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The 2013 Moomba Festival is honouring the true heroes of Melbourne by crowning community and emergency service organisations as Moomba Kings and Queens, in tribute to their extraordinary service to the city.

Representatives from eight organisations (Ambulance Victoria, St John Ambulance, the Country Fire Authority, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, The Salvation Army, Victoria Police, Victoria State Emergency Services and The Land and Fire Management Division of

The Department of Sustainability and Environment) will lead the parade down St Kilda Road on Monday (11th March).

Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle explained "the staff and volunteers of these organisations deserve this kind of recognition. The eight services have nominated these individuals as representatives who exemplify the courage that community and emergency service personnel show in their everyday working lives."

Held over Victoria's Labour Day long weekend, the program for the 2013 edition of Australia's largest community festival includes a one-off cabaret performance by Finucane & Smith and free daily performances by renowned circus and performing arts company The Ashton Circus Family, Australia's oldest circus family.

The program includes free live music from popular acts including Ball Park Music, Kasey Chambers, Bob Evans, Gossling and the Yung Warriors, along with a special closing night concert featuring energetic beats from Nicky Bomba and the Calypso Big Band.

Moomba 2013 will also feature long-time favourites the Birdman Rally and the Masters Waterskiing Championship, along with a kids program; a new gaming zone; silent disco; skate, bike and scooter clinics and competitions; carnival; fireworks displays; and the Moomba Parade.

Lord Mayor Doyle added "the Moomba program continues to evolve over its 59 year history, offering a diverse program of high quality free entertainment across the weekend. This year's festival features more than 80 local acts with more than 110 performances and 50 activities.

"The 2013 Parade will celebrate Melbourne's culture, community and the arts, paying tribute to all those that contribute to the city's unique cultural character. The parade will feature seven floats lead by our Moomba royalty and accompanied by marching bands, street performers, dancers and community groups."

The Moomba Parade remains on the St Kilda Road route this year, following the success of the 2012 Parade at this location.

The Parade takes place at 11am on Monday 11th March, running from the Shrine of Remembrance to the Moomba festival site at Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens.

Lord Mayor Doyle continued "last year's event attracted 1.2 million people, generating $48.2 million in economic value to the city, and more than 100,000 watched the Parade along St Kilda Road. This year's event offers the chance to build lasting Melbourne memories and spend time with friends and family, enjoying a great long weekend of quality free entertainment.

"Moomba's rich history and important connection with the community is what makes it unique to Melbourne and a much-loved part of the city's cultural identity."

The Moomba 2013 monarchs are:

Major Brendon Nottle - Salvation Army
Sandy Faoro - State Emergency Service
Scott McGraw - Metropolitan Fire Brigade
April Himmelreich - Country Fire Authority
Acting Sergeant Karla Challis - Victoria Police
Stephanie Carr - Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Alan Eade - Ambulance Victoria and St John Ambulance

With heatwave conditions continuing across Victoria, Ambulance Victoria has warned festival-goers to stay safe as it expects heat-related call-outs during the Labour Day long weekend.

Melbourne's weather is on track to swelter through 10-straight days above 30 degrees, which began on Monday.

The Moomba Festival runs from 7pm on Friday 8th March until late evening on Monday 11th March.

For more information go to www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Moomba

1st November 2011 - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE 2012 MOOMBA FESTIVAL

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