NEWS UPDATE OCTOBER 2006
WHAT A FANTASTIC YEAR!!!!
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Thank you to all the wonderful visitors, from Australia & overseas, who have shared the natural environment and wildlife of Mary River Park. We hope everyone has enjoyed their holidays and will come back to visit the Top End & Mary River Park again.
Mary River Park has been host to some wonderful major functions and events this year, including:
In April , the Savannah Guide School was held at Mary River Park with guides coming from all over the Top End and from Queensland . Mary River Park became recognized as a Savannah Guide Site and Mike Ostwald became officially the Site Interpreter. It was a great few days with interesting guestspeakers. We are proud to be associated with this group who believe in professionalism in guiding and ongoing training within the tourist industry. The School had a wet finish with the start of the heavy monsoon rains as everyone packed up to return home.
A week long visit by the students and staff of the Biological Sciences Unit from the Sydney University in February, saw reptiles, frogs and lizards taking over the complex as they revealed their secrets to the students. We are looking forward to welcoming this group back in 2007.
The Reel Women's Fishing annual competition had some challenges with major flooding in April but an interesting and enjoyable weekend was enjoyed by those who braved the weather.
Fortunately Mary River Park had no damage from the cyclone Monica, although the 16 inches of rain in 30 hours was an interesting experience!
The visit from Belgium TV's, ‘Wedding in Australia's' , competitors and crew was a fun experience for guides, Mike Ostwald., Ross Hart & John Parrott. The results of this reality TV show in Europe was so successful they are returning again in November to film another series.
The Top Half Folk Festival ,once again, proved to be a fantastic weekend in June with the major guest artists coming from Western Australia – the Wise Family and ‘folkies' coming to enjoy the music from all over Australia and internationally. The patron, Mr Ted Egan and the members of the Top Half Folk club are always welcome to play a tune or two at Mary River Park. We are looking forward to a music night on the sandbar in November when this group will enjoy a Sunset & Stargazing Dinner cruise
In July Mary River Park welcomed 100 + members of the Outback Odyssey Car Rally –Ullaru to Kakadu, group for a relaxing night. These members & supporters of the Port Adelaide Football Club have a charity car rally each year.
Throughout the year Mary River Park has been proud to be associated with John Ostwald and Anna Hingley through their preparation for and during the Angel Ride when they rode brumbies from the Mary River Park Wetlands across Australia from Broome to Cairns to raise dollars for and awareness of Angel Flight. Check out their ride on www.angelride.info
Mary River Park was pleased to welcome the 60 minutes team to Mary River Park when they interviewed John & Anna for their show.
Bird Week , again proved to be a winner with international & Australian birdwatchers enjoying the birds of the Mary River area. The highlight of the birding year was again the return of the Gouldian Finches to the area. “Birdos” from around the world enjoyed trips with Mike Ostwald throughout the year.
Fishing the Mary River with, guide Ross Hart, proved successful for many of the self drive and caravanning visitors this year. It was great to see many repeat visitors once again this year. |
