Following the success of the Harrington Hotel’s Australia Day celebrations, Hunt Hospitality identified an opportunity to further strengthen community engagement through another major event at the popular venue.
The Australia Day program had attracted record attendance, with activities such as yabby racing, Sao eating competitions, a cooee competition and foam cannon entertainment, creating strong participation from both locals and visitors.
A key outcome from the event was the fundraising generated through the yabby racing, with proceeds donated toward local fireworks.
The success of this initiative demonstrated the value of combining community entertainment with fundraising and inspired discussions around delivering a similar event during Easter.
During planning sessions, local employee Natalie Cassin proposed the idea of a community duck race, inspired by a similar initiative previously held in nearby Taree.
The concept was immediately embraced, with management recognising its potential to create a fun, family-focused event while also supporting local organisations.
Several community groups partnered with the hotel, including Rotary, the Lions Club of Harrington, the Rural Fire Brigade, the Harrington Hotel Fishing Club and the Crowdy Head Surf Life Saving Club. A collaborative fundraising model allowed each organisation to assist with promotion and duck sales throughout the community.
Ducks were sold through the hotel, by volunteers at the local IGA, and by Crowdy Head Nippers along the beach. While the initial target was 1,000 ducks, strong community support resulted in approximately 1,400 ducks being sold ahead of the event.
To build excitement, organisers introduced a large plush duck mascot and launched a Facebook naming competition.
The mascot, later named “Manny” after the Manning River, quickly became a recognisable figure throughout the community.
A GPS tracker placed inside Manny’s wing allowed locals to follow his movements in real time, generating strong online engagement in the lead-up to Easter Sunday.
On the day of the event, local organisations worked together to ensure smooth delivery. Manning River Marine Rescue supported water coordination, the Rural Fire Brigade assisted with logistics, and members of the Harrington Hotel Fishing Club managed the racecourse.
Held under ideal weather conditions, the Harrington Community Duck Race attracted approximately 600 patrons to the venue. Crowds gathered along the hotel’s back deck and riverbank to watch the ducks race toward the finish line, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Hunt Hospitality managing director Stephen Hunt said the event exceeded expectations in attendance, participation and fundraising outcomes.
Each participating organisation received $1,350, representing one of the most significant local fundraising contributions many had received through a single event.
“The Harrington Community Duck Race highlighted the strength of local collaboration and reinforced the Harrington Hotel’s role as a central hub for community connection and support,” said Hunt.
Group operations manager Ricci-Lee says the event will “Absolutely!!” take place again next year.
“It’s now considered by the community an annual event they will all gear up to get behind,” she told PubTIC.
