GORDON Park will be a hive of activity on Monday when the Australia Day festivities return to the river.
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The revival has been a joint effort between the Nambucca Heads Lions Club, the local Chamber of Commerce, council, Rotary and major sponsor Nambucca Heads RSL Club.
Nambucca Lions Club president Grahame Beatton said everything was on track for Monday’s event.
“Everyone involved is confident the day will be a huge success,” he said.
“There are brochures and posters around the place and enough talk about the day ... and we’ve already received an overwhelming amount of support and positive feedback from the community and businesses.
“The list is endless.”
There will be a wide range of activities to cater for the entire community, but two in particular are sparking special interest.
“The longest sausage will certainly be something different,” Grahame said.
“There’ll be six barbecues all lined up together to make that happen.
“And the crab races will be another big one.”
Many locals will remember the infamous raft races that were a highlight of the festivities in days gone by, and the good news is - they’re back!
“Anyone who has a raft and has submitted an entry form will be able to take part in this event,” Grahame said.
“Entry forms can be collected from the Nambucca Heads RSL Club.”
Although the Captain Cook Challenge Fun Run will still go ahead, there have been some changes made.
The event will see participants running from Gordon Park, along the V-Wall and over to Shelly Beach and back.
“Sign-on for the run starts at 7am with the race to begin at 8 o’clock,” Lions Club secretary Peter Mitchell said.
“There will be races in multiple age categories and trophies will be awarded to the placegetters.
“There’s also going to be a shorter version of the race – a novelty run – for those who are less competitive but want to participate.”
All funds raised on the day will go to the Nambucca Valley Dialysis Unit.
“Rona Freeman will be the guest of honour and Dr Mark Smith and his wife Sheree will also be there,” he said.
“The local community and businesses have provided tremendous support.
“We’ve received a large number of goods and vouchers as well as financial donations to help support the day’s events.”