25th Anniversary Hillarys Boat, Dive and Fishing Show

The people's boat show in WA opens today and all weekend

After one of the hottest summers on record, early rain is expected today for the opening of the Hillarys Boat, Dive and Fishing Show in Perth (March 15 -17).

Thunderstorms and heavy showers have hampered exhibitors setting up for the three-day event taking place this weekend at the Hillarys Boat Harbour in the northern suburbs.

But history is being repeated at this year’s show -- its 25th anniversary.

The first event in 1988 was organised by the Boating Industry Association of Western Australia (BIAWA) to help celebrate the opening of the Hillarys Boat Harbour.

At the helm of the BIAWA back then was president and industry stalwart Jim Rann, then proprietor of Charles Street Marine at North Perth. The State government politician who officially opened the show was Labor’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Edwards, himself a keen boater.

A lot of water has since flowed out of what has become Perth’s most popular marine precinct, offering skippers safe moorings, servicing and launching facilities, plus restaurants and recreational opportunities for thousands of people every day.

Jim Rann now owns a marine dealership at Rockingham and co-incidentally was again voted president of the BIAWA last year. Graham Edwards left State politics and went on to represent the federal seat of Cowan in the House of Representatives.

Today (Friday March 15), Mr Rann will again welcome Mr Edwards to the main stage to officially open this year’s 25th Hillarys Boat, Dive and Fishing Show, and marine expo.

“Back then construction of the complex was still going on and they paved a small area where about six dealers could locate their boats. There was a couple of boats on the water but not many. Most of those dealers have gone now -- people such as Devil Marine and Attwood Marine. Locally built boats included Pacemaker and Penguin Boats,” Mr Rann recalls.

“We had one microphone and two speakers which were positioned facing each other and kept echoing every word. We had about 150 people standing around as Graham conducted the official opening and, as we were talking, workers continued to plant the trees next to us.”

“The Hillarys venue now is a very professional operation compared with just a rock wall and a few shops and boats back then. It was a real trial, ‘suck-it-and see.’ Now it is a thriving concern for boaters and shopping,” Mr Rann said.

Mr Edwards is a keen fisherman and says while there was a lot of interest in the marina, there was much opposition.

“You wouldn’t want to take it away now. There was a lot of boating people in the northern suburbs but there was a lot of people against the development. However, there was a great need for a safe anchorage north of Fremantle,” he said.

Mr Edwards, who lost both legs in a land mine explosion during the Vietnam war, has owned several boats and kept them at Hillarys. His last one was custom-built by Jason Lyons of Dolphin Boats so that Mr. Edwards could take his wheelchair on board. However, he injured both shoulders and was forced to sell the 7m hardtop late last year.

“Boating is a fabulous way for families to enjoy each other’s company. For parents and grandparents to involve themselves with their kids. Granddad passing on his knowledge to the youngsters and it’s an activity that helps bridge generation gaps,” he said.

“Looking after our fisheries is also paramount. Particularly those bread-and-butter fish that you can teach the kids how to catch, clean and cook. As time goes by they develop their own interest in it.”

“The Hillarys show is an example how boating and fishing can be affordable to families because you have a big range of smaller boats apart from the large expensive vessels. The industry employs a lot of people and what annoys me is people who buy cheap boats from overseas instead of supporting local industry,” Mr Edwards says.

Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected today, clearing during the afternoon with a forecast maximum of 32 degrees. It should be cloudy but hot for the remainder of the show on Saturday and Sunday.

The emphasis is on family entertainment and family boating at this year’s show, with a big line-up of luxury vessels on the water and scores of trailerboats on the hardstand.

“This year marks to 25th anniversary of the Hillarys Boat Show and to celebrate we have created an event that is so much more than just a boat show,” said Lisa Coyle, BIAWA General Manager.

“It truly is a celebration of being in and around the water, which is something that so many West Australians hold important. We’ve created a show that incorporates boats, diving and fishing in the one event. Visitors can come to check out all the latest products on display, speak to dealers and manufacturers and make purchases,” Ms Coyle added.

The 25th Hillarys Boat, Dive and Fishing Show is open March 15, 16 and 17 and entry is just $10 for adults and accompanied kids are free. Gates will be open from 9.30am until 5.00pm.

Hillarys Boat Harbour is located on Southside and Northside Drives situated at the intersection of Hepburn Avenue, Whitfords Avenue and West Coast Drive in Hillarys.

On Saturday and Sunday you can park at Sacred Heart College, Hocking Parade Sorrento for $2 and catch the free shuttle bus to and from the show departing every 10 minutes (operates between 9.00am and 5:30pm).

Alternatively park at Greenwood train station and catch the free shuttle bus departing with every train arrival (operates between 9.00am and 5.30pm). More at http://www.hillarysboatshow.com.au/.

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25th Anniversary Hillarys Boat, Dive and Fishing Show

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