Anglesea Lions Club to host Australia Day event

ANGLESEA Lions Club will continue its tradition of celebrating Australia Day on the Surf Coast this weekend with the return of their free event.

Held on January 26 at the Anglesea Riverbank, the club will host locals and visitors with a free breakfast, live entertainment and guest speakers.

This year’s guest speaker and Australia Day Ambassador is Hong Van Trinh, an immigrant who escaped from Vietnam with his family and loves Australia for taking him.

Dr Antony Dillon, an Indigenous academic, will also return to the event as a guest speaker, having taken on the role in previous years, including in 2023.

Dr Dillon is an advocate for Australia and will address some of the issues still facing the community.

Event coordinator Jim Tutt said the day is following the guidelines from the Australia Day Council, along with their themes and messaging.

“We have been endeavouring over the last several years to support the Australia Day Council in its mission which is to reflect, respect and celebrate and include all the people who have helped make this country.”

The Billy Tea Bush Band and Anglesea Jammers will entertain event goers with Australian music while the Torquay Lions Club run their kid’s train.

Other events will also take place across the Surf Coast including at the Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club with a barbeque fundraiser for the Lorne CFA.

The Blues Bus and special guests will take the stage from 5pm for club members with a high energy performance.

The Libertarian Party Geelong and Surf Coast branch will also hold an event at the Elephant Walk Playground in Torquay from 12pm.

The event will include a barbeque and family friendly fun with local government councillors in celebration of Australia.