Registrations open for a ‘quacking’ occasion

A RECORD number of rubber ducks will be thrown from the Barwon Heads Footbridge on Easter Saturday for the 21st Great Barwon River Duck Race.

More than 2,000 ducks are available to the public for the annual event which raises money for Barwon Heads Primary School, Barwon Heads Scouts, Barwon Heads Association and Ocean Grove Rotary.

“It’s definitely a coming of age for the duck race, it really bounced back last year and we’re making it bigger and better than ever this time around,” organiser Heather Willson said.

“Last year’s event was packed; god, it was lovely. There were kids running up and down the beach egging their ducks on.

“This year we’re really trying to make it an event that anyone can join, something the community can join.”

Ducks will be launched from the town’s pedestrian bridge and finish at the Ozone Jetty down river.

This year’s event includes a new category; Quacker Kids Blue Ducks Race, which will feature 210 blue ducks for primary school aged and younger aged children.

Ducks are individually numbered to each registrant, with prizes to be given to the first 10 placegetters in each event.

“The funding breakdown will be a little different to last year with the Rotary Club getting 35 per cent of funds, the Scouts are getting 20 per cent, Barwon Heads Association will get 10 per cent and five per cent will be set aside for Barwon Heads Primary School to offer a pair of scholarships,” Ms Willson said.

“The remaining percentage will be reinjected back into local community programs.”

Head to The Great Barwon Heads Duck Race on Facebook for more information.