HOW WE PARTIED
OZ DAY:
THE Cairns region was greeted with near-perfect weather as people celebrated one of the busiest holidays on the calendar.
Some people made the trek to the region’s natural beauties and others revelled at council-run beach and pool parties.
Among those marking the occasion was Smithfield woman Emma Sciasci who, along with eight-year-old son Tyler Angwin, went to the Tobruk Memorial Pool party.
“We had family bonding, which was quite lovely and a unique day for us,” Ms Sciasci said. “We normally do a traditional barbecue or beach day, but we decided to interact with the community this year.”
Ms Sciasci said watching other children and families come together was a key feature of Australia Day. “It was a really lovely day, I felt the compassion and caring nature of the community,” she said.
The event included a sausage sizzle, kids’ games, prizes and the screening of Secret Life of Pets 2.
Jenni McCurdy and her partner, Rob Mehew, and Pippa, their fox terrier, toured Cairns’ hot spots to bask in the sun and activities.
They included Palm Cove, Holloways Beach and the Esplanade.
Ms McCurdy said the day had always been special for her and that it was also a day to understand differences in perspectives.
“It’s a day of celebrations and reflection. We’re all lucky to have such beautiful beaches and various cultures here, but I know we all have difference perspectives about today,” she said.
“Coming together to discuss and share our thoughts is one of the ways to better understand one another.”
Ms McCurdy said having two sons in the defence forces and one in ambulance services helped her realise how fortunate the family has been.
“They (her children) are proud they were born here and know how lucky they are,” she said.
Despite the plan for her and her partner to take their boat out being cancelled because of mechanical issues, Ms McCurdy said they finished the day with a barbecue to make up for it.
At Gordonvale, Norman Park hosted a party presented by the Great Pyramid Race Committee. It featured a free sausage sizzle, live music and Aussie-themed activities.
Gordonvale mum Saretta Crawford said she was glad to have a family friendly event in Gordonvale for kids Leo Wyper, 5, and Peter, 2, to enjoy.
“It was a good day out, it was nice to have something aimed at families and didn’t cost a lot of money,” she said.
“Everyone did the right thing with social distancing, everyone was friendly and they had lots of activities which covered all ages.”