Left: Simeon and Graham of “Simeon” entertained the crowds in Cranbourne on Monday. 26197
By Bridget Brady
MORE than 1000 people enjoyed an Australia Day celebration in Cranbourne on Monday.
Locals embraced the sunshine and array of activities on offer behind the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church on the corner of Childers and Russell streets.
The Cranbourne Christian Ministers’ Association (CCMA) organised the event, and estimated 1200 to 1400 people attended the celebrations throughout the day.
Some of the activities included a jumping castle, animal zoo, mini golf, face painting and a model train display.
Cranbourne resident Eileen Bester, 42, said Monday was the first time she had attended an Australia Day event in Cranbourne in the 15 years she had lived in the town.
Ms Bester said it was a great opportunity to celebrate Cranbourne, as well as Australia.
“What I like about Cranbourne is that it’s a friendly area and people seem to support each other.”
The Spot Youth Group in Cranbourne organised the sponge throw, 10 pin bowling with a footy and kangaroo boxing activities.
Rachel, 16, was one of the 10 leaders from the group at the celebrations and said it was a good way to celebrate Australia Day.
“I love getting out in the community,” she said. “It has been a good day, there has been a lot of smiles.”
Pastor for the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Alex van der End said about $1000 was raised on the day, which would go to the children’s ward at Casey Hospital.
“This was the first time that the ministers’ network organised anything like this on this scale, so we were very pleased with the crowd numbers.”
President of the CCMA Pastor Philip Cayzer said it was a great opportunity for people who were new to Cranbourne to find out about some of the churches in the area.
