Lake Burley Griffin’s 60th Anniversary

On the 20th October 2024!

Please join the Traditional Boat Squadron of Australia and other boat clubs to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the inauguration of LBG by the Prime Minister, Robert (Bob) Menzies.

Canberra, Australia’s capital city, would not be what it is if not for the enthusiasm and determination of Menzies to ensure that the lake was built. The lake and its shores have become a place of natural beauty that surprise unsuspecting visitors, a refuge for flora and fauna, a home and backdrop for many of our national institutions, a playground for sport and recreation, and something to just enjoy being on or near.

The lake was filled with boats 60 years ago when Menzies gave his speech from Regatta Point. So let’s do it again: Float Your Boat, and join us in a parade and some shore-based activities to celebrate this special occasion.

This event forms part of the National Capital Authority’s celebrations of LBG’s 60th anniversary.

Get ready for a spectacular parade of vessels at the ‘Float Your Boat’ Regatta! Watch as these boats, including beautifully restored traditional vessels led by the National Museum’s historic paddle steamer, Enterprise, sail past iconic Canberra landmarks like the National Museum, Regatta Point, the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and the Menzies statue, before mooring at Commonwealth Place. The boats will circle Central Basin, adding to the breath-taking display on the lake, before returning to the Canberra Yacht Club at Lotus Bay. Both locations offer unique opportunities for the public to meet boat owners, admire the classic vessels up close, and tour PS Enterprise. Don’t miss the chance to experience the rich tradition of Australia’s boating heritage!

Entertainment:
1030-1130 am at Commonwealth Place -Canberra Sea Shanty Club

1200-1300 pm at Canberra Yacht Club - Prism Jazz Ensemble

Prism Jazz Ensemble is Canberra City Band’s newest ensemble, forming in 2023.

Prism is an all ages and abilities jazz band, with the aim for like minded people to come together and play fun jazz, funk and other styles of music together. Playing from Miles Davis to Dua Lipa, Prism is excited to be a small part of this special celebration.

Proposed ScheduLe Sunday 20th October

Parade

TBSA Members

TBSA will maintain a register of its members and members of other Traditional Boat Clubs that wish to attend. If you would like to join us for this very special event, please provide the following information to Katja Jario at jariokatja@gmail.com or call 0418 689 595 to register your interest by the 1st October, 2024. 
Please provide the following information:

• Name

• Email address

• Vessel Name

• Phone Number

• Location

Other Clubs and Associations

If your organisation and its members would like to join us for this very special event, please contact David Widdowson at dwiddowson@csu.edu.au or call 0418 868 409 to register your interest by the 1st October, 2024.

To help us coordinate the day’s activities, we would ask that you please keep a register of your members who are planning to take part on the day and provide David with numbers at your earliest convenience.