Portarlington business owners enjoy a grand night of news and hospitality

ALMOST 130 people attended Portarlington Business Development Association’s most recent AGM and function held at Jack Rabbit Vineyard.
Two new members joined the executive – Rick Edmanson and Richard Underwood – and the membership total tallied 162 for the 18/19 year, which is a record number.
PBDA president John Rae asked attendees what was the most exciting business that opened in the past year and the answer was Daniel’s Donuts.
“Daniel and Laura from Daniel’s Donuts then spoke about their journey that had seen the growth of the company and the arrival at Portarlington,” Mr Rae said.
“The business has been very successful, and they highlighted the number of jobs they had created.”
Mr Rae said Shae Hunt from the Bendigo Bank was moving to a new position, so the association took the opportunity to present her with French Champagne, as she had been a wonderful supporter of the PBDA, and they had built a terrific relationship with the bank.
“The 2018 PBDA community award was awarded to Stephen Love, the President of the Portarlington-Drysdale Lions, who then shared what the Lions do and the funds that are raised and spent within our communities,” he said.
“They do an amazing amount of work and this is a very well-deserved award.”
Mr Rae said the Christmas Gift program, which last year assisted 13 families have a good Christmas, was further enhanced with two additional businesses joining the program for 2019.
He said Linda Shaw, president of the Portarlington football club, spoke about the club’s current situation and what plans were in place going forward.
“The PBDA will be involved in a much closer relationship with the football club as it is vital that the youth in Portarlington have a sporting home and it is clearly the football, netball and cricket clubs.”
But Mr Rae said the buzz in the room was “what is going on with the Grand?”.
“Our guest presenter Darryn Lyons entertained and informed the audience of what will occur,” he said.
“Art will be a focal point in the hotel, a cocktail bar and the initial item to be completed will be a sports bar.
“We thank the new licensees, Bill Votsaris, Darryn Lyons and Mario Gregorio, for their investment in Portarlington.
“It will be fantastic to watch and experience the changes as they occur and The Grand will become just that, Grand.”
Mr Rae said Lyndsay and David Sharp once again put on a perfect evening with beautiful food and wine, spectacular views and fantastic service from all the staff at the Jack Rabbit restaurant.