- The Avon Descent is a two-day 124km paddling race along the Avon River
- The annual race also boasts community festivals in Northam, Toodyay, Swan and Bayswater supported by the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council
- $228,300 in Cook Government funding to deliver the community festivals and to support the race
The popular Avon Descent paddling race is back for another year in 2024 and will once again be supported by community festivals in Northam, Toodyay, Swan and Bayswater.
Residents and visitors of the participating councils will have the chance to celebrate this major event in the Western Australian sport and recreation calendar, get out and about in their local communities and enjoy all the action from the banks of the Avon River.
The festivals have been made possible thanks to more than $128,000 in funding from Lotterywest, and will go towards entertainment, sound and stage costs and spectator amenities and safety.
The grant to the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (ERMC) will help co-ordinate Avon Descent festivals on behalf of participating local government authorities.
The four community activations promise an inclusive, family friendly atmosphere and will help to promote local tourism and small business.
These festivals are expected to host up to 28,000 attendees across four free community events between 9 and 11 August:
- Northam Bilya Festival -the launch of the Avon Descent includes a street parade, entertainment and an urban farming sustainable gardening stall;
- Toodyay International Food Festival and Family Fun Day – includesthe International Food Fest, as well as performances by local bands and skateboarding workshops;
- City of Swan Avon Descent Festival (Lilac Hill Reserve) -free family entertainment and performances by local artists including First Nations dance performances from Binar Futures; and
- Town of Bayswater Avon Descent Finish Line Festival (Riverside Gardens) – family friendly activities and up to 21 community group activations including ReWild, interactive play zones, and mini golf led by the Youth Action Committee.
This is in addition to the $100,000 received by Northam’s Avon Descent Association in the 2024/25 Sport and Recreation Events funding round, delivered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
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As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“The Avon Descent is a terrific sporting event in its own right, with hundreds of competitors and thousands more watching on.
“The community festivals are always a highlight, and the State Government is proud to support them for another year.
“With great food, music and other community initiatives, they really do offer something for everyone, especially families and young people.”
