Portarlington to toast Australia

THE Portarlington community will be getting right into the spirit of celebrating Australia across their small town this long weekend.

Decorations are all up across the town in preparation for tonight’s Australia Day themed community bowls event at the Portarlington Bowls Club.

The festivities continue on Sunday with the Portarlington RSL hosting a BBQ for their members and guests, while the monthly Portarlington market will also take place.

The following day on Australia Day, celebrations will kick off with the dog fashion parade, children’s facepainting and live music at the Portarlington Rotunda.

This year’s Australia Day ambassador is former principal of Geelong Lutheran College Jill Lange-Mohr who will give an address to the community at 11am.

The National Australia Day Council message for this year is Reflect, Respect, Celebrate – we’re all part of the story.

Any Bellarine locals to receive Australia Day honours will be provided with a morning tea at the Portarlington Senior Citizens Club.

The Ford Mustang Club will also be putting on a display in Portarlington as part of Australia Day, while the Maltese community will do a function at the Portarlington Recreation Reserve.

Event organiser Phil Cameron from the Portarlington Community Information Booth said preparations were coming along nicely for the three days of celebrations.

“We’ve got a program that really extends from tonight (January 23) through to Monday.

“We are thrilled to have the support of our leaders of government who will be down at our celebrations.

“It’s all family friendly and free for all to attend. We will also be giving away 700 Australian flags.

“We look forward to seeing the community getting in the spirit of our national day, but we do it with pride and respect for our Australian Aboriginals as well.”

Portarlington Community Information Booth volunteers Phil Cameron and Janine Becker. Photo: SUPPLIED