January 30, 2023
Australia Day events around the South Burnett were filled with the usual mix of flags, anthems and quirky events.
There was also plenty of bush poetry, damper and sizzled sausages at local events.
Blackbutt’s program was particularly patriotic, with the unveiling of a new flag pole at the Roy Emerson Museum precinct – donated by the local Masonic Lodge – and the delivery of a flag by an Aussie version of the “pony express”, ie. members of the Blackbutt and District Pony Club (see below).
Nanango marked the start of its “demisemiseptcentennial” (ie. 175th) anniversary year with a big turnout at the showgrounds to enjoy a free breakfast and watch “traditional” events such as dog jumping.
South Burnett pubs were offering everything from jelly wrestling (Proston) and yabby races (Cooyar) to woodchopping (Blackbutt) and meat-pie eating competitions (Kingaroy).
- Related article: Arts Are Also Part Of The Story (Wondai)
* * *
Blackbutt
Praise for the Australian flag, the English language and English law rang out loudly at the Blackbutt Australia Day event.
The patriotic words were courtesy of Allan Pidgeon AM, chair of the Australian National Flag Association, who was the guest speaker.
The association, which has been “promoting and defending” the Australian Flag since 1983, donated a flag to be flown from a new flagpole at the Roy Emerson Museum precinct.
The flag was delivered to the event on horseback by members of the Blackbutt and District Pony Club.
The new flagpole was made possible by a grant from the Blackbutt Masonic Lodge.
Mr Pidgeon also presented a copy of a DVD about the Australian Flag to the Blackbutt and District Tourism and Heritage Association’s museum (BDTHA).
But there was even more at Blackbutt, including speeches, gumboot throwing and horseshoe tossing.
Blackbutt Avocado Festival president Jeff Connor and Deputy Mayor Gavin Jones praised the BDTHA and Blackbutt community groups for what they had achieved at the precinct over the past decade.
“Ten years ago there was nothing here,” Jeff said.
“And there’s more coming … a toilet block, soundshell and more gardens.”
* * *
Kingaroy
The focus in Kingaroy was at the Glendon Street Forecourt and the Kingaroy Golf Club.
In the forecourt, there was a sausage sizzle, bush poetry and the annual coo-ee competition.
Music was supplied by the Kingaroy Ukesters who sang some Aussie classics, including “I Still Call Australia Home”.
Volunteers from the Kingaroy Girl Guides, Kingaroy Scouts and Kingaroy Lions helped to keep the day moving.
Mayor Brett Otto also conducted a Citizenship ceremony for seven local residents.
Out at the golf club, a large group of friends, work colleagues and family members of the late Ben Brooks gathered for a big memorial golf day.
Ben Brooks, a well-known local resident and sportsman, died of leukaemia on Australia Day last year.
The golf day was organised to help raise funds for Brisbane’s Leukaemia House.
Forty-three teams of three players (and probably a few more) hit the course while others enjoyed live music and some non-golfing fun.
- Related article: Seven Become New Citizens
* * *
Brooksy’s Memorial Golf Day
* * *
Murgon
The Queensland Dairy and Heritage Museum hosted the traditional Murgon Business and Development Association’s Australia Day Awards.
Certificates were presented to:
- Senior Ambassador – Dr Graham McAllister
- Junior Ambassador – Josh Steinhardt
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Cynthia Hatchett
- Organisation of the Year – Murgon Hospital Auxiliary
- Senior Cultural Award – Glenda Geraghty
- Junior Cultural Award – Kaylah Bligh
- Senior Sportsperson – Troy Dennien
- Junior Sportsperson – Bella Barrett
- Volunteer of the Year – Leanne Rea
- Sports Administrator – Wayne Gscheidle
- Outstanding Contribution to Murgon by a Citizen or Group – Amy Henderson
The guest speaker was Brisbane author Peter Long whose novel, “Steve Hart, The Last Kelly Standing”, was published last year.
There has long been a legend that bushranger Dan Kelly – brother of Ned – and his comrade-in-arms Steve Hart survived the fiery Kelly Gang siege at Glenrowan in 1880 and fled to Queensland. The tale continues that Hart eventually settled down in Murgon.
Peter’s book examines Hart’s colourful life and the tale that he survived Glenrowan.
* * *
Nanango
Probably the biggest crowd at Australia Day events in the South Burnett turned out at Nanango Showgrounds.
The program was put together by the Nanango Tourism and Development Association (NaTDA) and included a free breakfast, bush poetry, singalongs, dog jumping and thong throwing.
There was also a bush hat competition and a jumping castle for the kids.
|
|
|
