Jodie Callcott

GOLD COAST EVENT’S BIZARRE WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

April 16, 2021

A NEW tourism campaign aimed at showcasing the Gold Coast’s pristine beaches will also double as a world record attempt and a charity event.

The Gold Coast Beach Parade will try and claim a new mark for the greatest number of people wearing koala ear visors involved in a beach parade. It has never been done before.

The unique event will be held next month at Burleigh Heads and all entrants fees will go to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation to support the region’s koalas.

The event’s mascot, a 6m-high baby koala called Burleigh, was revealed on Friday in front of stunned locals at Burleigh Heads beach.

Event organiser Leanne St George said Burleigh the mascot “stopped traffic” and created curiosity about the May 16 event.

“It was amazing to see little kids see this 6m-tall koala and the amount of kids and people signing up (for the Beach Parade) was great,” Ms St George said.

“With exactly a month to go to set the benchmark for a world record attempt at having the most people in a beach parade wearing specially designed koala ear visors, Burleigh will become a familiar sight in the community and an inspiration for people to join in the parade,” Ms St George said.

“The event is destined to shine a tourism spotlight on the Gold Coast showcasing its enviable coastal lifestyle, spectacular beaches and safe and healthy environment for travellers.”

Gold Coaster and Holey Moley contestant Michelle Massey has already registered for the event with her sons Hudson and Knoxy.

“Come along and bring your friends, get everybody together and support such a vital cause,” Ms Massey said.

“(Koalas) need us more than anything so now’s the time to get together and teach everybody what it’s about.

“It’s important for families to get out have and fun as a family and teach your children the importance of standing up for what you believe in.

“Especially the koalas because we want koalas around for our future generations.”

The Gold Coast Beach Parade will be held on May 16 at Burleigh Heads. For information or to register, visit goldcoastbeachparade.com.au