Paddle Out moving to Torquay to improve accessibility
2018-08-02
Paddle Out for Whales is moving to a new location at Torquay this year because the foreshore is more easily accessible for participants, spectators and people with disabilities.
Brendan Bowers, event coordinator for Fraser Coast Tourism & Events, said the Paddle Out for Whales, to be held at Ernie Organ Park from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, August 19, was a sentimental favourite of the Hervey Bay Ocean Festival, presented in partnership with USC.
“The new location has a boat ramp, concrete steps and a jetty which will be great for people heading out on the water and for those watching,” he said.
“It’s such a meaningful event for so many people and we have quite a few visitors who drive for more than three hours to the Fraser Coast to take part.”
Mr Bowers said it was a colourful spectacle with people paddling out in kayaks, canoes, on paddleboards and all sorts of inflatable craft.
“They form a circle out on the ocean and observe a minute’s silence to remember the humpback whales that have died as a result of human actions during the year and as a show of support for ongoing conservation efforts,” he said.
“It’s a memorable event to be part of.”
Maryborough’s Lindsay Gassman, who has returned to the Heritage City after spending more than 18 years in Western Australia, will be participating in the paddle out for the first time this year.
A keen sea kayaker, he has paddled in the ocean off Broome and Kununurra, navigated 58km of the Ord River from Lake Argyle to Kununurra and plans to paddle sections of the Mary River.
Mr Gassman said he used to see whales from the shore in Broome and viewed Hervey Bay’s Paddle Out for Whales as a unique opportunity to support whale conservation efforts.
Mr Bowers said added attractions at the event included markets hosted by the Torquay Progress Association from noon until 4pm and a performance by emerging indie-pop artist Leonie Kingdom.
He said the Aloha Mai E chant, a calling to the humpback whales invoking the blessing of migration, would be performed by Hawaiian-trained local Leandra Gurbiel and she would also entertain the crowds with her Hawaiian dance troupe.
To register online, go to oceanfestival.com.au and follow the links from the Paddle Out for Whales page.
Mr Bowers said registrations would also be taken on the day from noon until 1pm.
The Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, supports the festival which features on the It’s Live! In Queensland calendar. Your perfect next event is in Queensland where live events combine with the most incredible destinations, and life is beautiful one day, perfect the next.
The ocean festival also includes a free public lecture by a USC marine conservationist about the impact of rubbish on sea life on August 10, Coast Pop Up Sunset Pier Party on August 11, Hervey Bay Seafood Festival on August 12 and Fraser Coast Chronicle Whale Parade and Concert on August 18.
ENDS
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