Port Macquarie News – Thursday, August 22, 1968
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Port Macquarie’s latest tourist attraction, Fantasy Glades, opened on a grand note on Tuesday.
Over one hundred invited guests saw the mayor, Ald C.C. Adams, declare the new venture officially open at 11am, and without exception all present were amazed by what has been achieved in a short time.
The chairman of the Hastings Tourist Authority, Mr. Les Crisp, was among those present.
He told the News the authority would be pleased at all times to promote Fantasy Glades and, through the Information Centre, would recommend it to all enquirers.
Mr Crisp described the venture as one of the grandest things in Port Macquarie, and said the authority would be right behind “the little people” in their big venture.
Ald Adams introduced George and Rosemary Whitaker, and their son, to all present, and while ABC and commercial television cameras whirred, he also introduced Mr and Mr. Aubrey Gribble (Rosemary’s parents), who are joint sponsors in the venture.
In his opening remarks the mayor said: “We are gathered here today to participate in the opening of Fantasy Glades and to express our personal approval of this outstanding contribution to the town’s tourist attractions”.
“In my mind there could be no doubt that Fantasy Glades will be well received by young and old, having as it does the theme of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”.
“As a tourist resort with so much potential it is essential that if we are to encourage and hold the interest of the thousands of visitors who come here throughout the year, it is necessary there be a diversity of places to go and see.
“This we are surely building up.
“Perhaps I may be stretching the imagination too much when I say that it won’t be far distant when we match the Gold Coast with tourist attractions, but with a difference.
“With another great venture, which I believe will be officially launched before Christmas, we are slowly but surely becoming the tourist centre of New South Wales.
If you were to sit down and write a list of the spots you would take your friends to inspect within the district of the Hastings Tourist Authority, you would find you would require at least three or four days in which to cover these areas.
“Even our state government is to back council in the acquisition of forest country within the municipality, and this will, in time, be converted into a nature park and a habitat for the protection of wild life and fauna, and the prolongation of the koala.
“To my mind the presentation of Fantasy Glades as a tourist attraction will leave nothing to be desired.”
Mr. George Whitaker expressed appreciation to the people of Port Macquarie for their kindnesses to him and his family, and for the co-operation received in their venture. He also thanked Mr and Mrs Gribble for their help and encouragement.
Then, with the grown-ups far outnumbering the children, all commenced enjoying Fantasy Glades, particularly the replica of Snow White’s Cottage.
Morning tea, from the Fantasy Glades’ delightful kiosk, topped off a very pleasant interlude.