Rafting up for the Reef Festival's Recyclable Regatta

 For a second year running the Reef Festival will incorporate a ‘recyclable regatta’ combining the fun of the festival with a more serious environmental message relating to protection of the reef.

 The 2011 ‘ChannelWhitsunday.com recyclable regatta’ will be organised by John Nayler, who says the concept of building and racing a raft made from recyclable materials underpins what the whole festival is about.

 “The reef festival is now in its 11^th year. It’s fun for the kids, it’s got music, entertainment, a street parade – it’s a lot of great events – but it is also fundamentally a ‘reef’ festival and it’s obviously good to focus on reef protection as an important aspect of the festival,” Mr Nayler said.

 “A lot of people are passionate about reef protection in the area, so it’s great to have the opportunity to reinforce that, particularly with the younger generation,” he said.

 “We do know that a lot of the plastic that ends up in the environment comes from rivers and drains. Protecting the reef starts at home and that’s the key message here.”

 Mr Nayler is inviting corporate teams, families and youth groups to build a raft and race each other across two divisions. This year’s regatta will take place at the lagoon, on Saturday October 22, kicking off at 11am.

 Participation in the recyclable regatta is free, but entries do need to be registered.

 “Basically we want to hear from as many people as possible. Events like the reef festival are all about community participation, so get involved!” Mr Nayler said.

 For more information contact John Nayler on 0407 151 311 or visit www.reeffestival.com.au

 Photo courtesy ‘Cap’n’ Dan Van Blarcom.