Maldon – Where else would you rather be?

It was a full house at the Maldon Twilight Dinner last Saturday night.

More than 1000 people packed Main Street, Maldon for another terrific Twilight Dinner last Saturday 18 January.

The sold-out event was a great success said Pamela Jewson, Secretary of Maldon Twilight Events.

“Our small committee all have the one vision, to showcase Maldon as a place to come and have fun, enjoy the food and wine and experience some of our first-class accommodation,” Ms Jewson said.

“The thousand people in the street came together as one to enjoy the festivities and the fantastic entertainment. 

“Many locals came but many more people from across the globe, including Turkey, UK, Canada, China, New Zealand and all over Australia also attended. 

“All spending money to boost our economy and taking away lasting positive memories to tell others about.” 

Ms Jewson said two quotes from the night encapsulated this, the first from a group of travel agents from Melbourne … have termed the night ‘Maldon - Where else would you want to be?’

“The second came from the Midnight Oil band photographer, who sent out a message on social media along with 50 photos “amazing, world class, ‘Like a Mini-Woodstock’. 

The Australian Creedence Show had everyone up and dancing and Lauren Stevens did a great job as the MC.

A huge raffle was held on the night and it raised more than $3500 for the Maldon Fire Brigade.

Captain Sean McCubbin said, “The brigade is ecstatic. It will help us towards a push to replace our current Tanker 2, which is community-owned.

“It’s mind-boggling to see the outpouring of appreciation for the brigade. It also gives all of the firefighters praise in their own way and we feel valued in our community.”

Donation tins for Noah’s Ark Bushfire Animal Rescue Shelter at Newstead were placed on the tables and they raised more than $2000.

Noah’s Ark spokesperson Samantha Baley said, “The Maldon dinner was full to the brim of the most generous people who, after donating to the CFA which was the main charity of the evening, dug even deeper to help with Noah’s Ark Newstead. I am so incredibly grateful.”

Tight security was in place for this year’s event following more stringent regulations being put in place by liquor licencing authorities.

The Maldon Hotel, the Maldon IGA Supermarket and 48 Main wine bar were either taped or fenced off and security guards were placed outside.

Meanwhle, Main Street was a sea of colour with most people getting into the fun of things and donning outrageous hats as part of the Flamboyant Headwear theme.

The judges were resident travel guides Janetta and Kevin who gave the prize to Mike Ebzery’s table, who apparently held planning meetings to decide on their creations. They are donating their $500 travel prize to the fireys. 

The prize for the best Light Up Your Table exhibit went to Kerrin Nancarrow’s table for a mini replica of the Mount Tarrengower Look-out Tower. 

Profits from the event will be shared by local community groups and organisations including Maldon Hospital, Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum, Masonic Lodge and Riff Raff for Cancer Care.

Hampers were distributed on the night and they featured local produce from Warral Honey, Goughs Olive Oil, Blackmans Cherries, Maldon Lolly Shop, Berrymans, Maldon Butchers, Le Sel and the Regional Catering Company did the catering.