Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The event was one of the Rotary Club of Ayr’s flagship fundraisers of the year. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
The Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race returned with a splash on Sunday, 17 May, summoning a tsunami of yellow to Plantation Park for a morning of family-friendly entertainment.
Spectators lined Plantation Creek as the day’s headline event, the duck race, saw more than 299 rubber ducks drift toward the finish line.
Charlie Cox took out first place with Duck #223, winning $1,000 and the 2026 Quack Duck title. Rosetta Tama placed second with Duck #289, followed by Marlin’s Swim School in third with Duck #43. Hugh Southern and Kent Olsen rounded out the top five with Ducks #187 and #222 respectively.
Awards were also handed out for the day’s decorated duck competitions. Nutrien Harcourts McCathies claimed the $100 prize for Best Decorated Duck, while Adelyn and Nita Tapiolas, Robert Hayward and Seth Szendrey were named runners-up, each receiving $30.
In the Best Duck Outfits category, the Szendrey family took home first prize, with Thomas Lindley and Katrina Girgenti also recognised for their efforts.
Rotary Club of Ayr president John McVeigh said the club was “very happy” with the community turnout, which included appearances from Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.
The event is one of the Rotary Club of Ayr’s flagship fundraisers, with a history dating back to 2010. Money raised this year will support Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia’s programs assisting families of seriously ill and injured children across North Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Fundraising & Partnerships Executive for Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, Karen Davis, said the donation will play a substantial role in helping the organisation carry out its mission.
She said community fundraising events like the duck race not only raise vital funds but also provide an opportunity to connect directly with supporters.
“It’s been a personal privilege to come out here because it’s been such a fun event. There’s always somebody who has used one of our services, so it’s great to be able to connect with them and see a community come together for such a great cause,” said Ms Davis.
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