Hundreds of paddlers are set to hit Newcastle Harbour as one of NSW’s biggest outrigger canoe regattas leads a packed calendar of council-supported events.
Almost 400 competitors will take part in the Pasha Dasha Regatta this weekend, with teams from across NSW descending on the city to contest the state’s largest club-run outrigger canoe event.
The regatta is one of 19 events to share more than $155,000 through City of Newcastle’s annual event sponsorship program.
City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor, Charlotte McCabe, said the funding helped strengthen Newcastle’s visitor economy while building its reputation as a major events destination.
“City of Newcastle is committed to getting behind events that showcase Newcastle as a vibrant destination for visitors and locals,” McCabe said.
“Through our annual sponsorship program we support events at all levels, from local community activations to nationally recognised events, helping to drive visitation and deliver meaningful economic benefits to the city.
“We’re thrilled to welcome hundreds of competitors, their families and supporters to Newcastle for this weekend’s Pasha Dasha Regatta, which will also provide a fantastic spectacle for locals to watch and enjoy.”
Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club vice president Vaughan Hakaraia said the event had become a major fixture on the state’s paddling calendar.
“As a local club, we’re proud to facilitate what has become the largest club regatta in NSW,” Hakaraia said.
“This is our biggest annual event, attracting hundreds of participants from across the state, travelling from Wollongong in the south and Port Macquarie in the north.
“The event has been running since 2010 and we’re proud to host the 15th annual regatta in Newcastle and showcase the iconic harbour.”
The regatta is part of a busy run of events supported by City of Newcastle over the coming months.
Upcoming highlights include the Beach 5s rugby festival at Nobbys Beach from 24-26 January, the 30th Newcastle Harbour Swim on 26 January, the Island Triathlon Festival on 31 January and 1 February, and the Hill to Harbour running race on 29 March.
The Newcastle Show from 27 February to 1 March and the Newcastle Chilli Festival on 22 March will also draw visitors, alongside a range of community, cultural, food and drink events backed through the council’s sponsorship program.
