2021/2022 continued to face many of the challenges of the previous year – however the persistence and resilience of our members and the support of our community was amazing.
PBDA members together with community members worked together on opportunities that were available plus supported any needs that arose in our community.
The PBDA Treasurer, Ashley Andrew, applied to the Bendigo Bank Foundation in August 2021 and we secured a grant for $5,000 that enabled the PBDA to once again present “rock at the Rotunda” over 14 weekends in 2021/2022. The band, Pleasure Drive, performed – entertaining visitors to Portarlington as well as the local community to enjoy the band, stay, have lunch then shop local.
The Bendigo Bank is a great supporter of local community groups and the PBDA asks that you, in turn, support our Portarlington branch.
The PBDA Christmas Gift Program was under much pressure due to the impact of the Pandemic. Despite this. Geoff Henderson and his team set about ensuring that 25 families each received their gift and had a wonderful Christmas. We received $17,500 from local businesses and anonymous donors and we thank all those involved in making this possible.
Shopping local and supporting our local business is vital for Portarlington. Thank you for all your support the year and we look forward to your continuing support in 2022-2023. The PBDA would like to acknowledge the positive impact of the $10,000 “Support Port” Victorian Government grand we received. This funded a “buy local” initiative (with 20 local participating retail & hospitality businesses), Tourism & wineries promotion (Port Phillip Ferries and 3 local wineries) as well as the successful Rock at the Rotunda which our local Bendigo Community Bank also supported – adding life and colour to our town centre.
The Grand Hotel is now beautifully restored and is stunning. With the Atrium open at Christmas, and now with the Bistro and Front Bar, we well as the much-anticipated boutique hotel room available from August 2022, we have seen amazing reviews and tremendous support from locals and visitors. This will generate many more visitors to Portarlington who will stay overnight, shop, play, golf, dine out and visit wineries.
Thanks to Paul Little for his belief and investment in Portarlington – two terrific ferries and now a fabulous Hotel called “The Grand.”
Go down to our Safe Harbour and Pier – recently completed and the artwork looks amazing.
The PBDA also applied and has been successful in securing the Melbourne Cup Tour visit to Portarlington in early October – this should be an exciting day for all our Portarlington community starting with “The Cup” travelling from Docklands on the Ferry, lunchtime and evening functions with racing guest speakers and Community involvement.
And finally, we will be losing our local member for Bellarine, the Honourable Lisa Neville, who retires later in the year. Especially want to thank Lisa for all she has done for our community and for always being available – we wish Lisa all the best in the future and know she will always be warmly welcomed back here by our business and local community.
As i look back on the 2021/2022 year, the qualities of our community continue to shine through – persistence, caring. solving issues, vision, trust, involvement, listening, and offering friendship – as a Community we’ve achieved so much together
Why would you want to live anywhere else!!
John Rae – President PBDA
