Aireys spirit proves unbeatable

The Aireys Fair took out Community Event of the Year at the Surf Coast Shire’s Australia Day Awards last month, knocking off five popular nominees to score the title.

An army of contributors bring the much-loved event to life on Melbourne Cup weekend each year, raising tens of thousands of dollars for Aireys Inlet Primary School programs and equipment with each instalment.

Last year’s proceeds were put towards the introduction of a Bluearth Foundation program which encourages physical activity and mindfulness for the whole school, as well as contribute to costs of excursions, literacy and art supplies.

“What makes Aireys Fair so special is that it has that community feel, everyone is so inviting and friendly, and it has that real Australian feel where everyone mucks in together,” joint fair co-ordinator Julia Clarke said.

“It’s such a fun event, and it’s pretty special that people come that far to enjoy what we have to offer.”

Run by parents and friends of the school, the fair has grown a loyal and widespread following over the course of its 25 years.

“Every year there are people from the other side of Melbourne and far afield who come for the Cup weekend, but especially for the fair,” Ms Clarke said.

“It’s such a fun event, and it’s pretty special that people come that far to enjoy what we have to offer.”

Ms Clarke and fellow joint co-ordinator Karen Jacques accepted the Community Event of the Year award at today’s Lions Club Australia Day breakfast at Anglesea.
Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge hailed Aireys Fair and all nominees in the category.

“Aireys Fair embodies so much of what we love and value in Surf Coast Shire, people coming together with such wonderful spirit and sense of purpose to support their local school and kids,” Cr Hodge said.

“It’s all about community, and across 25 years it has become an annual drawcard bringing people back to Aireys.

“Congratulations to all contributors, and those involved in the other nominated events which all bring so much to Surf Coast Shire life.”

Other nominees included Green Living Festival, ANGAIR Wildflower and Art Weekend, Surf Coast Kite Festival, Nightjar Festival Torquay and Aireys Inlet Open Mic Music Festival.