Child's Play Marine celebrate 40 years of operation at Lower Portland

Brothers Garry and Robert Newall followed in the footsteps of their father Tim, who was a boat builder and made some of the first water skis in Australia, by building their first little 10 foot boat.

They built it around 1975 as a school project, which provided a lot of after school fun, but soon became too small so they began building 12 footers as people wanted to purchase them.

In 1978 the Apache 18 foot ski boat was the first full size ski boat built on the verandah of the family home and is still in production today, along with the larger more roomier Comanche hull.

The boys raced a drag hydroplane which they called Child's Play, in 1979. It was the year of the child and Rob and Garry became known as the Child's Play boys.

In 1984 Gary and Rob built their first race boat and so began their love of circuit racing.

They have created new designs of open deck race boats and later enclosed cockpit versions with a capsule for the drivers.

They will be celebrating their 40 years of operation at Dargle Ski Park, 312 River Road, Lower Portland, with a gathering of ski and race boats old and new with a people's choice award for each category.

History will be on display with old photos and Tim Newall's old hydroplane polished up and on display. It was built in the lounge room of the family home when the brothers were small.

There will be some on water activities and plenty to keep the kids amused. Food and coffee vans will be there, or attendees can bring a picnic and drinks.

Merchandising stands will be available selling Child's Play shirts and hats. Saturday night will end with fire works and live music. Entry will be $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids.

To book a campsite at Dargle call Tracey at 0245791291.

For more information on the weekend call Garry or Rob on 0245755219.