Mussel Fest bounty shared

THE 14th annual Portarlington Mussel Festival on January 11, was a major success and on February 5, volunteers and sponsors were invited to a celebratory dinner.

Mussel Festival committee member Sandra Jocic said various community organisations, alongside committee members, gathered at the Portarlington Cricket Clubrooms to receive a cheque.

“We recently held a thank you dinner for the volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible. On the night the committee handed over $32,450 in profits.”

“That included 20 local organisations who participated in this year’s festival or are in need. To date, under the present committee, local organisations have received well over $230,000 in donations.

“The profits from the festival are distributed back to the local organisations and we’re very proud to be able to make this contribution.”

Ms Jocic said the festival couldn’t have happened without the help of more than 300 hardworking volunteers or without the help of its wonderful sponsors.

“All the groups expressed their thanks and pleasure in being part of a successful community event. Committee members are already planning for the 2021 Mussel Festival and hope to achieve another great family friendly day.”