Hey Dan. I emailed Jeff Kennett last night and am trying to use the WCWR (ABT railway) Lynchford station as the venue down that way. They have gold tables set up already and would be a perfect venue.
I will get onto miners den and pmav tomorrow and see if this event can be a satellite event, to the Australian gold panning championships. Its the fastest way. Failing that and if they say no, they will have two Australian gold championships and this one will have a insanely huge cash and gold prize extravaganza! And, chooo choo rides. and, the other wont.
The event "Tasmanian Gold Panning Championship" is on the 1st, 2nd and or 3rd of November this year. Its the closest Public holiday - Long weekend. Northern Recreation day i can get. I gives me a couple of months to get promotional stuff, permissions and legal issues sorted. insurance etc. Ive contacted the West coast wilderness railway for permissions at Lynchford and perhaps transport on the abt railway/

All money raised goes straight back into Queenstown via local local groups on the ground that will do good for the town both immediately and in the long run. Jeff Kennett is actually doing some awesome things that really benefit people across the country and he has a genuine interest in Queenstown. So hopefully he can advise or assist as well.