A change of venue for Australia Day celebrations in Wingham and the lack of local Australia Day awards did not deter the community from joining in the observation of our national day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In fact, many where appreciative of being inside the Wingham High School Multi Purpose Centre and out of the hot sun, as is the usual case when celebrations are held in Central Park.
The stalwart Wingham Rotary Club team manned the barbecue to provide a free breakfast (nothing says Australia Day like a sausage sanger), while inside the ladies were giving away big slices of cocky's joy - damper with golden syrup, for the uninitiated.
Also in the news: A heartbeat changed her life
Addresses by Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead, MidCoast Council councillor Kathryn Bell and Wingham High School leaders Sarah Busuttil and Charlie Taylor all focused on reflecting on the travail of the past few years - drought, bushfires, and the pandemic - and how the community stuck together and helped each other throughout.
The Wingham High School leaders paid respect to Australia's First Nation peoples.
"It is essential for us all to understand Australia's history and the major sacrifices thrown upon the Indigenous Australians. Only then can we move forward, grow as a nation and celebrate the joys of being Australian," Sarah Busuttil said in her address.
It is essential for us all to understand Australia's history and the major sacrifices thrown upon the Indigenous Australians.
- Sarah Busuttil, Wingham High School captain
Reverend Brian Ford's creative Prayer for Australia was steeped in respect for Indigenous culture and country via beautiful imagery, and acknowledged the hurt and shame of our past.
Biripi Elder, Aunty Barbara Clarke OAM delivered her own little prayer while delivering Welcome to Country.
"May the healing creative spirit of all people and culture inspire us to walk together in this land in harmony and right relationship with all creatures and one another," she said.
A stirring musical interlude concluded the proceedings with vocalists George Hoad, Robyn Rankin and Tony Pike singing Australian favourites with Deirdre Sutherland accompanying them on keyboard.
Mave Richardson AM PSM, organiser of the event on the Manning Valley Historical Society's behalf, was very pleased with the event.
May the healing creative spirit of all people and culture inspire us to walk together in this land in harmony and right relationship with all creatures and one another.
- Aunty Barbara Clarke OAM
"Everybody seemed to be happy and there was a lot of volunteer support which made it happen," Mave said.
"All the speeches were very moving and to the point, and all about unity and working together and helping each other.
"We're very grateful to Paul Ivers, the principal of Wingham High School, for getting behind it, not only for the use of the perfect venue, but also for his part in helping set it all up with the equipment.
Also in the news: Funding boost for local halls
"Because of our meticulous attention to the COVID safety plan, arranging this event had many more challenges to overcome, for obvious reasons, than in previous years. But we all worked together and we adhered to all the regulations and protocols for safety for everybody. And the venue, in particular, made it much easier to manage than being out in the open.
"The feedback from those present was very supportive and appreciative that the event went ahead after all.
"It was a very successful day although numbers were down a little from last year, that was to be expected. I think that everyone who came to the event went away from it feeling inspired and part of a wonderful group of people," Mave said.
