AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST GATHERING OF ELITE STORMTROOPERS SET TO INVADE DREAMWORLD

More than 70 characters from ‘The Galactic Empire’, made famous through the Star Wars film trilogies, will take a break from ‘controlling the galaxy’ to strike Dreamworld for one gargantuan weekend 19 – 20 February, 2011.

For a full two days, Dreamworld will be converted to ‘the dark side’ with guest Star Wars characters photos, themed face painting and even daily trooper marches at 11.30am in Main Street where kids under 12 years can dress as their favourite Star Wars character to join in the parade. 

In a calculated war to raise funds for those affected by recent flooding, the members of the 501st Legion’s Redback Garrison, known as Vader’s elite troops, will combine with other Garrison’s from around the region resulting in Australia’s largest gathering of Star Wars characters.

Though they usually fight for the dark side, for one weekend only the troopers will hang up their light-sabers and holster their blasters for a mission to ‘do good’ as they raise funds for the Queensland Premier’s Floor Appeal. 

Stormtroopers, Sandtroopers, Biker Scouts, Tusken Raiders, Clonetroopers and even the Sith Lord himself, Darth Vader, will be taking on the high profile operation, posing for photos and collecting donations around the park. 

Spokesperson for the 501st legion, Adam Lochowicz said, “We held our first charity event at Dreamworld last year and it went really well so this year we are planning something much bigger.  The 2011 event will bring together close to 70 characters and will stretch out over two days.

“Our legion brings the fictional to life and we find that hundreds of fans enjoy coming out to see the troopers altogether.  It’s a great way to create interest and use our hobby to give back to the community,” he continued.

Despite being notorious for their evil ways, the 501st Legion, the only Australian Star Wars costuming group endorsed by George Lucas, have ‘harnessed the force’ on many occasions, assembling for organisations such as The Starlight Foundation and Red Cross to raise valuable funds and perhaps clear their conscience from all the intergalactic battles fought previously.

“The Queensland Premier’s Flood Appeal is the perfect charity for us to support.  We aim to bring people’s imaginations to life and in doing that we also hope to be able to support those who have experienced loss in the recent flooding,” said Mr Lochowicz.

Mention the password ’Stormtrooper’ when you arrive at the Dreamworld front entry gate to receive $10 off the purchase of a Regular 1 Day Adult Dreamworld Entry Ticket*, plus Dreamworld will donate $10 to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Appeal.

Make the fun last all the way to winter with a $69 Summer Passport, giving the holder unlimited access to Dreamworld and WhiteWater world until 30 June.  The $69 Summer Passport is available online at www.dreamworld.com.au or at the gate until 28 February.

For more information on the upcoming Stormtrooper weekend please phone (07) 5588 1111 or visit www.dreamworld.com.au.

*$10 discount and donation is included with the purchase of a 1 Day Adult Dreamworld Entry Ticket only.