Australia Day 2012
The Rotary Club of Wauchope hosted the 2012 Australia Day Celebrations in the Rotary Youth Hall due to inclement weather.
It was unfortunate that many outdoor activities had to be cancelled due to the unseasonal weather on the day. All activities were moved indoor, & although the format had changed, all agreed it was one of the best Australia Day celebrations for some years.
Guests of honour included Mr. Andrew Stoner MP, member for Oxley & Deputy Premier of NSW, Mr Neil Porter, the Hastings Council Administrator, Iva Davies, front man for the rock group “Icehouse,” Paula Duncan, renowned actress, Jaclyn Elliot, High School captain, & Glenn Hannah, local Aboriginal elder.
The day began with the group “Sing Australia” doing a few numbers of an Australian flavour, followed by the Hastings Pipe band who led the party of guests into the hall. After Greg “welcomed us all to country,” MC & Wauchope Rotary President, Neville Parsons, introduced the guests in turn beginning with Mr. Andrew Stoner.
Many of those gathered on the day didn’t know, & found it hard to believe, that a rock super star such Iva Davis was born in Wauchope. Iva gave a great talk on his early life, & the influence his parents had on his love of music. He also explained the words to his smash hit “Great Southern Land” & what it meant to be Australian.
Actress Paula Duncan spoke of her career, & how she was proud to be recognised as an Australian in her world trips during her acting days. Paula has a wonderful record of community work, & even offered her services to Wauchope Rotary for future fundraisers. She & Iva proved to be ideal Australia Day Ambassadors, & mixed freely with the people after the formalities were over.
Wauchope High School Captain Jaycee gave a magnificent speech which could have come from someone older & much more worldly. She brought great credit to herself, & her school.
Our members started the day at 7.30 am, & working together, managed set up the official table as well as seating for about 130 patrons. Other community groups came together to make the day the huge success it turned out to be. These included the local Lions Club, CWA ladies, Scouts & Girl Guide groups, the Hastings Pipe
Band, & Sing Australia. The CWA ladies put on tea & coffee, with biscuits, scones & an Australia shaped cake made from lamingtons, which was quite appropriate.
These events just don’t happen, & thanks must go to Andy Neal & Wil Jamieson who were our planning committee. There is a lot of planning that goes on behind the scenes, & our Australia Day Committee has already begun to prepare for Australia Day 2013.
