The Orbost and Marlo districts were a hive of activity over the Easter long weekend, as a string of traditional community events and a massive fundraising effort proved once again that East Gippsland’s small towns punch well above their weight.
From festive school celebrations to record-breaking donations, the weekend highlighted the region’s unique spirit and the dedication of its volunteers.
The festivities kicked off in earnest on Easter Saturday, April 4, with the ever-popular Marlo School Fete.
The event drew a generous crowd of locals and holidaymakers, who enjoyed a classic country fair atmosphere featuring market stalls, lucky dips, and colourful face painting.
The social momentum continued at the Marlo Angling Club,
which hosted its annual Fish n Chip Night.
The evening saw a strong turnout from both residents and visitors, providing an opportunity for the community to gather for great food and good company against the backdrop of the Snowy River.
While the social events provided the entertainment, the region’s
generosity was the real headline of the weekend.
Though final counting is still underway, the combined fundraising total for the Good Friday Appeal from Newmerella, Marlo, Orbost, Jarrahmond and Brodribb River has already reached an impressive $18,041.26.
Organisers expressed their deep gratitude to the community for the impressive total, noting that
the support makes a tangible difference to the lives of children across the state.
The success of the appeal relied on a dedicated army of volunteers who walked the streets with collection tins and managed the counting at the station.
A special mention was reserved for Judy and Bev Farley, who have become the backbone of the local appeal.
Their year-round effort – coordinating logistics, dropping off collection tins, and picking them up across the district was hailed as instrumental to the weekend’s success.
