Festival raises $41,000

More than 20,000 Peninsula residents and visitors attended this year's Brisbane Water Oyster Festival at Ettalong foreshore on November 9.

Festival chairperson Ms Debra Wales said the event was a "great success" raising more than $41,000 for the Cancer Council NSW.

Ms Wales said: "There were 10 entrants in the Queen of the Festival competition and each sponsored by a local business or organisation.

"The girls had worked so hard in such a short time and raised a total of $41,340.05 which was an outstanding effort and we are very proud of them."

Ms Wales said Ms Tyler Matterson was crowned Queen of the Oyster Festival while Ms Karen Austin was crowned Miss Charity Queen at the Oyster Festival Ball.

Both women raised more than $8000 each as part of their fundraising efforts for the Cancer Council NSW and received a five-night holiday for two to the Gold Coast, plus a $250 gift voucher.

Cancer Council NSW community relations coordinator Ms Lesley Chart said the funds raised would be used for local breast cancer services, research and information services.

"Equally as important as the funds raised is the message of cancer awareness delivered by the 10 exceptional participants in the event.

"These local young women have given up their time and directed their energies to fund raising in the months leading up to the event and done themselves and their business sponsors proud.

"With one in two people in NSW receiving a diagnosis of cancer by the age of 85, continuing research, information and cancer support services is vital.

Ms Wales said the Woodchopping Spectacular, held for the first time at the festival, drew crowds to watch the famous wood choppers in action throughout the day.

"The sand modelling competition was also a first for the festival and created great excited on the beach with a number of entrants taking away prizes on the day.

"Over 4000 dozens of oysters were consumed at the festival with the Brisbane Water-Hawkesbury farmers and local sellers having a great day."

The "How many oysters can you eat in 30 seconds" competition drew four contestants, with a tie in the first round, with two leading contenders both consuming 19 oysters each.

"In the second round the winner consumed another 23 oysters in just 30 seconds to win the oyster trophy."

Press release, 17 Nov 2008 Debra Wales, Brisbane Water Oyster Festival Press release, 17 Nov 2008 Lesley Chart, Cancer Council NSW