Town celebrates progress century

TOM BENNETT
THE CENTENARY of St Leonards Progress Association will be celebrated at this year’s St Leonards Festival.
The event will have as its main theme ‘honouring a century of progress’.
Festival Chairman Steve Walsh said the association had made a unique and significant contribution to the town since being established in 1911.
“Initially, it was instrumental in establishing local parks and sports grounds and later lobbied for the introduction of basic utilities such as gas, water, telephone and electricity.
“It is important we remember the contribution of these forward-thinking pioneers.”
Mr Walsh also announced that construction of a new supermarket in St Leonards had forced a change of venue for this year’s Festival.
“The event will now be held on the primary school football oval in Murradoc Road,” he said.
“The building works mean our usual street setting is now an unsuitable venue for the festivities.”
Mr Walsh said a series of community activities would be held in the weeks leading up to this year’s festival.
“Our first event will be held on Sunday to celebrate the completion of the St Leonards Lake Trail.
“This trail involved the construction of a 1.5-kilometre walking track, a pedestrian bridge and extensive landscaping around the St Leonards Lake Reserve.
“It was a joint project of State Government, City of Greater Geelong and St Leonards Progress Association.”
The opening ceremony will begin at 11am and include an official ribbon cutting on the bridge followed by a free barbecue.
Mr Walsh said this year’s festival boasted a host of cultural, culinary and historic activities and exhibits.
The event would also showcase local live bands and musical acts, busker entertainment and colourful ethnic dancing troupes.
“The atmosphere will be one of vibrancy, colour and continuous entertainment,” he said.
St Leonards Festival will be held on October 29.