Fun times steam ahead for charity

By Tania Martin
CARNIVAL rides, face painting and challenging Thomas the Tank Engine in a fun run were exciting events that kept children occupied at the weekend.
Cockatoo Primary School raised more than $8,000 at its annual carnival on Saturday.
Children and families flocked to the carnival for a fun day out, enjoying the fairy floss candy and the show rides.
There was something for everyone with face painting for the young ones to helicopter rides for the bigger kids.
School principal Darrelyn Boucher said the day was an outstanding success with the entire community joining in.
Ms Boucher praised the team effort with parents and teachers offering their time to produce a successful outcome.
She said the funds raised would go towards buying a portable stage.
Following the fun of the carnival, more than 1200 people turned out for the annual Kids Fun Run with Thomas.
Organising committee chairman, John Shaw, said 424 children up to the age of 12 raced the train.
Mr Shaw said the event raised more than $12,000 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
The Selby Spring Art Festival also had a successful weekend for its annual event.
Dandenong Ranges Music Festival coordinator, Bev McAlister, opened the show on Friday.
Art enthusiasts viewed an array of displays from flowers by Upwey High School students to local art and crafts, as well as jumble, cakes and plant stalls.
A barbecue in aid of the Selby Country Fire Authority kept the hunger at bay, while children enjoyed the face painting and the adults enjoyed Devonshire Teas.