A day the town almost forgot

By Bridget Brady
IT ALMOST escaped notice, but plans are underway to celebrate Cranbourne’s 150th birthday.
February 25 marks the 150th year since Cranbourne was gazetted as a town and Casey Council will help the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce (CCC) organise a celebration for the milestone.
But the big bash won’t take place next month, as the CCC only discovered the landmark date was approaching late last year and brought it to the attention of the council.
CCC president Neil Bainbridge said it was likely an event would be held later in the year, and he looked forward to celebrating and reflecting on Cranbourne’s past, present and future.
“We think that the 150-year anniversary is a significant date and it’s a date that the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce thinks should be recognised,” Mr Bainbridge said. “It’ll be a celebration and an opportunity for people to come to Cranbourne and experience all the great things that Cranbourne has to offer. There will be a meeting in a few weeks to finalist plans.”
Casey Council will assist the chamber with an application for sponsorship, and said at least six to eight months would be needed to plan, consult the local community and promote the event.
Mr Bainbridge said the chamber would implement a strong trades and retail element to the celebrations, with the focus on getting people to shop and stay in Cranbourne.
Casey councillor Amanda Stapledon said the 150th celebrations were something everyone could enjoy.
"I am thrilled that council is supportive of this and look forward to the celebration plans as they unfold. I encourage residents, business, community and sporting groups to get behind an event that acknowledges the sensational community of Cranbourne," Cr Stapledon said.
Cranbourne was proclaimed to be a shire in 1868.