Bringing in the New Year

With Christmas Day fast approaching, it means New Year’s Eve isn’t far behind and once again the major towns in Glenelg Shire will be pulling out all the stops to see in 2024.

Community groups have taken up the call to organise events, with council providing $12,500 in extra funding through the 2023 New Year’s Eve grants, a new initiative.

The annual New Year’s Eve festivities return to the Portland Foreshore from 5.30pm on December 31, 2023.

The event kicks off with the Koondoom Yarkeen Indigenous Dancers before Jasmine Biadacz is the first of the musical acts to take the foreshore stage at 6pm.

Little Georgia plays for 90 minutes from 8.30pm, with another act still to be confirmed.

There will be free kids’ activities from Barr Amusements for three hours from 6pm.

Live music will also be a feature at the Gordon and Royal Hotels from 10pm to 1am.

As has been traditional, the first fireworks display will take place at the Northern Boat Ramp from 10pm, with the second one at midnight.

It won’t just be Portland celebrating the New Year, with community-run events planned for Heywood and Casterton ,also financially supported by council.

Casterton will actually celebrate ‘New Year’s Eve Eve’ with Party at the Park at Island Park from 3pm on Saturday, December 30.

There will be market stalls, food, drink and a variety of live music.

Heywood will also include fireworks in its event on New Year’s Eve.

Council has announced the successful recipients of New Year’s Eve event grants.

Casterton Sandford Football Netball Club will receive $2500 to host the Casterton ‘New Year’s Eve Eve’ event.

Barr Amusements will receive $2500 for a pop-up inflatable playground for children’s entertainment at the Portland Foreshore New Year’s Eve event.

The Gordon and Royal Hotels in Portland will each receive $2500 to put on live music after 10pm, while the Royal will also receive a further $2500 for an afternoon family friendly event on New Year’s Eve.