MORE MOYNEYANA SUPRISES!

Committee Chairman, Reg Harry, said the Moyneyana Festival continues to provide a wide variety of entertainment and activities drawing large crowds into CBD and other venues. He congratulated the people of Port Fairy and the various community groups who have given freely of their time to support the 59th Moyneyana Festival. A “people's festival run by the people”. The Moyneyana Festival committee has been ecstatic at the way this year's programme has unfolded.

BUSHWAHZEE SURF SHOW & BEACH PARTY DAY

Eighty children between 5 and 12 years of age rocked, played and created with Bushwahzee Band and friends. The Port Fairy Scout Hall and grounds were filled with the sounds of music, songs and laughter as children prepared for the afternoon concert in the Scout Hall.

Outside in the grounds the Moyne Shire Tent was put to good use with art-craft activities. Hammering echoed up and down Princes Street as various designs were nailed together, whilst other children were busily decorating T-Shirts that were proudly worn during the day. Many of the children decorated boxes with shells, sequins and glitter into which they put their pet rocks. Others played games with hula hoops and "tin" stilts.

Everywhere was a hive of activity but most of the children still found time to get their faces painted – butterflies, tigers, and exotic designs being the hits of the day.

The lunch time repast of sausages was prepared by the Port Fairy Sea Scouts with drinks supplied by Moyne Milk providing much needed sustenance for children, band members and helpers, but soon they were back to rehearsing for the all important concert at 3pm .

Shortly before 3pm parents began to arrive. The show was on time and parents and friends were treated to a lively, entertaining Surf Show and Beach Party. Parents were dragged on to the floor to take part in "Locomotion" and other 60's songs and dances. Soon all were twisting to the Bushwahzee band's music.

Eighty tired but happy children left the hall at 4pm with their brightly coloured T-Shirts, painted faces and craft work. All were certain they would be back next year to help celebrate the 60th Moyneyana Festival in Port Fairy. This fabulous day was sponsored by the Victorian Government.

AUSSIE TALL STARS VISIT PORT FAIRY

No this is not a tall tale, but a tale of very tall people.  Port Fairy CBD was visited by two tall lifesavers on Wednesday morning and in the afternoon two tall cricketers called in. 

Both lifesavers and cricketers proved to be very popular with shoppers in the street. Children pursued them keen to be photographed.  Two local identities had photos taken with them Marg Kearney and her bicycle, and Margaret Honey who was on duty in the Lifeline shop when visited by the famous cricketers. 

Drinkers in the bar at the Star of the West were bemused by the visitors who took care not to get their heads caught in the ceiling fans on what proved to be one of the hottest days in Port Fairy.  The bar staff were happy to supply them with soft drinks and water. 

No doubt these famous characters will call back to our fair town in the not too distant future when the Test matches are all complete.

TICKLISH ALLSORTS - ACTION IN THE CBD  

Ticklish Allsorts led by Alex Paterson of Borderers fame, brought their high energy music show to Port Fairy on a day of gentle breezes and mild temperatures.

The children and parents participated with singing and actions, dancing along to songs such as 'Ali-Gator Rock' and a very popular 'Monkey See Monkey Do'.  All the children were able to handle these movements!

'Get a Wriggle On' had them brushing teeth, dressing, jigging and hopping around the area and were totally worn out as the pace increased. 'Ally Bally Bee', a Scottish lullaby was most suitable following this high energy section and the children joined in the gentle, relaxing chorus.

The show ended another most entertaining day and was yet another CBD Alive success proudly sponsored by the Victorian Government. 

PORT FAIRY CRICKET CLUB TREASURE CHEST SPORT SPECTACULAR

The Port Fairy Cricket Club 'Pirates' Treasure Chest Sports Spectacular on Saturday night 13th January was hosted by 3LO sports Journalist Gerard Wheatley.

The theme of Harmony in Cricket was mostly emphasised by the cricket celebrity Dean Jones with some very humorous stories told.

Other inspirational speakers were that of marathon runners, Steve Monaghetti and Kerryn McCann. Football representative Stan Alves, and representing netball, Melbourne Phoenix coach Julie Hoornweg. 

With around 300 people in attendance it was a successful event with all enjoying the stories and departing motivated by our sporting heroes. 

