Heatwave conditions didn’t deter Boggabri residents attending celebrations

Boggabri Public School was the host venue with the hall and fences decorated with Australian flag bunting, Australia Day green and gold bunting, banners, pull-ups and a centre piece de resistance in the centre of the hall was a presentation put together by Ben Carter of photos taken on Australia Day in Boggabri by Noreen Boehm over the last 10 years.

MC for the day was Noreen Boehm who welcomed Boggabri residents, visitors and official guests.

Official guests were Narrabri Shire Council deputy mayor Brett Nolan and the Narrabri Shire Australia Day ambassador Professor Veena Sahajwalla.

Annette Humble did an Acknowledgment of Country prior to Caitlin Matthews singing the National Anthem and David Sawtell raising the Australian flag on the Cenotaph flagpole.

Boggabri Public School and Sacred Heart School captains for 2026 gave inspiring speeches on ‘What Australia Day means to me’.

Jazmin Lever from Boggabri Public School told those present: “for me today is mum dressing up our car as though it’s in a beauty pageant. Even though we are only going to a friend’s house for lunch.”

“We drive to Narrabri to spend the day with friends, sitting, talking and trying to cool down in this Aussie heat, whether that be running through the sprinkler with Dad’s sunnies on or going for a swim in the local pool”.

“Then having a barbie and as the saying goes ‘put another shrimp in the barbie’, but between you and me I’d prefer a steak.”

“Now feel free to join me in saying three little words, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi.”

And of course the audience proudly shouted Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi.

Ellie Rodstrom, captain of Sacred Heart School, said, “From the golden sun in the sky, to the green grass under my feet, I am Australian and this is what today means to me.”

“A day of celebration, reflection and acknowledgment, community, barbecues, swimming in the pool and the river, fireworks, school holidays, sun, argue about the cricket, and a, ‘she’ll be right attitude’”

Ellie then asked those present: “do you know what the Australian green and gold stand for?”

She then explained the gold comes from the Australian beaches, mineral wealth, grain harvests and the fleece of Australia wool.

“The green comes from the forests, eucalyptus tree and pictures of the Australian landscape.”

Ellie said: “It’s not just Australia’s colours but also my hometown Boggabri’s colours too, I’m not sure why Boggabri chose these colours, but it could definitely have some thing to do with our beautiful landscape and the power of the community spirit.”

Ellie finished her speech by telling those gathered the Aboriginal place names

Boggabri – A place of many creeks, Willala – A place of bush turkeys, Baan Baa – Swim away, Wean – Place of many raven (crows), Binalong Mountain – very high place, Dead Mans’ Gully used to be an Aboriginal burial ground, Cox’s Creek – a home of water rats, Maules Creek – the sound of singing cicadas and Narrabri – Forked river.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Nolan, told those gathered that Australia Day is an important opportunity for us to come together as a community and also acknowledged and thanked the volunteers and community groups, and Council staff who had worked hard to make the day’s celebration possible.

“Events like this don’t happen without a great deal of behind-the-scenes effort, and it is greatly appreciated”, he said.

Cr Nolan then welcomed and introduced the Narrabri Shire Ambassador, Professor Veena Sahajwalla saying, Professor Sahajwalla is an internationally claimed materials scientist, engineer and inventor who is revolutionising recycling science.

Veena invented polymer injection technology, known as Green Steel, an eco-friendly process that uses recycled tyres in steel production.

In 2018, she launched the world’s first e-waste MICROfactorieTM followed in 2019 by MICROfactorie TM technologies for plastics and green ceramics, which have since been
commercialised.

Veena is facilitating the roll-out of safe, cost-effective waste to value solutions via her unique microfactory model.

Microfactories are small, bespoke, adaptable modular recycling plants, located wherever waste may be stockpiled, thereby bringing the solution to the waste problem for the first time.

In the future, microfactories will enable local communities to produce resources and products from waste generated by the community.

High quality green materials, such as bench tops, panelling and flooring, can be manufactured from mixed glass and plastics and other common waste currently destined for landfill.

Veena gave an inspiring speech and provided some show and tell to do with her recycling.

She had two beautiful tiles that you may like to use on your floor, one was made from textiles, discarded clothing another from mixed plastic and glass.

The Boggabri community were honoured to have the ambassador in their community and to be able to present her with her ambassador pin and a gift to remind her of her visit to Boggabri.

In closing the official ceremony Caitlin Matthews sang I Am Australian capturing the essence of the day that we share a dream, we sing with one voice, we are Australians.

Noreen then closed the proceedings saying: “what truly sets Australia apart is our quality of everyday life.

“A land of opportunity, incredible heritage, from battlers to billionaires, our past has helped shape our future.

“From pristine beaches and ancient rainforests to wide open deserts and vibrant regional towns, nature is never far away, and our climate encourages an outdoor lifestyle.

“Even though it is a little outside my comfort zone today.

“Our food scene reflects rich multicultural influences.

“Combined with mateship, a togetherness, a welcoming, laid-back culture, Australia offers not just a place to live, but a way of life that many people around the world aspire to.

“To those travelling today – travel safe, to those joining us this afternoon, I hope you enjoy the afternoon,

“Thank you for coming today, be kind to each other and I wish you all an incredible 2026.”

Kay Matthews moved to the microphone and Noreen said: “Did I forget something?”

Kay said: “yes, you forgot to thank yourself,” then spoke on behalf of all present and thanked Noreen for her leadership in organising the day and saying that if you were thinking about joining the

Australia Day committee next year you would be very welcome, noting that if you thought you would like to take over from Noreen there were some very big shoes to fill.

Boggabri Sacred Heart Parents, Teachers and Friends (PTF) provided a delicious breakfast of egg and bacon rolls, sausage sandwiches, poppers, tea and coffee after the official proceedings for 70 people.

At 12 noon the Boggabri Memorial Pool opened with free entry, something that was very much appreciated by the 183 who attended the afternoon activities.

Boggabri Lions and their helpers provided a free sausage sandwich for lunch and also provided cold watermelon and icy cold water.

After lunch it was down to business with the Dash for Cash.

Dom Rankmore led the tidal wave effect as the open male swimmers surged up the pool.

He was closely followed by Finlay Morley and Matt Fuller.

The open ladies’ event was a closely contested event with Claire Watt just touching out her mother Janet Watt, turning the tables from 2025 when Janet won the title.

Bridgette Duncan swam into third place.

Junior dash for cash saw Liam Fuller, birthday boy Dougie Watson in second place and Logan Fuller completing the top places.

There were 33 metre events for all the children.

The next event was the gruelling Ironman events, men, women, and junior.

Most people found hauling themselves out of the pool and standing up after racing across the pool numerous times difficult.

No doubt there will be some very sore muscles on Tuesday.

The ‘Great Boggabri Duck Race’ was a highlight for the young swimmers.

They had to rescue a duck and then in a similar format of the ironmen event had to swim back and forth with the last one eliminated.

The pool lifeguards did a fantastic job keeping everyone safe however, they were kept on their toes as it was almost standing room only when everyone was in the pool trying to get cool as the temperature climbed to over 43 degrees.