Nearly 100 invited dignitaries and guests climbed ‘all-aboard’ the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler on Friday, December 7 to celebrate its 25th Year Anniversary as well as see the launch of several City Marketing initiatives including the Penrith Valley Experience magazine and the Tour Ideas Kit for 2008.Lesley Edwards of Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural & Education Centre also received a Certificate of Recognition for its recent NSW Tourism Award win in the ‘indigenous tourism category’.
For good measure the function also doubled as a Christmas Party with tea, coffee and cakes all served during the 90 minute cruise down the Nepean River.
As the Belle settled in for its short stay in the spectacular Nepean Gorge, the official part of the cruise commenced with the Mayor of Penrith Councillor Greg Davies describing the vessel as an ‘icon’.
“The word “icon” is greatly overused but the Nepean Belle is definitely a Penrith icon,” said Councillor Davies. “It could not exist anywhere else in the world. Our river and Penrith’s proximity to the stunning Nepean Gorge is unique.
“In celebrating the Nepean Belle, we are really celebrating the vision, endurance and efforts of John and Helen Wakeling and family, who have created and sustained this institution through many challenges over the past quarter century.”
A short chronological history was then relayed about the Belle before Proprietor and captain of this unique vessel John Wakeling was called upon to say a few words. John thanked Penrith City Council for all their support over the years as well as his immediate family including wife Helen and sons David, Luke and Simon.
The Mayor then launched the new editions of both the Penrith Valley Experience magazine and Tour Ideas Kit to a nice round of applause.
“These guides will be direct mailed to Seniors Groups such as Probus Clubs, numerous service and community organisations, bus and tour companies,” said Councillor Davies. “They are two highly valuable and successful publications, envied by many of our competitor destinations.”
Following a few well chosen words from Penrith Valley Experience publisher Graeme Dube, it was up to City Marketing Supervisor Paul Page to conclude the official part of proceedings before everyone was left to mingle and enjoy the views of the gorge on the return trip back to Tench Reserve.
“Not even the wild unexpected downpour in the middle of official proceedings could dampen the spirits of everyone on board,” joked Mr Page. “It was a most enjoyable function and as usual I’d just to finish by wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.”
Photo caption: (L-R) Mayor of Penrith City Greg Davies, John & Helen Wakeling (Nepean Belle) and City Marketing Supervisor Paul Page proudly display the new editions of the Tour Ideas Kit and Penrith Valley Experience magazine.
To view a video highlights package of the day go to:-
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