A wave of excitement, community spirit and undeniable creativity washed over the shire on Saturday the 6th of September as the infamous Burdekin Water Festival returned to the region.
Exactly 67 years on from the festival’s official debut, the event ignited Queen Street from top to tail, as approximately 4,000 locals and travellers alike flooded to the heart of Ayr to celebrate the Burdekin Shire’s abundance of water and rich sense of community.
2025’s Burdekin Water Festival (BWF) followed the theme of Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe which was reflected across each and every aspect of the event’s festivities right down to the tow bars on every vehicle and float entrant in the Grand Parade.
“The Queensland Country Bank Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade and Mardi Gras was nothing short of spectacular,” shared current BWF Committee Member and 2024 BWF Ambassador representative of the Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club, Sasha Previtera.
“This year’s Bon Voyage theme brought the streets of Ayr to life with vibrant floats that transported us across the globe - from delicate Japanese cherry blossoms to the festivity of Germany’s Oktoberfest, the charm of London, the bright lights of Las Vegas, the energy of Nashville, and the spirit of America - each float was a masterpiece that captured the imagination and creativity of our wonderful community.”
Although a little down in numbers in comparison to last year’s unforgettable comeback, crowds filled the streets for the evening’s Mardi Gra, enjoying a plethora of food stalls, show rides and entertainment well into the night. Miss Mary painted hundreds of smiling faces, as the Windy Wizard had children and adults enthralled with his magic tricks and fluffy rabbit whilst the tug-of-war competition once again drew a large audience of energetic spectators.
“The celebrations continued at the Mardi Gras, where families and friends enjoyed delicious food, market stalls, entertainment, and endless fun, making it a night to remember,” added Sasha.
In a festival first, the Mardi Gras Street Party debuted Burdekin Eats, a cultural feast overflowing with international delights, and the BWF Committee could not have been happier with the community’s response.
“We are so grateful go the many Burdekin businesses who have supported the BWF through sponsorship, generous donations of prizes and in-kind support – without their very generous sponsorship, we wouldn’t be able to hold the events we have had,” shared BWF Ambassador Coordinator, Kari Ravizza.
“I would like to give a special mention to our 2024 Ambassador Winners and Runner Ups Demi O'Shea, Brielle Astorquia, Cole Pontifex and Stella Borrellini who have now handed over the title to our 2025 Ambassadors - Demi and fellow ambassador Sasha Previtera were invaluable additions to our 2025 BWF committee, spending countless hours behind the scenes supporting our 2025 Ambassadors, attending all their events and keeping our socials buzzing.”
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the heart stopping crowning of Jorja Vasta, representing Burdekin Junior Rugby League as BWF Junior Ambassador Runner-Up, and Giulia Sarri, representing Burdekin Christian College as BWF Junior Ambassador Winner.
“A huge congratulations to Giulia and Jorja - both of these young ladies shone brightly on the night and throughout the program,” noted Sasha.
“To all of our junior ambassadors, I am so beyond proud of how far you have come through the ambassador program - you have all blossomed into amazing, kind-hearted young people, and it has been such a joy to watch you grow with confidence and grace over the past two months.”
The BWF Committee have worked tirelessly over the past six months to host yet another stellar year of countless events, celebrations and gatherings.
“The committee have been meeting on a weekly basis for 6 months in preparation for the whole festival season and it takes a whole team to organise and run a community event of this scale,” said Kari.
“We (BWF Committee) would like to give a heartfelt thank you to our amazing Secretary, Colleen Harris, who also serves as our dedicated Event Co-ordinator - after finishing her own full-time job each day, Colleen still finds the time and energy to organise and liaise with all of our vendors – an incredible 54 this year.”
“Her commitment, organisation, and tireless effort are the reason everything runs so smoothly behind the scenes.”
With another Burdekin Water Festival year wrapped up, the BWF Committee are more than looking forward to having a well deserved rest ahead of next year's preparations, and hope to wow and impress the community for another year in 2026! In the meantime, the BWF Committee invites the community to keep up to date with all news and information via the BWF social media pages and website, burdekinwaterfestival.com.au.
Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/24wote2u
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