WHAT better way to spend a sunny Australia Day than cheering on a bunch of shearers, taking in some woodchopping and washing your sausage sandwich down with a cold drink?
That’s what a cheerful crowd of well over
500 decided to do on Saturday as they headed to the Bombala Exhibi-tion Ground for our local Australia Day Celebra-tions, which are amongst the longest running in the country.
This year’s event proved a particularly interesting one, with two helicopters ‘dropping in’, an enthusiastic Aust-ralia Day Ambassador sharing in the fun and a big rescue demonstration from our emergency services all colouring
the day.
The Mini-Triathlon once again kicked off the proceedings this year, with a record number of entrants hitting the pool, facing the river track on foot and cycling through some of our streets.
Meanwhile the major attractions of the day were getting underway, with a big line up of local and visiting shearers
battling it out in a gripping NSW Strong Wool Shearing Title.
Some very impressive shearing competition from both NSW and Victoria was showcased, with the finals once again providing a spectacular display of shearing talent that enthralled the crowd.
The woodchoppers were also hard at it right throughout the day, with these events too proving a crowd pleaser as the locals and visitors sent the chips flying.
The separate arrival of two helicopters grabbed everyone’s attention, however, with the first on the ground being an eye-catching machine that has been used in the area during recent bushfire control operations.
The chopper was open for everyone to inspect for most of the day, and treated the crowd to a water bombing demonstration right out on the showground as it departed.
The Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter was the next on the scene, with the pilot, aircrewman, doctor and paramedic participating in a heavy vehicle accident scenario with the local Ambulance Service, Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire Brigade.
The re-enactment in-volved two patients in a heavy vehicle accident, one patient being trapped in a car, whilst another was pinned underneath the trailer of a truck.
The purpose of the exercise was to show locals how many people attend an accident scene and what it takes to rescue someone in trouble, and onlookers of all ages were clearly fascinated by the demonstration.
Also grabbing interest was a Police boat that was on display throughout the day, and a fat fire demonstration that was run by the NSW Fire Brigade.
And our emergency authorities weren’t the only ones keeping everyone interested. There were also displays from the National Parks
and Wildlife Service, a lavender oil distillation demonstration, a photography competition and exhibition, a cob oven building workshop, a classic car display and a series of market stalls.
Smiles were also kept on young faces with the Country Energy sponsored Patting Paddock that proved immensely popular, face painting, and even a kite making session.
Of course the formal presentations of the event were a highly anticipated feature, with everyone very pleased to welcome Australia Day Ambass-ador, Dr Clio Cresswell, who was clearly as delighted to take part in the day as everyone was to have her.
Dr Cresswell, a mathematician, author and presenter, not only gave a warm and humorous Australia Day Address, but also leapt into the spirit of the day by taking part in the triathlon, acting as a victim in the rescue demonstration, and even having a go at shearing a sheep!
Along with Dr Cress-well’s address the formal proceedings saw our Citizen of the Year Awards presented, with Doreen Standen of Delegate and Marni Moreing of Cathcart being the very popular 2010 recipients.
The crowd was also moved as several of the day’s speakers gave mention of the late Graham Rumph, with Neil Hennessy paying tribute to this hard working and well loved former president of the Australia Day Committee.
The formal proceedings were then concluded with the flag raising ceremony and the singing of the national anthem, with a relaxed afternoon of Australia Day celebration then being shared amongst the enthusiastic gathering.
The Australia Day Committee would like to offer its sincere appreciation to all of those who helped make the event a success on Saturday, from the small bunch who were involved in the lead-up preparations, right through to those who actively participated in the day, and of course the generous sponsors.
Proceeds of the gold coin donation collected at the gate will go to the Southern Monaro Community Fund.
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