Campbell Walker is on a mission to make Melbourne's birthday the city's biggest celebration.

Q. How did you become involved in planning Melbourne's birthday party on Monday?
A. I was working for one of the major sponsors and wanted to give something back to my city.

Q. What is the aim of the celebrations?
A. The aim is to educate Melburnians about their founding fathers. We have a re-enactment of the voyage of the Enterprise arriving at port and a flag-raising.

Q. What events do you have planned for this year?
A. We will have the flag-raising ceremony again. The mayor of Launceston is sending a message on the Spirit of Tasmania which will be presented to our lord mayor. We will also be cutting the cake at lunchtime at the City Square.

Q. How old will Melbourne be on Monday?
A. Melbourne is celebrating her 169th birthday.

Q. How will you fit that many candles on the cake?
A. I suppose there will be quite a few. We are aiming to have one of the world's longest cakes. It will be 2.5m x 1.8m.

Q. Can we ask what flavour it will be?
A. It is always kept a surprise. Last year it was chocolate.

Q. Who gets to blow out the candles?
A. I can't give that away, but it will be a few surprise Melbourne identities.

Q. How do you feel about Melbourne Day on August 30 becoming a public holiday like Australia Day?
A. I think it is a terrific idea. Melburnians love their holidays and it would be a good chance to teach them some history.

Q. Did Melbourne have any special request for the day?
A. She was left up to her own devices. Last year we had a lot of celebratory dinners and cocktail parties but now we want to take it out to the people.

Q. What do you love about Melbourne?
A. I enjoy the weather. It is a great town. It is exciting to know you can trace the origins of Melbourne to an exact date.

Q. Will Melbourne's birthday celebrations be better than Sydney's?
A. I would like to think so.

Q. Are there any plans to get major sporting events to coincide with the celebrations in the future?
A. Yes, we are talking to the AFL about moving Heritage Week to tie in with the day. It is just hard with the day being so close to the finals.

Q. Will there be a special cocktail to toast the celebrations with?
A. Would you like to design one? We do have a lot of initiatives for the day. Every baby born at the Royal Women's Hospital that day will join a special birthday club. They all receive a commemorative plaque.

Q. What did you get Melbourne for her birthday?
A. I'm still shopping.

Q. What do you think Melbourne needs?
A. I'd like to see everyone enjoying some cake.

Melbourne Day is on Monday. The cake will be cut at the City Square at lunchtime.

with EMILY BROWN