General News
18 November, 2025
Big crowd bypasses welcome ceremony
LODDON Shire Council has awarded its first $500 grant this year for the presentation of a Welcome to Country ceremony.
The ceremony was performed by Dja Dja Wurrung elder Jason Kerr as thousands of people started arriving in Brooke and Verdon Streets for Inglewood Alive! this month.
His welcome was preceeded by a didgeridoo performance..
It was included as part of the official opening of the annual one-day street festival by Ripon MP Martha Haylett.
However, the welcome ceremony was only attended by a handful of musicians ready to perform on stage following the opening, organisers and two other people who attended the day’s first official activity. leaving the gazebo mostly empty.
According to DJAARA’s website, a welcome to country and musical performance costs $700 with travel and GST as extras.
An estimated 3000 people attended Inglewood Alive! with car displays and woodchopping popular attractions.
Inglewood Development and Tourism has received wide praise for its organisation of the event and gaining sponsorship for activities.
Organisers had been faced with a reduced presentation in 2025 that would have seen activities only in Verdon Street. Sponsors helped them meet the cost of closing Brooke Street.