ONE of Melbourne’s first suburbs, Altona has a long history that really began in 1842 when The Homestead in Queen Street was built by Alfred Langhorne. It’s always been a vibrant suburb, riding the tides of change.
It once embraced coalmining and explosives manufacture as key industries and became a mecca for European migrants following World War II. It counts Prime Minister Julia Gillard as its most famous resident.
But what makes Altona truly special is the people and their deeply felt sense of community.
The staging of the Altona Beach Festival is possible only because of the calibre of locals who are willing to band together to create a platform for celebration.
From Hobsons Bay City Council and traders to local clubs, musicians and performers, the festival is a feast of talent and a declaration of diversity.
The community is superbly represented, with events designed to encourage active participation, present bright new ideas, explore the precinct, show performance talents and discover new people who add to Altona’s rich tapestry.
Kids have a smorgasbord of activities.
They can get into crafts at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, propagate seedlings at the council’s My Smart Gardens workshop, says hello to Wilbur the Weekly’s mascot, try calisthenics, listen to storytelling at the library, and slide, climb and pet beasties on the Esplanade. And that’s just for starters.
Adults can catch an aerobatics display at the RAAF Museum, swap home-grown and homemade produce, jump on an Altona Community Bank-sponsored double-decker bus tour to discover Altona’s hidden delights, check out a classic car and bike show, and visit The Homestead.
Promotional and information stalls, plenty of food to sustain energy levels, a family pantomime at Altona Theatre — it’s all about non-stop fun.
And a fireworks display above pier west is the icing on a prize-winning cake.
ALTONA BEACH FESTIVAL
At the Logan Reserve precinct
* 10.00am to 8.30pm
* Saturday, 10th March
* Music and theatre
* Craft and children’s activities
* Street market
* Double-decker bus tours
* RAAF Museum flyover
* Street parade and fireworks
* Special performance by the
* Black Sorrows at Logan Reserve at 7.15pm
