Our region shines with proud displays of diversity and Aussie spirit
WHETHER it was a small barbecue or a huge community event, thousands gathered around the region to celebrate Australia Day yesterday. Humid temperatures and darkening clouds weren’t enough to keep people away from the annual
Rippleside family fun day. There were plenty of flags and pride along the bay as people gathered to celebrate “being an Aussie”.
Kellie Craig said her family attended the celebrations at Rippleside every year since moving to Geelong. “We’re Aussies, and we want to make sure we celebrate Australia Day,” she said.
Elated organisers estimated more than 6000 people enjoyed a day of free entertainment and fun with friends and family.
Local musical trio Hey Mammoth led the national anthem, while town crier Andrew Shears opened his final official event — the 25year veteran soon retiring from duty.
Hundreds of kids also enjoyed displays from local emergency services.
Australia Day committee president Robert McVilly said he was incredibly pleased with the event, thanking the Lions Club of Corio Bay and volunteers for their hard work, which made the event possible.
Highton’s Daisy Chen enjoyed the day out with her two young children. Her family immigrated to Australia from China in 2006, and are proud to call Geelong home.
“We came from a very big city in China, so Geelong has been a very nice change,” she said.
Across the region, people of all different races and backgrounds celebrated their first day as official Australian citizens. Morning ceremonies were held at Queenscliff and the Geelong waterfront, welcoming the region’s newest Australians.
The Surf Coast Shire hosted two community events, a barbecue breakfast in Anglesea and a lunch in Torquay, where it presented its Australia Day awards, recognising the hard work and community contribution of local citizens.