52nd Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is this Sunday, in one of the Territory's great community traditions.The event will see locals construct makeshift boats from beer cans, milk cartons, and recycled materials.The Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue to back local, sport, and major events as we restore our unique Territory lifestyle.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has lent her boat-building skills to one Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta hopeful in the countdown to the "Battle for Mindil Beach" as budding sailors put the finishing touches on their crafts ahead of Sunday's big race.
The Chief Minister rolled up her sleeves and gave the would-be crew of Mix 104.9FM a hand with their budding beer can boat in the count down to the iconic race, which receives funding support from the Finocchiaro CLP Government.
This will be the 52nd Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, which she said was one of the Territory's great community traditions.
"The Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is a unique Territory event that is loved by locals and tourists alike and exactly the kind of event that shows what the Territory is made of: bringing people together to support Territorians in need in a way which is absolutely one-of-a-kind."
The Chief Minister was impressed with the dedication of the Mix 104.9 team and them with these parting words: "Will it float, will it sink, or will it be another Territory legend? I guess we'll find out on Sunday!"
Competitors are putting the finishing touches on makeshift boats, as the Battle for Mindil Beach kicks off this Sunday.
Supported with funding by the Finocchiaro CLP Government, the 52nd Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is one of the Territory's great community traditions, and comes as the government backs local, sport and major events with a $2 million events funding boost.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events Marie-Clare Boothby said the Regatta was a perfect example of the lifestyle and spirit that makes the Territory different.
"The Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is exactly the kind of event that shows what the Territory is made of: bringing people together to support Territorians in need in a way which is absolutely one-of-a-kind," Minister Boothby said.
"It's a day where everyday Territorians become engineers and craftsmen, sailors and captains, as the Battle for Mindil pits competitors from all over in a fierce contest full of family fun."
The annual event challenges teams to build vessels from cans, plastic bottles or milk cartons, as long as they float.
Minister Boothby said the Regatta was also a chance to support local brewers, makers and businesses, including the Territory's growing craft beer industry.
"We are spoilt for choice with local brewers across the Territory, and this is a great opportunity to back them, collect the cans, build the raft and be part of a uniquely Darwin tradition," Minister Boothby said.
President of the Beer Can Regatta, Jeff Dunn, said the event was much-loved by locals and visitors alike.
"The Beer Can Regatta is one of the Territory's most loved traditions, and we're proud to see it continue to grow each year. People travel from all over Australia to be part of the fun at Mindil Beach.
"It's a day that captures everything special about the Territory - creativity, humour, community spirit and a whole lot of ingenuity. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable Regatta."
The event comes after the Darwin Supercars celebrated its biggest program yet, and ahead of jam-packed Territory Day lineup.
Minister Boothby concluded: "In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we are getting behind those events which elevate the Territory's profile, grow our visitor economy, and which go to the heart of our unique lifestyle."
