By KATH GANNAWAY
WHETHER it’s a formal event or a getaway with family and friends, there are some great places in the Yarra Valley to get together and make the most of the Australia Day long weekend.
Reefton Rocs is on again at the Reefton Hotel in McMahon’s Creek with some great bands on stage from noon to midnight on Sunday 25 January.
Fats Wah Wah, Smokey and The Bandits, 4tress, The Ridlers, Full Fat, MF Jones and Daisy West are on the bill for this year’s event which can be as laidback or energetic as you want.
It’s a fun-filled day for the whole family with great music, market stalls, kids’ activities and fantastic food.
The event supports the GR8 M8S Foundation.
The Rotary Club of Wandin is another great community event which gets Australia Day, Monday 26 January, off to an early start with a breakfast at the impressive Wandin Hall.
The atmosphere is fabulous and fun-filled as Rotary members are joined by the wider community to celebrate and recognise the achievements of local people.
The Big Aussie Breakfast is delicious, and each year the Rotarians present an inspirational speaker. This year it’s Major-General Paul Stevens AO (retired) who has a long and varied career in the military and is a current member of the board of the Australian War Memorial.
For more information on tickets and times, or to book, phone John Sanders on 0433 174 298 or 9737 9425 or email sanders.john@bigpond.com.
Why not take a day, or three, to get out and about in your own backyard, camping out at Upper Yarra Dam; visit an adventure playground with the kids, walk some of the fantastic bush tracks from Powelltown to Badger Weir or Toolangi, make a date for your own Australia Day breakfast, lunch or dinner at a winery or restaurant … or just plan a barbecue with family and friends at home.
There’s plenty to do over this weekend and it’s all about celebrating the day.
