Rotary Club of Central Launceston
The Rotary Club of Central Launceston is located right in the heart of Central Launceston. With a growing membership of over 55 Rotarians, this service club has supported many local organisations and charities as well as other local and worldwide Rotary causes.
We achieve this through our fundraising efforts, the main ones being the annual "Duck Race", Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge Sally’s Ride and Circus Quirkus.
The Rotary Duck Race started in 1993, with the concept of holding a plastic duck race from the suspension bridge down to the finishing line in the Gorge. The Race was known as the 7LA Duck Race raising approximately $8,000, which was donated to local charities.
Now, this once small plastic duck race is one of Launceston’s major calendar events
of the year, attracting thousands of spectators and now involves local businesses,
not for profit organisations, charities and schools. Since its inception the annual
event has donated back to charities over $320,000. Some recipients for the raised
funds in past years are Giant Steps, Canteen, Life Link, City Mission, St Giles,
St Georges Special School, Self Help, Adaptive Rowers, Sailability, New Horizons and the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Tasmania and Royal Guide Dogs Tasmania.
After a period on the North Esk adjacent to the famous J.Boag & Sons brewery, the Rotary Duck Race is returning to the First Basin at the Gorge in 2012. This year, 2012 we will be raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Tasmania), Clifford Craig Medical Research Trust, Rural Help @ Hand and The Clown Doctors. Some funds will also be applied to a local Rotary development project.
It is important to note that this event not only provides an avenue to raise funds but also provides an enjoyable event for the local community that has something for everyone; from face painting, a children’s play area, live music and dancing and plenty of food and refreshments, not to forget the unforgettable sight of a helicopter dropping 5,000 ducks. There will be a Corporate Duck Race, Little Duck Race and the inaugural Duck Reach Classic – a run/walk event from the First basin to the Duck Reach Power Station and return via Trevallyn Reserve. The Rotary Duck Race provides a free social day out for the entire family.