Port business community abuzz with Christmas spirit

THE Portarlington business community celebrated another successful year at their annual Christmas function last week.

Members of the Portarlington Business Development Association and their guests came together at Portarlington Golf Club on Thursday night to network, hear updates on projects and win free raffle prizes over a delicious two-course meal and drinks.

During the night, the Portarlington and Drysdale community bank branches were presented with the annual business award in appreciation of years of generous contributions and outstanding service to the communities of Portarlington and Drysdale.

PBDA president John Rae said he held high regards for the community bank, which he described as “one of the jewels of the town”.

“They do a sensational job and to think the community banks of Portarlington and Drysdale have distributed to our communities $1,500,000 since their inception.”

This year there were 26 new businesses in Portarlington and many were introduced and welcomed by all present.

The 13 guests were also warmly greeted and then it was time to see the celebration of achievements by members.

Throughout the evening, 36 raffle draws occurred, with all prizes donated by PBDA members.

Mr Rae then spoke about how Portarlington had a real buzz around the town due to the Safe Harbour and ferry and that this would continue.

He then spoke about the PBDA Christmas Gift program, which began four years ago with a single gift to a person who needed some assistance to enable her family to have a Christmas.

“Community groups, businesses and a resident have come on board over the past three years and Christmas 2018 will see 13 families each given a Christmas bundle that adds up to $700 each, a total of $9,100.

“This is thanks to the generosity of the Portarlington Golf Club, Portarlington-Drysdale Lions Club, Portarlington/Drysdale Community Bank, Portarlington Mussel Festival, Oxygen College, Portarlington Business Development Association, The Port Report, Pier View Lolly Shop, Portside Pilates, an anonymous resident, G.C.Downard Real Estate and the Indented Head group of six.