Community bank chips in for sunflower celebration

A SURF Coast sunflower celebration will blossom into life in coming weeks thanks to a local funding boost.

Surf Coast Celebration of Sunflowers will run January 28 from 10am oppostite Front Beach Cafe, and has received a Torquay Community Enterprise grant of $200, provided by Bendigo Bank.

“The extra funding means that the incidental costs, especially the cost of the prizes for the celebration day, can be covered,” event organiser Bronwyn McNamee said.

“Those costs are usually covered by our organising group, so we’re thrilled with this generous grant. It’s so great that the Bendigo Bank provides these grants.

“This grant is testament to it being a genuine community bank.

“It has remained in our town, when we’ve lost so many other bank branches from Torquay.”

Ms McNamee said event preparations are in full swing, with organisers distributing 3,000 packets of seeds for community members to collect. She is also encouraging residents to sow their seeds now if they have not already.

“The packets that were offered free in the community all are tall varieties, and every packet included seeds from the famous sunflowers of Queen Vera of Jan Juc, who produces a stunning display along their front fence each summer,” Ms McNamee said.

“Anyone wanting to grow dwarf or medium types, or specialty tall types can find packets in local nurseries or hardware stores and plant them as soon as possible if wanting them flowering for competition day.”

To keep up to date with Surf Coast Celebration of Sunflowers, head to the event’s Facebook page.