Giant swan named after sporting icon

A RECENT addition to the Begonia Festival has been given a new name following a community competition.

After debuting on Sturt Street last year an installation known as the giant swan is now named Swanaghetti after Steve Moneghetti and located on the lawn of the Botanical Gardens for the duration of the 70th anniversary festival.

The name was picked out of over 250 entries, with the winning selection conceived by Corey Wicking.

Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the name was a great way to honour what Moneghetti has done for the city.

“Steve is so well-known in Ballarat and to have our Begonia Festival swan named after him seems a very unique way of honouring his contribution to our community,” she said.

Moneghetti said it was great to be associated with a regular attraction for the festival.

“In my years running Lake Wendouree, I’ve encountered plenty of swans, so I’m particularly excited to be aligned with this larger-than-life Ballarat icon ahead of the upcoming long weekend event,” he said.