Rotary events garner new sponsors

THE ROTARY Club of Ocean Grove has secured a two-year sponsorship deal for its annual summer markets and Barwon Heads Duck Race events, helping secure their operational future.

Ocean Grove Real Estate and Wallington’s Water Rural Garden businesses have partnered with the club on the events that are key fundraiser for its support of local charities and community projects.

Rotary sponsorship coordinator Lisa Hanley said the financial sponsorship and in-person assistance will be “invaluable” in helping run and promote each event.

Ocean Grove Real Estate’s Melissa Bell said the decision to partner with the Rotary Club “was an easy one,” given its support of local projects, charities and the community.

“The values of their community-based programs aligned with ours and we look forward to supporting these two great local initiatives,” she said.

Up to 5000 people make their way through the gates of the summer markets each event, where more than 70 local vendors showcasing arts, crafts and fresh produce.

The first market for the season in early October was well attended and as the weather warms and tourism increases to the region it’s expected that crowds will similarly swell and the gold coin donation for entry will assist Rotary with its local projects.

Operations Manager of Wallington’s WRG Rory Campbell said the markets are an important part of the local and wider community, and the businesses decision to support it was based on these principles.

“We have a strong focus on supporting local, and there has never been a more important time to do so,” he said.

The annual Great Barwon Heads Duck Race will once again serve as a fitting end to the summer season when it takes place on April 8, 2023 and will feature a new category of Corporate Rubber Ducky, an opportunity for local business to get in the action.

The next Ocean Grove Summer Market takes place on November 6 at Ocean Grove Park, corner of Presidents Avenue and the Avenue.