Events galore

By Lia Bichel
THERE will be a number of fun and free activities in the City of Casey to celebrate Australia Day today (Thursday).
Free community-run events supported by the City of Casey, will be held in Hampton Park, Berwick, Tooradin, Cranbourne East and Doveton.
City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz encouraged residents to take part in the celebrations.
“The City of Casey’s go-local Australia Day events encourage all community members to gather together and celebrate our nation’s cultural diversity through exciting activities and dazzling showcases,” Cr Aziz said.
“These celebrations are an excellent way to showcase Casey’s community spirit, while paying tribute to this great nation we call home.”
Australia Day Events today (Thursday, 26 January).
Sawtell’s Inlet, Memorial Island, Tooradin
6pm until 11pm
The Sunset Cinema is a free family event provided by the Lions Club of Balla Balla, featuring an open-air screening of the proudly Australian movie Red Dog, a live band, face painting, carnival activities and a sausage sizzle. For more information phone 0437 105 901.
Pioneers Park, corner Peel Street and Lyall Road, Berwick
10am until 3pm
Australia Day celebrations provided by The Rotary Club of Berwick will feature cultural activities, horse and cart rides, face painting, a vintage machinery display, amusement rides, food stalls and live entertainment. For more information, phone 0409 324 180.
Arthur Wren Hall, Stuart Avenue, Hampton Park
9am until noon
Day of Nations is an event provided by the Hampton Park Progress Association. Featuring an Aussie breakfast, multicultural entertainment, face painting, jumping castles, animal farm, show cars and motorbikes, community group displays and much more. For more information, phone 0438 377 283.
Balla Balla Centre, 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East
11am until 5pm
Passport to Casey’s Cultural Heritage Showcase provided by the Cultural Historical Association of Rodriguans and Mauritians in Victoria (C.H.A.R.M) will feature a free sausage sizzle, delicacies of the world, traditional music/dances, African drumming, a cultural exhibition, free children’s activities and more. For more information, phone Patricia Kimtia on 0403 206 735.
Autumn Place Garden, Paperback Street, Doveton.
11am until 3pm
Actively Diverse Day, provided by the Doveton Eumemmerring Township Association will feature food stalls, dance and musical activities, face painting, multicultural community groups and much more.