Indigo shire celebrates Australia Day
Residents of Wahgunyah and Rutherglen commemorated Australia Day last Tuesday, January 26 with community barbeques, stilt walkers and guest speakers just some of the highlights from the day.
In Rutherglen, a change in venue was the first order of day with the threat of heavy rain forecast for the morning. Celebrations were originally to be held in Lions Park but were swiftly moved to Rutherglen High School.
Rutherglen Rotary Club hosted the day which included a delicious barbeque breakfast, flag raising performed by 1st Rutherglen Scout Group, community awards presented by Councillor Roberta Horne and the signing of the national anthem lead by Hans Duursma.
“Despite the inclement weather and a late change of venue, the support from the Rutherglen community for the Australia Day Breakfast was amazing,” Rotary Club President Jim Maden said.
“Our guest speaker Simon Killeen delivered an excellent talk on the history of winemaking in Rutherglen and the high school captains also gave some insights into the meaning of Australia Day from a youth perspective.
“Many thanks to Rutherglen High School Principal Phil Rogers for making the venue available at such short notice and thanks to the large number of Rotary volunteers for ensuring the event ran smoothly and that everyone was fed and watered.”
In Wahgunyah, over 80 attendees met at the Wahgunyah Community Centre to celebrate the day with a community barbeque hosted by the Wahgunyah Progress Association.
Indigo Shire Councillor Bernard Gafffney attended the event and delivered the community with great news with work to commence soon on the extension of the walking track to Lake Moodmere as well as the pedestrian link across Sunday Creek at Blanche Street.
Wahgunyah Progress Association President Wes Canny said he was pleased with the turnout from the Wahgunyah community and grateful for council support.
“On behalf of the Wahgunyah Community we would like to thank Indigo Shire Council for their support for Australia Day at Wahgunyah 2021,” Mr Canny said.
“We would like to thank Bernard for representing council on the day and the efforts of Paige in planning for the event.
“The stilt walkers were a great hit with the adults and kids and the feedback has been fantastic. The funding was much appreciated as we look forward to working with Indigo Shire Council for future community events.”