There was much anticipation among these four children waiting at the finish line with their tickets. Photos: Supplied.
After a flying start off Narooma Bridge, almost all 1000 entrants in this year’s Great Australia Day Narooma Rotary Duck Race slowly drifted north and took refuge in Mill Bay.
“It was good fun but it was a highly unusual race because of conditions,” race coordinator Antoinette Lee said. “It was a battle between the tidal flow and the southerly wind. The wind won. Those that went under the boardwalk were automatically disqualified.
“Only six ducks actually made it to the finishing line, all with heads down and bottoms up, a decided advantage with the wind.”
Duck 683 was the clear winner, purchased by Antonella Lukic of Canberra, who won $1000. The last duck was 997, held by J Hamilton who won $100.
Ms Lee said there was a good crowd on the bridge and along the boardwalk.
Narooma Surf Life Saving Club had quite a contingent to assist with the Rotary duck race, seen here loading up various craft at the Mill Bay boat ramp.
Narooma Rotary president Julie Hartley thanked everyone who had helped with the race, especially those on the bridge and those on the water who helped retrieve the ducks. They included Marine Rescue, members of Narooma Surf Life Saving Club and the merry band of kayakers.
The kayakers included Rotary exchange students Aaro from Finland and Calix from France, currently on holiday at Dalmeny with a Narooma Rotarian.
“A big thank you too to all those Rotarians, partners and friends who continue to make this day such a success,” Ms Hartley said.
Proceeds this year go towards Narooma Rotary’s 2026 projects including the tertiary scholarship and apprenticeships.
