Comedians crowned at Moomba launch

While this year’s Moomba Monarchs have been unveiled as comedians Nazeem Hussain (right) and Julia Morris (left), it was Mr Hussan’s mother Mumtaz (centre) who stole the limelight at the festival launch on February 12 after being crowned a temporary Moomba Monarch!  

This year’s Moomba Monarchs were unveiled as comedians Nazeem Hussan and Julia Morris on February 12.

Julia Morris, co-host of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here said she was humbled.

“The previous female monarchs are all women I aspire to be, and I’m honoured to be considered among them,” she said.

Nazeem Hussain, who will jump in the Yarra as part of the Birdman Rally, said he grew up attending the festival with his family.

“I’m counting down the days until I get to don the Moomba crown. It’s such an honour to be named a Monarch for 2020.”

Lord Mayor Sally Capp unveiled the pair and said they were “natural fits for the royal roles”.

Dancers launch the Moomba Festival.
“We’re expecting more than 1.3 million people to attend the festival. The program features free activities for the whole family including the Birdman Rally, a water sports program, the carnival and Moomba Parade,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We’ve also invited CFA volunteers and their families to take part in the Moomba Parade.”

The festival, now in its 66th year, is owned and delivered by the City of Melbourne.

“Moomba generated $34.7 million in benefit for our local economy as well as highlighting Melbourne’s rich cultural diversity,” the Lord Mayor said.

Australia’s largest free community festival will take over Melbourne from Friday, March 6 to Monday, March 9.