Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Great Barrier Reef Festival Win Gold

After 21 years producing one of Airlie’s favourite community events, the dedicated team of organisers and volunteers finally took home Gold for best Festival and Event at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards last weekend.

Event Coordinator, Margie Murphy said that they had been a finalist and a silver award winner several times, but that it was a wonderful feeling to receive Gold.

“This is the first time we’ve cracked the Gold!” she said.

“This is testament to the hard work of the combined committee who always do a fantastic job.”

The 2021 Great Barrier Reef Festival received the award and Margie said she is excited to enter the 2022 event next year as she believes that was the best yet.

“We’ve progressed even further since then” she explained.

“I think the 2021 event caught the judge’s eye because of the quality of the events, our awesome re-brand and our increasing link to the Great Barrier Reef through our educational experiences.”

The Great Barrier Reef Festival takes place in Airlie Beach on the first week of August each year.

Dozens of events bring the community together for fun and festivity – they include the Recyclable Regatta, Lantern Parade, Immerse Art Installation, Comedy Gala, Wearable Art Show, Rotary Street Parade and of course the fireworks.

The Great Barrier Reef Festival team at the awards on Saturday night

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