President of the Forster Keys Progress Association and event organisers, Tony Calladine said the decision was made as the July event aimed “to go in a different direction” this year. 

“We are going back to what it was – a day to celebrate family values,” Mr Calladine said. 

“We’ve been grateful for the contribution of Taree Aquatic Powerboat Club and Mid North Coast Speedboats Clubs – they’ve done a fantastic job. But it was time for a change.”

Mr Calladine explained other aspects of the event would remain the same with a focus on family-based activities and the introduction of an Aboriginal choir. 

A maritime display will be added featuring local services such as NSW Police, Marine Rescue, Fire and Rescue NSW and more. 

Last year the event had a record-breaking crowd of more than 10,600 people. 

MidCoast Council executive director Andrew Blatch said it’s a “shame” speedboats won’t be a part of this year’s event program as they have been an event drawcard for many years. 

The speedboats’ contribution is officially called the Fred Williams Boaties Reunion, after a patron of the club.

This year would have marked the 10^th anniversary of the event. 

Last year a fleet of 55 speedboats provided a display as part of the Forster Keys Family Fun Day. 

Mid North Coast Speedboat Club publicity officer Rhonda Wojcikewycz said: “Last year was their biggest display yet”. 

“We’ve built up and built up in the numbers of boats each year,” Rhonda said. 

This year they were expecting drivers to travel from as far as Perth and Melbourne with around 100 speedboats. 

The club is now looking into different dates to run the event.

The Mid North Coast Speedboat Club held its first meeting on January 28 at Forster Keys in front of a crowd of around 300 people.