Moomba monarchs: Kirsty Buising, Pravini Fernando and Drew Law

To celebrate this year’s Moomba Festival, three “COVID-19 community heroes” have been named as monarchs. Find out why this trio were selected.

Moomba Festival 2021 Monarchs are revealed at launch along the Yarra River. Lord Mayor Sally Capp introduces the Monarchs – Infectious Diseases Physician Professor Kirsty Buising, cleaner Pravini Fernando and Coles supermarket worker Drew Law. Picture: Ian Currie

A trio of everyday Victorians dubbed “COVID-19 community heroes” have been named as this year’s Moomba monarchs.

Previous monarchs have been well-known public figures, including Jane Bunn, Shane Warne and Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

But in a fresh twist — and on the back of a challenging year — Lord Mayor Sally Capp said everyday Melburnians will be celebrated in 2021.

“Kirsty, Pravini and Drew personify the spirit of Melburnians responding to COVID-19. They represent the everyday community heroes that work to make sure our streets are clean, our supermarket shelves are stocked, and we’re healthy and feel connected,” she said.

“This year we wanted to celebrate our frontline workers because they really are everyday community heroes.”

MOOMBA MONARCHS:

Monarchs left to right: Infectious Diseases Physician Professor Kirsty Buising, cleaner Pravini Fernando and Coles supermarket worker Drew Law. Picture: Ian Currie

Professor Kirsty Buising

A Royal Melbourne Hospital infectious diseases physician who worked with the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service to provide vital expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pravini Fernando

A worker for the cleaning company Spotless, who helped sanitise high touchpoints at tram stops and depots across the city.

Drew Law

The Store Support Manager at Coles Eastland who went above and beyond to assist elderly customers, which included him personally delivering their groceries.

The announcement of the monarchs comes as the popular Moomba Festival is set to kick off over the Labour Day long weekend, with events held in the Alexandra Gardens, Sidney Myer Music Bowl and across the city.

The Alexandra Gardens carnival precinct will have rides for all ages, as well as food trucks and live performances.

Together with Arts Centre Melbourne, the City of Melbourne will host live music and

entertainment at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, featuring artists Cat Empire, Kids at the Bowl with Jimmy Giggle, Justine Clarke, Dan Sultan and Pevan & Sarah.

Riverslide Skate Park will host the Australian Skateboard League National Final, with skaters, scooter riders and BMX racers set to compete across the weekend.

There will however be no Moomba Parade or Birdman Rally this year due to coronavirus concerns.

The entire festival was almost cancelled two weeks ago by the City of Melbourne before the state government stepped in and modifications were made.

In previous years, Moomba has brought in over $30m of economic activity to the city but with restricted crowd numbers the total revenue from this year’s event is expected to fall short of that figure.

Entry to the popular festival will vary this year, with free online bookings required to secure a three-hour session at the Alexandra Gardens.

Ticket allocations have already been exhausted from March 5 to 7, with only Monday, March 8 available to book.

To find out more visit www.moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au