Roll up for big day

ORGANISERS of Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day celebrations are hoping to improve on last year’s massive attendance figures.
Greater Dandenong Council has injected $45,000 into this year’s celebrations, with funds from stalls benefiting the community groups running them.
Up to 10,000 people enjoyed last year’s Australia Day celebrations, with the main focus at Dandenong Park, where community awards were made and free entertainment was on offer.
Greater Dandenong Australia Day Committee secretary Karen Collier said the weather was just right, coaxing many residents from their homes.
Ms Collier said popular entertainer Mark Mitchell would be the special guest this year, with the day starting with a free breakfast at Springers Leisure Centre, Cheltenham Road, Dandenong, where up to 1,000 people are expected to be fed bacon, eggs and sausages, cooked by local Lions clubs.
A parade will then begin at 11.30am, down Lonsdale Street, and leading to Dandenong Park, where entertainment and community stalls will be the order of the day.
Community awards will be announced in the afternoon.
Ms Collier said Springvale Town Hall would host a Citizenship Ceremony for up to 100 new Australians, and Noble Park RSL from 11.30am will entertain crowds with bush bands and a flag-raising ceremony.
Evening entertainment will be provided by the Muso Network, at the skate ramp at Hemmings Park, from 6pm.
Ms Collier said the 20-strong committee was made up of Greater Dandenong community groups.