150 YEARS On THE PEnInSulA AnD WE HAvE A lOT TO CElEbRATE What does it mean to be a local Well, apart from living down here, it means that we have excellent access to so many attractions across the Peninsula, without the long drive from Melbourne.
From Frankston to Flinders, wherever you live on the Peninsula you re not far away from all that it has to offer from world class wineries to family friendly parks and mazes, fresh produce and uncrowded beaches, train rides, shopping and a myriad of other activities to suit all ages we are so fortunate to have it all on our doorstep.
Autumn is a time of year when the Peninsula is at its best fresh produce is available at farms everywhere, including strawberries at Sunny Ridge, where their caf serves up a selection of local fare and strawberry themed treats.
If you re looking for inspiration for a family outing, couples retreat or even just an indulgent day out for one, pick up a copy of Mornington Peninsula Visitor magazine, or visit it online at www.visitor.com. />au.
After all, just because you re local doesn t mean there isn t something new to discover just get out there and see for yourself.
-Helen Jones Out fOr EastEr Pick up your free copy of the NEW autumn Winter Visitors Guide at information and attractions across the Peninsula or visit www.visitor.com.au 22 good life, february -march, april 2011 Past, Present and Pier Precinct Dromana Celebrates 150 years It's been 150 years since the seaside town of Dromana was gazetted in 1861 and officially recognised as a township.
Events will be held in Dromana in March and April to celebrate this milestone.
From its early days of timber-cutting and grazing, to fishing and orcharding through to the introduction of schools and clubs and sporting teams that have helped shape the local community, Dromana has flourished into a vibrant neighbourhood.
On Sunday 13th March from 10am the 'Heritage Precinct' around the Old Shire Buildings on Point Nepean Road will be bustling with heritagethemed activities for the whole community.
The Dromana and District Historical Society will launch the book 'History of Beautiful Dromana 1802-1927' and the D.A.
Sandy Christie OAM Room.
Other events will include exhibitions, art displays, a commemorative tree planting, heritage walking tours and classic cars.
The much-awaited works at the pier precinct will be unveiled on Easter Saturday April 23, as part of the '150 celebrations'.
For 100 years from the 1860s Dromana pier was the second longest in Victoria after St Kilda Pier.
Extending twice as long as it does today, Dromana pier was used extensively by boats transporting timber to Melbourne, and later by paddle steamers bringing visitors from Melbourne on day excursions around the bay.
Now the pier is the central focus of the town, and it's definitely the place to be on Easter Saturday, said Cr Pittock.
There'll be live music, children's entertainment, an official opening ceremony and the Hillview Quarries fireworks display to cap it all off.
So from the old to the new, there's a sense of excitement in Dromana as we recognise our past and celebrate our future.
The Dromana 150th township birthday party and pier precinct opening will be held from 3.00pm Saturday April 23, with fireworks scheduled for around 8pm.
For more information about any of the Dromana 150-year activities, please refer to the Shire's website www.mornpen.vic.gov.au www.mornpen.vic.gov.au or call 1300 850 600.
150 years For The Mornington Court House The Mornington Courthouse formerly known as the Schnapper Point Petty Sessions Court and Lock Up Celebrated 150 Years this year.
On 17th January 2011, Northern Mornington Peninsula Tourism volunteers and members together with Friends of the Mornington Courthouse Association and interested community members, celebrated the opening of Mornington s oldest public building and the hearing of the first Court of Petty Sessions held at the Courthouse 150 years ago.
It was the first Courthouse on the Mornington Peninsula, is still in its original form one of the oldest surviving Courthouses in Victoria Rye Celebrates 150 years While it was a shame about the weather, a little wind and rain was not enough to dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of locals who turned out to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Rye being proclaimed a town.
Two years in the planning, the festivities were kicked off with a parade featuring local community, service and sporting groups, pioneer families, the Victoria Police Pipe band and a horse drawn CUB wagon.
On the foreshore were stalls, a stage and an old fashioned carousel which was a huge hit with the kids , while the Victorian Re-enactment Society were on hand in all their uniformed glory to re-create the moment when Governor Barkly raised the Union Jack and declared Rye a town.
A speech from the mayor, recognition for long term residents and a dance performance rounded out what was a fun event and guess what even the sun came out to join us in the end.
-Helen Jones