News Release May 28th, 2009
Cape Byron marine park stars in underwater festival
Caption: Silver trevally in Cape Byron Marine Park
by John Natoli. Other images by John Natoli are
featured in the Byron Underwater Festival winners’
gallery, online at www.underwaterfestival.com.au
Cape Byron Marine Park manager Andrew Page has applauded the recent Underwater Festival at Byron Bay for showcasing the stunning beauty of the Cape Byron Marine Park.
“The Cape Byron Marine Park was without doubt the undisputed star of the recent Underwater Festival and we thank the organisers Tim and Wandy Hochgrebe for their marvellous vision and commitment.
“The marine park is a wonderful venue for the festival and we look forward to the festival’s return to Byron Bay in two years time.”
Festival organiser Tim Hochgrebe said this year had been the third year the event had been held and had been the most successful yet.
“Record crowds, sold out events and fantastic weather all contributed to an amazing event. We had nearly 80 people taking photos and video footage underwater as part of one event, which we believe set a new record for the Australasian region at least.
“Participation was up close to 40% from last year’s festival. Over 300 people attended the Marine Visions competition opening, while Mathieu Meur's underwater photo clinics had to have a third clinic added due to popular demand and Neville Coleman's Underwater Naturalist course was close to capacity.
On the Saturday of the festival the Coral Sea Dreaming II world premiere was sold out in the Byron Lounge Cinema and our new event the Underwater Party was a whole lot of fun for everyone with heaps of prizes awarded for best dressed underwater themed costume.”
Mr Hochgrebe said he wanted to especially thank the Marine Parks Authority which looks after Cape Byron Marine Park.
Mr Hochgrebe said coverage of the event had gone global in print and on the internet with magazines in Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States and Singapore publishing winning images from the festival.
He said winning images and videos could be viewed at www.underwaterfestival.com.au.
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