Port Phillip readies for Australia Day

City of Port Phillip
After a successful start to the summer, Council is urging visitors and residents to continue to play their part so everyone can enjoy the City’s popular parks and beaches on Australia Day.

After a successful start to the summer, Port Phillip Council is urging visitors and residents to continue to play their part so everyone can enjoy the City’s popular parks and beaches on Australia Day.

Council is expecting the City’s outdoor spaces to be highly sought-after on Australia Day – and in the weekend leading up to the 26 January public holiday.

A municipality-wide alcohol ban will be in force from 8 pm on Sunday 24 January until 12 midday on Wednesday 27 January, with Local Laws Officers supporting Victoria Police’s zero-tolerance enforcement efforts.

A separate St Kilda foreshore alcohol ban continues until 31 March and a glass ban always applies to beaches and foreshore reserves and parks.

Mayor Louise Crawford praised crowds for being generally well-behaved over the busy Christmas and New Year period.

“We want this to continue. Port Phillip is a wonderful place to spend Australia Day, whether it’s catching up with friends or having a moment of quiet reflection. Everyone is welcome here and we look forward to people enjoying sunset picnics and the relaxed atmosphere,” Cr Crawford said.

“We just ask everyone to respect the rules. This means following the COVID-19 social distancing requirements and the alcohol ban and not leaving litter behind, especially glass.”

Extra bins and beach cleans are being organised to keep the City at its best.

There will also be a focus on enforcing noise restrictions as a number of amplified DJ set-ups have been disturbing other park-goers, and nearby residents, this summer.

Australia Day will dawn in Port Phillip with the award-winning We-Akon Dilinja (Mourning-Reflection) ceremony featuring the culture and history of the Boonwurrung Traditional Owners, conveyed through readings, music and a smoking ceremony.

The COVIDSafe ceremony, held by Port Phillip Council in collaboration with the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council, with the support of the National Australia Day Council, starts at 6 am at Alfred Square, St Kilda. Bookings are encouraged via TryBooking. The ceremony will also be livestreamed for the first time.

About 40 conferees from 25 countries will attend the usual Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony later that day at the St Kilda Town Hall.

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