The initial idea to get ex Gisborne residents together for a picnic BBQ was promoted by Myles and Bernice Walters who moved to Noosa in 1991.

The event was advertised in the local Sunshine Coast Newspapers as a bring your own picnic BBQ to the Lion's Park at Noosaville, Qld Australia.

The annual date was later set for the closest Sunday in October to the original landing in Gisborne New Zealand by Captain James Cook and his crew October 9th 1769.

The very first get together was held at The Noosa Heads Lions park on the 3rd November 1991, it was advertised in the local free newspapers. The picture below was printed in the Local newspaper and around 40 people arrived for the day. The ones who signed the book are listed below the photograph.