Water authority sponsors festival

The Gosford Wyong Council Water Authority has agreed to be "naming sponsor" for the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival.

"We are thrilled that the Gosford Wyong Council Water Authority has come on board as our naming sponsor for the festival," committee chairperson Ms Debra Wales said.

"It has been a great week for the festival with this announcement as it coincides with the Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay coming up on the Coast with the Member of Gosford Marie Andrews to present us with a cheque for $3000.

"The timing is just wonderful as the festival has attracted two new major events - the NSW Axeman Association's Wood Chopping Competition and a sand modeling competition.

Ms Wales said the festival will be held on Sunday, November 9, from 9am at the Ettalong Beach foreshore.

"There will be something for everyone, with food, wine and beer stalls, craft stalls and exhibition stalls and of course, those famous local oysters," Ms Debra Wales said.

"The entertainment will kick off with the Wayne Cornell All Stars big band in the morning and the Salsa Kings all afternoon.

"There will be amusement rides for the littlies and oz trikes for the more adventurous plus much more."

Ms Wales said she had concerns earlier in the year with the loss of their traditional naming sponsor.

"But, a number of organisations have come to the rescue together with Gosford Council, which increased its annual sponsorship," Ms Wales said.

"Each year we try to improve on the festival by providing a range of entertainment and again this year we are expanding the festival with more activities.

"We are very grateful to NSW Tourism and the Gosford Wyong Council Water Authority approving our grants which will ensure another successful year.

According to Ms Wales, the festival's water activities will include the Umina Beach Surf Club and the Te Ika Nui (Big Fish) Outrigger Club Challenge as well as the Blessing of the Waters, officiated by Rev Penny Jones and Rev Narelle Penman.

"One of the many attractions on the day is 'How Many Oysters Can you Eat in 30 Seconds?' with prizes to be won and the Best Oyster competition," Ms Wales said.

"The entrants in the Queen of the Festival have been working hard with their sponsors to raise funds for NSW Cancer Council's Breast Cancer Challenge.

"The Queen of the Festival and Miss Charity Queen will be crowned on the night of the Festival Ball on Friday, November 7, at the Ettalong Beach Memorial Club.

"The festival started out nine years ago as a way to showcase the beautiful Brisbane Waters and the Peninsula and has now also become a great fundraiser for NSW Cancer Council's Breast Cancer Challenge."

All information and tickets for the ball can be made by calling Sue, of Peninsula Promotions and Events, on 0408 208 550.

Press release, 22 Oct 2008 Debra Wales, Brisbane Water Oyster Festival