Local groups share in mussel festival moolah

THE Portarlington Mussel Festival Committee has handed over $28,000 in profits to local organisations who participated in the running of the event early this year.

Representatives from a number of local groups and organisations recently attended a supper at the Lions Den in Portarlington with committee members to celebrate yet another successful year.

Committee president Richard Underwood said that the event marked the fruits of all the labour that went into the festival, which this January attracted around 28,000 visitors.

“Volunteering and being rewarded for it is the safest investment you can make,” Mr Underwood said.

“You receive the satisfaction of contributing to a terrific event along with financial assistance to your group.”

Groups who received cheques included the local football and cricket clubs, who helped in setup; the Portarlington CFA, who tackled the unenviable task of trash pickup and who will put the funds to use in the new station; and the Queenscliff Coast Guard.

Other recipients of funds from the festival included the Lions Club, who have supported the festival since its inception; Portarlington RSL; Bellarine Agricultural Society; Drysdale Sports Fishing Club, who manage the car parking, and
a number of other groups, especially some who benefit the less fortunate in the community, such as the Food Assistance program.

Also thanked during the evening were the sponsors: Drysdale and Portarlington Community Bank, The Drain Man, Coastyle Homes and a number of local businesses who provide support in a range of ways, and without their support the festival would not be possible.

All the groups expressed both their thanks and their pleasure in being part of an event that has become one of the highlights of the year on the Bellarine.

“The participation of such a number of local organisations, representing hundreds of individuals, shows what a truly community event the mussel festival is,” Mr Underwood said.

“We can look forward to another great festival in January 2019.”