Ken O'Dowd (Flynn, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Gladstone Harbour Festival is on again this Easter. It is one of the largest free community festivals in Australia, showcasing the beautiful surroundings and relaxed lifestyle of the Gladstone region. Over 70,000 visitors come from all over Australia for this Easter weekend event. It begins on the first day with sending off the fleet in the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. It has been going on each year for 52 years now and the yachts will start arriving, weather being fair, on about Saturday morning.

It is a week that is jam-packed with celebrations. The main activities are centred around the marina. There is free entertainment, rides for the kids and much, much more. Top Australian entertainment comes to Gladstone to thrill the crowds. The kick-off to the colourful carnival street parade is Sunday, 13 April. It concludes on Sunday, 20 April with a jazz and shiraz entertainment evening. A huge day of horse racing at Ferguson Park is assured, and the finest horses in the area will be on display. Everyone joins in in the festival, so come to Gladstone if you are not doing anything for the Easter weekend.