THERE were yard dog trials on the Vale Road and a Blue Heeler in Machattie Park as the Bathurst community came together yesterday to celebrate Australia Day across the region.
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There was also a first for Bathurst when Wiradjuri elder Bill Allen performed a welcome to country to begin the day.
He was joined by a group of local Aboriginal children who performed a dance of welcome.
The move has been hailed as a step forward in bringing everyone together to celebrate being Australian.
In his Australia Day address, mayor Gary Rush said it was the first time there had been interaction with the Wiradjuri elders for Australia Day, praising the young girls and boys who danced.
Cr Rush said we must remember Australia Day doesn’t have the same connotation for all Australians, and the respect shown by the Wiradjuri people and others in attendance will go a long way towards creating an inclusive community.
The festivities got off to a fun and lively start with the Australia Day breakfast at Eglinton, moving on to the citizenship ceremony, the official presentation of Australia Day awards and lots of family fun in Machattie Park.
In addition, the Australia Day yard dog trials were conducted at the Farmer’s Arms Hotel on the Vale Road right across the day.
This year’s Australia Day ambassador was Gold Logie-winning Aussie actor John Wood.
He had plenty of stories to tell and a way with people that meant he was constantly approached for photos and autographs.
There were serious moments too and times of great celebration as a number of people were recognised for their contribution to the community.
The 2BS Youth Arts Award went to 17-year-old Elanor Nunn, who has been accepted into the National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne and was unable to be present to accept her prize.
The Community Event of the Year award went to the National Cool Climate Wine Show. The event’s chair Mark Renzaglia was on hand to accept the award.
The Bathurst as a Destination Event of the Year award went to the National Squash Masters Tournament.
The winner of the Jo Ross Memorial Award was also announced yesterday.
This award, which is presented each year to someone who has made a significant contribution to the environment, went to Bill Josh.
Other awards were presented at an earlier ceremony to give recipients the opportunity to play a role in the Australia Day celebrations.
Christopher Morgan was named the Bathurst Citizen of the Year and Cassandra Talbot the 2015 Jack Aubin Young Citizen of the Year.
During yesterday’s ceremony, Cr Rush said Australia Day is one of the best days we have in this community.
“I can’t imagine any more beautiful place to be spending Australia Day than Machattie Park,” he said.
“It truly is a beautiful park and I am so grateful our forebears had the foresight to create this beautiful space.
“2015 is a special year for Bathurst because we celebrate that wonderful milestone which is our bicentenary.
“This will allow us to promote our region to 23 million other Australians and provide encouragement to come to Bathurst and share what we have.”