DOZENS of locals gathered in Kerang’s Aitkin Park to celebrate Australia Day in traditional style last Friday.
Fifteen club members gathered to cook and serve the traditional bacon, sausages, eggs and tomatoes with a smile last Friday.
The unexpected chill in the air did not deter the group of volunteers who arrived at 6.15am to prepare for a busy morning.
Rotary Club of Kerang president Karen Davey said that numbers were down a little over the last few years due to COVID, however, numbers are once again climbing.
There were about 100 people at the breakfast at 8am.
“We do get some support from the shire to cover some of the food costs,” Ms Davey said.
“We are hoping that the numbers will build back up as we celebrate our culture and our life here.”
“Entry is by donation and all donations are being directed to the Northaven aged care home courtyard garden.
“They have a space that is a fairly bland and they want to do it up for the residents.”
Gannawarra Shire Council chief executive Geoff Rollinson said he was thankful for the work the community had done.
“It’s a great day for Australia where all the community come together and celebrate what is great about Australia,” Mr Rollinson said.
“Our freedom and our ability to connect with communities, particularly after the recent storm event, it’s great to come together as a community and celebrate what it is to be an Australian.”
Gannawarra mayor Ross Stanton said that it was a great thing for the community and there were other similar events going on across the Gannawarra shire.
”It is a great way for communities to get together and celebrate what the day is, which is about enjoying being Australian, for all that we are,” Cr Stanton said.
“As Peter Walsh said the other night, at our awards ceremony, we are made up of multiple countries, traditional owners for 60,000 years, we have new immigrants that have only been here for 12 months, people that have come after world wars and we are made up of such a diverse community.
“It makes us what we are, we have rich culture and we accept all that and we mix together and build on those things.
“I think back through my youth and all the people that have come into Australia have made us better and we will continue to grow.”
