More than 720 people revelled like flock stars among the Isaac region’s stunning birdlife in one of the most significant wetlands on the Queensland coast with an energetic garden gnome and celebrity chef.
2019 Gold Logie nominee and popular television personality Costa Georgiadis and Queensland’s food ambassador and professional chef Matt Golinski were the biggest drawcard for the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend.
The pair delighted the crowd during a three-day nature adventure celebrating St Lawrence’s exquisite food produce and the breath-taking backdrop which is listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.
The festival highlights included the sold-out Welcome to Wetlands Evening at St Lawrence Hotel, the historic Clydesdale horse drawn town tours, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary’s reptiles, the 250-strong Bushman’s Dinner and the sold-out Greater Whitsunday Food Network Farm to Plate sea foodie adventure.
Imaginations ran wild from kite-making with acclaimed first nation artist Jenuarrie to acrylic flow workshops with Moranbah’s Lynnie Busk.
Many trekked through the bush for an immersive wetlands experience, some learned about the importance of the wetlands, its endangered birdlife, turtles and the Great Barrier Reef while others explored the local markets.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the region’s legendary bush yarns, delectable seafood, mouth-watering pork and stunning birdlife had put St Lawrence’s signature event on the map.
“The weather might have been grey but Costa and Matt’s sensational sunny energy sparked so much enjoyment,” she said.
“St Lawrence’s population swelled to more than six times its usual size as visitors were drawn from across the region.
“Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to showcase just how fantastic our wetlands are, and how amazing our locally sourced produce can be.
“As you can all appreciate, the St Lawrence Wetlands is beautiful in all its unspoilt splendour.”
Mayor Baker said the region’s core promise is – feel the quiet satisfaction of discovering unspoilt nature on a road less travelled.
“I think the weekend is testament to that promise and snapshot of the potential of this emerging festival and all this great region has to offer,” she said.
“It is a credit to the team who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this wonderful event to life.
“I would also like to acknowledge the great support from Isaac Regional Council, Greater Whitsunday Food Network, Reef Catchments, Mackay Tourism and Fitzroy Basin Association.
Mayor Baker said the biggest thank you must go to the St Lawrence community groups without whom this event could not happen.
“Thank you to the award-winning St Lawrence State School P&C for running the canteen, the St Lawrence Recreation Group for running the bar, the St Lawrence SES group for manning the gate and the St Lawrence community in general for your priceless support,” she said.
Bedford Park Pork starred amongst the locally grown produce along with Central Queensland’s best meat and vegies. The mud crab caught by local professional fishermen from the pristine waters of the Isaac coast and strawberries from Gillinbin Creek Produce, north of St Lawrence, were a hit as well in both the GWFN Farm to Plate dining experience and the Bushman’s Dinner.
