HAPPY faces flooded Victoria Street in Kerang on Easter Thursday for the town’s street party and official CBD opening.
Children’s entertainment in the morning saw families come down early, with face-painting in the afternoon a colourful hit.
Live music rolled throughout the day, with Madi Colville Walker, Revive Duo and Elias Lanyon taking the stage.
President of the Kerang Traders, Bec Hewitt, said the day was a success for local businesses with the streetscape a source of pride for the town.
“It’s great to see lots of visitors from out of town who are camping, going to the races, tractor-pull and all those things come down for the day,” she said.
“The revamped streetscape is a really visual impact for visitors.
“We have a lot of people from other towns comment on how clean and tidy it is.
“The open layout with lots of shade makes it a really pleasant area to spend time in.
“From a safety perspective as well, it’s a good surface for those with mobility scooters, walking frames and sticks.”
Northern District Community Health youth program coordinator, Matt Allen, said the live music was a special addition to the day.
“We were fortunate enough to receive funding from (youth music organisation) PUSH, and council was keen to do something for the opening for the CBD.
“So it was great to be able to tie those ideas together and be able to put on some live music.”
Gannawarra Shire Council CEO, Geoff Rollinson, said the implementation of the Kerang CBD Masterplan had been more than a decade in the making.
“Where we stand today was the first stage of these improvements with the transformation of Victoria Square,” he said.
“Creating a location where the community can gather and celebrate what makes Kerang a great place to live.
“Council has also listened to the needs of our residents with the rejuvenation of the Karlie McDonald clock, built in 1933 to honour the Kerang High School teacher who died after saving students from drowning in the Loddon River.
“This clock will enter its second century of operation shortly with new light to illuminate it at night.
“I would like to thank all who were involved in this exciting project which will support Kerang’s CBD for many years to come.”
Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor, Garner Smith, also thanked the Federal Government for funding and the trades people and businesses involved.
“It has been amazing to see how many people have already enjoyed and embraced these improvements,” he said.
“I would like to thank everyone here for participating in and celebrating this momentous occasion.”
