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Back: (L-R) Senior Ambassador runner-up Ella Pirrone, Senior Ambassador winner Blaize Palmer.
Front (L-R): Junior Ambassador winner Edith Innes, Junior Ambassador runner-up Lillea Levitt.
Photo: Shay Kratzmann.
The Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador Program culminated in a Long Lunch last Saturday, with a cohort of young ambassadors—including two history-makers—farewelled in front of more than 230 guests.
Fifteen Burdekin Water Festival Ambassadors have taken their final bow, bringing months of fundraising and community events to a close at last Saturday’s QMN Manufacturing Long Lunch.
The annual event, which serves as the culmination of the Ambassador Program, brought more than 230 guests to Populins Hall for the Picnic at Populins-themed celebration, where Blaize Palmer and Edith Innes were crowned Senior and Junior Ambassador winners respectively.
Emcees Bronwyn Nucifora and Jasmine Delle Baite led proceedings, putting the Junior Ambassadors through a Q&A that saw both impress and entertain the crowd with their answers.
The Senior Ambassadors then reflected on their time in the program, highlighting the camaraderie they developed and the support they received from the community.
The occasion was particularly significant for this year’s cohort, with the Junior and Senior Ambassadors coming together at a single event for the first time.
Blaize Palmer and Zylon Dallecort also became the first male Senior Ambassadors in the program’s 68-year history.
Blaize then went one step further, becoming the first male Senior Ambassador to claim first place. Representing Burdekin Motors, Blaize was recognised for his successful touch footy fundraiser, which raised more than $1,000 for Uganda-focused charity 100% Hope Inc.
Senior Ambassador counterparts Olivia Pavone and Ella Pirrone rounded out the cohort, with Pirrone named runner-up following her successful dog-walking fundraiser last month.
In the Junior division, Edith Innes claimed top honours from a cohort of 11, with Lillea Levitt named runner-up.
The night also saw raffle winner Kari Ravizza walk away with a $5,000 ring generously donated by gold sponsor Campbell’s Jewellery.
Guests then took to the dance floor, with Sneaky Beats capping off the night’s entertainment.
The Long Lunch now sets the stage for the Water Festival’s finale this weekend, with the Mardi Gras and Street Parade to take over Ayr’s main road on Saturday.
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