Join Noosa River flotilla to commemorate Armistice Day anniversary

Noosa’s community is invited to get in costume and jump aboard a once-in-a-century, commemorative flotilla on Remembrance Day.

“In 1918, Tewantin locals celebrated the end of the war by decking their boats in patriotic colours and heading down river in a lively procession,” Acting Mayor Frank Wilkie said.

“We’re hoping that everyone will get into the spirit of the occasion and decorate their boats to re-enact this event. Dressing up is also encouraged, but not mandatory.

“This appears to have been a unique event in 1918 – heritage officers haven’t found evidence of a similar flotilla taking place anywhere else in Australia at this time.”

The flotilla re-enactment is part of a community event being organised by Noosa Council to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.

Council is calling on the boating community to participate in this event.  Anyone with a watercraft, be it fishing boat, ski boat, canoe, catamaran, or houseboat can register and join in.

Jane Harding, Noosa Council’s Heritage Coordinator said the flotilla was a great opportunity for the community to remember the locals of 100 years ago who endured four long years of war, either away in the battlefields or at home.

“The flotilla will be viewed by crowds at the Looking Forward to Peace event in Tewantin Memorial Park, who will cheer on the boats,” Ms Harding said.

Watercraft will congregate north of Tewantin (adjacent to Sheep Island) then head en masse down the river past Tewantin Memorial Park and disband downstream from The Boathouse restaurant. QF5 Noosa Coast Guard will marshal the flotilla.

Numbers are limited so interested boaties must pre-register by submitting an Expression of Interest form. First in, best dressed.  

Participating watercraft owners must have appropriate insurances, licenses and registrations and all vessels must be seaworthy.

Expression of Interest forms and more information available from Noosa Council on (07) 5329 6335 or online.

This project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

8 October 2018