General News
22 January, 2024
For community and country / Of beauty rich and rare
As life settles after a busy harvest, Christmas and holiday season, it’s good to catch up again with the locals and reset ourselves for the coming year.
As life settles after a busy harvest, Christmas and holiday season, it’s good to catch up again with the locals and reset ourselves for the coming year.
A perfect opportunity is on offer at the Warracknabeal and District Australia Day morning at the Warracknabeal Racecourse on Friday January 26.
It will be a chance to relax, enjoy a chat with friends and be entertained and inspired by the good in our community.
The venue is ideal for a summer’s morning, whatever the weather, as it provides shelter yet is still in a beautiful garden setting.
The Rotary Club has been busy planning the event for over five months and are very happy with the final program.
The day starts at 8am with a free breakfast - a delicious egg and bacon muffin, tea, coffee and fruit juice.
Come and soak up the community atmosphere with musical entertainment by our talented Warracknabeal and District Band before the formal program gets under way at 9am.
The Guides, Scouts and Cubs will set the scene when they lead the formal proceedings with their colourful Flag Parade and then lead the audience in singing the National Anthem.
After a welcome from Rotary Club president John Tonkin, our guest speaker will take to the microphone.
Every year we invite a guest speaker with a strong connection to our town and district; someone with an interesting story to tell. This year will be no exception.
Warracknabeal-born and -educated, Emily Pearson will reflect on her rural background as we follow her journey into educational research, practice and leadership, all the time guided by her passion to lead meaningful change towards education equity.
Another past resident, Jeff Woodward, will be our guest musician, and will draw from his wide repertoire of blues, folk and classic rock, and from his life experiences performing solo across Australia.
A highlight of the morning will be the presentations of the 2024 Warracknabeal and District Australia Day awards.
We will hear of the inspirational achievements and contributions to our community and beyond by Citizen of the Year Stacey Drage, Sportsperson of the Year Graeme Holland, and Young Achiever of the Year Jane Smith.
After the official proceedings, there will be a light morning tea.
The Rotary Club is very grateful to the National Australia Day Council for funding to help run this free community event.
There will be a donations tin though for those wishing to donate towards the Warracknabeal Playgroup. This hard working committee are desperate to find and establish a new home. Let’s help them with this significant challenge.
The Australia Day event is an ideal way for locals to come together, to celebrate what’s good in our community, and to be inspired for the year ahead.
See you there.