By Charlene Gatt
FOOTSCRAY’S 150th anniversary celebrations kicked off last week with a civic reception at the Maribyrnong City Council offices.
Past and present councillors and other people who have shaped the face of Footscray over the last 150 years attended.
Among the guests were Mai Ho, the City of Maribyrnong’s first Mayor, Sika Kerry, Footscray’s first female councillor, Victoria University Chancellor Frank Vincent and Western Bulldogs president David Smorgon.
Mayor Michael Clarke wore Footscray’s traditional robes and mayoral chain to mark the occasion.
“Together we’ve built Foots-cray. It belongs to every one of us. The evolution of Footscray is unique – its people and its culture,” he said.
“Change has always been the pinnacle of Footscray. It’s a place where multiculturalism really works.
“We are a place of tolerance, of understanding, of cultural appreciation. It doesn’t matter – Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Jew – we are all in it together.”
Cr Clarke said becoming the Mayor of Footscray had been a childhood dream that he was rapt to see fulfilled.
He led a rousing rendition of the Western Bulldogs theme song and said the municipality’s “unflagging devotion to the Dogs” was one of its strengths.
“For almost as long as there’s been a Victoria, there’s been a City of Footscray,” Footscray MP Marsha Thomson said, adding that Victoria was only eight years older.
“We’ve got a bright future for Footscray and we’re not going to be standing still.”
Among activities to celebrate the milestone over the next month, are a swimming competition at the Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre, Battle of the Bands, and the Footscray 150 Festival on 18 July.
The council will also host art workshops and story sessions where residents relive their migrant experiences.
For more information, call 9688 0200 or visit www. maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.
