Drouin welcomes outdoor celebration
At Drouin heavy rain caused some early morning doubts about whether the town’s first Australia Day outdoor event at Civic Park would go ahead.
But the service clubs, stall holders, exhibitors and musicians pushed on as the rain eased to drizzle periods after 7.30am.
Organisers were “extremely pleased” with the attendance given the damp conditions, with about 600 people registering and the barbecue breakfast of bacon and bread rolls in strong demand.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Danny Goss kicked off the proceedings with a flag raising.
Drouin Rotary Club organised the event with a focus on younger members of the community.
Financial support for the day came from Baw Baw council, Drouin and District Community Bendigo Bank and the Federal government through the National Australia Day Council.
Drouin’s service clubs were all involved. Rotary handled the breakfast, the CWA provided hot and cool drinks and a range of biscuits, the Lions handed out Australian flag hand-wavers and bags of lollies for children and Alexians distributed icy poles.
There was plenty of entertainment and things to see.
Music by five Drouin Secondary College rock bands was a highlight along with a display by students of Braha Martial Arts and a whip-cracking demonstration by 18 year-old Ruby Kellys.
An animal farm and the chance to pat some baby animals proved popular with youngsters while plenty of interest was shown in vehicles displayed by West Gippsland Vehicle Restorers, Baw Baw Old Engines and Auto clubs, Warragul SES and district fire brigades.
About 15 community organisations and clubs set up stalls showcasing the services they provide.
Drouin Rotarian Roger Playdon said the club would review its first Australia Day outdoor event but felt it would most likely be on again next year.
In previous years Australia Day has been marked in Drouin by a sit down breakfast and guest speaker at the Anglican Church Hall.
However, Mr Playdon said he believed the wider attraction of the outdoor event and its spread of activities was a popular change among the public.