AUSTRALIA Day ceremonies throughout the south-west enjoyed strong support this year, continuing the growing interest in the ceremony shown in previous years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 400 people attended the Warrnambool ceremony in the botanic gardens and about 450 took part in Corangamite Shire Council’s ceremony at the Dalvui homestead at Noorat.
Corangamite mayor Chris O’Connor said celebrating Australia Day was “something that people have cottoned on to”.
Support for it and Anzac Day was continuing to grow over the years, Cr O’Connor said.
He said good weather, the “absolutely beautiful” gardens at Dalvui homestead and music had all combined to make the tribute to outstanding Corangamite citizens a “terrific” day.
Moyne Shire mayor Jim Doukas said the Hawkesdale hall was packed for Moyne Shire’s Australia Day celebrations.
Cr Doukas said about 100 people attended a community breakfast and 150 took part in the ceremony that followed.
Glenelg Shire mayor Karen Stephens said the community breakfast in Casterton attracted about 300 people and there were also a good turnout of numbers at celebrations in Portland, Heywood, Merino and Nelson.
“It was a really good day for everyone,” she said.
“The community groups were there providing food and drinks, they were fantastic.”
About 300 people attended the Australia Day celebrations in the Hamilton Botanic Gardens.