Morning ceremony marks Australia Day in Boggabri

Australia Day saw Boggabri community members gathering at the Boggabri HACC rooms for an early morning sausage sandwich, coffee and fresh fruit prior to a scorching summer’s day.

Craig Devine introduced councillor Lisa Richardson, Annette Humble who delivered a Welcome to Country, and the school captains from Boggabri Public and Boggabri Sacred Heart schools.

The National anthem was sung, and the school captains raised the flag prior to a Welcome to Country by Annette Humble.

The four captains, Xanthia Watson, Eve Watt, Jack Bomford and Miley Oliver (pictured above), each gave a speech on what Australia Day means to them as young people and leaders of their schools.

Xanthia Watson was the first to speak and captivated the audience immediately by saying. “G’day everyone, my name is Xanthia, I would like to wish everyone a very happy Australia Day.

Xanthia went on to say, “Australia with its weird and wonderful animals, magical places and kind people is a home for all.

“Our native kangaroos, cockatoos, kookaburras just to name a few make our country special and unique. The native animals of Australia from the ferocious Dingo to the Quokka. We truly are the lucky country.

“My family has visited the Simpson Desert, Mount Hotham and the Pilliga Forest. They are all completely different in looks, climate and popularity. From snow to sand and from dry barren landscapes to open oceans, Australia has it all. We truly are the lucky country.

Xanthia also mentioned Australia’s many nationalities spread over our vast states and said that she loves the fact that all different nationalities can gather in one country.

She concluded by saying ‘Australis is a paradise of different animals, a collection of amazing places, is a home for you and me. Australia is one for all’.

Jack Bomford said that Australia Day for him is a wonderful time of the year to get together with family and friends to have a good old barbeque and a swim.

“Living in Australia means so much to me because I can go to school, meet new friends and play lots of different sports.

“All kids have access to a good education which will give them the opportunity to be whatever they want to be.

“We are safe to live and play how we want to in our own homes and are free to make our own decisions.

Jack mentioned the diverse cultures.

“The huge range of people from different countries means there is a great variety of sports, education, food and friends. I especially love all the different foods.

“The unique traditions and ceremonies are great too because we can all celebrate days like this in our special way.

“We love our sports like cricket, footy, tennis, netball and basketball, so next time you play your favourite game think of the country it came from and the people that brought it here”.

Jack listed the awesome attractions such as the Daintree Rainforest, Simpson Desert, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House and said we were are lucky enough to live in a country with wide open spaces, big backyards, little to no noise and lots of wildlife.

Eve Watt said, “I am, you are, we are Australian. How lucky are we to say we are Australian.

“To say we come from this incredible country. On Australia Day we gather together to celebrate Australia’s land and people.

“We are one, but we are many. One country but over 25 million Australians.

“From the Indigenous Australians here for over 40,000 years to days people who have come from all over the world. How lucky are we to have so many amazing people.

Eve said, “Four years ago, my big sister Claire, delivered her Australia day speech ar Boggabri during the worst drought in over 100 years hoping for rain.

“She spoke about the poem, ‘My Country’, which was written by Dorothea Mackellar just up the road from Boggabri at the property Kurrumbede.

“A land of drought and flooding rains – how right she was.

“I stand here now after eight floods on my farm in that last year and can say the flooding rains did finally come.

“I believe that surviving and helping each other through these extremes is what makes Australians who they are. tough and resilient.

“Every year on Australia Day I look forward to a hot summers day knowing how blessed I am to be an Australian as I come together with the Boggabri people to have a sausage sizzle and a swim”.

The last speaker was Miley Oliver. Miley said, “January 26, is a day to celebrate this beautiful, amazing country that I am fortunate to live in and enjoy all that it has to offer.

“From its vast outback with wide open spaces to its coastline with surf and sand.

“From the bright lights of our cities to our small country towns, like our own Boggabri.

“This is where I appreciate being able to explore and enjoy the fresh air while riding my horse.

“It wouldn’t be Australia day for myself without a piece of Vegemite on toast for brekky and famous sausage Sanga for lunch. While enjoying the company of my family and friends and swimming at Lake Keepit dam.”

Mr Devine thanked councillor Richardson, Annette Humble, the HACC ladies, Phil Haire, Lions Club, Nellie Lincoln, Lachlan Bates, ukulele group, and the Narrabri Shire Council.

There were comments from the audience such as I wish I was that confident and could write a speech like them when I was that age.

Boggabri, their parents and especially the children can be proud of their presentation and speeches.

After lunch the action moved to the swimming pool where the Boggabri Swim Club organised the splash for cash which saw some fast and very competitive swimming, especially in the older age groups.

Despite the heat, there was a very long line up to participate on Monster Island. Some made it to the end and other didn’t make it very far at all but there was lots of laughter and reprieve from the scorching heat.

During the hottest part of the day the pool staff had to close at 3.30pm due to a health-related issue.

The last activity of the day was at the Commercial Hotel where they had live music for the adults and a water slide for the young people.