THE 2024 Rotary Club of Maffra Mardi Gras has been officially launched.
The launch, at Duart Homestead in Maffra, was the start of a six-week opportunity for community groups to raise money for their organisations.
This culminates in a presentation at the end of the Mardi Gras event, to be held on Saturday, March 16 from 4pm to 8pm.
The Mardi Gras is a family-oriented, alcohol-free event held on Johnson Street in Maffra.
It consists of food and market stalls, musical entertainment, lots of free entertainment for kids and a street parade of floats, starting at 6pm.
Rotarians and friends were joined at the launch by Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye, Councillor Carmel Ripper and Community Bank Maffra and District Chair, Rob Christie, and his wife Shan. Also present were other members of the Mardi Gras organising committee and the two fundraising entrants, with another member of their committee.
The two fundraising entrants, Nicole Wilkinson and Kade Renooy, spoke about their organisations, the Maffra Cricket Club and the Maffra Football-Netball Club respectively, and told the group of their plans to use the money they raise.
Maffra Cricket Club is in desperate need of upgraded change room facilities, and the football/netball club is working together to improve its gym facilities.
The Mayor gave a speech of encouragement to the entrants and thanked the organising committee as well as the volunteers on the day.
There will be large cash prizes for the best floats in line with the theme, which is ‘Outer Space’.
Walking groups and vehicles will be included.
So start getting your ideas into practice and put March 16 in your diaries.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye at the Mardi Gras launch.
