Latrobe’s New Energy float to feature in Sunday’s Federation Parade Latrobe City’s highly imaginative and creative float based on the Latrobe. A New Energy theme, will draw the attention of tens of thousands of spectators By Latrobe City Council - 2nd May 2001 - Back to News Latrobe City’s highly imaginative and creative float based on the Latrobe. A New Energy theme, will draw the attention of tens of thousands of spectators when it joins ninety floats from around Victoria in the ‘Our Nation on Parade’ march taking place in Swanston Street this Sunday.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said Latrobe’s entry in the parade would enchant spectators as the structure moved through the streets, a mass of ever changing shimmering colour, as the light reflected from the 405 kinetic panels incorporated in the design.
"The New Energy float will be accompanied by thirty young dancers from Latrobe City, who have put together a ‘power routine’ to show the colour, vibrancy and energy of our municipality, ‘All Fired Up’ by singer Pat Bennetar, as the Parade moves slowly down Swanston Street," Cr Jenkins said.
"The float itself, commissioned by Latrobe City, and designed and constructed by local artists, is a large floating contemporary sculptural work which flashes and moves with the colours of Latrobe’s energy and power, symbolising progress and a youthful and dynamic community," Cr Jenkins said.
"Latrobe’s entry commemorates and celebrates the Centenary of Federation by demonstrating the progress we have made in providing clean and efficient power to the State of Victoria. Our region is represented as young, energetic, skilled, having moved into a new century with clean, green innovative industry, Cr Jenkins said.
Latrobe’s Cultural Planner Di Goulding said that Latrobe City’s float would capture the imagination of Sunday’s spectators.
"Since Latrobe first started planning for the project, after receiving Centenary of Federation funding, there has been tremendous enthusiasm generated by Council and those in the community involved in the project," Ms Goulding said.
"Artist Ariane Ramsey, designer Wendy Hall, and choreographer Tania Taylor have worked with Latrobe City to construct the float, costumes and dance routine for the Parade. The whole process whilst a lot of work and providing a great challenge, has been a great and enjoyable experience for all involved," Ms Goulding said.
"We will be joining floats from the City of Ballarat, Hume City, South Gippsland Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire, and numerous Councils from throughout Victoria; floats representing almost every state in Australia, and floats entered by numerous government departments, arts resources and community groups. There are more that seven and a half thousand people involved, just in presenting the parade," Ms Goulding said.
"Sunday’s Parade will flow along Swanston street for two hours between Latrobe Street and the Victorian Arts Centre at Southbank, starting at 11am. Those attending should bear in mind that Swanston Street itself will be closed to traffic from 5am, all streets that cross the parade route will close from 9am, and parts of Elizabeth Street, Russell Street, Flinders Street and St Kilda Road will be closed. Parking in the CBD will be extremely limited.
"At the conclusion of the parade, many of the entries will be on display near the Kings Domain Gardens, and will remain in the gardens until 3pm.
"It will be great to see as many people from Latrobe as possible able to watch the parade. Fortunately those who can’t make it to the ‘Our Nation on Parade’ celebration itself, will be able to view the parade on Channel 7 between 11 am and 1pm; and ABC Radio 774 will provide live coverage," Ms Goulding added.
For Metropolitan train, tram and bus information, call 131 638; for regional services, call 136 196; or visit Victoria’s official public transport internet site at http://www.victrip.com.au. Further information on ‘Our Nation on Parade’ is available from Latrobe City’s Cultural Planner, Di Goulding, telephone 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

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