H is for Hastings...

H is for Hastings...
(Continuing my series on the Mornington Peninsula)

Hastings is a seaside town on Westernport Bay.
It is now a town in flux.
It used to be a fishing village, with this little shed by the pier well known for its sales of fresh fish.



Here is a view of the pier and shed with mangroves in the foreground.


These sands used to be crowded with pelicans, but now they seek "bluer waters."

Then came the era of the giants - Esso on Long Island and BlueScope Steel.
Recently, in January, BlueScope announced that 170 jobs were lost.
Many who live in Hastings work there.
(Noticeably, BlueScope was no longer a sponser of the annual Westernport Festival - celebrated two weeks ago.)

But the festival showed that the community spirit is strong.
I probably saw more people celebrating than I have seen in years.


Above, some of the crowds, after the street parade, wandering to the next attractions by the bay.


To keep on living
Is a healthy way to be
New joy could be near



And the parade on the Saturday was, as ever, magical.

Linking to:
ABC Wednesday Round 12 - H is for Hastings