PORT FAIRY HISTORICAL SOCIETY – HISTORIC BUILDINGS OPEN DAY

The Annual Open House Day was conducted by the Port Fairy Historical Society on Sunday 14 January and was again most successful.

Approximately 150 visitors and locals viewed the open buildings, as well as many Society members who were rostered for duty at the venues.

Afternoon tea was available at the home of Margaret and Robert Whitehead, Korongah House. The money raised from afternoon tea, and from the raffle tickets for a cedar sea chest built by Robert, will go towards the cost of transporting the historic Port Fairy lifeboat to the Wooden Boat celebrations in Hobart in February 2007.

NEVER TOO YOUNG OR TOO OLD FOR JAZZ IN THE PARK

Two young campers were pleased to find themselves in the midst of the Moyne Shire sponsored 'Jazz in the Park' at the Rotunda in the Garden's Caravan Park on Sunday 14th January, but if they were hoping for a private serenade they were sadly mistaken.   

On a pleasant afternoon Gavin Franklin (keyboard) Barry Galbraith (drums), Geoff Cain (guitar), Alan Leishman (saxes) and Wendy Goyen (vocal) entertained an audience of around 200 people, some visitors on holiday, Port Fairy locals with others from Warrnambool.

Songs such as the poignant 'Autumn Leaves' and 'My Baby Cares for Me' had the appreciative audience tapping their feet whilst they snacked and sipped. 

What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  "We are looking forward to attending the 4th Jazz in the Park at the 60th Moyneyana Festival" said Lina Schraitle and Dot Bedwell, both in their eighties.

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH WILD ACTION – CBD ALIVE

Grandparents, parents and children were treated to a thoroughly professional show by Amelia and Xavier from Wild Action. Three exciting shows on the Village Green enabled all age groups to interact with Australian animals, birds, insects and reptiles. An enthusiastic crowd were eager to participate in not only a learning experience but a hands-on experience. The well-cared for exhibits ranged from Freddo the green tree frog to Jack the Estuarine crocodile. Another great Moyneyana Festival day made possible by the Victorian Government.

COMING EVENTS

The Tarerer Family Day

Saturday the 20th January from 12 noon to 9pm, The Tarerer Festival will hold a Family Day on Railway Place, Port Fairy hosting indigenous and non indigenous acts, featuring a concert, film screenings, dance performances and food.
 
The Tarerer Family Day will kick off with an opening dance and smoking ceremony followed by a concert with performances from artists including Robbie Bundle, Crispian Clarke, Tonchi McIntosh, Amy Saunders, David Arden, Brett Clarke & Paul Wright, Andy Alberts & the Walkabouts, Patricia Clarke, and UK guest, Rory McLeod.

The Moyneyana Festival Committee is pleased to have the Tarerer Family Day in Port Fairy for the first time as part of this year's Moyneyana celebrations.
Tickets $22, Concession $15, Kids under 12 Free Available at…Capricorn Records, Fishtales Café (Warrnambool), The Tarerer Offices- Level 2/ 24 Sackville Street, Port Fairy. Tickets also available at the gate.

Orford Vintage Engine Display

Saturday 20th January 9am -9pm & Sunday 9am - 4pm Orford Sports Ground, off High Street and on the Hamilton/Port Fairy Road . Displays of working stationary engines, vintage tractor pull and shearing demonstrations. Stalls, food and drinks.

CBD Alive Canya Dantz

Monday 22nd January 10.30am & 1.30pm Canya Dantz will be on the Village Green. A high energy dance and fun show for all age groups.  

Australia Day Celebrations

Friday 26th January At 9am The Moyne Shire Australia Day celebrations will begin with a Free Breakfast BBQ provided by the Port Fairy Belfast Lions Club, followed at 10 am with the Australia Day Official Ceremony on the Village Green. Announcement of the Moyne Shire Citizen of the Year and the James O'Neil awards. The guest speaker will be former Australian/Victorian Cricket personality Paul Sheehan. The Port Fairy Citizens Band and St Patrick's primary school students will be participating in the celebrations.

For more information on these or other activities including surfing lessons, art exhibitions, kite flying, camel rides, sporting events etc, check a programme (available from various outlets around town or the Visitors Information Centre in Bank Street)

Festival chairman Reg Harry can be contacted on 0438 681 237