MELTON’S past and present came together as more than 35,000 people celebrated the 33rd Djerriwarrh Festival at the weekend.
This year’s event celebrated 150 years of local government in Melton.
Many floats in the traditional street parade embraced the history theme, with participants dressing in period costume and some riding penny-farthing bikes.
CLICK HERE for our gallery of the 33rd Djerriwarrh Festival
Other highlights included performances from former Noiseworks and INXS rocker Jon Stevens, while local band Asleep at Last, Melton Idol winners and school and community performers featured on the community stage.
Saturday night’s fireworks display drew an especially large crowd.
“We wouldn’t miss the festival; we all love it,” Melton resident Sussanne Stanley said. “Each year it is getting bigger and better. We especially like the way it was set out this year.”
The festival also featured 45 market stalls and a business expo.
Toolern Vale Dingo Discovery Centre co-founder Lyn Watson said it was a great chance to teach residents about the role of the dingo in Australia’s healthy biodiversity.
Mrs Watson said a late litter of dingo cubs was a special treat for festival-goers.
“People could cuddle a cub and be photographed, as well as meet our gentle and friendly adult dingoes.”
Melton’s Sergeant Nathan Parker said the festival was well organised and few incidents were reported.
“Police were happy with the crowd behaviour, apart from a couple of minor isolated incidents on the Saturday night in which police were quick to respond and make a few arrests.”
Festival committee chairman Arthur Uren said this year’s event was a complete success.
“We were very, very happy with the public support for the parade. There was a huge interest in the local community stage.
“In future, we’ll have to move the stage because not everyone could see the great acts.”
