The 2025 QMN Manufacturing Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch dazzled guests with a taste of European summer, but the true highlight was the celebration of this year’s exceptional Senior Ambassadors. Eliza Worlein, Georgia Tomasetig, Julia Cahill, Mia Galbraith, Molly Julyan, and Nicole Cervoni were honoured for their dedication, growth, and friendship throughout the season. In a heartwarming moment, Eliza Worlein was named Runner Up, and Molly Julyan was crowned the 2025 BWF Senior Ambassador Winner. Their achievements were met with cheers, applause, and pride—marking a beautiful finale to an unforgettable ambassador journey.
A divine fusion of international flair filled the four walls of Queen Street’s Populin’s Hall on Saturday the 30th of August in celebration of the infamous 2025 QMN Manufacturing Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch.
Commencing from midday, the event saw the community flock to the hall to indulge in the romantic atmosphere of an enchanting European Summer, where everyone was swept away by a special selection of culinary delights, stunning decorations, and creative cocktails.
The 2025 Burdekin Water Festival (BWF) Committee, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Dale Last MP and over 200 excited guests joined 2025 BWF Senior Ambassadors Eliza Worlein (Rotary Club of Ayr), Georgia Tomasetig (SunWater Limited), Julia Cahill (Amcal Chemist Ayr), Mia Galbraith (CORES QLD), Molly Julyan (Liessman & Sons) and Nicole Cervoni (Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club) as they came together to celebrate the lifelong friendships they have formed with one another, and the countless memories made over the past few months.
“Having watched all of the girls transition from the beginning of the experience, into these glorious, confident young ladies at the end, shows the true impact that the entire Burdekin Water Festival has had on them all - with an incredible acknowledgment to the Ambassador Coordinator, Kari Ravizza, who has shaped this Ambassador experience into what it is today,” shared BWF Committee Member and 2024 BWF Senior Ambassador Winner, Demi O’Shea.
Guests were treated to the talents of Olivia Licciardello, Josie, and enjoyed a fabulous five course meal consisting of creamy Tuscan rigatoni pasta, seafood paella, patatas bravas, traditional balsamic garlic bean salad and many more locally catered delicious dishes.
“Everyone was dressed to the nines, the cocktail attire made the event feel royal and the entertainment set the whole vibe for the event,” added Demi.
“The decorations felt like a snippet taken from a European postcard, and the food was shared between people like a true European experience, from savoury to dessert - the authenticity felt surreal.”
However, the centrepiece of the celebrations was of course, the official crowning of the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Winner and Runner Up. With all eyes on the stage, Eliza Worlein, representing Rotary Club of Ayr was announced as the 2025 BWF Senior Ambassador Runner Up, and Molly Julyan, representing Liessman & Sons was crowned as the official 2025 BWF Senior Ambassador Winner, leading the hall to erupt with cheers and a warm applause.
“There were cheers, happy tears, lots of applause and congratulations all round,” explained Ambassador Coordinator, Kari Ravizza.
“Being a part of the senior crowning was magical, and to see the reactions of Eliza and Molly was heartwarming,” Demi enthused.
MCed by Bronwyn Nucifora and Jasmin Delle Baite, the joyous atmosphere of the entire event was perfect captured by the 360-degree videography of Forever Social and photography by Sharon Bozzetto, especially the showstopping announcement of Molly and Eliza’s achievements.
“Being able to crown Molly was such a genuine experience, her utter gratitude and honesty is what makes her the most incredible Senior Ambassador Winner, and I could not be prouder to pass the title onto someone who has truly taken something special away from the experience,” Demi said.
“Watching Brielle crown Eliza was so beautiful, I know how much of a cherished moment that was for them two, and Eliza’s confidence and vivacious personality is what makes her the most amazing runner up.”
As the afternoon concluded, the BWF Committee felt beyond grateful for the community’s continued support of the annual celebration, and many cannot wait for this weekend’s Grand Parade, Mardi Gras and Junior Ambassador Crowning to close out another successful BWF season.
“The support and sponsorship by local businesses has been amazing - from supporting each of the Ambassador’s events to supporting the Water Festival Committee and donating prizes for the ambassadors themselves,” said Kari.
“Our community is very special, so supportive and we’re all so excited to host an outstanding Grand Parade and Mardi Gra this Saturday!”
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