Hi my name is David Ward and raising funds for the Golden City Paddle Steamer Museum Society to continue with its annual Australia Day events around Lake Wendouree.

The grant funding from the National 2026 Australia Day Community Events Program has not been supported for the 2026 year after six very successful years.

The events attract in excess of 16,000 to 18,000 people and supports a multi- cultural participation of community organisations in performing arts, sport, displays, activity try events and community engagement.

This day celebrates all Australians regardless of enthnic origins.

The Society needs a minimum of $15,000 to stage the event and the centre piece is the free cruises on Lake Wendouree on the replica of the Golden City Paddle Steamer.