Locals invited to greet His Royal Highness at ‘The Big Bundy BBQ’

Bundaberg locals are invited to greet The Prince of Wales as he visits the city on Friday 6 April, touring the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery and meeting the community at an event dubbed ‘The Big Bundy BBQ’.

Bundaberg will be the first regional stop for His Royal Highness following official duties for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

His Royal Highness will arrive in Bundaberg on the morning of 6 April for a special tour of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, including the renovated museum and Barrel House.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a visit to the iconic distillery by The Prince of Wales would be a birthday treat for the Bundaberg Distilling Co, which celebrates 130 years of operation in 2018.

“Since the first bottle of rum rolled off the production line over a century ago, the Bundaberg brand may have gone global, but the business’s commitment to the local community has never wavered,” the Premier said.

“I know this proud local business is excited to share their story of persistence, innovation and breakthrough success with His Royal Highness.”

Following the tour, The Prince of Wales will meet with locals involved in disaster recovery in the Wide Bay region, including members of the local disaster management group and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

The Prince will also meet with several groups involved in securing the health and wellbeing of the endangered Loggerhead turtle population in the Bundaberg region and His Royal Highness will cut a cake celebrating 50 years of turtle research at Mon Repos Conservation Park

Premier Palaszczuk said His Royal Highness would then join official proceedings on the distillery lawn.

“I’m delighted to join The Prince of Wales, the Mayor and Bundaberg locals for what promises to be a fun, one-of-a-kind community event,” the Premier said.

“There will be plenty of music, entertainment and a free sausage sizzle on the day, so I invite all members of the Bundaberg community to plan ahead and arrive early.

“With the Big Bundy BBQ falling right in the middle of school holidays, I hope residents of all ages take up this exciting opportunity to share lunch with friends, greet His Royal Highness, and take part in a truly historic day for this city.”

The Big Bundy BBQ takes place from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

All visitors to the distillery are encouraged to remain safe, and be courteous of other visitors at all times.

Sun safety should be a priority for all visitors on the day, however visitors are discouraged from bringing umbrellas and chairs, and ‘selfie sticks’ will not be permitted.

Access to toilets will be available on-site, but limited.

During the day, Hill Street will be closed from the intersection with Alexandra Street. Limited parking will be available via Avenue Street.

An event map is available from www.qld.gov.au/royalvisit

Following his visit to Bundaberg, The Prince of Wales will also travel to the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns as part of his regional Queensland tour.

Media contact: Michelle Wellington (Premier's office) 0437 323 834