cobram Roar Soccer Club is gaining momentum in the senior ranks this season with the inclusion for the first time of an over-35s men’s soccer team.
Fifteen excited players, mostly locals, have registered to play for the over-35s, which is already being touted as a ‘retirement village’.
The ‘oldies’ team will comprise a range of mature players including a ‘young’ 61-year-old chef from Numurkah.
There are some familiar faces with several former players returning to the club, while others are giving the game a go and watching on proudly as their own children play a game they love. Whatever the reason, their passion for the game is obvious.
Playing in the Albury-Wodonga Football League, Cobram has proven to be a strong competitive club over the years, winning many championships, particularly among the junior divisions, which augers well for the club’s future.
This year Cobram will field its largest number of teams since the club began in 1952; 10 teams, comprising seniors men’s and women’s, and age groups commencing with the under-12s up to senior level.
For beginners and younger ones, Cobram Junior Soccer Association commences with under-5s at Apex Reserve.
Competition for all teams begins on March 19 under the leadership of new president Chris Gash, aged 29.
The club would be pleased to hear from anyone keen to play this season with Cobram Roar, at any level or age group. If you are interested in playing or would like further information, please contact president Chris Gash on 0407 968 020.
Cobram youth to have their own drop-in centre
The former Cobram Youth Op Shop on Punt Rd has moved everything to its larger store in Colgan St and the now-vacant building will become a Youth Club drop-in centre for young people throughout the district.
There has been an obvious need for Cobram youth to have a place of their own for some time and the facility will provide plenty of activities including action-packed game tables, comfortable seating, music, wi-fi, board games, books, comfortable chairs and couches, to provide a place where young people can go and spend time with their friends.
Sponsored by the Youth Op Shop, manager Debbie Johns together with her amazing volunteers are also looking to buy booth seating for the youngsters, thereby providing an environment that the young are comfortable with.
Run by the youth of the district themselves as a drop-in centre, they will have an opportunity to make snacks and hot drinks with a refrigerator, microwave, sandwich maker and jug provided. However they will be responsible for cleaning up before leaving the premises. Security cameras will be installed for safety reasons.
Anticipated to open early March, this initiative by Cobram Youth Op Shop will fill a much-needed gap for young people in the town, a place of their own.
Hours of opening are yet to be determined.
Footy club launches a new season under new leadership
Tatura Football Netball Club launched their upcoming season with a social evening held at the Grainstore in Cobram.
It proved a perfect venue for the gathering of approximately 100 people with some bringing along their young families and who incidentally had a great time too. Everyone enjoyed the balmy evening, catching up with fellow players, committee members, sponsors and members in an ideal environment.
An abundance of tasty finger food was provided and guests were entertained with some great music by talented Echuca duo Three’s a Crowd. A perfect backdrop to a very pleasant evening.
Apology
I have been alerted to the fact that I owe an apology to members of Cobram’s Uniting Church, for failing to mention their generous contributions to the afternoon tea organised by the combined churches of Cobram for residents from the Solomon Islands on Saturday, February 11 in Barooga.
Also, a big thank you and apology to those generous local fruit growers as well as Woolworths for their continuing support and generosity.
Providing for the day besides Cobram Uniting Church was St Joseph’s Church, Ignite Life and Saint Margaret’s Anglican Church, who all gave generously towards the afternoon tea.
I understand the Solomon Islanders who have come to work and live in the area are extremely grateful to the Cobram community for conducting the day and for the friendships they have already made within the community.