Barbie boat wins Best Dressed at Geraldton’s Blessing of the Fleet at Fisherman’s Wharf, ex-mayor gets dunked

Around 5000 people attended the new and improved Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday, as dressed-up boats paraded at Fisherman’s Wharf and a new transport truck was launched. A blessing of lobster fishing boats took place at the weekend as kids indulged in a variety of fun and games. Two local children from Geraldton and Dongara had their work revealed on a Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative lobster truck, boasting a sustainability message to motorists as it travels from Geraldton to Perth. Former Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn was one of a few local leaders who volunteered for the dunk tank. “Dunked twice in a week,” Mr Van Styn posted on Facebook, referring to his earlier election defeat. Blessing of the Fleet committee member Tiffany O’Byrne won the best dressed boat competition for her Barbie and Ken-inspired parade and said her inspiration came from the popular Barbie movie released in July. Ms O’Byrne said the committee had been planning its return for two years and estimated around 5000 people attended throughout the day. She said a highlight was seeing the original yellow submarine, that was once displayed on Marine Terrace, restored and available to view at the wharf. “It’s been amazing, the support from the community has been amazing. It’s all about getting out there, connecting the community to the cray fishing fleet and having fun,” she said. “It’s something the whole community does enjoy, it’s fallen through the baseline due to different reasons and it was something the committee was passionate about bringing back.” Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative manager Leith Teakle said the unveiling of the new truck was a success and hoped it would spread their sustainable message. “Our fisheries been sustainable since 2000 and we got together with MSC and set it out to over 400 students to design a truck and this is what we’ve come up with,” he said. “We thought what a great canvas to be able to go up and down the coastline with these amazing pictures on it for everyone to see.” Mr Teakle said the Blessing of the Fleet event had been absent due to COVID-19 constraints and changes in the fishing season but looked forward to its return to the Wharf. “The fishing industry is built by communities and families, so it’s great to get the boats out today, we haven’t had a blessing in town for a while and we’re really excited to get this truck on the road,” he said.