Oyster Festival moves to Ettalong

This year the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival will move to Ettalong.

The move comes with naming rights sold to sponsors Ettalong Beach Club and Outrigger Resort.

The festival will again run its Festival Queen competition.

Festival chairman Ms Debra Wales said the festival had outgrown its previous location at Woy Woy waterfront, with crowds last year exceeding 10,000.

"The idea is to build tourism for the Central Coast, promoting the festival to the lower North Shore, and to utilise the Palm Beach Ferry Service to Ettalong."

The festival last year introduced The Brisbane Water Oyster Festival Queen Competition, with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Challenge.

"Central Coast businesses are invited to enter a candidate in this fundraising event," Ms Wales said.

"Last year we raised over $34,000 in the challenge, which exceeded everyone's expectations.

"The entry fee is $100 plus GST and all candidates will require a business sponsor to give support.

"The reasoning behind the introduction of the competition is to give local businesses the opportunity to become involved in the festival and to promote their business, to raise funds for a very worthwhile cause that has touched many families in our community and to give girls the opportunity to participate in a fun competition and it is hoped that they will grow from the experience.

"The candidates will be asked to raise funds as part of the judging criteria.

"Other factors such as personality, presentation and community involvement will also be considered in the judging process."

Ms Wales said the crowning of the Queen and Charity Queen would be announced at the Oyster Festival Ball to be held on November 10 at the Ettalong Beach Club.

Both winners will receive an assortment of prizes donated by local business including holidays.

"The Cancer Council NSW is striving to reduce the impact of breast cancer by funding vital research into the causes of this disease, better treatments and by providing essential support services," Ms Wales said.

"Our aim is to raise $6000 through the competition.

"Tony Arico from Travelworld Woy Woy has kindly donated the fantastic holidays that can be won by the candidates."

Businesses interested in entering a candidate or donating a prize should contact Imminent Marketing on 4385 8429.

Press release, September 27 Debra Wales, Brisbane Water Oyster Festival