Published on Tuesday, 7 June 2022 at 3:26:15 PM
The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC), Northam’s Avon Descent Association (NADA) and four Local Governments - Shire of Northam, Shire of Toodyay, City of Swan and the City of Bayswater - are once again teaming up for another fun-filled series of Family Fun events based around the iconic Avon Descent weekend.
In anticipation of the Avon Descent’s 50th anniversary in 2023, NADA will provide power craft and dragon boat challenges on the event weekend. The four local governments will each hold their own riverside Family Fun Days over the course of the weekend, offering a huge range of family-based activities and entertainment.
Starting off the Avon Descent is the Shire of Northam’s Bilya Festival, focused on the theme of sustainability on Friday 12 August. The Shire of Toodyay’s International Food Festival will keep visitors enthralled and entertained on Saturday 13 August, while the City of Swan’s Avon Descent Festival and the City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival will bring the program to a rousing finish on Sunday 14 August.
First held in 1973, the Avon Descent is Western Australia's own unique sporting event. Participants challenge the Avon and Swan Rivers in a variety of paddle and power craft over an exciting two-day challenge covering 124 kilometres. The 2022 Avon Descent will be held on the second weekend in August and will include a whole selection of shorter events to suit all levels of experience and ability.
The EMRC CEO Marcus Geisler said, ‘The Avon Descent Family Fun Days are the perfect events for families and friends to get outdoors and experience the excitement of the Avon Descent. The fun-filled community events promote wellbeing and bring a sense of place to each of the various communities along the river who get involved in the weekend.
We look forward to working with NADA and participating Councils in future to create opportunities which will enable the whole community to come together and celebrate a truly unique event’.
NADA Board Chair Greg Kaeding said ‘The 2022 Avon Descent aimed to once again offer the community an exciting opportunity to participate in the iconic WA event.’
‘As we look forward to our 50th anniversary in 2023, we hope to continue to strengthen our key pillars of sporting, community and volunteering and further development of our State and local government partnerships to deliver more for the WA community.’
The WA Government, through Lotterywest, supports community projects like this one which support the diversity of Western Australians to actively engage in community life. Lotterywest is proud to support the Family Fun Day events, to enable the community to connect and participate through free activities and cultural experiences along the beautiful Swan and Avon Rivers.
Avon Descent Family Fun Days, supported by Lotterywest Event details
Shire of Northam
Event name: Northam Bilya Festival
Date: Friday 12 August 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Bernard Park, Minson Ave, Northam
Shire of Toodyay
Event name: Toodyay International Food Festival and Family Fun Day
Date: Saturday 13 August 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Stirling & Duidgee Parks, Stirling Terrace, Toodyay
City of Swan
Event name: City of Swan Avon Descent Festival
Date: Sunday 14 August 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Lilac Hill park, 850 W Swan Rd, Caversham
City of Bayswater
Event name: City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival
Date: Sunday 14 August 11:00am – 5:00pm
Location: Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater
Business contact details:
Northam Avon Descent Association
Key contact person: Deborah Boxall
Email: eo@avondescent.com.au
Phone: 0419944286
Website: https://www.avondescent.com.au/
Best times to contact: 9:00am – 5:00pm
EMRC media contact:
Sara Toppi
Communications Coordinator
Direct: (08) 9424 2248
Email: sara.toppi@emrc.org.au
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