Boat show chips in for rescue unit

BALLINA'S Marine Rescue unit raised enough money to keep it afloat for three months at its Boat and Leisure Show held on the October long weekend this year.

And organiser Duncan Woodhead, in thanking local businesses for supporting the event, said he hoped that would continue in the coming years to make the show a "tourist attraction" for Ballina.

It costs more than $50,000 to operate the volunteer unit, and, while figures haven't been finalised, this year's boat show raised more than $15,000.

There were 35 exhibitors and attendance was up by 60% on last year.

This was the third year the event has run as the major fundraiser for the Marine Rescue unit.

Mr Woodhead said he hoped the annual show would grow in future years - even to the point where another organisation took over the running of it.