Events pull in award

TWO massive Casey events have shared the top gong for the city’s 2006 Community Event of the Year.
Both the Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show and the Australian Garden Opening at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne took out the award.
Casey mayor Colin Butler congratulated the winners at a special ceremony on Australia Day.
“The individuals and events organisers recognised tonight have made outstanding contributions toward building our community and making Casey such a great place to live,” he said.
“On behalf of the whole city, I congratulate them on their efforts.”
The Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show is now an annual success and the second largest show of its type in Victoria.
Almost 4000 people attended last year’s family event which featured activities and entertainment for all ages such as truck and tractor displays, modified tractors pulling different weights, helicopter rides, carnival rides, face painting and live music.
Thousands of dollars raised from the event were distributed back to local sporting clubs, schools and charities.
Organiser Mark Milligan labelled the day a “roaring success”.
“We had people still coming in at 8pm which was great and we didn’t encounter any trouble. We just hope it will continue to get bigger,” he said.
The Australian Garden Opening was also a major success with more than 15,000 people attending at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne.
Officially opened by Premier Steve Bracks, the $14.5 million garden, featuring more than 100,000 Australian plants and trees, was the first garden of its scale to open in Victoria in 150 years.
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne divisional director Chris Russell said: “We were thrilled with thepublic response and the feedback we got was overwhelmingly positive.” Mr Russell said.
A range of local entertainers, indigenous celebrations, school performances, children’s activities and plant giveaways ensured guests were treated to an exciting spectacle.