Published on Wednesday, 11 August 2021 at 11:05:11 AM
The recent heavy rainfall looks set to make this weekend’s Avon Descent a thriller – with the series of riverside Family Fun Day events adding more excitement to the mix.
Launching the Family Fun Day program is the Shire of Northam’s Bilya (meaning river) Festival on Friday 13 August 2021, followed by the Shire of Toodyay’s International Food Festival and Family Fun Day which will keep visitors enthralled and entertained on Saturday 14 August.
The City of Swan Avon Descent Festival and the City of Bayswater Avon Descent Finish Line Family Fun Day bring the program to a rousing finish on Sunday 15 August. Each of the Family Fun Day events provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy family-friendly activities and sample great cuisine while cheering on the Avon Descent competitors.
The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC), on behalf of the participating Councils, received $163,000 in Lotterywest grant support for the Avon Descent Family Fun Day events.
Member for Belmont Ms Cassie Rowe MLA presented the grant on behalf of Lotterywest. The WA Government, through Lotterywest, supports community projects and events like this one, to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for all West Australians through funding and support, helping to build a better WA together.
EMRC Chief Sustainability Officer Wendy Harris said, ‘The EMRC demonstrates a model of successful collaboration and regional approach to deliver real benefits to the Eastern Region and its community. COVID-19 has influenced the way we interact and it is great to see the community benefits from Lotterywest’s support to bring events back to life.’
Lotterywest’s grant will enable communities in the Cities of Bayswater and Swan, together with the Shires of Northam and Toodyay, to come together for connection, recreation and to enjoy free and low-cost activities, entertainment and food at the Family Fun Day events.
The Family Fun Days increase the attractiveness of the Avon Descent through improved access and viewing opportunities, commentary, big screens and seating. All are aimed towards the creation of a family-friendly atmosphere and connecting the local communities along the Avon and Swan rivers.
The events promote active lifestyle choices and appreciation for Perth’s surrounding natural environment as well as addressing community needs and creating opportunities for Perth’s Eastern Region. They also represent an opportunity to encourage tourism, helping to build community resilience to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.
Coordinated by Northam’s Avon Descent Association (NADA), the weekend sees competitors tackle the gruelling 124km course over a series of stages. The race was postponed last year but 2021 promises to be an unforgettable weekend for competitors and spectators alike.
‘NADA also provides additional activities on the event weekend for non-for-profits and children during the Avon Descent weekend which encourages liveability, recreation and connection to land.’
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