October 17, 2024
Cherbourg’s town hall was packed again for this year’s Golden Oldies, the annual reunion which attracts busloads of over 60s back to town from right across Queensland.
Golden Oldies has been running annually since the 1990s, with the only break occurring during the pandemic.
Elder Aunty Ada Simpson, speaking at the opening, said it was an opportunity to think about the old times and the people from those days who had built Cherbourg.
Mayor Bruce Simpson thanked Cherbourg Council CEO Chatur Zala, Community Services Manager Edwina Stewart and the YAG Group for their help in organising the event.
There is always a lot of laughter, as well as dancing, at Golden Oldies but there is also a tinge of sadness.
Elders who have died during the past 12 months were also remembered and candles lit in a small ceremony.
The cake was cut by one of the original Golden Oldies organisers, Aunty Sandra Morgan, alongside Aunty Ada.
The crowd were entertained by videos from past Golden Oldies get-togethers as well as performances by the Wakka Wakka Dancers and the Fringe Dwellers Band.
Aunty Lesley Williams, another part of the group which organised the first Golden Oldies, said she especially wanted to thank the sponsors of this year’s event.
They were Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council and the Indigenous Futures Foundation, as well as Marissa Cobbo who did the decorations; the Bowie family who handled the catering, and Elvie Douglas who did the desserts.
Related articles:
- Memories Are Always Golden (2023)
- ‘Oldies’ Share Golden Memories (2019)
- ‘Oldies’ Celebrate With Music (2018)
- Oldies Enjoy A Great Weekend (2016)
- Thumbs Up For A Great Weekend (2015)
- Golden Oldies Jazz It Up (2014)
- Golden Oldies Bring Back Memories (2013)
