The Boyne Tannum HookUp is celebrating its 28th year in 2023!
The Boyne Tannum HookUp was initially launched on June 7th 1996 and since then has run annually for the past 27 years and hopes to continue as an event for families to enjoy all that the Gladstone Region has to offer as a premier fishing location.
So how did it all come about?
The idea of the popular fishing competition came from a well known, young and energetic local Darryl Branthwaite (who is now a life member of BTHU) in first discussions together with other passionate business locals Zach Simmons, Paul Simmons and Ned Beaumont of Boyne and Tannum.
They discussed this idea and many more, calibrated and made it happen. Others, Don Collier and Robyn Shepherd of the Gladstone Region joined the team in 1993 and this was when the first committee for Boyne Tannum HookUp was formed and in 1995 the event born.
The intention was to create an event for the community to enjoy on the Queens birthday long weekend. Giving families and community members something to do locally, attracting tourists of all ages to the region all whilst supporting local businesses and stimulating the local economy.
The Boyne Tannum HookUp has since become the largest fishing competition in Australia and each year since its inception it has attracted over 3000 entrants in the competition, over 10,000 people in attendance each night of the event at Bray Park and millions of dollars in prizes.
The formula for success comes from a dedicated and determined team of volunteers who work hard each year to hold the iconic annual event. And of course the consistently strong numbers of attendance, supporters and sponsors.
Darryl Branthwaite say’s “The Boyne Tannum HookUp has been successful because of local passion, good planning, excellent event recipe, good marketing and promotion, excellent engagement from industry, council and small businesses. They are proud to be associated with the event as it adds livability to the region”.
In 2016 an entirely new committee formed and they continue to host this community based event each Queensland May Day long weekend from Bray Park Boyne Island.
