Trip down memory lane at iconic breakfast
In its 39th year, the iconic breakfast attracted about 120 people who enjoyed a friendly catch-up to kick start Australia Day.
Guest speaker Jim Connelly, who has spent 55 years living in Gippsland, reflected on growing up in the region and celebrated our growing diversity in his talk titled “Becoming Australian: How an Anglo-Irish local boy learned to love Australia”.
“So here I am, a genuine dinky-di Aussie”, opened Dr Connelly. “But is that the real Australia now and will it be in the future?”
Growing up with fathers and uncles away serving in war, Dr Connelly said “we had a warm glow inside to be Australian”.
He recalled basking in the glory of what our troops had achieved, being proud to “tough it out” during times of the Depression, and welcoming times of prosperity when war was over.
“The war bought us all together and made us proud to be Australian. No wonder we had a warm glow.”
Many in the crowd joined in the “oath of loyalty”, quoted each Monday morning at schools across Australia. Dr Connelly also produced school readers emphasising bush and loyalty.
He told of stitching camouflage nets at Garfield State School and the town buying a field ambulance to help the war cause.
Moving onto Warragul High School, he was among 132 people starting form one in 1944. Only 12 people finished form six.
“We are a much better educated society now and better informed. What openings and possibilities there are for young people today.”
He reflected on the very Anglo-Saxon names of students at Warragul High School in 1949 – Allan, Anderson, Armstrong, Baxter – and how vastly different the list of names would be today.
Dr Connelly urged understanding and support to new Australians who have been cut off from their past and stand uncertain of their futures.
“We have a diverse and vibrant society in 2018. I haven’t the least doubt, growing diversity will prove a boom in future years.”
The Warragul Municipal Band, led by Benjamin Sim, performed the national anthem as well as a modern take on “Moreton Bay” and the unofficial anthem “I Am Australian”.
“It’s a privilege for us to be back with you today,” said Mr Sim. “The band all are volunteers. They volunteer to represent you. They are your band.”
Baw Baw Shire deputy mayor Danny Goss said Australia Day was an opportunity to reflect on the past, rejoice in the present and look forward to the future.
“It shall not be a day of division but rather a day of unity,” said Cr Goss.
He announced the Baw Baw Shire Australia Day award recipients – many of whom were in the room – and wished all “health, happiness and a very enjoyable Australia Day”.
Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent reflected on living in the beautiful surrounds of Gippsland.
“I live in this place and it calls you back, it calls you back. No matter where you go or what you do. We take it for granted that we belong here.”
Master of ceremonies Pauline Maunder of Drouin Rotary Club made special mention of the Drouin CWA volunteers who have catered the past 38 breakfasts.
Spokesperson Isobel Simon said the branch was celebrating its 80th year in 2018 and urged younger members to join.
Ms Simon urged women to accept the challenge, adding “we are much more than tea and scones”.