KiteFest’s a hit with families

Families flocked to Clontarf’s Pelican Park for Redcliffe KiteFest at the weekend, relishing the chance to enjoy perfect weather and a community event.

The event, held on September 11 and 12, attracted about 30,000 people across both days.

It was organised by Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT) and Kites Queensland in partnership with Moreton Bay Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland.

MBRIT Chairman Shane Newcombe says it was the perfect chance for families to get out and have some fun – something they haven’t been able to do too much this year.

“The massive kites and the Kids Karnival zone are always huge drawcards, but this year we added the Bluey and Bingo stage show twice daily. The kids loved it,” Mr Newcombe says.

“There were a bunch of new kites in the sky this year, including a giant crocodile, a witch on a broom and a redback spider. They looked amazing.

“It was also great to see so many families joining in the fun and flying their own kites in the public flying areas across the weekend.”

The event even hosted the daily COVID-19 press conference on Sunday, with Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath and Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young there to announce the good news that there had been no new locally acquired cases. They bought donuts to celebrate a ‘double-donut’ day.

Ms D’Ath praised MBRIT for organising Redcliffe KiteFest and said it was an event that would not have been possible anywhere else on the east coast of Australia at present due to COVID-19 outbreaks in other states.

Fortunate position

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery says the roaring success of Kitefest is a sign life is getting back to normal in the Moreton Bay Region.

“The whole of Australia would have seen Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young deliver her morning press conference from Kitefest on Sunday morning and been envious of the colourful events we’re staging here in Moreton Bay Region,” Mayor Flannery says.

“They would have seen hordes of locals and tourists out and about enjoying themselves in the sunshine with the backdrop of the beautiful shores of the Redcliffe peninsula.

“And if you’re in lockdown in one of the southern states then Moreton Bay Region looks like the best place on the planet right now.

“I’m hoping to see a real boom in tourism over the summer period, which will be great for the confidence of local businesses and suppliers to make the most of.

“As for the event itself, it seems lockdowns clearly haven’t stopped Queensland creatives from doing their best work because the kites were as spectacular as ever before.

“Bluey was an absolute smash hit on Sunday, with the kids, and it was a real joy to see them out and about having fun at a major event like this.

“So, if you’re looking for a COVID-safe holiday, then look no further than Moreton Bay Region where we’ve got beautiful shorelines and a stunning hinterland to rival any region.”

Redcliffe KiteFest’s major sponsors are USC and Sesame Lane Care and Kindergarten. Media partners are B105, Triple M and Channel 9. Friends of the festival are Strathpine Centre and ATM2Go.

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