Barbecue planned for revived Whitsunday paradise Keswick Island on Anzac Day
It comes after tensions started to ease on the island, which had previously been plagued with complaints about access issues for more than a year.
Mackay
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Another beach barbecue is planned for Keswick Island later this month, but this time it won’t involve a protest.
Some members of the Keswick Island Reclaim Aussie Rights group – the same group responsible for a barbecue protest on the tropical island paradise on Australia Day – have organised an Anzac Day event.
The new “Anzac Day BBQ on Keswick Island” Facebook page states the get together would involve “just a simple day on the beach in Basil Bay on Keswick Island, having a BBQ to celebrate Anzac Day”.
“(Anzac Day is) a day of national remembrance and to remember those who served and died in all wars, respecting past and present service men and women.”
Event organisers plan to hold a circle of remembrance at the Keswick Island Guesthouse.
It comes after tensions started to ease on the island, which had previously been plagued with complaints about access issues for more than a year.
Mackay Tourism chief executive Tas Webber said he was open to further conversations about tourism on the island after he recently met with its new caretaker.
The Keswick Explorer ferry service runs on Mondays and Fridays.
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Mr Webber said activities such as snorkelling and trips to the national park were available, however it would take some more time before more restaurants and food offerings, accommodation and tourism activities would be back online.
“We don’t expect it to boom overnight. This will be a slow process,” he said.
“We’ll keep people updated as the information comes through.”
Accommodation provider Keswick Retreat also recently announced it had reopened again after an extended break.
The retreat offers a stay on the island overlooking the tranquil Basil Bay.
The Daily Mercury contacted Keswick Island management for comment, but did not receive a response by deadline.
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Originally published as Barbecue planned for revived Whitsunday paradise Keswick Island on Anzac Day
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