More than 100 Echuca-Moama residents and visitors gathered in Hopwood Gardens on Sunday, January 26 to celebrates all things Australia.
The event was run by Echuca Rotary Club, where Rotarians put on a free breakfast barbecue for all to enjoy.
The morning started with a ceremony that featured speeches from Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell, Echuca Rotary Club director of membership and event organiser Teresa Carlson, Echuca Aero Club president Peter Arnold, Rotary District 9800 Governor Michael Lapina and a Welcome to Country by Uncle Rick Ronnan.
The Echuca Rotary Club also presented its Citizen of the Year awards. Kayne Crompton received Young Citizen of the Year, Crossenvale Community House received Community Group of the Year, Kathy Kostogiou received Citizen of the Year and Cecilia Merrigan received a special commendation.
Attendees observed a flyover of three planes from the Echuca Aero Club before a musical performance by Drew Walker and the Wildlings.
Event organiser and Rotarian Teresa Carlson reflected on the event and shared her happiness at seeing the community united in joy and pride for their country.
“I am really happy with the whole day, so many people have come up to me and said what a fantastic day you’ve put together,” she said.
“Everyone is happy, the flyover was spectacular once again and overall I am very pleased with the entire thing now that it has come together.
“We really do have a beautiful community, and you can see that with all the people here today, everyone is standing up and getting involved.
“To see kids waving flags, being happy and smiling and all of the people out and about means everything to me.”