Australia Day for NEWS Volunteers throw in 7800 ducks in the Dollars 4 Ducks race held in the harbour to raise funds for the Westpac Rescue Chopper.
YELLOW rubber ducks have become all the rage this summer.
From the giant 15-metre yellow duck which quacked its way into Sydney's Darling Harbour last week to launch the annual Sydney festival, to the rising anticipation of the release of red and yellow ducks into Newcastle harbour for one of the city's most unusual fund-raisers.
With the ducks about to be released into the Newcastle Harbour might not be on the same grand scale as the unique rubbery bird floating around Sydney, the Ducks 4 Dollars fund-raiser has become one of the most important events for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the 13 surf lifesaving clubs across the Hunter.
January 26 will see an array of red and yellow ducks bobbing along the 200-metre course, with the money raised going towards training and equipping the lifesaving clubs and the helicopter service.
Every day and particularly in the summer season, the helicopter service and the Hunter's lifesaving clubs keep a watchful eye on the ocean and our favourite beaches to ensure the safety of users.
While the services receive some government funding, they also rely on local generosity - especially in the form of donations.
A yellow duck can be adopted for $5, with $1500 in cash prizes up for grabs.
Red corporate ducks are $100 each and the prize includes Newcastle Jets tickets, a Newcastle Jockey Club racing package, and a Moonshadow Cruise and simulator experience at the Broadmeadow rescue helicopter base.
