Archive for the 'News' Category

Published by admin on 14 Jul 2011

New title and a new broader approach pays off for popular Darwin event

The ever popular Darwin Boat Show has been changing and broadening, and each year crowds are increasing and exhibits growing in numbers and diversity. In line with this, in 2011 the Show has expanded its scope and its title to incorporate a broader focus on outdoor leisure and adventure. This has attracted a new raft of exhibitors and products meaning that the show is just getting better all the time.

“This approach is complimentary to the boating lifestyle and we want the show to encourage more Territorians to explore the many options for simply getting the family outdoors. It’s really all about keeping happy and healthy having good clean fun, and building life experiences that kids can?t get sitting inside in front of a screen” said Byron Hazell, chairman of the NT Boating Industry Association which runs the event. “We see that as an investment in the future in keeping young people and families involved in and excited by outdoor adventure and getting out in boats”

“The great thing about this show is that beside boats; there are camper trailers, camping, 4WD, fishing, touring, and many more activities as integral to the top end outdoor lifestyle as is sitting around the BBQ at the end of the day, and the Show is set to give visitors the chance to see and experience a raft of options and to explore a huge range of accessories and some great new innovations.” said Gill van Hagen, manager of the event.

“The show is for all the family from youngest to oldest and there is a brand new program for women only with tips on how to get the best out of family outdoor activities and holidays including practical sessions on 4WD and emergency procedures to use if should ever be necessary” she said. “and kids are not forgotten with some special activities to keep them entertained so it will make a great Father’s Day outing for everyone” are not forgotten with some special activities to keep them entertained so it will make a great Father’s Day outing for everyone”

New exhibits at this year’s event include the latest technology for remote communication, a must for travellers, and some really interesting new innovations such as a rechargeable fan that can be used in your boat, van or tent, and there will be more on show for 4WD enthusiasts.

The free entry clinics this year not only give visitors the absolute latest tips on fishing, there is sessions on using GPS and navigation equipment and new to the show, are sessions on 4WD in the top end supported by practical demonstrations and some fun competitions. There are even demonstrations on making custom fishing rods and lures.

For those seeking high adventure the show offers the opportunity to have a go on the climbing wall, try canoeing, and to find out more about jet skis, wakeboarding, ATVs, and even amphibious craft.

“All in all the show is shaping up to be a great day out for everyone with so much to see, learn, experience and be a part of, so we encourage watching the website for more details on the activities, competitions, as well as information on what?s at the show this year.” said Gill.

For more information please contact:

Gill van Hagen,
Event Manager,
Darwin Boat & Outdoor Show,

Telephone: 0427 508075.
Email: gill@darwinboatshow.com.au
Website: www.darwinboatshow.com.au

Proceeds from the Darwin Boat & Outdoor Show support the work of the Boating Industry Association of NT, a not-for-profit organization that campaigns for, and actively represents the interests of all Territorians for better boating.

Dates: Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September 2011
Venue: Darwin Convention Centre, Stokes Hill Wharf Road, Darwin Waterfront
Public hours: open at 9.00am daily and close at 5,00pm Saturday and 4.00pm Sunday.
Getting there, parking and access: visit the Getting There page for details
Entry fees: visit the website

Information on exhibitors, products and activities will be posted on the website by August 2011.

Published by admin on 12 Apr 2011

Channel Nine News Bulletin on a Bumper Barra Season

Managing director of NAFA, Alex Julius has sent in a clipping of his fishing column in NT News yesterday with commentary and further analysis re: Channel Nine evening news “leading” with story of a fishing-led tourism boon for the NT following the great wet season.

HOW many times have you heard someone say “only in the Territory”?

That certainly happened on Tuesday night.

I mean, which capital city other than Darwin would lead its evening national news bulletin with a story about how this great wet season and predicted bumper run-off should result in a fishing-led tourism boon for the Northern Territory?

Channel Nine News and everyone’s favourite news reader, Jonathon Uptin, reckoned the story was headline news and, in my opinion, they were definitely right.

It’s really so ironic that, while the rest of the Australian angling community is constantly battling ill-informed, fanging greenies and rabid, one-eyed animal liberationists, here in the Top End the promise of a great recreational barra fishing season is celebrated as headline news.

There’s no doubt that the next few weeks in particular will yield some amazing barra-fishing sessions for a multitude of anglers across the Top End’s big rivers.

Read the full story at the NT News website.
Download a PDF of the clipping from the NT News paper.

Published by admin on 29 Jul 2010

Boat tracking system to be introduced in Darwin

The Darwin Port Corporation says more boats move in and out of Darwin Harbour than many realise, highlighting serious questions about safety.

Read the full story at ABC News