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The Age

Saturday August 29, 2009

Tim Richards

WHAT Melbourne DayWHERE Enterprize Park, near Queens Bridge, cityWHEN Tomorrow, 10amCOST Free thatsmelbourne.com.au 9658 9658JOHN Batman might have breezed in from Tasmania, declared, "this will be the place for a village", and promptly died of an impolite disease, but the colonists who arrived at the future site of Melbourne with his rival, John Fawkner, on August 30, 1835, were in it for the long haul. These brave settlers were unaware they were laying the foundations for today's fine cafes, funky bars, AFL matches and hook turns, but nonetheless we thank them for this rich bounty each year on Melbourne Day. Lord Mayor Robert Doyle will twirl the starter's flag on the festivities at Enterprize Park on the north side of the Yarra, where the settlers landed, and he'll be followed by live entertainment, morning tea, a rifle volley and cannon fire. There are also numerous freebies and discounts being offered by major Melbourne attractions. See thatsmelbourne. com.au for details. -- TIM RICHARDS

© 2009 The Age

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