Australia day on the Bellarine

PORTARLINGTON will host its traditional Australia Day event this weekend, celebrating the occasion across two days.

On January 26 and 27, Portarlington Community Information Booth will kick things off with its traditional dog fashion parade, free egg and bacon sandwiches, children’s face painting and live music at the Rotunda Forecourt.

Event goers are encouraged to stay and picnic in the WG Little Park where small Australian flags will be given out.

The contribution of Australian service men and women will also be acknowledged on the day with a barbecue lunch hosted by the Portarlington and St Leonards RSL Sub-Branch.

To close out the first day of activities, an invitation only afternoon tea will be held for the Australian Award recipients living in the North Bellarine.

“These Australian Award Recipients are our community leaders who have given much to making the Bellarine and Australia a wonderful place to live,” Portarlington Community Information Booth president Phil Cameron said.

Celebrations will conclude on January 27 at the Portarlington Bowls Club in a social competition.

This year’s celebration will be bigger than last year after the group received a grant from the federal government though the National Australia Day Council.

The extra funding has allowed for the club to involve the RSL Sub-Branch and the Bowls club and supply businesses around town with Australia Day flags.

Mr Cameron said he hopes people will celebrate the day in a way that’s reflective of the past and respects all views, while recognising everyone is part of the story of an evolving Australia.

“Australia Day is a day for us to reflect, respect, celebrate as we are all part of the Australian story.”

The Borough of Queenscliffe will not host any Australia Day events in 2025.