Ballina celebrates an Australia Day to remember
Crowds flocked to Missingham Park Amphitheatre on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate what was set to be a truly great Australia Day.
The afternoon began with a performance by the Ballina Shire Concert Band which has for many years supported the shire’s celebrations.
Whilst enjoying the music, individuals, families and friends enjoyed traditional Aussie day cuisine with a BBQ put on by the East Ballina Lions Club and damper and Aussie Day treats provided by the Scope Club of Ballina.
The children enjoyed face painting and balloon modelling whilst The Cancer Council was there to supply the crowds with all their sunscreen needs.
Ballina’s Marine Rescue unit were also in the park educating individuals on marine rescue activities.
The Saltwater Women and People of the Reeds displayed a traditional Aboriginal artwork providing the day with a cultural element.
The official ceremony opened with a flag raising performed by the TS Lismore Naval Cadets, Ballina Pipe Band and national anthem performed by the Ballina Shire Concert Band.
This was then followed by the traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ from Bundjalung Elder Uncle Lewis Cook.
Cr Mayor Phillip Silver delivered a welcome address and reflected on the importance of Australia Day and the uniqueness of our nation and our people.
Ambassador and special guest presenter Scott McGregor continued to bring the ceremony to life with his charismatic wit and Aussie sense of humour.
During the official ceremony, Ballina Shire was pleased to welcome 11 new Australian citizens who pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people. We welcome Jacobus Erasmus, Liandi Erasmus, Susanna Erasmus, Role Erasmus, Wian Erasmus, Hien Thi McGuire, Robert Riddle, Helena Smetana, Kim Smith, Shaun Thompson, Sheila Van Buggenum.
Ballina Shire also took the opportunity to say thank you and pay tribute to our local heroes who never seem to stop giving and work tirelessly within our community. Congratulations to the 2011 Ballina Shire Australia Day award winners:
• Sheila Aveling – Citizen of the Year (over 21)
• Melanie Loomes – Young Citizen of the Year (under 21)
• Adam Melling – Sports Person of the Year
• Ballina Fair Go Skateboard Competition – Community Event of the Year
Due to an outstanding number of applications received for Volunteer of the year, council decided to award three recipients and we congratulate the following winners:
• Georgette Bell – Volunteer of the Year
• Elva Colledge – Volunteer of the Year
• Joan Gibson – Volunteer of the Year
As promised, the Ballina community witnessed a special part of Australian aviation and military history with a fly over by Commonwealth aircraft CA-25 “Winjeel”. The CA-25 Winjeel (an Aboriginal word meaning “Young Eagle”) was developed by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corp in Melbourne.
It went into production in 1955 and a total of 64 aircraft were built, including two prototypes. Many aircraft were
retired in 1969, with some serving with the RAAF until 1975 and a handful soldiering on right up to 1994.
The evening then concluded with a performance by soul sensation Lisa Hunt.
For award winner’s biographies visit www.ballinaaustraliaday.com.au
