Over one weekend in Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, there was an estimated $5 million boost to the local economy as 30,000 people lined the foreshore for a very special event.
Following the success of the inaugural Lake Mac Big Weekend held in 2016, Lake Macquarie City Council welcomed residents and visitors to its lake foreshore, for the event’s second year, held from 13-16 October.
Council’s Cultural Services and Tourism Manager, Jacqui Hemsley, said the 2017 Lake Mac Big Weekend featured nine events over three days, including the fourth round of the Australian Offshore Superboat Championships and the PWC Jet Ski Racing as the major attractions.
“The broad range of activities, such as the Superboats, jetski racing, aerobatic flying displays, markets, exhibitions, food festival, live entertainment and an opportunity to try different water sports, made the Big Weekend highly attractive to a diverse audience,” said Ms Hemsley.
“To make the activities even more accessible for attendees, we spread the events from Marmong Point Marina through to Eleebana.”
Ms Hemsley said events like these are important for City tourism and economic development as well as providing a fun and engaging experience for residents.
“The idea for the Lake Mac Big Weekend was born when Council’s subsidiary company, Dantia, helped to secure the Australian Offshore Superboat Championships on Lake Macquarie.
“The concept behind the Big Weekend was to provide a range of onshore activities to complement the offshore races.
“We wanted to activate our foreshores and provide even more reasons for people to participate and enjoy the event.
“These types of events are a great way to bring people together, promote the City to national and international audiences, and bring visitors to the City.
“Local businesses that participate, the cafes, restaurants and the tourism and retail sectors, all flourish as residents and visitors from outside of the City flock to the area.
“The benefits are long-lasting. Residents are exposed to local businesses to which they become loyal and visitors get a taste of our City, who may return again later.”
The partnership between Dantia and the Australian Offshore Superboat Championships will remain until 2020.
