Records broken at Cottage by the Sea Annual Fair

Volunteers and Rippers Committee members Cathie and Lucy - The Rippers stall. Volunteers Anne and Sarah at the Van Loon's Nursery stall. Photos: SUPPLIED

A HUGE outpouring of community support will enable Cottage by the Sea to enrich the lives of more children than ever before in 2026.

More than $103,000 was raised by thousands of community supporters who attended Cottage’s Annual Fair in Queenscliff on January 10.

Volunteers Anne and Sarah at the Van Loon’s Nursery stall. Photos: SUPPLIED

Many different stalls contributed to the huge success of the fundraiser including the donation of fruit, vegetables and flowers from Harvey’s of Highton, plants from Van Loon’s Nursery, clothing, toys, crafts, jewellery and second-hand books, plus barista coffee, homemade cakes, jams, Devonshire tea and much more.

There were approximately 150 volunteers on the day who helped organise all the stalls and products for sale. Volunteers included Cottage by the Sea’s board members, branch members, ambassadors, staff and their families.

Volunteers Ayumi, Charlie and Jacob enjoying the day out at Cottage by the Sea.

Cottage by the Sea chief executive officer Adam Wake said the Annual Fair was a great community day for all.

“The day is far more than ‘just’ a fundraiser – it is about friendship, it is about community,” he said.

Volunteers Darren Allbutt and John Paul Darby JP with boat.

“It was wonderful to see so many happy people excited about the bargains they had found, from beautiful clothing to hand-picked fruit, and much more. Others were happy to enjoy the delicious food on offer and appreciate the same spaces that visiting children experience on our programs.

The Harvey’s of Highton team have been supporting the Cottage Annual Fair for decades.

“As the demand increases to support more children experiencing vulnerability, every act of generosity makes a real difference. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this fundraiser.”