Today Show, crossing live from Canowindra · David Levin, is spearheading the National...

2 The Canowindra News, Wednesday, April 17, 2013. canowindranews.com.au

April 20 - 27, 2013

18th Australian National

BALLOON CHAMPIONSHIPS

The tourist attractions, food, wine andproduce of Cabonne Country will bepromoted across Australia this week when theNine Network’s Weekend Today show comesto Canowindra.

Nine personality Emma Freedman willpresent the weather live from the Age ofFishes Museum from 7am to 9.30am onSunday 21 April 2013 during the WeekendToday show.

Cabonne’s striking natural attractions,wine and produce, heritage, hot airballooning, the Age of Fishes Museum andthe Canowindra Holden motor museum willbe highlighted during six live crosses fromthe Age of Fishes Museum.

The telecast will correspond with theCanowindra Balloon Challenge and 18thAustralian Hot Air BallooningChampionships which are being staged in the

town from 20-27 April 2013.Sponsored by Cabonne Council, the

broadcast has been coordinated inconjunction with Canowindra-basedAdloyalty.

Mayor Ian Gosper said the promotionpresented a wonderful opportunity toshowcase Cabonne’s diverse range ofattractions and renowned food and wineproducts across the nation.

Today Show, crossinglive from Canowindra

In years gone by, the Kookaburra couldbe seen hovering above the township ofCanowindra.

However, the end could be nigh for thisgiant of the skies.

Unless $80,000 falls from the heavens,this year may be the last time residents andtourists get a chance to see the famousKookaburra-shaped balloon.

In order to be granted a licence to fly, itsaging structure needs to be repaired in theUnited Kingdom.

Balloon Glow and Entertainment Officer,Jan Kerr, is encouraging everyone to comedown to the Canowindra Sports Complex onApril the 20th, to have one last laugh withthe Kookaburra at the spectacular BalloonGlow event, where it will be inflated for abrief time.

Ms Kerr is quietly hoping a benefactormight step forward.

“We would have to have an awful lot ofchook raffles to get the Kookaburra into theskies again, so ideally the community is

looking for a generous patron.”The Kookaburra was bequeathed to the

townsfolk of Canowindra by the lateentrepreneur Frank Hackett-Jones, a multi-millionaire, who instigated the very firstCanowindra balloon fiesta, called Marti’s.

A team from Cameron’s Balloons in theUnited Kingdom will fly out during the Aprilcelebrations, to assess the final damage bill.

Don’t miss what may be a goodbye laugh

One of the world’s most accomplished balloonists,David Levin, is spearheading the NationalChampionships in April.

David's résumé includes a swag of gold medals inworld championship events, as well as stealing thecrown from Australia in the Trans-AustraliaBicentennial Balloon Race.

Recognising the growing importance of ballooningfor the district, Cabonne Shire recently decided todirect $15,000 to the upcoming CanowindraChallenge.

“The event's significance in bringing visitors intoCabonne shire and publicising the region promptedthe council to allocate a large slice of its eventsassistance program to its promotion and funding,”spokesman Dale Jones said.

Graham Kerr, Vice Chairman of the CanowindraBalloon Challenge, is expecting a record crowd of9,000 revellers, on the opening night of the week longevent.

“With such an influx of tourists, local coffers willbenefit in the range of 2-3 million,” he said.

In addition to government funding, the Challengehas attracted wide-ranging support from privateenterprise.

Origin Energy, which is the lead sponsor of thetournament, is donating $20,000 to keep the balloonsfuelled and ready to reach for the heavens.

Regional carrier, Brindabella Airlines, is alsochipping in $5,000 for the Key Tag, a game ofstrategy, precision and helium.

It should also be noted; the New South Walesgovernment recently designated the Canowindrachallenge as a National Flagship Event.

“Canowindrans can be very proud in what theyhave accomplished in such a short span of time,” MrKerr declared.

Levin back tospearheadnationalchampionships

Nine personality Emma Freedman will present the weather live from the Age of Fishes Museum from 7am to 9.30am on Sunday21 April 2013 during the Weekend Today show.

Canowindra the Kookaburra balloon inflated andhovering at last year’s Glow.

Origin LPG 18th Australian National Balloon Championships

20th - 27th April 2013

18th Australian National

BALLOONChampionships

CANOWINDRA 2013

1300 908 825 www.canowindrachallenge.org.au canowindraballoonchallenge

Image by Janine Finlayson - Fairfax Media

Balloon Glow & Night Market 4.30pm-8pm on Saturday 20th April

@ Canowindra Sports Oval $7.50 per adult, $15 per family

Balloon Joy Flights

Graham & Jan KerrLongs Corner Rd, CanowindraT 02 6344 1819 E jan@gjkerr.com.auwww.gjkerr.com.au

Bennett Keogh & AssociatesBennett Keogh & AssociatesAccountants & BusinessAccountants & Business

AdvisersAdvisers

100 Gaskill StreetCanowindra NSW

Ph: (02) 6344 1701 | Fax: (02) 6344 1901M: 0428 44 1701 | E: scottben@bigpond.net.au

Proud Supportersof the 18th

Australian NationalBALLOON

Championship

RM1899512