05 May Gladstone Seafarer’s ‘Duck Derby’ A Major Success
The Gladstone Seafarer’s Centre has celebrated the success of their Duck Derby in Auckland Creek.
“It was very successful, and we are so happy with the results. We had a great crowd supporting us from the shoreline as well as support from Maritime Safety Queensland, Queensland Water Police and the Volunteer Marine Rescue Crew. The locals in Gladstone were really keen to find out what it was that we were up to when we were out selling tickets,” said the Gladstone Seafarer’s Centre’s Manager Melinda Anderson.
It is definitely looking as though this event is something that we can expect to see hit the water again next year.
“We are already in planning stages for 2023, and it will be bigger and better. We are looking at trying to hold it as a stand alone event and using it to promote awareness for seafarer welfare and why we are fundraising. Essentially, we’d love to make it educational as well as entertaining.”
The Duck Derby this year raised over $11, 000, which is money that will allow the Gladstone Seafarer’s Centre to continue to provide vital services to the Gladstone Ports.
The winner of the Duck Derby this year was Gladstone Seafarer’s Centre’s very own volunteer Peter O’Toole, who generously donated half of his winnings back to the centre.
“This was only our second year doing a duck derby, and our first time doing it in Auckland Creek. Obviously we were able to learn a lot that will make future races even better, but I am so happy with how it went. We would never have been able to pull it off without the help of Maritime Safety Queensland.”
The Gladstone Seafarer’s Centre is always looking for volunteers and sponsors, so if you or someone you know might be interested in this then feel free to reach out to the team through their Facebook @GladstoneSeafarers or phone them on 07 4972 8610.
