The Altona Beach Festival will not be run next year as a result of a decision made by the council last night (moved by Cr Peter Hemphill and seconded by Cr Sandra Wilson). I would have been happy for the council to fully organise and resource the festival, but I was the only councillor to oppose the motion.

The council decision means a community group can seek funding of up to $10,000 to run a festival. It can’t see that happening. We allocated around $40,000 to the festival last year when I was mayor.

I would like to thank the Altona Village Traders Association, Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre and the many community groups that supported the Altona Beach Festival over the last three years. I know it was a lot of work but it was a resounding success. I appreciate your effort and support.

The plan is to continue to support a number of other activities in Altona such as Summer Sounds, Movies by the Bay, and Australia Day in Altona (all have been supported by the council financially anyway), while Williamstown seem to be getting more and more events. It’s obvious this new council is more focused on the eastern side of the municipality. I will continue to fight for Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North, Brooklyn, Seabrook and Seaholme.