Premiers’ Parade a ‘fantastic gesture’
IT WASN’T the event that stopped the nation, but it did cause Port Douglas to pause and look up with mild interest.
The Premiers’ Parade – all one truck of it – wound its way through the resort town flanked by police yesterday.
Douglas Shire Council and police had organised the procession to span two towns and celebrate the success of the Port Douglas Crocs AFL team, Douglas United Football Club and Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks rugby league team.
Unfortunately, a Tuesday afternoon was not prime parade time and the area was not able to cheer the champs in great numbers.
“The gesture was fantastic,” Port Douglas Crocs president Steve Badsworth said.
The original plan for three flatbed trucks groaning under the weight of glory-covered teams was distilled down to one truck of mostly soccer champions and a handful of victorious AFL players.
“Most of our guys were unavailable having a week off after the premiership,” Mr Badsworth said.
At least Mossman could muster school kids from St Augustine’s Primary School to wave on the champs.
Mayor Julia Leu said the council had worked with the clubs and local police to find a suitable time for all involved.
“Today was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our triple sporting achievement,” Cr Leu said. “A large crowd clapped on from Paddy’s Irish Pub & Grill on Macrossan St.”