John and I attended the celebrations at Wingham Central Park. Many attended early to enjoy the free Rotary Club of Wingham's barbecue, delicious damper and golden syrup and tea, coffee or orange juice.

The 1st Wingham Scout Group (who raised the flag) went around with donation buckets for the Rural Fire Service as they handed out the colourful souvenir program outlining the morning celebrations.

The National Anthem began the proceedings led by Deirdre Sutherland, George Hoad and Russell Stanley.

Councillor Kathryn Bell of MidCoast Council, who looked every part a very proud Australian in her Australian flag dress, gave a wonderful address.

This was followed by Terry Gould, president of Wingham RSL Sub-branch and RFS volunteer, who gave an inspiring address thanking everyone who has volunteered and helped to make our country what it is in both the good and bad times.

The Prayer for Australia was delivered by Reverend Darrell McKeough from Wingham Uniting Church before the 2020 Wingham High School captains Dimity Bartlett and Billy Callaghan delivered individual and outstanding addresses.

President of Wingham Rotary Club John Woolridge was on hand for the Australia Day Awards. Young Person of the Year Award went to 14-year-old Jamie-Lee Woolfe from Burrell Creek; Senior Community Contribution to Sport Award was taken out by a very humble Helen Cross; Pride of Workplace was awarded to David O'Donnell captain of Wingham Fire and Rescue. All were very deserving recipients.

The program ended with Let there be peace on Earth led by Deirdre Sutherland, George Hoad and Russell Stanley with all present encouraged to join in. Chairperson Mave Richardson AM, added her closing remarks thanking all for their attendance and hoped they had enjoyed the event.

Pixie O'Harris Exhibition

I took my Aunt Gwen with me on Saturday afternoon to Manning Regional Art Gallery in Taree, to join a large crowd of locals and visitors to witness the official opening of The Forgotten Works of Pixie O'Harris - a collection of paintings by Pixie and Olaf Harris that graced the wall of the Manning Base Hospital Children's Ward from 1957 onwards.

Many thanks to dedicated and enthusiastic historians and researchers Janine Roberts and Penny Teerman who took on the mammoth task, lasting nearly two years, with many other volunteers assisting in the restoration.

Pixie's daughter Halcyon Evans was on hand to congratulate the team and relate some stories of the talented artist. I was pleased to be able to speak personally to Halcyon later in the afternoon. I would recommend everyone to go and see this exhibition.

Farewell Rev Thomas

Congregations at St Luke's Tinonee and St Matthew's Wingham Anglican Churches bid farewell to Reverend John Thomas and his wife Christine. They are planning their return to Batemans Bay after a four week locum period filling in for Reverend Brian who, with wife Kara, has been enjoying some well deserved long service leave. Rev Brian will be back on the job from Monday.

Happy birthday

Congratulations to two of my cousins. Firstly to Adrienne Richardson who resides in Sydney, for her birthday on January 24, and to cousin Helen Cox of Krambach, who celebrates her 70th birthday today January 29. Happy birthday to these special ladies, hope you enjoy your celebrations.